• 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.

  • 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.

  • 5 Tips to Improve Your Paintball Game

    There are simsideshotple ways to improve your paintball game without spending tons of money or time. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paintball player, use the following tips to increase the chances of winning your next paintball game.

    1. Choose the Proper Equipment

    Make sure you choose the proper equipment for your height and body type. If it is too bulky or heavy for you to carry, it will drag you down on the field. If it is too lightweight, it might not provide enough coverage.

    2. Practice Aiming Off the Field

    Even if you can’t practice shooting targets at home, you can still perfect your aim. Wear your mask and tape a laser pointer to the barrel of the paintball gun marker. The laser pointer will help you estimate where the paintball would hit if you fired. Walk or run around as you would in a real game and practice aiming at targets. Aim the laser at a target in your house or backyard. Practice keeping the laser pointed at the target as you walk, jog, and run. You will develop a steady aim as you practice.

    3. Increase the Firing Rate of Your Gun

    If your gun seems to be firing too slowly, it is possible to increase the firing rate. Use your middle and index fingers to pull the trigger slowly at first, then gradually pull faster and faster. This technique is called “walking the trigger.”

    4. Walk the Field and Strategize

    Walk around the field before game play to get a feel for it. Learn the angles, bunkers, and places to hide. If your teammates are with you, use this time to think of an appropriate strategy for this field. A good strategy can win against a superior team with poor organization.

    5. Focus on Teamwork

    Remember, paintball is a team sport. Solid teamwork and communication will win you more games than a focus on individual glory. Shout or use radios to let your teammates know where opposing players are and to coordinate attacks. Always cover your teammates when they need to reload so they won’t get hit in the meantime.

  • Paintball: a Fun and Inexpensive Hobby (Beginners Welcome)!

    Looking for an inexpensive way to make friends, have fun, and stay active? Paintball might be for you! Paintball is a strategic recreational game full of adventure and excitement.

    If you ever played capture the flag as a kid, you know how to play a basic game of paintball. If not, it’s simple: two teams of players attempt to steal the other team’s flag while simultaneously guarding their own. Get hit with a paintball and you’re out. Avoid paintballs at all costs and take down players on the opposite team to get closer to victory!

    We recommend you wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, and protective gear and getting hit won’t hurt at all. AC Paintball provides protective gear to all participants. Paintball is an extremely safe sport as long as rules are followed and safety equipment is utilized.

    dualsideshot

    Recently, the Maui News Staff went on a paintball outing and first-time player Leah Sherman shared her experience:

    I certainly don’t suggest throwing yourself in with professional sharpshooters and hard-core paintball fanatics like I did for a first outing. But paintball really is fun — and a fairly inexpensive form of entertainment. Plus you get a little exercise, and you’ll probably also have cool battle wounds to show friends the next day. – The Maui News

    AC Paintball welcomes all people age 10+  who want to try paintball for the first time. Come out any Saturday 9am-4pm and experience this exciting game for yourself.

    Our affordable packages include a rental of complete gear including marker (gun), tank, goggles, ammo belt, and pods, field-to-field transportation, unlimited air, and 100 tournament grade paintballs. Purchase the Morning Package (9am-12noon) for $29.95 or the Day Flex Package (9am-4pm) for $39.95 and a full day of fun!

    With our convenient packages you won’t have to worry about the details; just show up and help win it for your team. Our goal is to make your first paintball experience a great one!

  • Cherry Picker Run – Paintball Game at AC New Jersey

    The players at Rowan Paintball came up with a fun and innovative game idea. One player stood atop the AC Paintball Cherry Picker while the rest of the players lined up in the speedball field below. Then, when ready, all the players attempted to run, dodge, and weave across the court in order to escape the raining paintballs from the player above.

    This high energy adaptation was a great way to change up normal paintball playing and could be slipped in between matches with ease.

    Here is a short video clip of the players in action:

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