Monday, August 31, 2009

New T68 Splitfire Paintball Gun

For all you Mill-Sim/Scenario Paintball guys check this out, very cool!

T68 SplitFire AK47 Dual Feed Paintball Marker features a dual-source ammunition feeding system, capable of providing two different types of .68 caliber ammunition at the turn of a dial. The T68 SplitFire AK47 can carry two types of ammunition simultaneously, and allows the operator to select the most effective projectiles for the situation - then change back as needed, at the turn of a dial. When the situation changes, so can your ammunition. Immediately.



With the T68 SplitFire AK47 Dual Feed the operator can quickly select the appropriate projectile by simply turning the selector wheel. This rotates the chamber to align a feeding hole with either the magazine, to access one type of ammunition, or the hopper, to access the other. When you need to mount large optics, illumination equipment, or other gear that gets in the hopper’s way, remove the hopper, and you have eighteen magazine-fed rounds at the ready. Rather than carrying a sidearm for backup, keep the magazine loaded…and if you don’t have time to grab a pod, twist the dial to fend them off with magazine-fed rounds.

The T68 SplitFire AK47 Paintball Gun is designed for scenario paintball and military training. As the "opposing force" marker, the T68 SplitFire AK47 enhances military combat training, scenario realism...and is great when you want to play a bad guy for the weekend. The T68 SplitFire AK47 Paintball Gun features the same inherent reliability and durability of our T68 line, by virtue of being made completely of metal. To replicate the real deal, the aesthetics are dead-on and the pistol grip and handguard are made of wood - the T68 AK47 is made to take a beating! The unit is built around an internal Flexi-Air System that enables you to use an air tank within the stock, or to use a full size air tank as a stock.

The T68 SplitFire AK47 Paintball Gun shoots standard .68 caliber paintballs, features an 18 round detachable magazine, and can use a standard hopper. It has an adjustable velocity range between 200 and 325 fps for scenarios, and up to 450 fps for police and military users, with a maximum range of 300 feet and an effective range of 150 feet. With these features, the T68 AK47 is an outstanding paintball marker for scenario players and for those who need reliable and durable gear. Best of all, they come with 5 year warranties from defects in manufacturing or material - one of the longest product warranties you'll find in the industry.

The T68 AK47 Paintball Gun is the best combat training simulation tool for OpFor, and an ideal scenario marker.


Key features include:
- .68 caliber system
- Semi-Automatic (optional upgrade for semi/burst/auto)
- 18 Round detachable magazine
- SplitFire Dual Feed System
- Internal Flexi-Air System
- All-Metal Construction
- Wood pistol grip and handguard
- Works with CO2/Compressed Air/ HPA/Nitrogen from all tank sizes
- Maximum range: 300 feet
- Effective range: 150 feet
- Velocity 200-325 fps (adjustable): Recreational Version

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Don’t Get Fogged Out

A personal pet peeve of mine is my mask fogging up while playing. I find that it happens more so playing outdoors, but it can occasionally happen playing indoors as well.

So the question becomes why do masks fog? Masks fog when the moisture from your face evaporates into the space between your mask and then condensates on your lens. This typically occurs at two times: when you sweat a lot and release lots of moisture from your face or when your face is considerably warmer than the outside air. The first situation typically occurs during hot days while the second, similar to a windshield that fogs, happens when the outside air is considerably colder than the air around your face.

So now you might be saying well how to I prevent this; I can’t stop sweating, and I can’t regulate my body temperature to equal that of the air around me. So here are a few suggestions.

Thermal Lenses – I would strongly suggest investing in a mask with a thermal lens. Thermal Lenses basically consist of two lenses that are places together with a small are-filled space between them. The space between the two lenses acts as a barrier between your body temperature and the outside temperature. Because of this barrier your inner lens remains closer to the temperature of your body while the outside lens remains closer to the temperature outside. Through out my testing I would say that a Thermal Mask is the most effective way to reduce fogging.

Anti-Fog Spray – There are many companies out there that market anti-fog spray's and creams. Anti-fog sprays have been around longer than paintball as they have been marketed to scuba divers since before I can remember. The concept of an anti-fog spray is to keep moisture from condensing of flat surfaces. The basic principal is to spray a mist (or apply some cream) of the anti-fog on the lens, which will in turn prevent fog vapors from gathering on your lens. The results for anti-fogging sprays and creams are mixed. In my opinion it is a very cheap and easy way to possibly prevent your mask from fogging. With that being said on really hot and humid days it may only delay how long before your mask fogs.

Mask Fans – Originally these started out as an extra that could be added to your mask to help prevent fogging. Now some masks are created with the fan build into the mask. The fans sit above the goggles and blow air down over the lens to help evaporate moisture of the lens. In comparison to anti-fog sprays fans are a more expensive option. Depending on your mask fans can range from $20 to $50, they require batteries to operate, make a considerable amount of noise, and are prone to break. Despite all that they do effectively reduce fog.

Dry the Foam – Inside every mask is form that helps the mask fit snug to your face. Depending on the form that is inside your mask it can collect some of the moisture from your face while you are playing. I find it very helpful in-between games to take a towel and press it against the form to remove as much of that extra moisture before I play the next game.

Being able to see your targets while playing paintball is important; so having a clear mask is essential. In most circumstances you can prevent fogging by using one or a combination of the tips listed above. You need to find out which combination works best for you. Also remember that what works for you playing indoors many not work as well playing outdoors.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

CSWL Tournament at Skyline Nation

Well as I mentioned in a earlier post this past weekend was the CSWL year end event at Skyline Nation. 4 teams showed up to compete at this 7 man scenario event.

First off the field design for this event was awesome. The design has two home bases and one swing base. The swing base was pearch on top of a hill and provided a great view of the field below for the team that controlled it. The field had many different challenges ranging from thick brush to a winding river to open mid ground field with little cover. The different ground variations from hill top to natural low lands (which created awesome bunkers) which created the right mix for every style of player.

Each team played 3 50 minute games, one game against each of the other teams. The game was broken down into two 25 minute hales with two 10 minute dead respawns per half.

The objectives were simple. Control as many of the three bases for as long as you can, and find the objectives hidden within the field. The three objectives were as follows: A rocket launcher, a dirty bomb & an instant dead respawn . The objectives were only good in the half that they were found and were replaced in the field after each half and game.

Point worked as follows - 1 point for every minute that a base was held, 10 additional point for capturing the enemies base and 10 points for each objective found.

Overall the weekend went well, with a lot of people having a great time and enjoying a great game. I would like to thank all the people that made this weekend possible along with the sponsors that helped ensure that the game was a success.

I'm already looking forward to next year and whatever other events are held at Skyline Nation. Truly a great outdoor field.


Friday, August 21, 2009

Vanguard AR-V Creed Paintball Gun

A video for the unboxing of the first Vanguard Paintball Gun. Very nice. Look for a review coming soon. For more information check out CreedMarker.com

Paintball Masks - Keeping Your Face Safe!

Some sports such as hockey or football have a large list of safety gear ranging from shin guards to shoulder pad and helmets to name a few. But paintball really only has one wearable piece of safety equipment; the mask.

Paintball masks are designed to protect your face and ears. When looking for a mask you should look for one that covers your whole face area, forehead to chin with coverage for your ears. If the mask doesn’t fully cover all these areas look for a bigger mask. Some mask also provide protection for your head, although this is not entirely necessary as the top of your head is hard and can withstand a paintball, some people feel better with this option.

Fit

Since this is your primary protection you want something that fits just right. Look for a mask that fits firmly on your head without pinching. You should be able to tighten the straps to make your mask snug without maxing out the adjusters or permanently stretching out the straps. Make sure that your mask comfortably fits around your ears and that the mouth guard doesn't hit your chest when you look down or your shoulders when you look to the sides. Remember this is about safety first then style. You need to make sure that everything is protected and feels comfortable first, then try to get the look you want.

Padding

While most people don’t pay much attention to the foam padding inside a mask it can be a huge difference between a good mask and a great mask. Most importantly you want make sure you like how the foam feels on your face. You are going to be wearing this a lot so comfort is a big part of safety. You want to find a mask that has form which is flexible and will mold to your face, but will also return to its original shape. You also want to inspect how the form in secured/glued to the mask. Check for a solid glue job with no corners or seams unattached.

Lens

When looking through the mask; make sure that the lens area provides enough side vision. On average human have a field vision of 180 degrees, unless you are planning of looking out of the corner of your eye instead of turning your head, a mask with 120 degree field of vision should be more than adequate. Next you should look for a mask with a thermal lens. Thermal lenses are simply two separate lenses with air in between them which helps prevent fogging. You will also find some lenses are tinted, while these do not add to the safety of the mask, they can provide a function similar to sunglasses or just a cool factor.

Value

Paintball masks can cost from $20 to more than $100. To decide which mask is best for you determine what features you really need (for example, you may want good fog protection, therefore you will want to look at masks that offer a thermal lens) and then see what masks fit your budget. The best mask is not necessarily the most expensive; it's simply the mask that fits and works best for you.

Additional Things

Most masks come with visors which some find to be useful when playing outdoors. Additionally, some masks come with built-in fans designed to reduce fogging, while others are designed to have a fan added on if necessary. The plastic of the mask come in many levels of rigidity. Some players prefer softer plastic which may help prevent a ball break. When choosing a mask; chose one that is rigid enough for your liking. The plastic also comes in numerous colors ranging form bright reds and blues to dull blacks and greens, so you should able to find a color you like. There are also many purely cosmetic upgrades you can add to customize your mask.

Have fun, and play safe.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Paintball Tournament at Sky Line in Alberta, Canada

Well, I just got back from a fun family vacation. It was great to see friend and family again, missed you guys. I'm now preparing for this upcoming weekend. I'm heading to a scenario tournament at Skyline Nation in Claresholm, Alberta. Skyline only hosts 5 or so tournament games a year, which ensures that you really get the outdoor feel every time. Also with such a large playable area, fields are fenced off in various sizes and elevation to create unique playing experiences.

The CSWL event is being held this weekend August 22nd to 23rd, and is sure to be a great time. For more information check out www.skylinenation.ca. Also check out the trailer for the event below.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Great Tips For X-Ball Games/Tournaments

I found this very informative video that showed some great tips for playing in X-Ball games or tournaments. I hope you enjoy.



Also in the video they mentioned a great Dynasty video. I highly recommend this video as well. Click the following link to purchase you own copy. Dynasty Dysected DVD Paintball Movie