• Planning for Playing Paintball in the Rain

    Southern New Jersey has a moderate climate which means that the weather changes from month to month. Due to the fact that paintball is an outdoor sport, it is important to think about the weather and plan ahead. Weather can affect various aspects of a paintball game from the speed of the game to your equipment to what strategies are best to use. When you plan for a day at AC Paintball in advance, there is always a chance that you will pick a rainy day. With this in mind, we have created this guide for planning and playing paintball in the rain.

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    What to Wear

    If you know there is a good chance of rain when you are going to play paintball, the first thing you want to think about is what to wear. Lighter and tighter fitting shirts and pants will help keep your control when moving about the field. Waterlogged loose or baggy clothing can weigh you down and make it more difficult to maneuver. Also, be sure to wear shoes with good traction so that you can keep your balance while playing in the mud.

    Bring Extra Clothing

    When the day is over you will want to be as dry as possible so that you are comfortable and don’t get sick. Bringing a light poncho can help you keep your clothing dry while playing and bringing an extra pair of clothing to change into when you are done will ensure that you don’t have to sit in soaked clothing on the way home. It is also a good idea to bring a few extra pairs of socks. No one likes running around in wet and squishy shoes.

    Bring Towels

    Another helpful tool you may want to bring is a towel. A small hand towel will be useful to wipe condensation off of your goggles and other equipment. A large beach towel will help you dry off at the end of the day and give you a cover to keep your valuables dry.

    Bring Electrical, Hockey or Medical Tape

    Tape can be a very useful tool for rainy day paintball. It can help you seal of your goggles and equipment to keep them from getting waterlogged. Good vision is an important aspect of paintball and when your goggles get foggy and covered in water, it can make it difficult to see. Make sure your goggles are tight to your face and seal them to your face with tape. This will help keep water out. A visor can also be helpful in blocking water from falling in your face. Bringing a spare pair of goggles may also be helpful.

    While playing in the rain, it is also important to protect your paintballs and equipment. Paintballs can turn squishy with just a single drop of water and water can ruin the interworking of a marker. If you bring your own paintball gun, you can wrap tape around the grip frame of your marker. This will help you grip your gun after it gets wet as well as protect the circuitry. You may also want to put tape around the porting on your barrel. Seal off all openings to ensure that the wiring and board of the marker do not get wet.

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    Keep Your Equipment Dry

    During play, you will want to keep your equipment as dry as possible to keep it working properly. You can use the bag your paintballs came in or another plastic bag to cover your hopper. Many players also suggest putting the lid on your hopper rather than using a speed feed.  In between games, it is a good idea to take cover inside AC Paintball’s facility. This is the best way to keep both you and your equipment dry. If you do not wish to go inside, cover your equipment with a towel or bag.

    Prepare for Slower Play and Less Time on Field

    While playing in the rain at AC Paintball in southern New Jersey, it is important to be safe and cautious while playing. Rain can make the paintball courses very muddy and slippery. You should prepare for a slower-paced game and shorter games. Rain completely changes the gameplay and you may find that you and your friends will want to stop more often to dry off their gear. Playing paintball in the rain can make for good stories as you encounter and overcome new challenges, but it is important to take your time so that your story is not accompanied by a serious injury.

    Choose a Good Field and Game

    Weather is a significant aspect to take into account when choosing which AC Paintball field you want to play on and what game you wish to play. One of our fields with fewer trees would likely be the best choice. If you slip and fall, it is nicer to grab onto or hit one of our softer obstacles than it is a tree branch. Our Speedball Tournament Field or Hyperball Field are two good choices for rain paintball.

    When choosing a game, you should try to stick to slower and more strategic games that do not require as many paintballs. Also, be aware that the game will be more unpredictable as players skill levels may change with new obstacles and conditions. Some game suggestions for rain paintball include attack/defend, blackjack or tag. Try to pick a game that does not involve players having to dart as quickly across the field. This will help prevent injury. At AC Paintball in Southern New Jersey, we prioritize safe and fun play. If you would like to schedule a game, follow this link: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/.

    June 28, 2016

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  • Health Benefits of Playing Paintball

    If you are have been using the same workout plan for a while and are looking for a new way to get your body moving, playing paintball at AC Paintball may be your answer. Paintball is an active sport that involves a lot of sprinting, dodging, crawling, and diving all while holding up your marker. Playing at AC Paintball in southern New Jersey regularly can keep you healthy in a variety of ways. You can give your body a full workout, all while having fun with your family and friends.

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    Improves Strength

    Paintball helps build commonly targeted muscles in the legs, arms, and core. Often times players have so much fun that they don’t even realize that they are actually working out. When you go to the gym to work out, you tend to focus only on one area at a time, but when you live your daily life, your muscles do not work in isolation; they work together. Paintball works your entire body at the same time and is an efficient way to build more of your muscles.

    Here are some ways playing paintball works your muscles:

    • Arms – Holding up a marker to aim for a long period of time will work your arm muscles such as biceps, triceps, and shoulders.
    • Legs – Paintball involves a lot of running, squatting, crouching and crawling which will work your leg muscles such as quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
    • Core Muscles – With a full body workout, your core will play a large role in helping balance and move the rest of your body. Strengthening your core can help you in your daily life as well. It can help with bending, lifting, twisting or carrying items. Other improvements include better posture, a healthier back, and better balance.

    Improves Endurance

    Typical workouts can be short because we tend to focus on the repetitive motion and get bored. With paintball, however, players concentrate on hitting their target, strategizing, and not getting hit. Therefore, they can exercise for a longer period of time without even realizing that they are working out. This can lead to working out longer and improving your endurance.

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    Gets Your Heart Going

    Paintball gets your adrenaline pumping and your heart pounding. Every time you exercise to get your heart going, you are improving your stamina. With better stamina your body can work more intensely without the need for a break. Improved endurance and stamina will make you feel healthier and allow you to do work longer and more easily during your daily routine. AC Paintball offers 1-Year Membership which can save you money in the long run if you wish to play paintball regularly.

    Helps Weight Loss

    Weight loss is another possibility when you play paintball regularly. After a long day at AC Paintball, you will likely want to go to sleep early which will improve your sleep cycle and metabolism. With a higher metabolism, you will burn more calories. This will also reduce the risk of heart diseases, blood pressure problems and depression.

    Reduces Stress

    Playing paintball gives you a chance to vent and release your frustration. The endorphins released during intense play can calm you down and eliminate stress. Strategizing will also give you a new focus that will take your mind off of whatever other problems you may have.

    Being outdoors will also boost your mood and allow you to take in some fresh air. Studies have shown that nature can improve mental health by reducing stress and depression as well as boosting positivity. If you have been feeling down or stuck indoors lately, a trip to AC Paintball in southern New Jersey could be the boost you need to make you happy and healthy again.

    June 20, 2016

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  • Variations of Military Games

    Military paintball games can give players some of the best chances to get creative. When you play a military game, there are many different ways to make the game come alive. You can roleplay as your favorite heroes/heroines as well as use props and costumes to make the game more interesting. AC Paintball in Southern New Jersey has a variety of military-style paintball fields for you and your friends or family to play your favorite military paintball game.  Here is a guide to some different types of military games you can play. 

    Attack and Defend

    Attack and Defend games are great if you want a fast-paced game with lots of action. In an Attack/Defend game, the defending team sets off an area to defend. They are not allowed to go outside of this area. The attacking team, however, can play anywhere on the field. This game used standard elimination; if a player is hit, they are out.

    The game is won when all of one team is eliminated or when the attacking team completes a specific task that captures the defending team’s land, such as claiming a specific prop (a flag, crown, etc.). AC Paintball’s Black Ops Pentagon Woods Field would be an excellent place to play an Attack/Defend game. It has a pentagon of drop tank bunkers in the center that would serve as a good area for one team to defend.             

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    Recon

    Recon is a strategic, collecting game where players try to collect marks from various checkpoints. To set up, various posts with markers or stamps should be set up around the course. During the timed period of play, the player’s goal is to collect as many marks as they can. The challenge is that all of the players have to get to the same checkpoints. With this game, you can have multiple small teams of five players each or you can play every-man-for-himself. This game uses standard elimination rules.

    Once the time expires, the team or player with the most marks wins. Eliminated player’s marks do not count toward their team’s final score. For scoring, you can choose to win by most marks accumulated or you can assign a point system where teams receive bonus points for accomplishing extra feats. For instance, if all of the players visit the same post or if any player is able to obtain a mark from every checkpoint, they can receive a few additional points.              

    POW

    Pow is similar to Attack/Defend, but instead of capturing land or a prop, each team tries to capture the other teams players. When a player is hit, they must go to the opposing teams holding area. Their teammates can get them out by tagging them. The game is over when either one team has captured all of the other team’s players. You can play with a time limit if you prefer. In this case, the team with the most captured players at the end wins. Pow is another good strategy game.    

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    Hostage Rescue

    Hostage rescue is a mix between Attack/Defend and Pow. One team starts out with a hostage and the other team must rescue them by taking them out of the holding area and getting them to a designated area called the sanctuary. If a hostage finds themselves alone without a rescuer at any point, they must wait where they are for another rescuer to find them. They can call out for help if they wish.

    The game ends when either the rescuers get the hostage to the sanctuary or the captors eliminate all of the rescuers. The game also ends if the hostage is hit at any point. The team who hit the hostage loses. AC Paintball’s Blue Thunder Woods Field would be a good choice for this type of game. It has two rows of military tents on either side of the field that would be a great base to keep hostages.               

    Traitor

    To set up a traitor game every player is secretly assigned roles. Teams usually choose by pulling out two kings, two jacks, and a sum of numbered cards from a playing card deck (equal to the number of players minus four) and having each person draw a card. There are two kings and two traitors. The kings are the leaders of their team and the traitor’s role is to eventually turn on their own team at whichever point they seem fit. Standard elimination rules are used for Traitor games. The game is won when the king of either team is eliminated.            

    Assassins

    Assassins is an every-man-for-himself strategy game. Before the game begins every player’s name is written on a piece of paper. Then every person then draws the name of another player and does not tell anyone whose name they drew. Their goal for the game is to eliminate that player without being eliminated themselves. Players should not eliminate someone other than their target. In this game, the last player standing wins.

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    President/VIP

    In VIP/President, each team begins by selecting a VIP. The goal of the game it to protect your team’s VIP while also trying to eliminate the other team’s VIP. Like most games, this game uses standard elimination and ends when one of the VIPs is eliminated. AC Paintball’s Hyperball Field would be an interesting place to play a President/VIP game. It is the AC Paintball’s smallest field which will keep the game going and has a variety of obstacles to help protect your VIP. 

    Civil War

    Civil war is a very structured, warlike game. To begin, each team lines up shoulder to shoulder and then the leader yells, “Fire!” Immediately after this happens, every player simultaneously takes a single shot at the other team. If a player is hit, they either fall down or step back. Each team continues firing rounds until one entire team is eliminated.

    If you are interested in booking a game at AC Paintball in southern New Jersey, you can follow this link: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/. AC Paintball offers a safe and enjoyable place to play your favorite military game while improving your team-building, strategy, and hand-eye coordination skills.

    June 15, 2016

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  • Variations of Capture-the-Flag

    Capture-the-flag is a childhood game that has its roots on the battlefield. In past times, a war wasn’t over until you captured your enemy’s flag. This format eventually became a popular children’s game and in more recent years, it has worked its way into paintball. Eventually, capture-the-flag evolved even more as players add new rules and concepts. Now there are even more variations of the game to play and we have described them below. You can use these game plans as ideas for your next paintball game at AC Paintball in southern New Jersey.

    Entryway to AC Paintball in New Jersey

    Neutral Capture-the-Flag

    With neutral capture-the-flag, you play with only one flag. Rather than having a flag at each teams base, one flag is placed in the middle and each team tries to take that flag back to their home base to win. This game is more like a tug-of-war game compared to a normal capture-the-flag game. If someone is hit while carrying the flag, the flag is planted where they were hit. With evenly matched teams, the flag can go back and forth for quite some time before the game ends.   

    Center-Flag-Push

    Like neutral capture-the-flag, center-flag-push is played with only one flag. The catch is that instead of trying to bring the flag back to your home base, you try to push the flag onto the other team’s home base. Games with one flag at the center can be more interesting than having one flag on each side because it evens the playing field a bit more. The wooded fields at AC Paintball in southern New Jersey are not symmetrical. Trees and other foliage grow randomly and therefore one side can be more difficult to navigate than the other. Center-flag games keep the play fair because neither team gets much of an advantage.

    Bomb

    The difference between normal capture-the-flag and bomb is that each team starts off with a “bomb” which can be a box, a rolled up shirt or whatever you want. The goal for each team is to get the bomb to the other team’s base. This is different from center-flag-push because you start out with the object rather than having to capture it first. Bomb can also be played with either two-sided or neutrally. You either have to get the bomb to the other team’s base or get it to the center first.     

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    Down, But Not Out

    Down, But Not Out is the best version of capture-the-flag to play if you want everyone to have a more even amount of playing time. Usually, once you are hit, you are out, but in this game, your teammates can tag you to revive you so you can be back in the game. In this game, when someone is hit, they simply sit on the ground where they were hit. They wait for someone to tag them and when someone does, they are back in the game. This game takes away the opponent’s strategy of trying to lower the number of the other team’s players to win the game. They must brainstorm and find a different strategy to win the game.                    

    Blackjack

    If you want to save money on paintballs, the blackjack version of capture-the-flag is a more strategic version of capture-the-flag. Rather than having unlimited paintballs, a blackjack game only allows 21. Players must learn to use their ammunition wisely. If you’ve played all day at AC Paintball and only have a few paintballs left, you can divide the total amount left evenly and play blackjack with however many paintballs remain.

    The wooded New Jersey courses at AC Paintball such as the Black Ops Pentagon Woods field, the Blue Thunder course or the Red Dawn Woods course would be excellent places to play any capture-the-flag game. If you would like to book a game at AC Paintball, follow this link: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/. 

    May 30, 2016

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  • Variations of Speedball

    Within the most common versions of paintball games are even more versions that players have come up throughout the years. By changing one or two simple rules, players can change the entire dynamics of a paintball game. This keeps the game fresh and interesting as well as allowing you to choose which set of rules works best for you. At AC Paintball in southern New Jersey, there are many ways to play paintball. Here are some versions of speedball that other players have come up with to help you choose what rules you want to play with. You can also use these ideas as inspiration to come up with your own game.

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    Annihilator

    An annihilator game is played a lot like a typical speedball game, except there is more than one team and you use points to win the game. In annihilator, there should be about four teams of five players. When someone from your team hits and eliminates an opponent, your team gets a point. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.               

    Bunny Hunt or Predator vs. Prey

    In a bunny hunt game, one person is chosen to be the “bunny”. They are given a limited time to run and hide until the rest of the players come in to hunt for the “bunny”. Once the bunny is captured, the game is over. Predator vs. Prey is very close to bunny hunt, except you can have more than one “bunny.” This makes the teams a bit more even and allows the game to last longer.               

    Tag

    The tag version of paintball is played exactly how you played tag as a kid. One person is “it” and they run around trying to tag other players with a paintball. Whoever gets hit is “it” next and the game continues this way for as long as you want or until everyone has been “it” at least once. Tag is a great nostalgic game that can bring you back to your childhood. 

    Hide ‘N’ Seek

    Hide ‘n’ seek is another great childhood game that is played exactly how you used to play, except with paintballs. One person is chosen to be “it” and stays at the starting base while the other players run to hide. Once the “it” player is finished counting, they run into the woods and begin to search for players to hit. Once they find all the players, the game is over. You can decide whether or not the players “it” finds get to aid in the search for more players, hide again, or serve as distractions for players who are still hiding. One of AC Paintball’s wooded courses such as the Blue Thunder Woods Field or the Red Dawn Woods Field would be excellent courses for a game of hide ‘n’ seek.

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    Trophy Hunter

    In trophy hunt, rather than players hiding, trophies are hidden throughout the course. Teams run around collecting the trophies until all of them have been collected. The team with the most trophies at the end of the game wins. Again, AC Paintball’s wooded courses would make a great place to play this type of game. The thickly wooded areas of southern New Jersey make for tricky hiding places to make the game more challenging.

    Paintburner

    If some of your players get too competitive and you want to play a game with no winners and no losers, paintburner may be the game for you. In this paintball game, multiple teams play normal speedball with standard elimination rules. The catch is that when you are out, you still have a chance to come back in. Once a person is out, they simply wait at the starting base until two or three more players get knocked out. Afterward, these players form a new team and continue to play for as long as you want. This is a great game to play at the end of the day to make sure no one gets upset about not getting enough playing time. It is also a good choice for team building skills because players have to learn to adjust to different teammates.

    Mixing up the rules is a great way to keep a paintball game interesting. Changing the rules keeps players on their toes and challenges their brains. If you have a group or team that has been stuck in a rut lately, playing paintball at AC paintball in southern New Jersey could be the inspiration they need to get back on track. Your team can work together to both decide the rules and win the match. If you’re interested in booking a game at AC Paintball, follow this link to check out our group packages: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/.

    May 23, 2016

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  • Three Common Paintball Game Variations

    Did you know that there is more than one way to play paintball? If every game were played exactly the same, players would get bored after a while. That’s why past players have come up with different variations of the game to keep play interesting. At AC Paintball in southern New Jersey, there are a variety of fields available to suit whichever type of play you choose. This guide will help you choose both which type of game to play and which type of field to play on.         

    Speedball

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    Speedball is probably the most traditional format of paintball and doesn’t require much planning. It is the main format used by professional leagues and is the only game type used in tournaments. In this format teams are typically small and have as close to the same amount of players as possible. Each team has a starting base and eliminates opponents by standard elimination rules. Each team shoots paintballs at their opponent and if someone gets hit, they are out. Some people like to play with more than one life to allow the game to last longer. If this is the case, the player who is out must go back to the starting base. Then they resume playing until all of their lives have expired. In this version the team with the last man standing wins.

    Speedball fields are typically small and filled with many bunkers such as giant spools, barrels, pipes and more. Speedball games are usually short and quick compared to other types of games because the interaction in close range and immediate. Most speedball courses lack trees and other plants and only use shorter man-made structures. This allows players to see the entire field and take out their opponents at a much faster rate. If you wish to play the most traditional form of paintball, the Speedball Tournament field at AC Paintball would be your best choice. It meets tournament standards and is the easiest to control. It is also the best field if you wish to use strategy and like lots of obstacles.

    Capture-the-Flag

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    Another popular version of paintball is capture-the-flag. In this version, two flags are set up at each end of the course. Usually, it is required that everyone playing knows where each flag is to be fair, but if you want to mix up the game a bit, you could allow each team to hide their flag to make the game more challenging. The goal of this version is to take your opponent’s flag and make it safely back to your home base without getting hit. If you do get hit, this version also uses standard elimination rules. If you only have one life, you are done. If you have more than one life, you return to home base and continue playing until all of your lives have been used.

    Paintball was originally played in the woods and is still a common place to play today.  Capture the flag is best played in wooded areas as there are many places to hide. If you want to play with a lot of people, AC Paintball’s Blue Thunder Woods Field or Black Ops Pentagon Woods Field can accommodate large groups. If you have a smaller group, the Red Dawn Woods field is a smaller course that can accommodate beginners and younger players. It is the simplest field and is fairly close to the entrance of the facility making it easy to monitor.

    Military Simulation

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    Paintball shares many similarities with the drills the military used for training recruits. In fact, the military sometimes uses paintball games to help prepare soldiers for battle. With this in mind many paintball facilities, including AC Paintball in southern New Jersey, have developed military-style courses. AC Paintball has the Hyperball Field, the Speedball Tournament Field and the Black Ops Pentagon Woods Field all offering obstacles and various props that create a military-like atmosphere.

    When you play a military simulation there are many variables and ways to play. For the most part, it is up to the teams and their leaders to decide their main and/or side objectives. Some common military simulation paintball games include attack/defend games, recon missions, or reenactments. In attack/defend games, one team has free-roam of the entire course while the other team is confined to a specific area that they must defend. In recon games, players are given specific checkpoints and objectives to meet. Reenactments typically involve the two teams recreating specific storylines from historical wars such as the civil war. All of these games often use standard elimination rules. The variations come in by adding different goals, rules, and/or terrains.

    The main difference that sets military simulation games apart from other versions is that they try to incorporate warlike aspects. Players may try to make their guns look more like real guns, use two-way radios, or even dress up in authentic costumes. Unlike some paintball variations, strategic planning is a crucial aspect of any military simulation game.

    No matter what variation you decide to play, the rules and objectives are up to you. If you simply want to play a free-for-all game, you can.  AC Paintball in southern New Jersey has five fun fields that can accommodate whichever game variation you decide to choose.

    May 20, 2016

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  • How an Outing at AC Paintball Can Improve Your Company

    Have any coworkers that you would love to hit with a paintball? Looking for a way to spice up casual Friday with some color? AC Paintball in southern New Jersey offers a corporate outing package that can help improve your company by giving your workers a new challenge to overcome. Through team building and leadership exercises, your employees will learn more about each other while building stronger relationships.

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    Leadership and Team Building

    Paintball is a team sport. This means, just like in a company, everyone has a role to play and if someone doesn’t do their part, the entire team either has to pick up that person’s slack or suffer the consequences. This is an important lesson for co-workers to learn. They learn that if someone is out due to illness or personal reasons, they may have to band together and work harder to keep the company’s productivity up.

    With teams, there are also leaders. Paintball teaches your managers and supervisors to take command of their team while teaching others to listen and contribute. On the other hand, you may also decide to switch roles to allow employees within your company to see the system from another perspective.

    Communication

    One of the most important keys to success in paintball is communication. If you don’t let your teammates know what your plans are, you can throw off the rest of the team and spark downfall. The same goes for a company. When a single employee decides not to communicate their plans, all of the other workers in line to finish a project will be thrown off and the quality and time management of the project may suffer.

    Paintball can also teach co-workers to watch each other’s back. In paintball, teammates learn to warn each other of opponents they may not see. This can translate to helping each other out with projects in the workplace. Employees will learn to fix mistakes they notice their co-workers making and help each other be successful. In the end, your employees will end up bonding and build new friendships that will bring your workers closer to create an efficient and successful company.

    Strategy

    In the workplace, strategizing can be important when you are organizing data, navigating a project or even just dealing with a difficult customer. In paintball players have to strategize how to be stealthy and choose their targets carefully. Not only that but they have to make decisions quickly and think on their feet. Paintball keeps players on their toes and this can translate to making faster and better choices in the workplace.

    Endurance

    Depending on which type of game, field, and time of year you choose, playing paintball in southern New Jersey takes endurance. Rain, snow or even just sun can be a challenge to players. In these conditions, whoever can overcome the distracting conditions the best and focus on the goal will be victorious. Weather conditions aside, just getting back up and trying again after you’ve been hit is also a valuable lesson.

    Stress Relief

    Paintball can be a great outlet for stress. Employees can release their pent up frustration by firing paintballs at their friends, boss and even annoying coworkers. Don’t worry about anyone getting too carried away, though, a referee is always provided to supervise the match and make sure players abide by the rules. If you feel a lot of your coworkers or employees have been frustrated or down lately, a field trip to AC Paintball in southern New Jersey may be the ticket to relieving the tension.

    Motivation

    Following the same routine day after day can make an employee feel like they are caught in an endless loop. When this happens, they lose motivation to perform well at their job. Taking your company to AC Paintball may be the test they require to boost their motivation and inspire them to improve their skills. Paintball challenges players, both mentally and physically and once your employees find their motivation again your company will improve as well.

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    If you think an outing to AC Paintball in southern New Jersey sounds like the perfect company outing for you and your employees, you can learn more or book a game now by following this link: AC Paintball Corporate Outings.

    May 3, 2016

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  • Tippmann Custom 98 Marker vs. Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker

     

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    One of the biggest choices you have to make after deciding to play paintball is what type of gun you want to use. AC Paintball in Southern New Jersey offers two types of guns for rent: the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker. Both are great guns for beginners, but how do you choose which one is right for you?

    Size and Weight

    If you are planning on playing for a long time, it is better to choose a smaller and lighter marker so you can keep up your drive and momentum throughout the entire period of play. If you choose a heavier model, your arms will likely become tired faster, causing you to sacrifice your accuracy. Although the Tippmann Custom 98 and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 are both a decent size and weight, the Valken V-Tac SW-1 is a bit lighter and shorter making it more manageable for long periods of play.

    Aesthetics

    Some players care about the appearance of their gun while others only care about power and accuracy. The Tippmann Custom 98 Marker has a unique design that differs from the average paint gun. It is longer than the average model and has a sleeker design. The Valken V-Tac SW-1 has a more traditional look than the Tippmann model. It is shorter and has a rugged look.

    Durability

    When you are playing in Southern New Jersey, the weather is constantly changing. It can be hot and humid, cool and rainy or even cold and snowy. Varying weather conditions call for a durable gun that won’t malfunction easily. The Valken V-Tac SW-1 is a fairly sturdy gun with a corrosion-resistant aluminum and polymer construction, but the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker has a reputation for unparalleled durability. Some players claim that you could run over it with a car and it would still function properly. It is made of high-quality metal and can withstand extreme conditions. If you consider yourself a rather reckless paintball player, the Tippmann Marker may be the best choice for you.

    Shooting

    Shooting is probably the most important aspect of a marker. Different players use different techniques and if you want to be successful, it is good to find a gun that works well with your technique. As for the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker and the Valken V-Tac SW-1, they are very similar. Both are semi-automatic, have an effective range of 150+ feet, run on CO2 or compressed air, can shoot up to 8 balls per second and have little to no problems with chopped paint or jams.

    The two models do have slight differences, however. Some say the Valken model is a bit stiff and tight while shooting while the Tippmann is looser, but has more of a recoil which can affect the aim when firing consecutive shots. If you are the type of person who likes to fire rapidly, the Valken V-Tac SW-1 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, the careful player who likes the conserve their paintballs and takes their time to aim may prefer the Tippmann Custom 98.

    Reputation

    While both Tippmann and Valken make some quality gear, Tippmann has a better reputation in the marker department. Tippmann Custom 98 markers have been in use since 1998 and are legendary for their durability. Many paintball facilities across New Jersey, including AC Paintball, offer the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker for rental because it is an easy-to-use quality gun for beginners as well as a popular choice for seasoned players.

    Field

    The AC Paintball field you decide to play on may also affect your gun choice. If you plan on playing the Hyperball Field or the Red Dawn Woods Field, you may want the Valken V-Tac SW-1 because it can shoot rapid shots with more precision. If you decide to play more strategy-based fields such as the Speedball Tournament Field, the Black Ops Pentagon Woods Field or the Blue Thunder Woods Field, you may want the Tippmann Custom 98 because it is durable for tougher games and terrains.

    Whether you choose the Tippmann Custom 98 or the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker, you are sure to have a fun time playing at AC Paintball. Both choices are quality guns that are sure to set your friends and family ablaze in colorful hues. For more information and opinions visit AC Paintball in Southern New Jersey.

    April 28, 2016

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  • Pros and Cons of Playing Pump Paintball

    pump paintball gunWhat is pump paintball and how do you play? If you’ve ever asked around about how to save money when playing paintball, pump was probably a big recommendation. Or, maybe you’ve heard the term on the field and are just wondering what is is. Let the following satisfy your curiosity of all things pump paintball:

    Pump Paintball Basics

    To “play pump” means to play paintball with a gun that includes a pump. This type of gun is much more simply designed than other mainstream markers used today. To use it, you must pull a handle back to load the paint into the firing chamber and cock the gun before every fire.

    The humble beginnings of the sport can be traced back to pump paintball guns. Pump was the original and first marker design and the only option back when paintball first started. Today, pump paintball has gained somewhat of a cult following. Though it is not played widespread, there are those that do enjoy the unique benefits and challenges it presents.

    You can use a pump paintball gun on most fields whenever you would like. You won’t need to get special permission from the referee or other players. You may be the only person playing pump and you can choose to do so based on some pros and cons.

    Pros and Cons of Playing Pump Paintball

    The simple design of a pump makes it a reliable, lightweight, and fairly accurate option that can achieve a reasonable distance. However, they were not intended for a fast-paced sport and offer a slow rate of fire and smaller tank.

    A little history: These guns were first made to mark trees and cattle, so there was no need for rapid fire. As a result, the guns offer a slow firing rate and must be pumped before shooting. This is the main drawback of the gun, but it can also be a positive aspect depending on your goals.

    For example, if you are trying to save on paint, a slow rate of fire would certainly help. It would also motivate you to improve your personal skills such as accurate shooting, because you will have less chances to make your mark.

    Reasons to Play Pump:

    • Save on paint and money on equipment
    • Would like low maintenance and simple equipment
    • Prefer a lightweight marker and tank for woodsball
    • Don’t need to shoot rapid fire
    • Possess good accuracy or would like to improve your accuracy
    • Would like to focus on skills with gun
    • Can be careful, cautious, and patient on the field
    • Play as a hobby and for quality experience
    • Play above a beginner level and already have solid communication and strategy

     

    Pump paintball is not recommended for speedball or those that need to shoot quickly. Anyone that is particularly competitive or wants the best in marker technology will also not benefit from playing pump. If you often shoot a bunch of paint in a general direction without paying much attention to aim, it’s definitely not a good idea.

    Should I Play Pump?

    Think about your goals on the field when choosing to play pump. This basic and inexpensive gun comes with challenges that are enjoyed by some and loathed by others.

    Are you just learning the ropes? You’ll want to focus on other aspects of the game before bringing a pump gun into the mix.

    Do you play to win rather than for the experience, and prefer paintball technology over a chance to improve your skills? There’s nothing wrong with this, but competitive players probably won’t find any benefits in pump.

    Are you an intermediate player with solid communication and strategy that is looking to focus on your skills and have a quality experience while saving money? If this sounds like you, definitely give pump a shot.

    March 30, 2016

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  • Cost Saving Tips for Paintball Players on a Budget

    10658860_496608440479653_4244368542241473132_oPaintball can get expensive. But you shouldn’t have to give up on the sport you love just because you’re running low on cash. Consider some of these ideas to keep you out on the field without breaking the bank.

    Invite Friends for Group Rates

    If you have a group of friends, classmates, or coworkers that are interested in playing paintball, you may be able to save money on admission. Check with your local field to find out about group rates.

    Here at AC Paintball, if you can gather at least eleven players and book a game in advance, the group organizer plays and receives a complete equipment rental for free! Though it may include some planning and group texting to figure out the details, a full day of paintball will definitely be worth it. We accept group appointments any day of the week.

    Get a Membership

    Find out if your local field offers memberships. Members generally pay an initial fee for benefits such as discounted admission rates and paint. Don’t have room in your budget for the fee? Ask friends or family to gift you a membership for Christmas or your birthday and you’ll reap an entire year’s worth of savings.

    AC Paintball offers a yearly membership for only $29.95. Members save 10% off all field admissions and lowest possible case pricing on field paint. If you play more than a few times a year, a membership is highly recommended. Savings are unlimited and only increase the more you play!

    Prioritize Paintball

    Make paintball a priority in your budget. Figure out how often you ideally would like to play: Every week? Once a month? A few times a year? Then make it a goal to get out to the field that often. Calculate your paintball costs and plan for that in your budget. Look for other areas where you can cut back financially if you’d prefer to play paintball.

    Save on Bulk Paint

    Paint is one of the biggest expenses in paintball. Most fields require that you purchase all paint from them for safety and consistency, so discount websites or stores are not really an option. However, find out if your local field offers and discount for buying paint in bulk. Then you can split the case with a friend or save the leftovers for your next game. AC Paintball offers bulk paintball rates discounted up to 50 percent.

    Play Smart to Conserve Paint

    Using less paint means you need to buy less paint, save money in the long run, and still enjoy the game. There are some simple techniques that you can practice to conserve paint. Pace your shots and don’t double shoot. Focus on developing your accuracy so you hit your mark the first time. Don’t pull the trigger until you’ve got a good chance of reaching the target.

    Another idea is to agree on the surrender rule or barrel tag. Get close enough to an opponent that you have a guaranteed shot and ask them to surrender or tag their barrel. That way they’re still out, but you don’t have to waste your paint on actually shooting them.

    Play Pump

    If you don’t have the patience to manually pace shots, playing pump would physically force you to. Though pump paintball guns are considered old-fashioned, they also come with a lot of benefits: simple, reliable, lightweight, and accurate.

    The need to pump the handle before shooting results in a slower rate of fire. A slower firing rate means you ultimately use less paint during the game and need to buy less. Playing pump can also help improve your technique: You need to be careful, cautious, and sure of your shot before firing.

    Use an HPA Tank

    Upgrade to an HPA (high-pressure air) tank. Most paintball markers come standard with a C02 tank. However, C02 costs money to refill while HPA tanks are generally filled with free compressed air at most fields. It will take an initial investment to upgrade, so consider asking for an HPA upgrade as your next birthday or Christmas gift if you need to.

    Join a Paintball Club

    If you’re in school, find out if there is a paintball club or team and join. Colleges often offer partial funding for registered clubs that comes from tuition fees, and give fundraising opportunities for the rest. If you school doesn’t have a paintball club, find out how you can start one.

    February 29, 2016

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