Another me ask questions, you answer, thread

[Slatz]

Slatz here, just thought I'd drop in and ask a few question. For a while I've wanted to take Paintballing/Woodsball a bit more seriously. I don't mind going along for the day, just for a one off, but there is never really a sense of commadarie or teamwork, it's just "I shoot at you, you shoot at me" kinda action. Which is kinda dull after a while.

So I started doing a bit of research, and learnt about these walkon events, which too be honest sounded great; a bunch of players with there own gear must surely take more intrest in the sport right? take it more seriously.
So I'm hopefully going to get some equipment over the next month or so, as I'll be buying for two (Myself and my Dad) At the moment I'm wrestling my mate's to get a couple of things, gloves and Camoflauge gear for example. But my main concern is over the markers, and over which system to use. From what I've read, CO2 isn't as good as air, as it's affected by temperature, but has the up-side of being cheaper than the Air system. Now I'm only starting out really, so if anyone could shed a bit more light on that, I'd be appreciative; would like to know which is better for a Novice.

The Markers are a bit easier, but not by much. The amount of choice available is a bit overwhelming, and too be honest I struggled for about a week too narrow them all down to the 3 I'm thinking of getting (again X2)
Because I'm getting two, I'd rather have them, combined, be nothing more than £450; tops. So I've been thinking about these:

The Tippman 98 Custom
The Tippman A5
and The BT 4 Assault

The BT 4 is kinda what my Dad is after, he like's the movie We where Soldiers once with Mel Gibson, so straight away said "The M16 will do for me" and buggered off. The other two are what I'm thinking off. The Tippmans are reliable, customizable, and as I've been told by a marshal, very good choices for beginners. They also have alot of upgrades, which means I can improve on anything that I don't like about the marker (especially with the 98)
So basically I was wondering what you thought about those? is it worth me getting the same markers? and if so, will the "M16" do Mel Gibson proud? ^^

[tommikka]

You won't go far wrong with the markers you have looked at. You can adapt either of the Tippmans as much or as little as you like.

With regard to air or CO2 I would still recommend air. You don't need an air system for over £100, but you are looking at about £60.

It also depends on where you will play. Check with the sites around you as to whether they use air or CO2. Most sites will now run on air but may or may not have retained CO2. Site managers may also be willing to sell you a pair of bottles at about trade price. Or they may be willing to loan bottles whenever you play if you don't get everything at once.

An extra factor with filling CO2 is that it is based on weight and you should empty and refill the bottle each time. There should be no topping up. An air bottle can be topped up whenever, and can be filled whilst fitted to the marker, but it is preferable to take it off. (Both more convenient and there is no risk of pointing a loaded marker at someone whilst filling)

Finally don't forget a decent mask. Much more important then anything else.

[PossessedCanary]

Not much for me to say here, but I'd like to expand upon tommikkas last comment. Get a good mask, the amount of people that wanna start getting their own kit and so run out and buy an A5 with egrip, custom shrouds/stocks etc, top end air system and a Vforce single lense field mask...

And yeah, the markers you are thinking of will do you proud. I quite like the BT assault, I never used to like the whole mil sim thing, but it's growing on me.

[D3ath ADder]

Regarding your dislike of the unorganised team play at punter events, I can assure you that things are slightly more organised at the walk-ons and they are definately more fun. Having your own gear is a great experience too as you learn about it and as you say buy upgrades for your new toy it adds more excitement knowing you've looked after your kit and learnt how to work with it to get the most out of it.

Then if you end up like most of the people on this forum, you go out and buy another 4 markers because you liked the colour or they were on a mega deal :D

[Slatz]

Thanks for the replys.

Well I'm right near Manchester, and not far from the YPC(?) centre I believe. So I'll give them a ring sometime over the next week, and ask about whether they supply Air or C02. Another question I had was are there any Paintball shops around me that I'm not aware of? I asume there is one in/around Manchester, but haven't got a clue.

At the moment, I'm watching a couple masks of Ebay, pretty decent prices from the looks of it, but wondered what you would reccomend? bearing in mind I'm short sighted, so during play, I'll be wearing glasses; as will my Dad (same eye sight as my own)

[D3ath ADder]

This board is linked and ran by the same people who run the YPC site and the fatbobs store. They only use air at their site with 3000psi fills and the bottles fatbobs sell are fully legal at the site and refills are free.


http://www.fatbobspaintball.co.uk/

Check the shop out.

[PossessedCanary]

Can you wear contacts? Even if you find a good mask, if your glasses slip, it will be a pain to sort 'em out. I'm sure i saw a mask that was decribed as being perfect for people wearing glasses, however, i'm also pretty sure it was a bog standard Vforce.

[cubby]

Maybe A Paintball Shop Might Let U Try On Some Gogs To See Witch Is Best

[sumo]

most goggles are good for people with glasses, but you should really try some on just to make sure you like them and make sure theyre comfortable.

Planet Eclipse is in manchester.

[D3ath ADder]

Tape 'em to your head

[cubby]

Thats Gona Hurt When You Need To Take Em Off Though Lol

[PossessedCanary]

No pain no gain.

But you wouldn't need to use to much tape. Might look a bit stupid in the safe zone as you're doing it though...

[Mac.]

glasses if fitted properly wont slip

the one thing i will recommend is some decent anti fog stuff for them cos while the goggs are fine the glasses are not:rolleyes:

i found that the v-force grillz were the most comfy with glasses on.

the dye 13 pro's are not too bad

the v-force profilers again very good

and the jt proflexs are good, but you have to be more careful taking them off, my glasses always get caught in them:( but i love the goggles to much to get rid of them

[Slatz]

Contacts are a big no no I'm afraid. I'm probably being a big girls blouse here, but shoving something into my eye makes me cringe ;)
I'm booked in for an appointment at the opticians this week, so I'll enquire about these glasses-head bands I've seen. There basically an elastic piece that goes around the back of your head, keeping your glasses in position. There what Cyclists use I think.

Thanks for the name of that shop Sumo, I'll do a quick search on that and see if I can find directions.

[sumo]

www.planeteclipse.com

[Mr. Longbeard]

Tape 'em to your head

Bloody kids, know nothing :rolleyes: :p

If you have trouble with slipping specs take them to your optician and get them adjusted correctly, or go to an outdoors / climbing type shop and ask for a "croakie" :)

And it really is pointless asking about masks, everyones head is different, no 2 are the same, the same goes for glasses.

You really do need to try before you buy to ensure the best possible fit.

[dev dev]

you could alway's take a trip to a site when it is holding a walk on.
speak to the organizer and i'am sure he will point you to player's that will let you try there gear.
when at ypc i have found load's of player's willing to help, and seen people that have just come down for help,,,

[tommikka]

Two ways to match mask and glasses:

First try on a few goggles with your glasses, either ask people at a site or at a retail paintball shop. (If you are near YPC then go to Fat Bobs)

Next if you don't get too good a match pick your preferred mask and take it to your opticians and try out a few small frames.

Using glasses under your mask increases the scope for fogging so put some anti fog on your glasses.

Alternatley depending on your eyesight you may find it fine to play without glasses. I play with or without depending on how I feel at each game, or what type of game I'm playing.

I use glasses for driving and distance, but my view is good enough to play without, (might take me an extra shot to hit at a distance though!)

[Slatz]

Just went to that Total Eclipse place in Manchester. Pretty dodgy road to say the least. Had a decent look round, wasn't too impressed with the marker availability (no Tippmans) but what I was impressed over was the goggles. With my glasses on, and given a bit of precision shuffling, I got the goggles on over them without much fuss, and they were really snug and secure.

I think I'll be booking a pundit day at YPC soon, as my Dad wants too make sure he'll enjoy it or not (he's never been paintballing in his life, but likes the concept of shooting people so fingers crossed!) but I'm planning to drive up to Fatbobs and have a look at his shop; just hoping it's better supplied than that Eclipse place.

[seany boy]

Check when fat bob's is open, they're not open everyday.

[Lambchop]

when we move to the new shop i'm intending opening for an hour before each walkon(8am till 9am) thats if enough peolpe want the service that is.

till then then we're open Monday Thursday and Saturday 10 till 4.30ish

[seany boy]

Another move?

[Alex]

just across the corridor

[seany boy]

Bigger stock room for donhuts?

[Lambchop]

at last i get a fridge

[Alex]

Oh yes, took two packets in on thursday and Andy nicked 'em all but 4:( I had one and Lamby had the other three;) :D

[seany boy]

I need to get down, what with all the donuts