• 4 Tips for Cold Weather Paintball

    winter paintballAC Paintball keeps our outdoor fields open year round, through rain, shine, snow, or ice. Don’t let a little cold keep you indoors! Instead, use these tips to change up your paintball game in preparation for the winter weather.

    Maybe you’ve played paintball through the summer and fall and feel pretty confident in your skills. But once winter rolls around, you may find you need to adjust your game. The conditions presented by this season like snow and ice can pose more of a tactical challenge (Not always a bad thing; Look at it as an exciting way to improve your skills!). There are a few key things you need to do differently when playing paintball in cold temperatures:

    1. Pack a Room Temperature Insulated Cooler

    • Pack paint in an insulated cooler to keep warm
    • Use heat pack to keep paint warm in pod pack
    • Bring a squeegee in case paint breaks inside marker

    Just because the hot weather is long gone, doesn’t mean you won’t need your cooler any longer. Keep the cooler around (or find one with added insulation), this time to keep the cold out instead of in. Paintballs can just as easily shatter from the cold as they can melt from the heat, so aim for a room temperature inside your bag. Too much premature cold exposure can cause the paint to become brittle and prone to cracks or breaks with the lightest touch.

    Help prevent paintball breakage by keeping paintballs in the cooler as long as possible and loading your hopper at the very last minute. If you use a pod pack or vest, a heat pack can help keep the paint at a good temperature during the game. Wear the pod pack underneath your outer layer of clothing and carry a heat pack on your body. Try to avoid shaking your hopper unnecessarily once loaded. Bring a squeegee on the field to use in case some paint does shatter inside your marker.

    2. Have Patience with your Co2 Tank

    • Shoot less and at slower rate
    • Point marker up when not shooting
    • Upgrade to a HPA tank if you play often in Winter

    Co2 tanks may have some difficulty and delays functioning in the winter because Co2 expands slower in colder temperatures. The primary solution is to shoot less and at a slower rate to give your marker more time to operate and help prevent a jam. Point your marker towards the sky when not shooting, which will keep the liquid Co2 in the bottle and out of the valve. Remove expansion chambers and never use heat packs on your tank, which can be counterproductive.

    If you play often in the winter and find that you have many issues with your Co2 tank, you can upgrade to a high pressure air tank (HPA). HPA tanks can be a bit of an initial investment, but won’t have any problems because of cold weather. In fact, these will increase efficiency and accuracy when shooting year round.

    3. Choose Cold Weather Clothing and Gear

    • Wear Under Armour, sweatshirt, and waterproof coat
    • Always wear flexible gloves and a hat
    • Upgrade to a thermal lens

    While this may be a bit of an obvious tip, remember to dress for the cold weather. You’d be surprised how many players come under-dressed because they figure they will quickly work up a sweat. Or worse, don’t know to wear layers and end up overheating in a heavy coat. Layers is the key concept to dressing for Winter paintball (actually, paintball year round). Running and shooting (and adrenaline) can cause you to become hot, but hiding or standing still will bring the cold right back in. Layers allow you to choose the perfect amount of clothing that you need.

    Wear thermal Under Armour, a sweatshirt, and a zip-up waterproof coat that allows for comfortable movement. Flexible gloves and a beanie or hat will help for the cold. Bring a change of clothes for after the game as snow or moisture on the ground will make the game wet and muddy. Upgrade to a thermal lens during the winter to avoid fogging up your googles.

    4. Prepare for Tactical Challenges

    • Watch out for icy and slippery patches
    • Wear waterproof boots with traction and ankle support
    • Bring extra socks

    The different conditions presented by winter– snow, sleet, ice, freezing air– can all pose a higher level of tactical challenges than the warmer weather. Moving around becomes more difficult as everything is slippery and wet. This offers a chance to improve your skills as you maneuver the new conditions. It is certainly a thrilling way to shake things up after a few months of playing in the dry summer heat. However, it can also pose more of a safety risk.

    Tread carefully and look out for slippery or icy patches. Wear waterproof shoes or boots suitable for the weather and make sure they have traction and ankle support. Always bring extra socks in case any moisture gets inside.

    November 30, 2015

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  • Paintball Strategy Tips for Beginners

    texture5Everyone is a paintball newbie at some point. There are many things that players can only learn from experience on the field. However, just because you are just starting out doesn’t mean you should always have to lose! I want to share some key pieces of paintball strategy advice to speed up your learning process. New players should not have to be at a disadvantage when facing more experienced players. Put these strategy tips into practice and surprise your teammates and opposing players!

    1. Don’t Give Away Your Position Too Soon

    Always evaluate the risk of giving away your position before you shoot. As soon as you fire, expect every nearby player to immediately spot you and shoot back. Paintball guns can be pretty loud! It’s worth it if you think you have a pretty good chance of shooting someone out.

    You don’t want to waste paint or risk revealing your position by firing at opponents that are too far away or covered. Stay quiet and work with teammates to move into a better position to increase your chances of actually shooting out the other player.

    Another reason to shoot at a nearby opponent is to cause a distraction so that a teammate can safely move into a new position. Your attempted shot may also keep that opponent in that position so that they become vulnerable. Teamwork is the name of the game!  Though you might get shot out in the process, your teammate is now in a much better position to eventually shoot that opponent out.

    2. Look for Opponents But Don’t Let Them See You

    You have a huge advantage if you spot a hidden player before they see you. Remember to scan the field quickly and quietly to search for opposing players. You will learn how to do this quicker and quicker with experience. Do not look down too long or become unconscious of your surroundings. It only takes a second for someone to notice you when you look away and then you may be quickly ambushed by the other team! Even if another player does spot you first, staying aware of the space around you will allow you some time to react and run or seek cover.

    3. Hide in Spaces with Good Coverage

    Seek out hiding spots with good coverage so that you never expose more of your body than you have to. Those that have played on the field previously may have an advantage when it comes to familiarity with the field. New players should always walk around the field before gameplay to look for good spots if the rules allow.

    When moving out of cover to scan the field, be careful not to reveal too much of your body. Nearby opponents are more likely to notice your full body than just your head and arms.

    Another smart strategic move is to frequently change up the ways you move out of position. If you suspect that an opponent has spotted you, don’t attack directly from your current position. Change it up and run around the bunker to shoot from the opposite side if opportunity allows. Surprising the other players by popping up from an unexpected position may be enough to give you the upper hand.

    dualsideshot4. Communicate and Use Teamwork

    Paintball is first and foremost a team sport and working together can make or break a game. Even highly skilled players can be bested by beginners that have superior communication. Talk before the game to establish some type of strategy or plan. Figure out who should defend certain parts of the field and where each player should hide. Even the simplest of plans can help you team work together more efficiently.

    During the game, communication can help your team execute plans. Let your nearby teammates know if you spot an opposing player or if you want to ambush someone. If you’re ready to make a run for it, let your teammates know so they can provide coverage for you. Tell your team when you shoot someone out so they can keep track of how many players are left.

    Sharing this collective knowledge is what puts your team ahead and helps you win. However, make sure to keep it discreet and quiet so that the other team does not overhear.

    5. Don’t Make Yourself Vulnerable to an Ambush

    Playing it safe and hanging back too much won’t result in a very fun game. However, moving too quickly or rashly can expose you to unnecessary ambushes and cause you to get shot out early. The worst case scenario is a wall of paint immediately fired in your direction. Even if you aren’t fired at instantly, you will probably be spotted by everyone on the opposite team. They will soon plan an ambush or drive you into poor position. If this does happen, be sure to yell for your teammates. Maybe they can help you out of the position or provide covering fire.

    A better idea is to take a few moments to think of a plan. Don’t play it too safe, but don’t move too recklessly either. Make a conscious decisions about your position and always try to think ahead. This is something that you will develop with experience, but at least staying aware of the possibilities during your first game will help you avoid the worst case scenarios.

    November 4, 2015

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  • Paintball Tips in the Summer Heat

    paintballchecklistFinally the season highly anticipated by paintball players has arrived: Summer! School’s out, giving you more free time to play and the weather has warmed up for beautiful game days. However, summer paintball can bring some challenges unique to this time of year, namely the heat messing with your body and equipment. Check out this checklist with some of our best tips, tricks, and solutions for playing paintball during the summer:

    Drink Plenty of Water

    Make sure to stay hydrated on the field. Dehydration is worst case scenario on the field and will ruin your day much quicker than 90 degree heat. The solution is simple enough: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after game day. A solid foundation of fluids in your body before participating in any extreme activity will help prevent potential dehydration.

    Start hydrating a few days prior and consume twice your normal amount of water for maximum effectiveness.  Drink several glasses the morning of and a bottle while gearing up. Hit your water bottle in between games, even if you’re not thirsty yet. Dehydration can sneak up on you if you don’t consciously prevent it. For extended scenarios games, make sure to bring a water bottle in your pack.

    Wear Less Clothing and Ditch Excess Weight

    Though we often recommend sweat pants, long sleeves, and layers, 90 degree weather is an exception. Choose lightweight, single layer clothing and supplement with knee and elbow pads for protection. Lighten up your pack as well by ditching any excess gear for a reduced weight. Use a goggle visor to block out sun. You can also wear a sweatband, bandana, beanie, or hat and bring an extra to absorb sweat and prevent it from fogging your lense.

    Bring Coolers for Gear and Drinks

    Bring two coolers: One for paint green paintballscases and the other for drinks and snacks. Fill one cooler with ice, bottled water, and gatorade. Avoid soda, sugary juices, and energy drinks that can dehydrate your body.

    Transport your paint and air tank in the cooler and keep it there before play. Put paint cases in a cooler with an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) in the shade to keep it chilled as long as possible. Don’t place ice cubes in the cooler because this can cause steam and humidity. Plus, the cold towel and ice pack can double to help cool you down between games.

    Heat can cause paint to swell or melt. The shell may soften, expand, and take the shape of whatever it is stored in. It will cause jams in your marker if you’re not careful. Heated paint is also much less likely to break on target if it does feed through.

    Prepare Your Mask

    Heat, humidity, and sweat can easily fog your mask and cause reduced visibility. Remember to take your mask off completely in between games to aid in cooling (but only after all barrel plugs are in place). You have a couple options when it comes to keeping your mask chilled and clear:

    1. Bring a spare pair of goggles or rent one from the field and switch out in between games.

    2. Bring an extra lens for your mask and switch that out in between games.

    3. Find goggles with a thermal dual pane lens to keep the heat and fog out much better than a single lens.

    4. Purchase a goggle fan to keep them clear and increase visibility

    Seek Shade

    Seek shady spots for yourself and your gear (especially your pod, paint, and Co2 tank) in between and even during games. Try to find a bunker or tree with plenty of shade while you attack and defend. Avoid placing your pods and Co2 tank in direct sunlight for long periods since Co2 and paint may expand in heat. HPA tanks are not as sensitive to high temperatures, but still shouldn’t be left in the sun unnecessarily.

    Don’t Be Afraid to Take Breaks

    Feel free to sit out of a game or take a break under a shady tree if you’re feeling the heat. Have a great time, but don’t exert unnecessary energy. Heat affects people differently and only you can judge when you’ve hit your limit. Seek shade and water especially If you feel dizzy, nauseous, fatigued, or extremely thirsty.

    July 9, 2015

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  • 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.

    April 1, 2015

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  • 6 Steps to Getting Started in Paintball

    texture5Paintball has come a long way as a hobby and a sport. Just a few years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to drive multiple hours to play. And it took days of planning to make sure everyone got enough paint and air for that one day. Before rental equipment was popular, all players had to invest in their own or borrow some from a friend.

    In many areas of the US, paintball has now become a mainstream activity and getting started has never been easier. Fields have popped up all over the country and vendors have become much more widespread. The equipment has improved tenfold as well. No more forever fogged up maks or plastic pump markers. Now players have a plethora of gear to choose from and can improve and customize it as they advance skill level.

    That being said, it may not be completely obvious how to get started in paintball if you’ve never played before and don’t have a friend in the sport to show you the ropes. Read on for the steps you should take to get started playing paintball.

    pentagon_smaller1. Find a Nearby Field

    Do a quick google search for paintball fields in your area. In the case of several options, read some reviews and figure out which is more welcoming to beginners. Find out when “walk on” hours are, or the hours that anybody is welcome to drop by and play. If you have a few friends who would like to try out the sport as well, that’s great! Bring them along too. If not, you’ll meet plenty of friends on the field.

    2. Rent Equipment

    Don’t go out and buy full gear before you’ve tried the sport out. It can be a sizeable investment, so you first want to make sure it’s something you really enjoy. The good news is, most paintball fields offer complete equipment rentals included with the price of admission. Do a little research on the field beforehand to confirm this. Ideally, you’ll just show up and be completely outfitted with a mask, other safety equipment, a marker (gun), air, and paint. No advance planning or investments required!

    3. Do a Little Research Beforehand

    While you won’t need to buy or bring anything with you the first time you play, it helps to be a bit familiar with the game. Find out what type of fields and play styles the facility offers and read up on them. The most common is woodsball and capture the flag. If you’ve ever played capture the flag as a kid, you basically already know how to play that style. Just imagine shooting other players with paint instead of tagging them out!

    Find out if the facility recommends a specific type of clothing. It’s a good idea to at least wear long sleeves and long pants, depending on the weather. Check out some paintball etiquette and safety tips as well.

    4. Buy Equipment

    paintball birthdaySo, you’ve survived your first game and can’t wait to play again. The competition, adrenaline rush, strategy, teamwork–it’s all in your ballpark. It’s time to buy your own equipment when you plan to start playing fairly regularly. The options for markers (paintball guns) are endless and it can be a bit overwhelming to choose your first purchase.

    The best thing to do is choose a simple and durable stock marker that you can customize down the line (Tippman A5/X7 or 98 are good starting points). Consider investing in a good mask for your first purchase. These can be pricey, but are very important to safety and comfort. A quality, durable mask will be comfortable, vent better, and last a long time.

    5. Don’t Make Marker Upgrades Just Yet

    Once you make your first purchase, you’ll probably be itching to make upgrades and modifications based on recommendations from other players (magazine attachments, response and e-triggers, barrels, grips, sights… the options are endless).  Don’t commit to any changes just yet. First you’ll want to get more experience playing. Take your new marker out on the field as it was originally designed and get a feel for it to figure out what you like and don’t like.

    Every player is different and this will become clear with the customizations you choose. For example, you buddy may swear by the distance upgrades he’s made to his marker, but you find that you prefer accuracy. Your choice modifications will also depend on the game type you prefer (woodsball, speedball, military, ect.) which also takes time to figure out.

    6. Find an Online Community

    You’ll probably have a ton of questions about getting started and how to improve your game. Check out some message boards (PB Nation, Tippmann forum, Reddit) for a great source of unbiased knowledge. Ask questions about gear, upgrades, safety, experiences, or anything else you’re interested in learning about. This community is actually full of players who are looking to share their knowledge to get more people excited about the sport.

    March 17, 2015

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  • 3 Marker Upgrades for Intermediate Paintball Players

    texture1So you’ve been playing paintball for quite some time now and you’ve got the basics down, but aren’t quite an expert yet. You’ve practiced and nearly perfected some skills like hitting a target, but know that a stock marker can only fire so fast or so accurately. Even if you play at an intermediate skill level, your equipment might be holding you back.

    The unique thing about paintball is that it is a sport that allows varied equipment upgrades to customize and individualize it to the player’s strengths and preferences.  It’s very easy to make easy, often affordable upgrades and changes to a stock marker  that can make a huge difference in your performance.

    The stock marker allows the player to pick and choose which modifications will work best for their game style and skill level. There are several customizations and upgrades you can make to a marker when you’re ready to step up your game.

    1. A Barrel Upgrade By Length or Bore Size

    Recommended if:

    • You want an affordable, accessible upgrade
    • You want increased accuracy OR increased distance
    • You aren’t sure what to upgrade first

     

    texture2A barrel upgrade is the most common and basic upgrade to marker. If you aren’t sure what to improve first, start by upgrading your barrel. There is one question you must ask when doing so: Is increased accuracy or increased distance more important? For example, if you often play woodsball, distance is probably your preference. But if you more often prefer speedball, accuracy may be more important.

    Accuracy: Increase Length of Barrel

    There are barrel upgrades of all types and sizes. Upgrade your barrel to 12 to 16 inches for a marker much easier to aim, resulting in increased accuracy. However, it will not add distance and may actually decrease it. Also note, a longer barrel increases the time that the paintball is in contact with it, so it could be more likely to break when playing in cold temperatures.

    Accuracy: Decrease Bore Size of Barrel

    paintball_pack3Another option for increased accuracy is to decrease the bore size of the barrel. The smaller the barrel bore size, the higher the accuracy.A stock barrel usually has a bore size of .690 and an initial decrease to .688 bore size should be sufficient.  As you become a more advanced player, you can decrease gradually, often as low as .675. Note that you may have to adjust your paintball size as well, depending on the bore size. The most common paintball is the size of a .680 bore, which the stock barrel can easily fit. However, if you plan to go below .680, you will probably need to adjust your paintball size.

    Another option is to purchase a barrel kit. These come with multiple barrel sleeves that allow you to adjust the bore size. That way, you can use any size paintballs you have and adjust the barrel bore size as needed. These can be more expensive, but will increase your accuracy and allow you to use any size paintballs you have.

    Distance: Decreased Barrel Length

    Look for a shorter barrel of 8 to 12 inches if distance is important. Specialized barrel modifiers can also be found for those that really want to maximize distance and shoot your target before they come within normal range. The specialized modifiers are more expensive, but can increase your distance by 100 feet. These are designed to cause the paintball to curve in order to shoot further, faster. Your accuracy will be lowered, however, as a number of factors such as wind, pressure, and the general distance. Because of the general distance, anything like wind, pressure, can cause the ball to curve a little.

    2. Trigger Upgrade to Double, Response, or Electronic

    Recommended if:

    • You want to shoot more paintballs at a quicker rate

     

    Beginner’s Upgrade: Double Trigger

    A higher firing rate is obviously a huge advantage on the paintball field because you will be able to shoot more paintballs quicker than your opponents. The easiest and most affordable way to obtain this is to upgrade to a double trigger. A double trigger simply operates by making it easier to pull the trigger and as a result, increase your firing rage. You will simply need to swap your old trigger and guard out for this one, without any complicated mechanical upgrades.

    Intermediate Upgrade: Response Trigger

    The next step up is a response trigger, and you can use it simultaneously with a double trigger, or on its own. The response trigger  has a slightly more complicated installation process, but is still simple enough to do at home. It is a small cylinder and piston installed behind the marker’s trigger that is powered by your marker’s air. You can adjust a response trigger from a normal firing rate to a very high rate.

    Advanced Upgrade: Electronic Trigger

    An advanced upgrade is the electronic trigger, or e-trigger. It requires some understanding of how the marker operates because you will need to disassemble parts in order to install it. This is the trigger upgrade with the highest range and also the ability to switch between semi-automatic, fully-automatic, three-round bust, and other firing modes.

    3. Upgrade: Co2 Tank to HPA Tank

    Recommended if:

    • You live in a cold climate or often play in colder weather
    • You want to increase your firing rate
    • You want increased accuracy and efficiency

     

    airsoft_new_jerseyAn upgrade to an HPA (high pressure air) tank will bring increased efficiency and accuracy when shooting in any climate or temperature. However, this upgrade is especially recommended to those who frequently play paintball in colder weather because low temperatures easily cause Co2 tanks to function improperly.

    The main reason for this is that the stock tank simply requires more effort from the marker than a HPA: Co2 starts as a liquid and must be converted into a gas in order to  to function correctly. Warm temperatures cause the Co2 to expand quickly, while colder temperatures cause it to expand slowly. When the environmental temperature is lower or your firing rate is very fast, a delay in the conversion of Co2 can take place.

    Firing too quickly won’t allow the Co2 adequate time to convert, which will cause the paintball spin or curve as it comes out with too little gas Co2 and traces of liquid Co2. The result is a much slower firing rate as the marker delays its cycle to process to catch up the Co2’s conversion. The marker may temporarily stop working and make an extended stuttering sound (similar to a machine gun). Add in a freezing temperature, and the maker could freeze and form a thick white vapor at the barrel.

    This is a concern that does not exist with HPA tanks because these use a regulatory system that ensures the cleaner gas remains in that form at all times. The end result is steady, constant pressure every time you fire a paintball. The negative side to a HPA tank is that there are fewer places to fill them up, and it can be a high upfront cost.

    February 27, 2015

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  • 4 Essential Tips for Winter Paintball

    AC Paintball is one of New Jersey’s premiere outdoor paintball facilities and our fields are open for gameplay year round, rain or shine. While we don’t see too much crazy weather, freezing temperatures and the occasional snowfall can impact how we play paintball. Why stop playing paintball for a little bad weather? Instead, adjust your gameplay style and prepare your gear for the cold. Here are our best tips to help winterize your paintball game:

    1. Prevent Paintballs from Breaking

    • Keep paintballs warm as long as possible
    • Use an isolated cooler with heat packs before gameplay
    • Carry paintballs in pod pack underneath clothing
    • Load hopper as late as possible
    • Purchase paintballs designed for winter weather

     

    paintball_pack2It’s a myth that paintballs can freeze. Most contain oil and glycerin (a common ingredient of antifreeze), so the shell would actually shatter long before it could possibly be frozen. The shell of a paintball is made of gelatin or vegetable starch, both of which can become brittle in cold temperatures. After this happens, the paintball can easily crack or break on contact with your hand or while inside your marker’s barrel.

    Help prevent paintball breakage by keeping them out of the cold as long as possible. Bring a small insulated cooler, warmed to room temperatures, to keep paintballs in before gameplay. During the game, If you use a pod pack or vest, these won’t sufficient to keep paintballs warm in the winter. What you can do, however, is wear the pod pack underneath your coat or an outer layer and carry a heat pack on your body.

    In addition, try to remove paintballs from warmth and load your hopper at the very last minute. The hopper will not provide any protection from the cold. Once loaded, try your best not to shake your hopper unnecessarily to avoid busting the paintballs inside.

    Another option is to purchase paintballs specially made for cold temperatures. These are designed with a thicker shell and a stronger fill that will resist damage. While they may cost a little more, it is worth it for the convenience.

    2. Keep Co2 Tank Functioning Properly

    • Shoot less and at slower rate
    • Remove expansion chambers
    • Point marker up when not shooting
    • Never use heat packs on Co2 tank
    • Alternatively, upgrade to a HPA tank

     

    Co2 tanks work fine in warmer weather, but the cold can cause them to have all sorts of problems. The main issue is a decrease in pressure, which causes the velocity to drop and a delay in your marker’s cycle. The end result is an extended stuttering sound, similar to that of a machinegun, as it takes extra effort just to work properly. Eventually,  the marker body may freeze and a thick white vapor will come out of the barrel. Not cool at all!

    The ideal solution is to upgrade to a high pressure air tank (HPA). These are not susceptible to any problems from cold temperatures and function great in warm weather as well. Plus, an HPA tank will provide  increased efficiency and accuracy when shooting. If you upgrade to an HPA, your game will be improved year round.

    However, we know upgrades can be costly, so if you need to stick with a Co2 tank, there are some things you can do to make it more manageable in the winter:  Shoot less and at a slower rate. This will make it less likely to jam up. Co2 expands slower in cold air,  so it just needs a little extra time to function properly. You should also point your marker up when not shooting, to keep the liquid Co2 in the bottle and out of the valve. Remember to take any expansion chambers off as well. Never use heat packs on a Co2 tank, although it seems logical, it does not help because the heat can increase pressure.

    3. Dress for the Weather

    • Wear multiple layers that can be removed
    • Avoid bulky or thick coats
    • Always wear gloves
    • Choose shoes with ankle support and traction
    • Bring a change of clothes in case of mud and moisture

     

    While you may become hot when you run and move, you could get extremely cold when you hide and stand still. Wear layers that you can remove when it gets too hot. Try a thermal under armour base, a sweatshirt, then a zip-up waterproof coat. Avoid coats that are too thick or bulky because these will be uncomfortable and cause excessive sweating. Always remember to bring extra  socks and wear waterproof shoes or boots with ankle support and traction because it may be slippery. Functional gloves that allow you to load and move freely and a beanie or warm hat that covers the ears. If there’s any snow on the ground, the game may become extra wet and muddy. It may be a good idea to bring a change of clothes for after the game.

    4. Make Safety a Priority

    • Watch out for icy and slippery patches
    • Take a break if you have numbness
    • Drink plenty of water

     

    paintball safety tipsStay aware of your surroundings, keep you health in check, and watch out for your teammates and other players as well. Icy or slippery areas are likely in the winter. Depending on how cold it is, hypothermia can also be possible. Take a break if you feel disoriented, dizzy, or have numbness in your fingers or toes.

    Be sure to drink plenty of water! Dehydration is just as possible in the cold as in the heat. Even though it’s not hot out, you will still sweat from running and staying active. Drink plenty of fluids the day before, during, and after playing paintball or any other physical activity.

    February 12, 2015

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  • 10 Rules of Paintball Etiquette

    texture1Paintball players generally have a high standard of sportsmanship. Everyone has the same goal: an action-packed day of friendly competition. Respect the players, respect the game, and you’ll have a great time. Here are some general paintball etiquette rules to abide by:

    1.  Safety first

    Set your marker to shoot at a maximum velocity of 300 fps as required by law (At ACP we have a strict limit of 280 fps and we use pre-game velocity check technology). Anything higher can cause welts and broken skin. It’s a good idea to double check your marker’s velocity is at a safe limit before each game, even if you recently adjusted it.

    2. Keep your mask on

    Never remove your mask on the field for any reason. If you see that someone has lost their mask on the field, don’t shoot. Yell “blind man” so other players are aware. Always use barrel plugs after play and keep your mask on until all barrel plugs are in place.

    3. Don’t be a jerk

    Always respect your teammates and opponents. No pushing, shoving, or any physical contact at all. Don’t bonus ball just for amusement. It only takes one solid hit for a player to be out. Shooting players multiple times unnecessarily is an easy way to discourage beginners from coming back.

    4. Remember paintball is a team sport

    Don’t act like you own the field; give everyone a chance to get in on the action. Solid teamwork will win you more games than a focus on individual glory.

    5. Mind your fire

    Never blind fire. If you can’t see what you’re shooting at, don’t shoot. You could accidentally hit the refs or local wildlife.

    6. Never shoot point blank

    Paintballs can hurt at close range, even with protective gear! Allow opponents the opportunity to surrender if you have a clear shot within a range of 10 ft. If the player doesn’t surrender, aim for a shoe, gear, or padded area.

    7. Don’t cheat

    When you’re hit, you’re hit. Don’t wipe paint off and keep playing; this is considered cheating. Hits a quarter size or bigger on anything you carry (gear, mask, marker, hopper, etc.) count. If you’re unsure if you’re hit, signal for a ref or yell “paint check.”

    8. Clear the field when you’re hit

    Raise your arms and marker so other players know you’ve been hit. Quickly make your way to a safe zone to avoid being caught in crossfire. Never fire after you’ve been hit.

    9. Respect the ref

    The referee’s ruling is the final word. Signal for the ref to judge if there are any disputes during play. The ref can eject you from the game for breaking any rules of the field.

    10. Be a good sport

    We know it’s a competition and you want to win. Strategize the heck out of the game, but don’t get too aggressive to the point that you risk injury. Congratulate the winners with a “good game” even if you’re unhappy you lost.

    September 26, 2014

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  • 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.

    July 31, 2014

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