• Gifts for the Paintball Player

    If you are close with someone that loves paintball or is interested in playing the sport, your gift options are endless. From stocking stuffers to big-budget items, you’ll find something no matter how much you want to spend. Check out some of the best gift ideas for the paintball player this holiday season.

    winter paintball

    Paintball Clothing and Gear

    Paintball clothing and gear is an excellent gift for new or experienced player. Dark or camouflaged clothing and many layers that allow for comfortable movement is ideal for the sport. Purchase items from any clothing, sporting, or paintball goods store. Some options include:

    • Thermal Under Armour
    • Dark or camouflage sweatshirts
    • Zip-up, waterproof coats that aren’t bulky
    • Flexible Gloves
    • Beanie or hat
    • Waterproof boots or athletic shoes with traction and ankle support

    The gear item that we highly recommend for any player is a thermal lens. This is a pair of goggles that are double-lensed and insulated to prevent fogging. A thermal lens is especially helpful to those that want to play in the winter. If you’re looking to splurge, specially designed paintball jerseys and pants will also be sure to please.

    HPA Tank

    An HPA (high pressure air) tank is a great gift for someone that plays paintball often (especially in the winter). Most paintball guns come equipped with a standard Co2 tank. However, Co2 expands slowly in colder temperatures and often becomes delayed or jams up during the winter months. HPA tanks are an excellent upgrade to any paintball gun that operates efficiently and accurately during all seasons.

    HPA tanks can be a bit of an investment, which is why we’re sure any paintball player would appreciate one. Check out your local paintball store or favorite website to purchase.

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    Insulated Cooler

    Paintballs can become brittle and crack or shatter from cold weather and melt in the heat. For players that are just starting out, an insulated cooler is essential for keeping paint at the right temperature. During the summer months, this means loading it up with ice and keeping everything cool. During the winter, keep things out of the cold by ensuring the cooler is room temperature.

    Check out any sporting goods store to find a soft, insulated cooler suitable for every season. It does not need to be designated for paintball. Let the player know they can pack paint and other small equipment in the cooler until they need to use them.

    Stocking Stuffers

    Grab some of these smaller items that every player will need replacements of eventually.

    • Microfiber Rags
    • Pods
    • Lube/oil for the marker
    • Heat packs
    • Squeegees
  • After the Game: How to Care for Paintball Equipment

    paintballchecklistYou’ve just finished a long and exciting day of paintball and it’s time to pack your gear up and head home. Never forget to take care of your equipment the proper way. A paintball marker and gear is a big investment, so it’s worth the extra time to clean and store it the right way to avoid future damage. Nothing is more disappointing than getting hyped for your next big day of paintball, only to arrive at the field and realize your gun isn’t in working order because you packed it up too hastily last time!

    The good news is, it won’t take too much effort to keep your marker and gear in good condition. Some simple maintenance is all it takes to keep your stuff functioning properly. Check out instructions for equipment care and storage tips after the paintball game below:

    After Game Care Instructions for Paintball Marker

    At the field:

    De-gas your marker in the target range. Turn the tank off and fire to ensure that all the air has been let out. Unscrew the tank and apply the thread saver to the bottle. Swipe the squeegee quickly across the barrel and the outside of the marker. Make sure all screws are still secure. If you want to pack up and head home now, this is all you need to finish at the field. The other steps can wait until you get home.

    At home:

    Take out the batteries from the marker and hopper and keep them in a safe place. Place electrical tape over the 9 volt terminals to prevent sparks.

    Every now and then it’s a good idea to do a more thorough cleaning at home to prevent any paint, oil, and dirt buildup. On this occasion, remove the tank and the barrel and squeegee the inside of the barrel thoroughly. Use only water; No soap, chemical cleansers, or abrasive wash cloths. Wipe the inside again with a dry towel and allow it to completely dry before reassembling. This should only be needed every few months or so, depending on how often you play. Remember not to take the marker apart more often than necessary, as it can be easy to lose a bolt or reassemble it incorrectly.

    Oiling, however, is something you want to do after every day of paintball. When everything is completely dried, oil the bolt and o-rings to prevent rust. Only use oil specifically designed for paintball guns because other types can cause damage.

    Use oil sparingly, but always use it. It is required for proper operation and can help extend the life of your marker. However, too much oil can gather over time and cause problems. The perfect amount is just a very light coat.

    Check out the owner’s manual for your marker to find any specific cleaning or storage instructions. There may also be a certain type of oil that should be used for optimal operation.

    Paintball Marker Storage Instructions

    Check to make sure the trigger is in safety mode and the barrel plug is in place before you unload and remove the air supply. Keep it in a safe, dry place, out of direct sunlight. The tank is especially prone to heat and sun damage because Co2 expands in high temperatures.

    After Care Instructions for Soft Paintball Gear

    Use a trash bag to keep your dirty gear and clothing in during the drive home. Dump them into the washer when you get home. Pack your elbow pads, knee pads, and other gear in a mesh bag if you have one because this will allow the items to dry completely. If you don’t, make sure to hang them up to dry as soon as you get home to prevent odor or stains.

  • Paintball Bachelorette Parties in South Jersey

    female paintball playerPaintball bachelorette parties are rising in popularity as more women recognize the game as a safe, fun, and exciting alternative experience. On a recent episode of ABC’s Extreme Weight Loss, Coach Heidi Powell helped bride Amber celebrate her upcoming wedding paintball style. Heidi chose to throw a paintball party instead of planning the typical bachelorette experience because she wanted Amber to have a fun time that did not prevent her from reaching her ultimate health goals.

    “Most bachelorette parties revolve around food, drinking, sitting around, and doing a bunch of nothing that’s good for you,” said Heidi.

    Bride Amber was very happy with the party: “It was awesome today, super fun. We all worked up a really good sweat…It was just a really cool way to kind of sneak a workout into a fun experience with friends,” she said.

    A paintball bachelorette party may be a good choice for you if you have health goals to reach by your wedding day like Amber. It is also a fantastic option for those that maintain a healthy, active lifestyle or would prefer a strategic, engaging game over the usual bachelorette activities.

    There is a wide variety of paintball games and field types, including woodsball, speedball, and capture the flag style. The basic premise of each game is similar: attempt to shoot out members of the other team while avoiding becoming a target yourself. You’ll have tons of fun strategizing with your friends to take out the other team while staying active and celebrating the bachelorette.

    Customized and Comprehensive Paintball Bachelorette Parties

    Guests at Amber’s bachelorette party played paintball in bridesmaid dresses for fun. If you want to work in a similar unique twist to your event, ACP is happy to work with you. A variety of time slots, game styles, field types, and packages allow us to offer customized parties to meet your needs. Let us know about any ideas or goals you have for your big day and we can design a schedule to accommodate you. Bachelorette’s can choose to play privately or be matched up with other parties for bigger games. We’ll recommend the best game style for your group size and you can choose to play on the same field all day or try out many different fields.

    In addition, AC Paintball provides comprehensive party packages. We make it easy for you to have a hassle-free celebration. There’s not need to bring anything with you; Just show up prepared for a day of fun! We will provide everything needed to play, including rental gear, equipment, and supplies. Trained referees will teach you and your guests how to play and offer tips for safety and making the most of the game.

    Your group will also gain access to the clubhouse to serve food, present gifts, and socialize in between games. Bonus: In parties of 11 or more, the bachelorette plays free!

    We pride ourselves on offering affordable, fun, and customized celebrations and invite you to learn more about bachelorette parties with AC Paintball or schedule your event today.

    Paintball Party Packages

    All party packages include rental gear and equipment, unlimited air, 100 tournament grade paintballs per person, on-site transportation, private referee, and access to the indoor clubhouse to serve food or gather in between games. All equipment is double-checked for safe operation before use. The bachelorette plays free in groups of eleven or more!

    Morning Party Package: $29.95 per person

    Play as many games as you’d like between 9 a.m.  to 12 noon.

    Afternoon Party Package: $39.95 per person

    Play as many games as you’d like between 12 noon and 4 p.m.

    All Day Flex Party Package: $49.95 per person

    Play as many games as you’d like between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m

    South Jersey Paintball Bachelorette Parties

    AC Paintball offers affordable, comprehensive bachelorette parties in southern New Jersey. Our facility is conveniently located on Route 54, just off the Atlantic City Expressway for those visiting Atlantic City for a bachelorette weekend. AC’s fields are also easily accessible from many other cities throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, including: Cherry Hill, Philadelphia, Gloucester Township, Vineland, Mount Laurel, Pennsauken, and Wilmington.

    We pride ourselves on offering affordable, fun, and customized celebrations and invite you to learn more about bachelorette parties with AC Paintball or schedule your event today.

  • What Affects the Accuracy of a Marker?

    texture1Accuracy, distance, firing rate, and efficiency are all important in paintball. However, these can not be definitively ranked. Every player is different and values some of these qualities over others. If you’re just starting out, you’ll develop your own preferences as you gain more time on the field. Intermediate or seasoned players will likely have figured out which marker strengths they prefer.

    This blog post will focus on accuracy. What aspects of a marker and equipment affect shooting accuracy and how can a player achieve an improvement in this area? Training and practice can only take someone so far. A player can have near perfect aim nine times out of ten, but still end up a missing the target. Why? Poor quality barrels or paintballs are probably to blame. Check out how these could be holding you back:

    Barrel Length

    The length of the barrel is at the top of the list when a marker’s accuracy is determined. Stock markers tend to come with a barrel length of 8.5 inches. Upgrading to a longer barrel will bring increased accuracy simply because it will be easier to aim.

    However, barrels that are too long will bring some drawbacks as well. A barrel length between 12 and 16 inches is ideal for improved accuracy and minimum negative effects. Anything above 16 inches will of course have fantastic accuracy, but a lot of potential drawbacks as well. It’s up to the player to decide if these are worth it.

    Potential drawbacks of using a barrel above 16 inches:

    • Decreased distance
    • Increased processing time
    • Increased contact between paintball and barrel
    • Higher potential for frozen or shattered paintballs in cold temperatures
    • Increased mass of marker, adding weight or making it more difficult to hide

    Barrel Bore Size

    The bore size of a barrel is another factor that affects accuracy. A stock barrel usually has a bore size of .690 and decreasing the size will result in better accuracy.  It is recommended to start by modifying to a .688 bore size and gradually decrease from there, depending on preference.

    The easiest way to do this is to purchase a barrel kit that offers modifications of many different bore sizes, ranging from .675 to .691. Note that paintball size used with the modified barrel may need to be adjusted along with bore size for maximum accuracy.

    Barrel Cleanliness

    How well the inside of the barrel is maintained could have an effect on accuracy as well. Over time, paint, mud, dirt and oil can accumulate inside the barrel and slow down the operation, resulting in decreased accuracy.

    Make sure to remove the barrel and clean it occasionally in order to prevent this. Use a squeegee and some water, then wipe it with a dry towel. Polish with a very light coat of oil and allow it to completely dry before reassembling. Do not use soap, chemical cleansers or abrasive wash cloths.

    paintball_packPaintball Quality

    In addition to the quality and modifications of the barrel, the chosen paintballs have a big impact on the accuracy of the marker. The use of high quality paintballs results in a much higher accuracy. It may cost a bit more to purchase a higher quality brand, but it will be worth the investment if accuracy is your goal.

    The reason this works is because better quality paintballs contain a much more dense material that fills the entire space inside the shell. Cheaper paintballs are often only filled partially or filled with a material that leaves room for air bubbles. This then can cause the filler to settle to one side and the ball to curve in that direction from the weight.

    Paintball Size

    Lastly, if ultimate accuracy is the goal, it is very important that the paintball size is chosen to match the bore size perfectly. If the paintballs are too small, they will move around freely inside the barrel and potentially shoot off in all different directions. If the paintballs are too big, they could get stuck in the barrel and slow down operation or eventually shatter.

    To find out if the paintballs match the bore size, try dropping one vertically down the barrel. It should stop up inside, but become easily dislodged with a light blow of air.

    Think about all of these factors when shooting for a higher accuracy with your marker. Make sure to find the perfect barrel length for your playing style and keep the inside clean and polished. Choose a high quality paint that fits the bore size properly. All of this combined with some practice and skill, and your marker is sure to be extremely accurate.

    Play note – sometime facilities require a certain kind of paintball, our “house paint”. They might also check yoru marker for certain industry standards , such as fire rate and power. investigate your play field to determine if your marker is appropriate.

  • Things to Do in Atlantic City for a Bachelor Party – Paintball Style

    do ac paintballSo you’re planning a bachelor party in Atlantic City and want it to be awesome. You’ve realized that you need to brainstorm some activities other than the usual drinking and gambling. We’re here to tell you that paintball is the best day activity you can plan! Here’s some more information about throwing a paintball bachelor party in Atlantic City:

    Whether you’re celebrating with paintball newbies, experts, or a mix of both, AC Paintball has you covered. Party packages include everything the group needs: paintball guns, paintballs, protective gear, a referee for gameplay, transportation between fields, and a place to chill out between games. Rental equipment is included for everyone, but experienced players can bring their own. However, all paintballs used must be provided by AC for quality and consistency purposes.

    Party packages include unlimited gameplay during the time allotted on any of the six unique fields, so the options are endless. Spend a full day on one field or try and hit all six. Your group can choose to play woodsball on the Red Dawn Field, try capture the flag on the Black Ops Pentagon Field, then hit the Speedball and Hyperball Fields for some tournament style play. If you’ve got a solid mix of newbies and advanced players, you can even split up the group for a fair competition.

    AC Paintball has fields to to accommodate just a few players to 100+, so whatever your group size is, they’ve got you covered. In groups of 10 or more, the bachelor plays free and receives an unlimited field pass good for one year!

    Even though this is part of your bachelor party, you’ll have to save the booze for later that night when you hit the casinos. Please, no alcohol or intoxicated people on the paintball field. You’ll want to be completely coherent anyway, so you can strategize and play a quality game. Hitting a small running target from 50 ft. away can be hard enough sober!

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    Paintball Bachelor Party Package Options

    Morning Party Package

    • Unlimited play between 9 a.m.  to 12 noon
    • $29.95 per person

    Day Flex Party Package

    • Unlimited play between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
    • $39.95 per person

    Both party packages include rental gear for every player, referee, on-site transportation, unlimited air, 100 tournament grade paintballs per person, and access to a clubhouse in between games. With everything provided, all you need to do is show up, bring your friends, and be ready to celebrate, paintball-style. You can schedule your bachelor party for any day of the week.

    Book your bachelor paintball party by clicking here!

  • 8 Atlantic City Bachelor Party Ideas (Beyond Drinking and Gambling)

    new jersey beachThe stereotypical bachelor party looks something like this: drink, gamble, repeat. But if you’re throwing a multi-day bachelor party, this routine can get old fast. Plus, you’ll probably need something to do during the day. Keep reading to find out Atlantic City bachelor party options beyond drinking and gambling. You’ll miss so much AC has to offer if you limit your bachelor party to the casinos.

    1. Hit the Beach

    The one thing Atlantic City has over Vegas is the beach. If your party’s in the summer months, hit the beach for a chill day. You can hang out, check out the beach bars, play volleyball, and even learn how to surf with AC Surf School. Bonus: chilling on the beach is one of the truly free things to do in AC!

    2. Catch a Party Boat

    Another perk of the beach is the ocean. You can charter your own boat, go deep sea fishing, or head out on a guided party cruise. For those who enjoy eating fish, but not catching it, Atlantic City offers many local seafood restaurants. Check out Dock’s Oyster House or Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.

    3. Play Paintball

    Most guys love a little friendly competition, so paintball is the ultimate bachelor party game. You won’t be lacking action either. Whether your guests are seasoned paintball players or have never picked up a marker, they can get in on the fun. AC Paintball offers affordable morning and day packages, including gear. Just show up and be ready to play.

    4. Walk the Boardwalk

    Walk the boardwalk for an array of restaurants and attractions. Check out the Steel Pier for carnival games and rides. Bonus: Walking the boardwalk is free, so any frugal guests can choose to save, while those with cash to spend will still have tons of options.

    5. Check out Local Entertainment 

    There’s always shows and concerts going on at the resorts. Check out the Borgata Comedy Club for cheap entertainment almost any night of the week.

    6. Go to Special Eventsdo ac paintball

    All kinds of special events, conventions, festivals, and competitions happen year round in Atlantic City. Just a few to check out: AC Air Show, AC Food and Wine Festival, Miss America Pageant.

    7. Golf

    Who would’ve thought Atlantic City has sixteen golf courses?

    8. Dine Out

    Whatever food you’re into, they’ve got it in Atlantic City. Check out a nicer restaurant for a break from greasy bar food. Or turn things into a competition and see who can finish the 2-foot long hoagie first at the iconic White House Sub Shop.

  • New Paintball App Could Provide Radar, Communications, and More

    In a world where there are apps being developed for all kinds of purposes, paintball is no exception. The Overwatch app is currently being developed for use on the paintball field with some pretty cool features, including the ability to track players and live chat with teammates. The app’s website suggests mounting your smartphone on your marker or attaching to your wrist with a wristband to use the app during gameplay.

    Photo Courtesy Overwatchapp.com

    Photo Courtesy Overwatchapp.com

    Here’s a full list of features from the app’s website:

    • Radar: Track you enemies’ and teammates’ every move in real-time with GPS integration
    • Chat: Stay in constant contact with your team on the battlefield with live voice chat
    • Perks: Dish out in-game perks to give your team the ultimate edge
    • Command Center: Control your team (and the chaos on the field) from any remote location

    Could this app become mainstream on the paintball field? It seems like it could come in handy during big scenario games or for fast-paced team maneuvers. Of course, full team integration of the app would be needed to make it worthwhile.

    You wouldn’t need to waste time figuring out if it’s an enemy or teammate approaching, because the app would tell you right away. You could also more easily communicate with teammates to plan ambushes and attacks.

    However, does this take the excitement out of the game? This app may make paintball too similar to a video game. Isn’t half the fun exploring the field and finding opponents on your own, instead of through a phone screen?

    The app was, in fact, inspired by video games. It seems the developers are trying to combine video games with real-life play.

    According to the website, “Inspired by classic first-person shooter video games, Overwatch is the next generation of interactive gaming. Using Overwatch, all the technology you’ve come to love from combat and first-person shooter video games is available in real life – right on your smartphone. Overwatch isn’t just another smartphone game; it’s a tactical utility to enhance airsoft, paintball and first-person shooter gameplay. It’s not just game time. It’s game time. For real.”

    Another thing to consider is the risk of your smartphone being hit and potentially damaged. You would need to invest in a high quality protective phone case to keep it safe.

    Do you think this app could take off in the paintball world? Will paintball still be fun if you already know where your opponents are at all times? Let us know in the comments.

  • How to Start or Join a College Paintball Club

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    College is the perfect time to join a paintball club. Whether you’ve been playing since you were a kid or are looking to try something new, paintball can be a great way to get involved on campus. You’ll stay active, have fun, and make a ton of friends at your school. There’s never a dull moment when you’re playing paintball!

    Joining a Collegiate Paintball Team or Club

    Look on your university’s website, post in your school’s Facebook groups, or ask around to find out if your school has a paintball team or club. Contact the captain/president to find out how you can get involved.

    Do they hold tryouts or can anyone join? Do they accept new members any time during the semester or only during the start? If not, ask if you can come check out a practice or tournament and let them know you’re interesting in joining as soon as you can.

    Even if you can’t play right away, there are probably other ways you can get involved. Maybe they need an equipment guy or help on the business end of the team, like balancing the budget. If they are an established club, they probably hold events you could go to during the semester to get to know the players better. The wait will also give you time to improve your paintball game. Check out a local paintball field during walk-on hours and play to develop your skills.

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    Starting a Collegiate Paintball Team or Club

    If your school doesn’t have a paintball team, why not start one? This will be a much larger time commitment than joining an established team, so make sure you’re ready. Starting a paintball team from scratch is a lot like starting a business, so you’ll definitely gain some valuable skills and experience.

    You’ll want to pay attention to a few main areas to make your team successful: organization, leadership, recruitment, finances, and marketing. Doing all of this alone can be difficult, so find other students who are willing to help. A core group of people who are interesting in leading the paintball initiative together will be more likely to succeed. Your team members don’t necessarily need to be friends or people you already know. One of your goals should be to meet new friends and bring people together who have a common interest. Put up flyers around campus or post in university Facebook groups to find other students that want to grow paintball at your school.

    Check with your school for specifics, but generally starting a club is easy: you’ll first need a list of 5-10 students interested in joining the club. Fill out the proper paperwork and maybe give a brief presentation about your club, and you are good to go.

    Once you are officially recognized by your university as a club or team, you can start playing in collegiate paintball tournaments. Now that you have a better idea of how to join or create a paintball team, get to it! Then get out on the field and have some fun.

  • Should Paintball Guns Be Used to Scare Off Deer?

    An Ohio councilman has proposed an alternative use for paintball guns–to control stray deer that wander onto private property, according to ABC News Cleveland.  Avon Lake councilman David Kos is hoping to pass a proposal allowing residents to shoot deer with paintball guns as a creative solution to keep an overpopulation of deer out of places they are not wanted.

    “It can safely remove a deer without approaching it, from a distance, and strike that deer with a force, not to kill it, but to get it off your property,” Kos said.

    deer

    Residents report sighting eight to ten and sometimes even twenty deer on their property each night that are not deterred by deer repellent or other methods. The overpopulation of deer are problematic mainly because they consume plants and shrubs from personal gardens.

    Kos believes paintballs will not significantly injure the deer or damage any personal property caught in the crossfire. His proposal requires residents to apply for a paintball gun permit to shoot the deer.

    “This will give the vast majority of the population of Avon Lake that does not have access to hire a bow hunter or use archery equipment the ability to safely remove that deer from their property,” Kos said.

    Is this an innovative solution or is it a mistake to use paintball guns off the field? It may be safer for the animals because they are less likely to be injured or killed by a paintball than by archery equipment.

    But will it really work? The town may just end up with and overpopulation of multi-colored deer.  Another concern is that this solution may cause a desensitization to paintball guns and a relaxed attitude when using them. Not to mention, the risk of children or other people who could be accidentally caught in the crossfire.

    Paintball guns are extremely safe when used with common sense and protective gear. Without masks and proper equipment, the risk of injury from paintball guns is much higher.

    What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

  • Paintball Safety Tips

    paintball safety tips

    If you always use common sense when playing paintball and handling equipment and you should stay perfectly safe throughout the experience. But here are a few safety reminders you may have never thought of.  Follow these tips to keep paintball a safe and fun game for everyone involved.

    Paintball Guns

    Act as if every gun is loaded! Never look down the barrel to find out if it is loaded. Keep your barrel plug in place until everyone is wearing a safety mask and you are ready to play. Don’t point your gun at anything you wouldn’t want to shoot at.

    Paintballs

    Don’t put anything but approved paintballs into your gun. Don’t underestimate the power of your paintballs; make sure to shoot far away from fragile objects and structures. Be aware that paintballs can leave stains on some building and fence surfaces.

    Paintball Gear

    Always wear protective gear and safety masks and check your equipment for cracks or damage before gameplay. Wear long pants and long-sleeve shirts underneath your gear for optimal protection. The most important safety rule: Don’t remove your mask during gameplay for any reason! The worst injuries occur because someone removed their mask at the wrong time.

    During Gameplay

    Never play paintball under the influence of alcohol or drugs. you’ll want to be fully coherent to keep up with the action! Never shoot at anyone who is not wearing proper goggles and protective gear. Allow opposing players to surrender if they are within twenty feet and you have a clear shot on them. This is a general courtesy because paintballs tend to hurt more at closer range. Shoot your gun at a maximum velocity of 300 feet per second. Anything higher can cause welts and broken skin.

    After Gameplay

    Don’t remove your safety mask until all barrel plugs are in place. Store your gun in a locked place if possible, unloaded and de-gassed. Keep it out of the sun because CO2 expands in heat. Consult with a professional if your gun needs major repairs.