PAINTBALL XTREME GAME

Changes to Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service

2012-01-27T11:17:00.001-08:00

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Dear Google user, We're getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across Google and replacing them with one that's a lot shorter and easier to read. Our new policy covers multiple products and features, reflecting our desire to create one beautifully simple and intuitive experience across Google. We believe this stuff matters, so please take a few minutes to read our updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Service at http://www.google.com/policies. These changes will take effect on March 1, 2012.
One policy, one Google experience

Easy to work across Google Our new policy reflects a single product experience that does what you need, when you want it to. Whether you're reading an email that reminds you to schedule a family get-together or finding a favorite video that you want to share, we want to ensure you can move across Gmail, Calendar, Search, YouTube, or whatever your life calls for with ease.	Tailored for you If you're signed into Google, we can do things like suggest search queries – or tailor your search results – based on the interests you've expressed in Google+, Gmail, and YouTube. We'll better understand which version of Pink or Jaguar you're searching for and get you those results faster.	Easy to share and collaborate When you post or create a document online, you often want others to see and contribute. By remembering the contact information of the people you want to share with, we make it easy for you to share in any Google product or service with minimal clicks and errors.

Protecting your privacy hasn't changed Our goal is to provide you with as much transparency and choice as possible, through products like Google Dashboard and Ads Preferences Manager, alongside other tools. Our privacy principles remain unchanged. And we'll never sell your personal information or share it without your permission (other than rare circumstances like valid legal requests).	Got questions? We've got answers. Visit our FAQ at http://www.google.com/policies/faq to read more about the changes. (We figured our users might have a question or twenty-two.)

Notice of Change March 1, 2012 is when the new Privacy Policy and Terms will come into effect. If you choose to keep using Google once the change occurs, you will be doing so under the new Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Please do not reply to this email. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered. Also, never enter your Google Account password after following a link in an email or chat to an untrusted site. Instead, go directly to the site, such as mail.google.com or www.google.com/accounts. Google will never email you to ask for your password or other sensitive information.

Paintball Headlines

2011-06-22T01:22:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

Chicago Event Shirts and then some

Posted: 21 Jun 2011 05:35 PM PDT

Virtue will be introducing the On-demand PSP shirt at 2011 Chicago.

These shirts offer you a more diverse selection of colors for your paintball shirt collection. When I first read this I thought it was choose a color shirt and one of the three logos then those would be laid under the Chicago design. Sadly, I was mistaken. Basically, you choose a shirt color and a logo of your choice is heat pressed on to the shirt.

PSP On-demand shirts will be $15 at the Virtue booth

The event shirt is similar to last years shirt. The Chicago skyline with a paintball flare. The event shirts come in black and blue. Event shirts will be $20 at the Virtue booth.

The event jersey is pretty cool looking. Like the Galveston event jersey, it is still rocking the camo look. I think I just like it because there’s a tommy gun on it. Event jerseys will be $80 at the Virtue booth.

Paintball Headlines

2011-06-16T01:31:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

2011 PSP Chicago Layout

Posted: 15 Jun 2011 01:48 PM PDT

Paintball Headlines

2011-06-03T01:11:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

PSP Webcast is Back

Posted: 02 Jun 2011 04:13 PM PDT

PSP is bringing the webcast back for the Chicago Open. The event starts on June 23, 2011 but the webcast will be of the pro games on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26.

I wish they would broadcast the lower divisions the first 2 days so that I can watch my team play. That being said, I won’t be posting pics of this years Chicago Open since I am unable to attend it this year.

Paintball Headlines

2011-05-26T01:11:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

CrowdGather, Inc Acquires PBNation

Posted: 25 May 2011 09:00 AM PDT

Quote:

CrowdGather is one of the leading networks of community forums, reaching millions of passionate users each month. The heart of CrowdGather is the richness of content created by our highly engaged audience of technology, gaming and lifestyle enthusiasts.

The CrowdGather Network comprises thousands of online communities, now serving over 135 million page views per month and 13 million unique monthly visitors. We provide a highly interactive and informational social network for members, a management and revenue-sharing resource for third-party forum owners, and a largely untapped advertising network for marketers worldwide.

We believe in forums.

The largest media outlet for paintball is now part of a growing community that will help expose paintball to many new advertisers and viewers. The purchased of PbNation.com by a public company is recognition that the paintball community is an important and desirable market with tremendous potential.

The CEO of CrowdGather is a long-time forum owner and operator and is completely dedicated and passionate in the believe that forums are an important and vital part of the Internet experience. He has a vision of how CrowdGather will successfully grow pbnation.com and the other communities associated with their team.

We had several companies that were actively pursuing pbnation.com for purchase. CrowdGather was the obvious choice as they have a long-term vision for the growth of forum communities and they recognized the tremendous value of our team and marketshare.

In the long-term, the paintball community will benefit as CrowdGather grows and brings major, national advertisers into CrowdGather communities. This is something that has always been elusive to the sport of paintball but now becomes a probable outcome as pbnation.com becomes a part of a larger whole.

We believe that the CrowdGather team (including you) will be able to grow and improve pbnation.com with the additional resources that will become available by this acquisition.

Thank you for making this the Home Page for Paintball and for your continued support.

All the best,
The Team at PbNation

Action Village Acquired by ANSgear

Posted: 25 May 2011 08:57 AM PDT

Action Village is or was an extreme sports retailer with an emphasis on paintball. Action Village sold products for snowboarding, bmx, airsoft, and skateboarding. Through the course of time, Action Village has slowly declined and was foreseen to end it all.

Luckily, for Action Village ANSgear has acquired them and now ANSgear will be an extreme sport super power by expanding their inventory to that of Action Village.

Paintball Headlines

2011-05-24T01:44:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

NPPL Chicago Results

Posted: 23 May 2011 10:11 AM PDT

Pro:
1st – San Diego Dynasty
2nd – St. Louis Avalanche
3rd – Portland Uprising
4th – Edmonton Impact

D1:
1st – Dynasty 2
2nd – Texas Storm
3rd – Impact Echo
4th – Critical Wrecking Crew

D2:
1st – 3CT
2nd – LSD Savage
3rd – Marine Team one
4th – Top Gu n Evolution

D3:
1st – DBS Kidz 2
2nd – TKO – Blackout
3rd – Boom II
4th – Raiders

D4:
1st – Centermass Hawaii
2nd – Asylum Ballers
3rd – Toxic
4th – University of Michigan

Pump:
1st – Total Grief
2nd – Zero
3rd – Milwaukee Throwback
4th – CPX Pro Stars

Paintball Headlines

2011-05-20T01:12:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

New Divisions for PSP

Posted: 19 May 2011 10:03 AM PDT

PSP is introducing new divisions for the Chicago Open; Tactical Race to and Pump.

Tactical RaceTo builds on PSP’s current world-famous RaceTo format, adding one enhancement: Each team starts each point with a full hopper for each player, plus five 140-round pods to divide up amongst the team. Give a pod to each player, or give them to your back players, or give it all to the player who has to hold down that key lane into the snake. The decision is yours, and in Tactical RaceTo, these decisions matter.

Tactical RaceTo will not just bring new strategy elements to the game and put greater focus on communication and precision technical skills, but also cut paint consumption by up to 80%, dramatically reducing the cost to compete.

3 new divisions will be offered:
Division 4 Tactical RaceTo-4 (Thu-Fri Prelims, Sat-Sun Playoffs) – $2,600 Entry
Division 4 Tactical RaceTo-2 (Sat Afternoon Prelims, Sun Playoffs) – $1,000 Entry
Open Pump RaceTo-2; Classification Counts as D4 RaceTo-2 (Sunday Only) – $500 Entry

Prizes for all divisions:
1st Place: Free Entry, Trophy and Medals
2nd Place: ½ Entry, Trophy and Medals
3rd Place: ½ Entry, Trophy and Medals

How is your stamina? Think you can complete the paintball quadathalon? Players have the option of playing on up to four teams at the Chicago Open: One Traditional RaceTo team, one Tactical RaceTo-4 team, one Tactical RaceTo-2 team, and one Pump RaceTo-2 team.

Teams playing both Traditional and Tactical D4 RaceTo-4 will not have any schedule conflicts.
Teams wanting to play both Traditional RaceTo-2 and Tactical RaceTo-2 should request to have their Traditional RaceTo-2 games scheduled for Saturday morning to avoid conflict with the Saturday afternoon Tactical RaceTo-2 prelims. Traditional and Tactical D4 RaceTo-2 playoff schedules will not conflict.

Teams wanting to play both Traditional RaceTo-4 and Tactical RaceTo-2 may sign up for Tactical RaceTo-2 through the evening of Friday, June 24th, providing a great way for RaceTo-4 teams who may have been knocked out to use any leftover paint to get more play time. Late registration fees will be waived for any Tactical RaceTo-2 team with at least 5 players who played RaceTo-4 at the Chicago Open.

Similarly, registration for Open Pump RaceTo-2 will remain open through the evening of Saturday, June 25, and late fees will be waived for Pump teams with at least 5 players who played in other divisions at the Chicago Open. Because Pump prelim play starts Sunday morning, conflicts with playoff games in other divisions are possible. Teams who make the playoffs in another division and would have a conflict with their Pump games may withdraw from the Pump division up until Saturday evening.

Paintball Headlines

2011-05-19T01:29:00.000-07:00

Paintball Headlines

Virtue Gearbag

Posted: 18 May 2011 02:19 PM PDT

Virtue has come out with a gearbag. It’s really a back pack but can accommodate as much as a regular gearbag.

Introducing Virtue’s Bugout Bag

Get ready to bug out to the field with the Virtue Bugout bag. Comes available with or without a removable Solar Charging Satchel for those days when you need to keep your phone, mp3, or even gun charged up all day long.

You can pack an amazing amount of gear into the Virtue Bugout bag thanks to 1900 cubic inches of storage space, plus external straps w/ buckles. The solar charging station produces its own power so you can charge your phone, mp3 player or gun from anywhere.

Key Features

* Removable Solar Charging Satchel (optional) w/ multiple adapters for phone/mp3
* Heavy duty Ballistic Nylon Construction
* 1900 Cubic Inches of Storage
* Padded, Adjustable Shoulder Straps
* Padded, Adjustable Waist Belt
* Padded Back w/ Hidden Gun Pouch
* Side Compression Straps, Useful to Attach Harness, Goggle, etc.
* Two Large Main Compartments (12x18x6" combined)
* Mid-Size Back Pouch (9x16x3")
* Rear Back Pouch (9x7x2")
* Removable Satchel w/ optional Solar (7x5x1.5")
* Solar Satchel includes 7 charging adapters for (Blackberry, LG, Nokia, Samsung, Sony, USB) – plus iphone/mp3 usb cables simply plug right in using your stock charging cable.
* Inner, Outer mesh pockets, compartments, etc
* 15" Laptop Pouch (main compartment will hold up to a 17" laptop)
* All-Over Screen Print w/ Embroidery

Paintball Headlines

2011-05-11T01:35:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

Artifact Season 2 Coming Soon

Posted: 10 May 2011 01:57 PM PDT

Planet Eclipse is coming out with a new season of the series Artifact. This upcoming season will be featuring Dynasty.

Paintball Headlines

2011-05-07T01:25:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

New Soft Goods from Virtue and Exalt

Posted: 06 May 2011 01:40 PM PDT

Virtue has come out with a new all weather jersey.

Exalt has come out with a line of camo headbands.

Paintball Headlines

2011-04-27T01:57:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

NPPL Chicago Field Layout

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 10:02 AM PDT

Paintball Headlines

2011-04-16T01:38:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

PBX3 Exclusive on the Vanguard Demon

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 01:46 PM PDT

Vanguard came out with the Creed and it has done well. Vanguard is bringing a new gun to the market, the Demon and PaintballX3 has an exclusive on the marker.

PBX3 article on the Vanguard Demon

Advanced NPPL Ref Course

Posted: 15 Apr 2011 01:39 PM PDT

Want to be a referee for the NPPL Chicago Open? Well, now is your chance to become an official NPPL ref by attending their advanced ref course at CPX.

When: May 7 and 8, 2011
Where: CPX Sports Park
Cost: $100.00 (Free if you have reffed an NPPL event in 2009 or 2010)

The ref clinic is two days and goes from 8am – 4pm. Participants will learn everything needed to be a NPPL referee and will get to learn by reffing pro team Chicago Legend.

For an application or for further information, please call or email Valerie Evans at Valerie (at) nppl (dot) com or (714) 758-5575

Paintball Headlines

2011-04-15T01:22:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

Test Layout for NPPL Chicago
Bikini Contest at NPPL Chicago
Travel Discounts for PSP Chicago
Tickets for NPPL Chicago on Sale Now

Test Layout for NPPL Chicago

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 09:04 AM PDT

The official layout for NPPL Chicago will be released on April 29, 2011. These 2 layouts are simply test layouts. Changes will be made for the actual layout.

I got these from the XSV page/blog.

Bikini Contest at NPPL Chicago

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 08:52 AM PDT

You would think that this would have been done at Huntington Beach instead. Seeing as the Surf City Open was on the beach.

Travel Discounts for PSP Chicago

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 08:49 AM PDT

PSP Chicago will be June 22-26 in Joliet, IL at CPX Paintball Park.

Delta Airlines
Save on your Delta flights to the PSP Chicago Open! To make reservations, just call 1 800 328 1111 ($25 fee is being waived for our group) and reference ticket designator: NM7GJ

Continental Airlines
To book travel online, enter the following code ZKET619710 in the Offer Code box when searching for flights

American Airlines
The valid travel dates for this discount are June 19 – 30, 2011. Place Promotion Code 3461EP in the promotion code box and your discount will be calculated automatically. This special discount is valid off any applicable published fares listed for American Airlines, American Eagle, and American Connection. International originating guests will need to contact your local reservation number and refer to the Promotion Code.

Enterprise Rent-a-Car
CLICK HERE for discount link

Tickets for NPPL Chicago on Sale Now

Posted: 14 Apr 2011 08:37 AM PDT

The NPPL Chicago Open will be at CPX Sports Park in Joliet, IL on May 20-22, 2011. Grandstand and VIP tickets went on sale earlier this morning. Grandstand seating for Friday or Saturday is $10 and Sunday is $17, pay $25 for the 3-day package. VIP tickets are $34 for Friday or Saturday and $51 for Sunday, $84.15 for the 3-day package.

These prices do not include the processing fee or whatever the extra $1-5 extra that is tacked on to the final price.

Paintball Headlines

2011-04-08T01:03:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

Las Vegas Premier Paintball Now a Feeder Series for NPPL
Hotels for PSP Chicago
PE Comes Out with Geo 2.1

Las Vegas Premier Paintball Now a Feeder Series for NPPL

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 01:37 PM PDT

The NPPL announces Las Vegas Premier Paintball as an official 2011 Feeder Series

Las Vegas Premier Paintball has been in business for many years and is no stranger to running paintball events. The NPPL is proud to announce (LVPP) has signed on as an official NPPL Feeder Series. LVPP will host the D3 7 man and D4 5 man NPPL format with the grand prize winning entry to the NPPL upper seven World Series Championships held in Las Vegas November 11th 12th and 13th * Be sure to sign up today!

Event dates:

May 1st, 2011

September 4th, 2011

October 16th, 2011

Entry fees are at a low, to obtain more information or to register please visit their website at www.lvpp.net or call (702) 574-2066. You can also email Thomas Hughes at ThomasLVPP@gmail.com. Don’t miss your chance to win a free entry spot into the greatest paintball show on earth, NPPL Super 7 World Series.

*In order to win an NPPL entry fee 10 or more teams must sign up for each event.

Hotels for PSP Chicago

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 01:30 PM PDT

Best Western Inn and Suites
4380 Enterprise Drive, Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: (815) 730-7500 and ask for “PSP Paintball” group rate
- 13 miles from the event
- Continental Breakfast
- Indoor Swimming Pool
- $81.99/night for 2 queen beds

Motel 6 South
1850 McDonough Street, Joliet, IL 60431
Call 800-544-4866 to make reservations and ask for Group #M441800007
- 9 miles from the event
- Rate per night/1 person: 36.99 Sun-Thurs/39.99 Fri-Sat
- Rate per night/2 people: 42.99 Sun-Thurs/45.99 Fri-Sat
- Rate per night/3 people: 45.99 Sun-Thurs/48.99 Fri-Sat
- Rate per night/4 people: 48.99Sun-Thurs/51.99 Fri-Sat
- Must 21+ to check in

Keep in mind, this is a motel 6 so it’s not the best place to stay but certainly is the cheapest.

Holiday Inn Joliet – Conference Center
411 South Larkin Avenue, Joliet, IL 60436
Phone: 1-815-729-2000 ask for Group Code: PSP
- 9 miles from the event
- $99/night for 2 queen beds

Fairfield Inn South
1501 Riverboat Center, Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: (815) 741-3499 and ask for the “PSP” group rate
- 11 miles from the event
- Deluxe Continental Breakfast
- Indoor pool
- Hot tub
- Free Wi-fi
- $109.99/night for 2 queen beds

Hollywood Casino Joliet ALL GUESTS MUST 21+
2200 Empress Drive, Joliet, IL 60434
For reservations, call 888 436-7737 and reference the block “Paintball”
- 12 miles from the event
- Continental Breakfast
- Indoor Pool
- Hot tub
- Internet (not wi-fi)
- $89.27/night Wed, Thurs, Sun
- $123.17/night Fri, Sat
- MAX of 4 people/room

Hampton Inn I-80
1521 Riverboat Center Drive, Joliet, IL 60436
Phone: 815-725-2424 and request group code “PSP”
- 12 miles from the event
- Hot breakfast
- Wi-fi
- Indoor Pool
- hot tub
- 24hr fitness center
- 24hr business center
- 32in LCD tv
- Microwave
- Fridge
- $109/night for King bed and pull-out sofa

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Joliet South
1515 Riverboat Center Drive, Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: 815-741-2400 and ask for group code “PSP”
- 12 miles from the event
- Full Kitchen
- 32in Flat Screen TV
- Continental Breakfast from 6am-9am M-f, 7am-10am Sat-Sun
- 24hr quick market
- Laundry Facility
- Indoor Pool and whirlpool from 6am-11pm
- Free Wi-fi
- $119/night for a King bed and pull out sofa

Motel 6 North “I-55″
3551 Mall Loop Drive, Joliet, IL 60431
Call 800 544 4866 to make reservations and ask for Group #M129600052
- 19 miles from the event
- Rate per night/1 person: 39.99 Sun-Thurs/45.99 Fri-Sat
- Rate per night/2 people: 45.99 Sun-Thurs/51.99 Fri-Sat
- Rate per night/3 people: 48.99 Sun-Thurs/54.99 Fri-Sat
- Rate per night/4 people: 51.99Sun-Thurs/57.99 Fri-Sat
- Must be 21+ to check in

Comfort Inn North
3235 Norman Avenue, Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: (815) 436-5141 and ask for the “PSP” Rate
- 13 miles from the event
- Continental Breakfast
- $76.49/night for 2 queen beds

Hampton Inn “I-55″
3555 Mall Loop Drive, Joliet, IL 60431
Phone: 815-439-9500 and request group code “PSP”
- 19 miles from the event
- Hot Breakfast
- Free wi-fi
- Indoor Pool
- Hot tub
- 24hr fitness center
- 24hr business center
- 32in LCD Tv
- Fridge
- Microwave
- $104/night for a King bed and pull-out sofa bed

Area Campgrounds

Martin Campground-Joliet
725 Cherry Hill Road, Joliet, IL 60436
Phone: (815) 726-3173

Leisure Lake Membership Resort
21900 S.W. Frontage Road, Joliet, IL 60436
Phone: (815) 741-9405

Lakepoint Club Corp
24801 Lakepoint Drive, Wilmington, IL 60481
Phone: (815) 476-2196

A-Ok Campgrounds of Frankfort
1999 S. Lagrange Road, Frankfort, IL 60423
Phone: (708) 479-5626

Shadow Lakes Properties
24019 W. Coal City Road, Wilmington, IL 60481
Phone: (815) 458-2151

Enchanted Shores Of Killarney
11018 W. Wilmington Road, Peotone, IL 60468
Phone: (708) 258-6040

PE Comes Out with Geo 2.1

Posted: 07 Apr 2011 12:48 PM PDT

Now, the Geo2.1 brings some of the critically acclaimed features of the recent Ego11 to the Geo. Namely the New POPS ASA and the Angled Swivel on the SL3 regulator.
These 2 new additions further improve the already exceptional ergonomics of the Geo2 as well as producing a sleeker and more attractive profile.
Of course all the other characteristics of the Geo2 remain, such as its excellent handling of fragile paint and the fully featured and E-Portal compatible electronics. This is still Geo. Just Refined…

GEO 2.1 FEATURES
Geo 2 GST-Style Bolt Assembly
Geo 2 Propshaft with Spring-Loaded Drive Core
SL3 Inline Regulator – Works With Any Tank
E-Portal Compatible – Update Firmware, Splash Screens and User Settings
Shaft4 Barrel 14″/0.689″ – Longer, tighter control bore improves efficiency and consistency
92% Larger Multicoloured Transflective LCD Module
Ego10-Style Grip Frame and Grips
Extended Grip Pitch – Increased Comfortable and Stability
Spool Valve Design
Low Reciprocating Mass – Bolt 17g
ISCIS (Innovative Solenoid Controlled Isolation System) Mechanism
SC (Spool-Cure) Bolt – helps eliminate 2nd ball clipping in the feed stack.
6-Second Strip Down – To remove and separate all internal Bolt components
Tool-less Bolt removal – all internal bolt components removed without tools
BBSS (Break Beam Sensor System)
Def-Tek Offset Feed
C-Lever Clamping Feedneck with Sprocket Wheel
Dual Selectable Trigger Switching – Opto and Micro Switches
Dual Trigger Return Mechanisms – Spring and Magnetic Return
Integrated Audible Beeper for Alarms and Actuations
Capped and Uncapped Ramp Modes
All Major Tournament Presets
9 Preset Debounce Modes
5-Point Adjustable Trigger
T-Rail Mounting System
POPS – On/Off/Purge ASA System

Paintball Headlines

2011-04-06T01:05:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

Vendor Spots Open for PSP Chicago
Watch the NCPA Championships
NPPL HB Results

Vendor Spots Open for PSP Chicago

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:48 PM PDT

PSP Chicago will be June 22 – 26, 2011 at CPX Sports Park in Joilet, IL. There are many options for space rental. PSP Chicago is one of the largest events and the perfect opportunity to show off your merchandise, whether your company has been in the industry forever or if you are just starting out. The Chicago Open is 5 days long, so hundreds of people get to see what you have for sale.

Vendor Application

After you finish filling out the application, fax it to Camille Lemanski at (866) 237 7064

Watch the NCPA Championships

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:34 PM PDT

Check out the 2011 NCPA College and High School Paintball Championships April 15-17 from Central Florida Paintball in Lakeland Florida.

Free-Live webcasts, April 15-17. Visit College-Paintball.com to watch.

College Paintball Returns to Fox College Sports! Fox College Sports will be broadcasting the 2011 NCPA National Championships, presented by Empire Paintball, nationwide in June 2011. Visit FoxCollegeSports.com for all broadcast dates and times.

NPPL HB Results

Posted: 05 Apr 2011 12:29 PM PDT

Pro:
1st – San Diego Dynasty
2nd – Sacremento XSV
3rd – Edmonton Impact
4th – Chicago Legend

D1:
1st – Critical Wrecking Crew
2nd – Warped Army
3rd – Seattle Siege
4th – Impact Echo

D2:
1st – Tombstone
2nd – PBGateway.com
3rd – Fusion
4th – Marine Team One

D3:
1st – DBS
2nd – Minions
3rd – Chicagoland
4th – H8 factory

D4 5-man:
1st – Sacramento Royals
2nd – Centermass Hawaii
3rd – Toxic
4th – RIT Tiger

Pump:
1st – Total Grief
2nd – LAHitmen.com
3rd – Blitz
4th – Xandata

Dynasty is just tearing it up on the pro circuit this year. This win at Huntington Beach makes it their third 1st place victory this year (PSP, Millenium, NPPL) and their 50th 1st place finish overall.

Paintball Headlines

2011-04-01T01:17:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

2011 NPPL HB ESPN3 Commercial

Posted: 31 Mar 2011 10:38 AM PDT

KEE Acquires Intellectual Property Portfoliio of Smart Parts

Posted: 31 Mar 2011 10:36 AM PDT

March 30, 2011. KEE Action Sports, LLC. announces today that it has acquired the intellectual property portfolio of Smart Parts. KEE believes it was critical to paintball that the portfolio stayed inside the industry. KEE's President and CEO, John Robinson, said that "KEE is committed to growing paintball participation industry-wide and that KEE intends to use the intellectual property assets in a manner consistent with that goal." In a letter to be sent out shortly, KEE will inform current license holders how it intends to continue to work with them under their current license arrangements. KEE welcomes contacts from other companies interested in pursuing a partnership relating to its new IP assets.

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-30T01:47:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

DYE Launches Snow Site

Posted: 29 Mar 2011 02:01 PM PDT

I guess the rumors have turned out to be true. Dye is launching a snowboarding line of gear. Gear will be available this fall. So far, team DYEsnow consists of Ville Uotilla, Markus Malin, and Ilkka Laari.

Looks like I’m probably going to be buying new snowboarding gear this fall.

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-25T01:11:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

Need a Gun Manual…PaintballGunManuals.com Can Help
Register for NPPL Chicago
NEPL New NPPL Feeder Series

Need a Gun Manual…PaintballGunManuals.com Can Help

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 11:07 AM PDT

PaintballGunManuals.com contains hundreds of marker manuals and board/chip manuals, spanning 10 years. The site is simple to use. All you have to do is look on the right side of the page and find the company of your marker then simply pick out which marker you own. It’s real convenient that they have included board/chip manuals with the marker manual pages.

They also have a list of local tech centers and a list of local stores, although the store list is still a work in progress (email them at addmystore (at) proedgepaintball (dot) com to get your store added to the list.)

I also noticed that they do not have a manual up for Luxe.

PaintballGunManuals.com is brought to you by ProEdgePaintball. If you’re ever in Houston, TX, stop by the store.

Pro Edge Paintball
713-896-8841
14916 NW Freeway
Houston, TX 77040

CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY
Tuesday-Friday 11:30am – 7:30pm
Saturday 9:30am – 6:30pm

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 10:41 AM PDT

You can register for NPPL Chicago HERE.

NEPL New NPPL Feeder Series

Posted: 24 Mar 2011 10:38 AM PDT

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-20T01:33:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

Planet Eclipse Artifact Episode 6

Posted: 19 Mar 2011 10:38 AM PDT

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-19T01:44:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

Hooters Girls in the VIP at HB

Posted: 18 Mar 2011 12:45 PM PDT

Hooters will be in VIP section at the Surf City Open. VIP tickets can purchased on the NPPL website.

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-18T01:04:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

PSP Chicago Confirmed

Posted: 17 Mar 2011 10:47 AM PDT

PSP Chicago will be June 23-26, 2011 at CPX Sports Park.

2903 Schweitzer Rd. in Joliet, Illinois

The Chicago event is an extended event; games starting on Thursday and trade show and check-in starting on Wednesday.

Professional RaceTo-7 (Fri – Sun only)
D1 RaceTo-5 (Thurs – Sun)
D2 RaceTo-5 (Thurs – Sun)
D3 RaceTo-4 (Thurs – Sun)
D4 RaceTo-4 (Thurs – Sun)
D3 RaceTo-2 (Fri – Sun only)
D4 RaceTo-2 (Fri – Sun only)
D3 RaceTo-2 (Sat and Sun only)
D4 RaceTo-2 (Sat and Sun only)

As with all PSP events, teams will be able to bring their own paint so long as RPS, Procaps or GI Sportz manufactures it. These companies will also be selling paint on-site for teams traveling in. Please use the following contact information to pre-order your paint:

GI Sportz: Email info@gisportz.com
Procaps: Call Megan Farrell at 877-722-5590 Ext. 7802
RPS: Contact your sales rep or Nina Walsh at (800) PAINBALL ext. 228

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-16T01:38:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

PSP Galveston Wrap-up

Posted: 15 Mar 2011 10:25 AM PDT

The PSP season opener was this past weekend and it was in Galveston, TX for the first time. The event was great, great weather, great location, spring breakers and making it to Sunday. It was sunny for most of the event with the exception of Sunday morning, a bit cloudy. The temperature was typically high of low 70′s and low of 50′s. The hotels were all less than a 10 minute drive and were decently spacious. The island of Galveston was very receptive of the event; local business were welcoming paintballers and selling food and drinks at the event. The spot of the event was about a block or 1/4 mile from the beach which is the local field, GI Paintball. Also, for the first time that I’ve seen, A BEER BOOTH!

As usual, the first event doesn’t have that many vendors attend. The vendors that were there were Planet Eclipse, Virtue, Critical, Derder, Understood, Valken, Guerilla Air, HK/PBFashion, Custom Products, Avid Extreme Sports on behalf of Empire, Procaps, Dye, Gangster Paintball, Ninja, KM, and Trade my Gun. Critical was there showing off their new stealth pack, which I have to say is rather nice. I wish I picked one up to try. Guerrilla Air was pushing their new G2 reg and had a raffle giving one away. Virtue started making event jerseys which were $80. The cool thing about the jerseys is that they were made on the spot, and when I say made on the spot I mean the chest logo was heat pressed at the booth when you bought your jersey. Understood had an event shirt as well. Their shirt was very popular seeing as it sold out by Saturday afternoon. Since Understoond didn’t anticipate the popularity of their event shirt, they are making a second run of the shirt in the next week of so. It was shocking not to see the Empire truck there and that Avid was there only to sell Empire clothes.

A good item to look into getting is the new Planet Eclipse gun bag. It costs $25 and I think it’s a lot better than the Dye gun bag and the gatwrap from Understood. The PE gun bag has more room for your gun than the gatwrap and has better barrel organization. There are slots for 5 barrel pieces. The PE gun bag is smaller than the Dye gun bag because the Dye gun bag can carry 2 guns but 2 PE guns bags still takes up less room in your gearbag than 1 Dye gun bag, plus you double your barrel storage with 2 PE bags. The PE gun bag also has another pouch for storing allen keys, spare parts, or lube. The bag comes in two colors; dig-E-camo and chatter.

Unfortunately, not everything went well at the event. GI Sportz, the “best” paint a world cup did not shoot well for many teams in the morning and some in the afternoon. People were complaining of too many bounces, barrel breaks, and hopper jamming. This was happening with both grades of paint, 3-star and 4-star. Apparently my team is the only team that had a good experience with the paint on Friday and Saturday afternoon. On Sunday, of all days, the paint decides to shoot like crap for us. We experienced the badness of the GI paint; some teammates and I got hopper jams in a rotor and prophecy, others were getting barrel breaks, and we were all noticing that the paint was not breaking on the competition.

Another mishap at the event was that a local Texan decided to have himself shopping spree courtesy of other player’s gearbags. This guy stole gearbag(s) from behind the KM booth. I was actually at the KM booth when the figured out it was him. The scene was actually quite uneventful. Some people recognized him and the KM staff called the cops and PSP staff, 10-15 minutes later he was escorted out by police and PSP staff. For a while, people were claiming that his entire team was stealing stuff from the event but he has said that he acted alone in the theft and that his team should not be accused of stealing. He is no longer a part of that team.

PSP Galveston was an incredible event and I hope PSP decides to have it there again.

Pictures are posted on Facebook

Videos of pro matches are on the PSP youtube channel

Hurry and Pay for Huntington Beach

Posted: 15 Mar 2011 09:22 AM PDT

The NPPL HB is Over Sold!

The NPPL Surf City USA Open Huntington Beach Event is Over Sold for April 1st-3rd. Teams that are registered and not paid need to pay as soon as possible in order to guarantee a spot to play in the best event of the year! The NPPL has placed a team cap on each division as shown below:

Professionals: 16

Division 1 7 Man: 9

Division 2 7 Man: 27

Division 3 7 Man: 36

Division 4 5 Man: 27

Pump: 16

The NPPL Surf City USA Open will be filmed live on ESPN3. Pay today and guarantee team listing on the official Surf City USA Open T-shirt. Only confirmed teams will be added to the event T shirt.

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-15T01:39:00.001-07:00

Paintball Headlines

PSP Galveston Results

Posted: 14 Mar 2011 01:54 PM PDT

This past weekend was PSP Galveston. It was near the perfect weekend for paintball; great weather, sunshine, and the beach. Shout out to my boys on Outbreak TX. We played well for our first time playing x-ball.

Pro:
1st – Dynasty
2nd – Red Legion
3rd – Infamous
4th – Damage

D1:
1st – Total Karnage Orlando
2nd – upTon 187 Crew
3rd – T1 Topgun Union
4th – HuSTLe

D2:
1st – Grad
2nd – Static
3rd – D.C. Monstars
4th – Distortion

D3:
1st – Revo
2nd – LA Heat
3rd – PR1ME
4th – Detroit Action

D4:
1st – Richmond United
2nd – Central Florida Paintball
3rd – MOmentum
4th – OUTBREAK TX

D3 5-man:
1st – LA Swat
2nd – Richmond Rage
3rd – FATE
4th – CO Ascent 2

D4 5-man:
1st – Avid Extreme Sports Militia
2nd – LSD II
3rd – Brutality Red
4th – Valley Paintball

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-09T01:29:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

PSP Galveston Jerseys

Posted: 08 Mar 2011 10:29 AM PST

For this event Virtue will be debuting a limited run of PSP Galveston jerseys in addition to the event t-shirts.

No price has been released but from the look of the jersey, I would say that the price for one of these jerseys would be around $60-$75.

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-05T01:21:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Last Day for Empire Sponsorship Applications

Posted: 04 Mar 2011 01:35 PM PST

Today is the last day to send in applications for Empire’s Sponsored Like a Pro program. The only requirements to apply for this sponsorship is that your team be at least 5 members and that your local store be an authorized dealers for KEE.

Apply Here

Monkey Butt Samples for PSP Players

Posted: 04 Mar 2011 01:25 PM PST

The term monkey butt typically means an uncomfortable situation in which your sweat mixes with your chaffed butt. The product monkey butt is meant to prevent or relieve this predicament.

Monkey butt is a talcum and calamine based powder that absorbs sweat and reduces friction. It works quickly so that you can perform better and feel a lot more comfortable.

PSP players get free samples of monkey butt in their team packets when they register/check-in at the event. The samples will be given at all events starting in Galveston.

Authorized dealers for Monkey Butt: Ace Hardware, Rite Aid, Wal Mart, Meijer, Sam’s, Northern, Tractor Supply

Paintball Headlines

2011-03-04T01:22:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

PSP Galveston layout

Posted: 03 Mar 2011 06:42 AM PST

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-26T01:10:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

PSP Galveston Registration Ending

Posted: 25 Feb 2011 11:55 AM PST

Registration and payment are due for PSP Galveston.
Along with team registration and payment, tonight is the last night for online purchasing of ID cards and final adjustments to team rosters. ID cards are $50 online. Rosters and IDs can be handled at the event but will cost you some money. Ids will be $60 and $70 if your picture needs to be taken at the event; roster changes at the event will cost $20/change.

All this needs to be handled by midnight eastern time.

Teams paid by division

D4 Race to 2 – 33 of 37
D3 Race to 2 – 17 of 19
D4 Race to 4 – 9 of 10
D3 Race to 4 – 26 of 32
D2 Race to 5 – 12 of 14
D1 Race to 5 – 12 of 13 (12 team max)
Pro Race to 7 – 10 of 10

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-23T01:25:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Oklahoma D-Day events presents Flight Into History
Double Down and Win with the Empire Axe and RPS
NPPL Huntington Beach Field Layout

Oklahoma D-Day events presents Flight Into History

Posted: 22 Feb 2011 11:21 AM PST

ONLY 33 SPOTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THIS SPECIAL EVENT

s part of the experience of participating in The 2011 Oklahoma D-Day Event, we’ve lined up what might be classified as a once in a lifetime opportunity to take what is being described as a “Flight Into History.”

This is an opportunity for you to climb aboard a WW II vintage C-47. The C-47 was the workhorse of the allies during WW II. It’s also the same type of aircraft that Jake McNiece, 4 time combat jump veteran of the 101st Airborne jumped from early on the morning of D-Day with the members of his Filthy Thirteen unit.

Because time, not to mention space is extremely limited, we’re looking for commitments from 33 individuals who are willing to pay $150.00 each for what we expect will be about a 30 minute flight.

The flight will originate at the Grove, Oklahoma Municipal Airport, not far from the D-Day Adventure Park site in nearby Wyandotte, OK. Once airborne the plane will make it’s way to the D_Day site, where you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the 800 acre field, vendors and camp ground areas, before returning once more to the airfield. On arrival at the field you’ll have an opportunity to personally meet and listen to Jake McNiece talk about his WW II experiences with the 101st Airborne Division. He will then present you with you own autographed copy of his book, “The Filthy Thirteen.”

This flight is due to take place on Friday, June 10th. Transport to and from the airfield from the D-Day Adventure Park site will be available to those who wish to take advantage of it.

Double Down and Win with the Empire Axe and RPS

Posted: 22 Feb 2011 11:15 AM PST

Combine the Empire Axe and RPS and Win FREE Paint

Teams shooting RPS paint with the Empire Axe that finish on the podium get money back.

All divisions qualify.

1st Place: 100% Free Paint
2nd Place: 50% Free Paint
3rd Place: 25% Free Paint

NPPL Huntington Beach Field Layout

Posted: 22 Feb 2011 11:09 AM PST

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-20T01:28:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Ollie Lang Back to Dynasty

Posted: 19 Feb 2011 09:38 AM PST

That’s right, the biggest active player name in the paintball world will not be playing for the Ironmen for the 2011 season; Ollie Lang is back playing for Dynasty. I did not realize that his contract with Dye was over and that Dye didn’t offer to renew it.

This was confirmed on his twitter account, olliewang.

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-19T01:24:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

UWL Mesquite

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 09:56 AM PST

There will be a Ultimate Woodsball League event in Mesquite, Nevada on March 19 and 20, 2011. The event will be at a pirates paradise paintball field. Registration can be done here.

Hotels for the Event:

CasaBlanca Resort or Virgin River Hotel & Casino
877-438-2929
group # 35543 for Friday and Saturday
Group Rate: $49.98/Night* (All Smoking Rooms)
*Room must be booked before Feb. 25, 2011 to get group rate

Falcon Ridge Hotel
702-346-2200
* Must state UWL event to get group discount

Best Western Mesquite Inn
702-346-7444
* Must state UWL event to get group discount

Win Rich Telfords Empire Axe

Posted: 18 Feb 2011 09:41 AM PST

1. Post a photo of you and your friend/friends at a paintball park/store/field having fun onto XSV's facebook wall.
2. Click on your photo and tag you and all your friends that are in the picture.
One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all the pictures posted by the end of the day on March 17th 2011!

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-17T01:37:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

NPPL Surf City Open Tickets On Sale Now

Posted: 16 Feb 2011 02:51 PM PST

Come and watch the Pros play in the 9th annual Surf City USA Open in Huntington Beach, CA April 1st – 3rd 2011. Come and experience what the NPPL has to offer, including a free trade show open to the public, a meet and greet with the top Professional players and signings. Tickets will be on sale beginning Wednesday February 16th at 8:00am, for grandstand seating and VIP throughout the weekend. For one week only, starting 2/16-2/23, the tickets will be at a special discounted rate, so order your tickets early and save! To order your tickets please go to www.nppl.com. You don’t want to miss out one of the greatest paintball shows on earth!

For any questions please call or email Valerie Evans at (714) 758-5575 or Valerie@nppl.com

Use special order code: HBearlybird (valid until Feb 23th)

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-15T01:44:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

PSP Ref Clinic in Pennsylvania

Posted: 14 Feb 2011 11:51 AM PST

The Pennsylvania PSP Referee Certification Clinic has been confirmed for April 16, 2011 & April 17, 2011 and will be held at Wanna-Play Paintball in Dillsburg, PA.

What: PSP Official Referee Certification, 2 day clinic
When: April 16th & April 17th, 2011
Where: Wanna-Play Paintball
Register: ALL attendees must pre-register by calling WPPs Pro Shop at 717-432-7997
Cost: $85.00
Class Limit: 50 people
Suggested Minimum Age: 16

Clinic Includes:
Classroom training
Topics covered to include, but not limited to:
- Rules
- Positioning
- Safety
- Presentation
- Attitude
Written test on PSP rules & in-game situations
On field training!
Performance evaluation in key areas
PSP rulebook, including all Divisional RaceTo-2/4/5/7
Certificate of clinic completion*

Agenda: (Bring your gear and be prepared to ref live games)
Saturday
- Check in begins at 10:00 am, classroom training to begin at 10:30 am
- Clinic ends at 4:30 pm
Sunday
- Classroom begins at 10:00 am, live scrimmage reffing
- Clinic ends at 3:00 pm

ALL ATTENDEES MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE!!!

Registration for the Pennsylvania PSP Referee Certification Clinic will be open immediately by calling the Wanna-Play Paintball Pro Shop at 717-432-7997.

If all spots are not filled before the clinic, limited walkup registration MAY be available.
Any questions can be directed to Tim Schroepfer at clinics@pspevents.com
(Walkup registration fees must be paid in cash on the first day of the clinic)

*Attendance/participation in the PSP certification clinic does not guarantee that you will be called upon to judge a national event for the PSP.

***All attendees must fill out a field waiver prior to participating in any on-field reffing***
***NO EXCEPTIONS***

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-13T01:04:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Play Mini Golf with Vicious for Charity
National Paintball Players Association – NPPL’s New ID Registration
VDay Discounts for your girl from Valken
More Airline Partnering with NPPL

Play Mini Golf with Vicious for Charity

Posted: 12 Feb 2011 03:34 PM PST

Team Vicious will be at Magic Carpet Golf in Galveston on Friday March 11 from 7pm – 9pm. Their proceeds will go to the Galveston County Food Bank. A donation of $20 will pay for 1 round of mini golf and a Galveston County Food bank t-shirt. (Must register by 3/1/2011 to get a shirt)

National Paintball Players Association – NPPL’s New ID Registration

Posted: 12 Feb 2011 02:33 PM PST

The NPPL is proud to announce the release of a new registration software program and website to manage and control team and player registrations, player rankings and other tournament data management needs.

This new website was constructed with input from present and future affiliate leagues, NPPL teams, players, and other industry professionals. The site and its databases will continually update and improve as we move forward with 2011 registrations and the uploading of previous years NPPL event data. The site will also include player data from other top tier North American Paintball leagues, and will allow for other regional paintball series to use the system as we move forward.

We have included functions that Paintball players expect from an online paintball registration site and much more. This system will not monopolize player data, and will be “open sourced” so anyone can look up a players rank and history by searching by player name or team name. We strongly believe player rankings belong to the sport, and not to an individual company.

In the next few months we will launch some revolutionary features to further enhance the website, the NPPL and its affiliate leagues.

The site was designed to be user friendly and easy to navigate, if you have trouble our tech team is standing by to answer your questions or comments, please visit the contact page for info.

To check out the new site visit www.nationalpaintballplayers.com

The NPPL and our team of professionals will continue to invest time and resources to make tournament paintball play enjoyable, safe and competitive no matter what you’re skill level.

VDay Discounts for your girl from Valken

Posted: 12 Feb 2011 02:29 PM PST

More Airline Partnering with NPPL

Posted: 12 Feb 2011 02:27 PM PST

The NPPL is now partnering with United Airlines and Delta to offer you a special discount travel rate for all Super 7 World Series Events to NPPL members.

In order to take advantage of these great rates, please be sure to use the Meeting ID/Tour Codes for all upcoming events.

To make your reservations for United Airlines please call at 1 (800) 521-4041 or visit their website at www.United.com. Please be sure to use the Code: 587EM.

To make reservations with Delta Airlines for individual bookings please call 1 (800) 328-1111 and use code: NM753. For group bookings of 10 or more please call 1 (800) 532-47777 and use code: NG3YD.

Below is the available list of flight dates for each event.

Surf City USA Open- Huntington Beach, CA
Dates Available: March 26 – April 8, 2011

Chicago Open- Chicago, IL
Dates Available: May 14-27, 2011

DC Open- Washington, DC
Dates Available: September 10-23, 2011

Las Vegas World Championship-Las Vegas, NV
Dates Available: November 5-18, 2011

Reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking and must be in the appropriate booking class. All applicable taxes, surcharges, custom user fees, passenger facility charges, and security fees must be added. Fares are not guaranteed until ticketed.

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-05T01:22:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Planet Eclipse Digital Download Store
Discount Rental Cars for NPPL events
Furious Powercells Official Battery Sponsor of NPPL

Planet Eclipse Digital Download Store

Posted: 04 Feb 2011 01:46 PM PST

Planet Eclipse has come out with e-store where you can download the latest PE videos. Videos are I-tunes and I-tunes device format, so you must have I-tunes on your Mac or PC. Videos run between $2.99 & $4.99.

Eclipse will continue using its youtube channel, and publishing free video content as well, usually posting to the Youtube channel two weeks after debuting in the store.

More details on the Planet Eclipse Blog

Discount Rental Cars for NPPL events

Posted: 04 Feb 2011 01:38 PM PST

The NPPL is excited to announce we have partnered with Hertz Rental Cars to offer NPPL members discounted travel for all the NPPL events and for being a NPPL members, the discount can also be used the entire year for other personal or business travel.

To make reservations be sure to provide the CV# listed below for each event to your travel agent when making reservations. You can also make reservations online at www.Hertz.com or call Hertz directly.

U.S. and Canada 1(800) 654-2240
Other 1(405) 749-4434

At the time of reservation, the meeting rates will be automatically compared to other Hertz rates to ensure the best comparable rate available.

NPPL Code: CV# 04PF0001

Advance reservations are recommended and are subject to availability. Blackout dates may apply. Government surcharges, taxes, tax reimbursement, airport related fees, vehicle licensing fees and optional items, such as refueling or additional driver fees, are extra. Minimum rental age is 25 (exceptions apply). Standard rental conditions and qualifications apply. Vehicles must be returned to the renting location.

In the continental U.S. and Canada weekend rentals are available for pick-up between noon Thursday and noon Sunday and must be returned no later than Monday at 11:59 p.m. Thursday pick-up requires a minimum three-day keep. Friday pick-up requires a minimum two-day keep, and Saturday and Sunday pick-up require a one-day keep. Weekly rentals are from five to seven days. Extra day rate for Weekly rentals will be charged at 1/5 of the Weekly Rate.

Furious Powercells Official Battery Sponsor of NPPL

Posted: 04 Feb 2011 01:33 PM PST

Furious Paintball and the NPPL have teamed up to provide teams with
paintball specific batteries at all NPPL events.

Furious Powercells batteries are specially designed for paintball
equipment and are compatible with all loaders and markers.

With everyone looking to save as much money as possible in the
current economic climate and with batteries being a necessity for
optimal performance during tournaments, Furious Powercells are able
to last longer than batteries bought from a local supermarket at more
affordable prices with twice the lasting ability. Having fresh
batteries in markers and loaders before every major tournament is a
standard for every competing team. Add in with the practices, the
amount of money spent on batteries do add up. This affiliation would
enable teams to get more bang for their dollars.

“We’re trying all sorts of creative ways to help teams play Paintball
in 2011″ says Junior Brown, NPPL’s director of sponsorship. That is
why you will see samples of AA and 9v Furious’s PowerCell batteries
in all team packs available at the NPPL registration booth for free.

Because Furious PowerCells have a higher amperage rating, you will
change them less and enabling the batteries to last longer than
traditional batteries off the shelves.

“Our PowerCell batteries are designed for paintball equipment which
have high energy requirements” Matthew Nekvapil, CEO of Furious
Paintball explains. He continues by saying that paintball markers and
loaders drain batteries very fast and traditional batteries bought in
supermarkets end up dead faster.

Furious PowerCells are designed to last longer and more importantly
cost less than more expensive name brand batteries. Another new
feature of the batteries is that they are packed in an environmentally friendly packaging.
With teams going through a lot of batteries, it makes sense to
eliminate all the cardboard and plastic that come with new batteries.
Furious PowerCells are now packed in blister packing enabling one to
pack new batteries in a gear bag without taking up much space.

The batteries will be available at all NPPL events for 2011 at a
designated battery booth in both AA and 9v sizes.

About Furious Paintball

Furious Paintball is a manufacturer of the almost famous Lotus
paintball barrels and PowerCell batteries designed for paintball equipment.

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-04T01:22:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

“Discount” Flight for PSP Attendees via Delta Airlines

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 01:23 PM PST

Save on your Delta flights into Houston for the PSP Galveston Island Open! To make reservations, just call 1 800 328 1111 ($20 fee is being waived for our group) and reference ticket designator: NM6WW. Remember, games begin on Friday, March 11, 2011 and finish Sunday, March 13, 2011. Book your travel to arrive on Thursday, March 10, 2011 so you can get checked in and walk the fields!

For those that are flying to this event, I would suggest flying southwest. Not only do you not get charged for 2 bags 50lbs or less but Hobby airport is closer to Galveston then Bush Intercontinental.

Become PSP/CFOA Ref Certified

Posted: 03 Feb 2011 01:18 PM PST

The CFOA will be having a CFOA and PSP referee certification clinic instructed by the PSP Head Ref Tim Schroepfer on Feb. 19th and 20th in Rock Hill, SC. If you are interested in working as a referee for the PSP or the CFOA, attendance of this event is required in order to receive your certification. All future, and current referees must attend!

Registration can be made through the APPA website or by contacting Brian Radford at Radford@thecfoa.com

All attendees should also contact radford (at) thecfoa (dot) com for final details.

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-03T01:31:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Empire: Open for Sponsorships
Trade-in 2009 Impulse for a Luxe
Empire and RPS Master Sponsors for PSP

Empire: Open for Sponsorships

Posted: 02 Feb 2011 10:59 AM PST

For a limited time teams can apply to be Sponsored Like a Pro.

If you have heart and love for the game and are on a team of 3 or more here is your chance.

Go to the official application section and fill out the form.

Our excited team here will review your application and if you’re accepted into this exclusive fraternity you’re set for the year!

Now get off your butt and get online to apply.

After that be sure to Tweet, Facebook, MySpace or all of the above that Empire and Empire Battle Tested personally asked you to apply!

This is your formal invitation, teams don't blow your opportunity to take the podium with your fellow PROS!

Trade-in 2009 Impulse for a Luxe

Posted: 02 Feb 2011 10:55 AM PST

DLX Offers Impulse Trade In

DLX Technology Group offers $500 trade-in value to players who move up from a 2009 Smart Parts Impulse to the ultimate luxury paintball marker.

For Immediate Release – For a limited time, owners of a complete (working or not) recent model year Smart Parts Impulse can trade their marker in to DLX Technology Group for a value of $500 dollars off the factory-direct purchase of a DLX Luxe.

"Because of our parts manufacturing relationship with Smart Parts, we were able to obtain the remaining stock of Impulse parts when they closed their doors, and we've been providing service and support for Impulse owners," said DLX Director Darryl Trent. "That part supply is now running thin, and this trade in program will provide a path for Impulse owners to upgrade to a top performing, ultra-reliable and easy to maintain Luxe paintball marker. The trade-up program will also help us re-stock with components to continue supporting players who stay with their Impulse."

The Impulse trade-in program begins February first, 2011 and will continue only until a sufficient part supply is re-stocked at DLX, so interested Impulse owners will need to act quickly. Only 2009 model year (the recent re-designed re-release of the Impulse) are eligible for the upgrade offer. Trade-in participants do not need to be the original owner of the Impulse. If the marker was bought used or traded, it is still eligible for the full trade-in value. Trade-in markers do not need to be working, but they must be complete, with all of their original parts. For markers with a few minor missing parts (bolt, eye-cover, etc.) a reduced discount may be negotiated on a case by case basis at the sole discretion of DLX Technology Group.

For more information, contact DLX Technology group at 1-866-573-5893 or 1-707-293-9648.

DLX Technology is dedicated to melding cutting edge technology with solid tournament performance to build the ultimate luxury paintball marker. To learn more, contact DLX Technology Group at Dtrent@luxepaintball.com

866-973-5893
707-293-9640

DLX Technology Group
979 Golf Course Dr 148
Rohnert Park, CA 94928

Empire and RPS Master Sponsors for PSP

Posted: 02 Feb 2011 10:53 AM PST

Empire Paintball and RPS are once again proud to be a Master Sponsor for the 2011 PSP tournament series. Ultra Evil Paintballs, the winningest paint on the planet, will be on site for every match in temperature regulated trucks. Be the best, Shoot the Best with Empire Paintballs with RPS Advanced Formula. In it to win it. Teams may bring their own RPS paint to the event or purchase directly through RPS and pick it up from the RPS paint trailer. For more information, contact your local sale representative or Nina Walsh at 1-800-724-6822 ext. 228. Be sure to ask about getting extra love for shooting the AXE and winning your division with Empire RPS Paint.

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-02T01:17:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

NPPL Partners Up With American Airlines

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 11:40 AM PST

The National Professional Paintball League is partnering with American Airlines to provide you a minimum savings of 5%, the discount is even greater from certain departing cities.

To make a reservation, please call American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 1-800-433-1790 from anywhere in the United States or Canada or go to www.AA.com and refer to the Promotional Code below.

Surf City USA Open Huntington Beach Event:
Dates: Mar 30, 2011- April 04, 2011 Destinations: LAX-BUR/LAX/ONT/SNA
Promotional Code: 9731DS

Chicago Event:
Dates: May 18, 2011- May 23, 2011 Destinations: ORD-CHICAGO OHARE
Promotional Code: 9151BY

Washington DC Event:
Dates: Sep 14, 2011- Sep 19, 2011 Destinations: DCA-BWI/DCA/IAD
Promotional Code: 6591AJ

Las Vegas Event:
Dates: Nov 9, 2011- Nov 15, 2011 Destinations: LAS-LAS VEGAS
Promotional Code: 86N1AS

Please note: there will be a separate ticketing charge of $20.00 USD for tickets purchased via the phone or $30.00 USD for tickets purchased at the airport. This amount is subject to change. There is no ticketing fee for reservations made and ticketed online at https://ui.constantcontact.com/rnavmap/em/ecampaign/www.AA.com. The percentage discount can be booked on-line for American Airlines and American Eagle flights only.

For International originating guests, please call your local reservations number and refer the Promotional Code.

XSV Shoots Empire Axe for 2011

Posted: 01 Feb 2011 11:38 AM PST

Empire Paintball announces that pro paintball team, Sacramento XSV, will play the NPPL series with the Empire AXE Marker.

“The team has been very impressed with the performance of the gun,” said Rich Telford of Sacramento XSV. “I remember a time when a great, pro-level marker needed to be out of this world expensive! Times have changed and in the twenty-first century, a paintball gun can be both affordable and ready for competition – and Empire Axe is it.”

Thomas Taylor of XSV said, “The AXE is light, fast, accurate and compact… all the things I need in a paintball gun! For anyone who plays as aggressive and up the field as I do, the new Empire Axe is the perfect choice! I can’t wait to hit the snake with my Axe in 2011!”

Last month, Empire Paintball released the new Empire AXE Marker. On first glance, the marker may look like a Mini, but once the marker is shot, it is a completely different story:

Extended grip and trigger frame and ergonomic grip for maximum comfort
Smooth and stable firing platform with feather light kick
Easy maintenance with unique push-button bolt out back design
Adjustable bearing trigger with micro-switch activation
On/Off ASA with integrated pressure regulator
“Empire is proud to have XSV shooting our new AXE marker,” said Jason A. Taitano, VP of Marketing. “The feedback on the performance of the gun has already exceeded our expectations. From internal field testers, to external reviews, this gun shoots like butter. Having a Pro Team shooting the marker further justifies its high level of performance.”

Paintball Headlines

2011-02-01T01:11:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

All New: Critical Stealth Pack

Posted: 31 Jan 2011 10:09 AM PST

Critical has developed a new pack for tourney players, the stealth pack. It has a unique strap for holding your pods the pack. They say it lowers your profile but I don’t see a difference in the video; I would need to see a side by side comparison with someone wearing another pack. I also don’t how their ejection system is any different from any of the other packs out on the market. And as for being quiet, LYSK has a magnetic pack which also quieter than velcro. Hopefully this pack is on display somewhere at PSP Galveston so I can check it out.

Paintball Headlines

2011-01-27T01:08:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

DXS Master Sponsor for PSP

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 11:43 AM PST

NPPL Surf City Open

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 11:37 AM PST

NPPL Huntington Beach is April 1-3, 2011. Registration opened this morning at 8am.

Take advantage of the NPPL’s early bird special stimulus package. Teams that pay in full for the year will receive $200 off entry fee for each event, a $800 value. Teams will also receive; 7 passes for grandstand for the entire season, 2 VIP passes for Huntington Beach and Las Vegas, first initial ID cards, 7 Huntington Beach T-shirts, and 4 pit passes for each event. This is over a $900 value! You don’t want to miss out on this amazing deal!!!! Limited time only.

Entry:

Pump Division – $1000

Division 4 5 Man – $1200

Division 3 7 Man – $1825

Division 2 7 Man – $2100

Division 1 7 Man – $2275

Pro Division – $3500

Paintball Headlines

2011-01-26T01:33:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

APPA Classification Update

Posted: 25 Jan 2011 08:48 AM PST

After carefully examining the performance of the Universal Classification system following last season’s major revamp, we are pleased to announce a few adjustments to the system for 2011 that will build on the previous revamp to make the system perform even better. The adjustments focus on two areas: Recognizing when players may not be competing at as high a level as they may have been previously and allowing their classification to fall sooner, and providing RaceTo-4/5/7 teams additional flexibility with their rosters to include players of slightly higher ratings than they were able to previously. These changes will provide more opportunities for players to compete without compromising on the fair competition players and teams demand.

- As in 2010, 3-man events will not count towards your PSP Classification
- As in 2010, a player can not be promoted to Division 2 or higher unless they earn enough points from either playing in higher divisions or playing in PSP tournaments. (Exception: Regional leagues offering Division 2 may promote players to that division for their league.)
- As in 2010, two point promotion thresholds will be in place, one for promotion based on a player’s classification rating on 12/31/2010, and a higher threshold that applies throughout the 2011 season. For the 2011 season, the points needed to be promoted to a classification are:

Promotoed to	At End of 2010 Season (12/31/2010)	Anytime during Season
Pro/Semi-Pro	3936pts	4800pts
D1	1968 pts	2400 pts
D2	984 pts	1200 pts
D3	492 pts	600 pts
D4	100 pts	300 pts
D5	50 pts	150 pts

- The Semi-Pro division will be eliminated. Semi-Pro will remain a classification, however, but it will be “parallel” to the Pro classification. A player who earns enough points to be promoted to Pro/Semi-Pro will be Pro if they have played at least 2 Pro events within the current or previous two seasons (2011, 2010, 2009) and Semi-Pro otherwise.
– Players will continue to earn 100 points for 1st place finishes, and 10 points for last place finishes, except that players on Pro teams will earn 45.5 points for a last place finish. Points for finishes between 1st and last place will be evenly spread between the top and bottom scores.

As in 2010, scores will be multiplied based on the division in which they were earned to determine the number of points they are worth.

Division	Multiplier
Pro	32x
Semi-Pro	24x
D1	16x
D2	8x
D3	4x
D4	2x
D5	1x

Older scores will be reduced in value compared to newer scores, based on the season the score was earned and the number of events played since the score was earned.

Season Score was earned	# of events since score earned	score value
2011, 2010, 2009	11 or less	100%
2008	12-17	70%
2007	18-23	50%
2006 and 3 events since	24-29	35%
2k5, 2k4, 2k3, and 5 events since	30+	25%

The lower score value counts, so if a score was earned in 2009, but the player has played 14 events since the score was earned, the score counts at 70%, not 100%. Note that scores do not drop to 35% value unless at least 3 events have been played since the score was earned, and scores do not drop to 25% value unless at least 5 events have been played since the score was earned.

A player’s total ranking is the sum of their best three scores, except that players with at least 4 scores drop their top score, and players with three scores count their top score at 50%.

Roster Rules:

For RaceTo-2 rosters, a team may have up to one player classified up to one division higher than the division the team is competing in.

For RaceTo-4/5 rosters, a team may have up to two players who are classified higher than the division the team is competing in.

- A RaceTo-4/5 team may always have two players who are classified one division higher than the division the team is competing in.
- Division 1 teams may have any number of Semi-Pro players, and up to 2 Pro players.
- No Pro players may compete on Division 2 or lower teams.
- To provide additional roster flexibility RaceTo-4/5 teams and additional opportunities for players just over a classification threshold, a RaceTo-4/5 team may have one player who is two classes higher than the division the team is competing in, provided the player’s rating is no higher than 3x the end-of-season limit for the division the team is competing in, and the total points for the top two players on the team do not exceed 4x the end-of-season limit for that division.

Division	Top Player’s Rating Limit	Sum of top 2 player’s rating limit
D2 Race to 5	5904	7872
D3 Race to 4	2952	3936
D4 Race to 4	1476	1968

Basically, you can have up to 2 players one class higher, but one player can “borrow” points from the other player. So for a D3 team, you could have two players rated 1968, or one player at 2168 and one at 1768, or one at 2868 and another at 1068. You can not, however, ever have a player rated over 2952 points on a D3 RaceTo-4 team.

Registration for PSP Galveston is Open

Posted: 25 Jan 2011 07:31 AM PST

PSP Galveston is March 11 – 13, 2011. Registration for the event is now open, it actually has been open since Sunday evening.

The field layout will be released 1 week before the event, March 3, 2011.

Entry

Pro – $2800
D1 – $2800
D2 – $2800
D3 – $2600
D4 – $2600

D3 5-man – $900
D4 5-man – $900

Prizes *Free Entry and 1/2 Entries must be used at a future PSP event in the 2011 season.

Pro:
– 1st – $10, 000, Medals, Trophy
– 2nd – $4,000, Medals, Trophy
D1:
- 1st – $3,000 & ½ Entry, Trophy and Medals
- 2nd – $2,000 & ½ Entry, Trophy and Medals
- 3rd – ½ Entry, Trophy and Medals
D2:
- 1st – $2,500 & ½ Entry, Trophy and Medals
- 2nd – $1,000 & ½ Entry, Trophy and Medals
- 3rd – ½ Entry, Trophy and Medals
D3:
- 1st – Free Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
- 2nd – ½ Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
- 3rd – ½ Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
D4:
- 1st – Free Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
- 2nd – ½ Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
- 3rd – ½ Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
D3 5-man:
- 1st – Free Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
- 2nd – ½ Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
- 3rd – ½ Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
D4 5-man:
- 1st – Free Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
- 2nd – ½ Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals
- 3rd – ½ Entry Fee, Trophy and Medals

Paintball Headlines

2011-01-23T01:21:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

AXBL is a New PSP Affiliate

Posted: 22 Jan 2011 03:53 PM PST

I’ll definitely try and make it to all the Texas events. Houston and San Marcos for sure.

Paintball Headlines

2011-01-19T01:07:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

KEE Action Sports Recalls BT SA-17 Paintball Marker Due To Injury Hazard

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 10:53 AM PST

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of product: BT SA-17 Paintball Gun/Marker
Units: About 1,400
Importer: KEE Action Sports LLC, of Sewell, N.J.
Hazard: When users attempt to pierce the CO2 cartridge by closing the lever to the cartridge chamber, the cartridge can fly out of the marker, posing an injury hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.
Description: The marker is made of aluminum and resembles a pistol. It is black with model number BT SA-17 printed on both sides. It uses a horizontally-fed magazine and requires a 12g CO2 cartridge.
Sold at: Paintball fields/arenas, stores and retailers from May 2010 through August 2010 for about $130.
Manufactured in Taiwan
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled paintball markers. Consumers can return the markers to KEE or the retailer from which the product was purchased for a free repair or contact KEE for the repair parts and installation instructions.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact KEE Action Sports at (800) 220-3222 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, or visit KEE's customer service website at www.paintballsolutions.com.

BT SA-17 paintball maker with lever to CO2 cartridge chamber open.

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

G.I. Sportz Now a Paint Sponsor for PSP

Posted: 18 Jan 2011 10:47 AM PST

G.I. Sportz will be at each event with the World Cup Winning 4-STAR Imperial Paintballs supplied to the players from the G.I. Sportz climate controlled paint trailer! For more information email info (at) gisportz (dot) com or GISPORTZ

Paintball Headlines

2011-01-15T01:14:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Sample PSP Layout

Posted: 14 Jan 2011 11:51 AM PST

This sample layout from PSP gives you the idea of what to expect from the 2011 field changes. There is a new bunker that resembles the center “A” but has the bottom filled in and is smaller; much like the mini X from 2006(I think). Based on this layout alone, 2011 layouts have a different pen grouping, the mini A has replaced the juice box, a bunker has been brought back to slightly block the opening under the center A (if I remember past layouts correctly, this hasn’t been done a few years), and I find it odd that there is an odd amount of pens (7 as opposed to the usual 8).

Paintball Headlines

2011-01-13T01:20:00.000-08:00

Paintball Headlines

NPPL Board of Directors appoints new positions and structure for 2011

Posted: 12 Jan 2011 05:30 PM PST

Here is the new NPPL Team who will lead the sport into the future:

The NPPL is proud to announce the appointment of Mike Peverill as President of the NPPL. Mike comes to the NPPL with many years of experience not only as a former NPPL player and promoter of events, but also as a successful industry leader who runs paintball marketing and promotional seminars. Mike owns Pev’s Paintball and his field hosts the NPPL Washington DC Challenge. Mike is also an owner of the NPPL.

The league has also appointed Tom Cole to be the Commissioner. Tom will be responsible for the enforcement of the NPPL rules and running the PRO referee association. Tom will be present at each of the NPPL events assisted by Dan Perez and Gary Shows as Ultimate Referees.

Chuck Hendsch, former Commissioner and one of the owners of the NPPL will move into a Chief Operating Officer role focused on event logistics.

Bart Yachimec, owner of Edmonton Impact, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and will run the Board of Directors.

Frank Connell, owner Saint Louis Avalanche, is Vice President of Sales and will oversee Team Registration and Membership Services.

Dennis Olsen, owner Chicago Legend, is Chief Financial Officer handling accounting and finances.

Eric Crandall of San Diego Dynasty is General Manager and will focused on league contracts and negotiations.

Mike McDonald, owner Vancouver Vendetta, is Vice President of IT and will oversee the website, web cast and social media for the League.

Jeff Trainer, the newest owner of the NPPL, is Vice President of Marketing and will utilize his extensive business background and contacts to focus on non-endemic sponsorship, TV and promotions.

Stephen “Junior” Brown of Team XSV is Director of Sponsorship responsible for paintball industry sponsors and onsite sponsor coordination.

Rich Telford, owner Team XSV, is Director of the Rules Committee and responsible for the creation of new rules and changes to existing rules.

Valerie Evans is the League’s office manager and in charge of membership services. Jung Hong from Three on Designs handles graphic design and Chris Iaquinta form Splat Magazine handles media relations.

Paintball Headlines

2011-01-11T01:06:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Newish Company – Talonmark 2011 Playing Apparel Designs

Posted: 10 Jan 2011 02:52 PM PST

Talonmark started up in 2009. I believe they are based out in Taiwan so these products might be a little pricey for Americans until they get some American distributors.

Here’s their press release for their Conqueror Line.

We would like to kick off the new year by presenting our latest designs of jerseys and pants for paintball sports, the CONQUEROR Series. We will be introducing additional products throughout the year.

Our CONQUEROR JERSEY is fashioned for maximum protection as well as superior comfort in a versatile and stylish design. Ventilation in critical heat zones and extra padding in high impact areas of the upper body keeps you cool and protected while diving, crawling and sliding.

In addition to our basic style and design, we also offer custom jersey design services.

There are three ways to create your unique jersey:

a ) Select from a large collection of stock patterns and colors offered on our website at no extra cost.

It is just so easy now to create your own jersey, check out the pattern select page at: http://www.talonmark.com/customize.html

b ) Create a jersey design from your own favorite colors and patterns. (Extra charges may apply)

c ) For an additional fee, our professional designers can assist you in custom designing a jersey with that distinctive look for you.

Our CONQUEROR PANTS were developed with versatility in mind as well. Besides providing protection, our multi-functionality design will enhance your paintball experience.

Conquerer pants incorporate specially designed poly/nylon blend fabric for durability and heat reduction.

With removable padding for Knees, hip side, belly, you can now have exactly the level of protection and comfort you desire.

With our removable pants leg design, CONQUEROR PANTS can be use as casual shorts or to cool down after competition.

We are looking for dealers to assist us to promote the brand and products.

We are also looking to sponsor teams.

Check out more info on our website at http://www.talonmark.com

Some additional pictures

Paintball Headlines

2011-01-08T01:15:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

First PSP Event in Galveston, TX

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 11:37 AM PST

This is exciting since I live in Houston. I heard rumors around August that PSP was thinking of having an event in Galveston and turns out it to be the season opener. From what I heard back in August, the location they were thinking of was around 100-200 ft from the beach. Granted it’s not one of the actual beaches where all the people are but you can see the water and what not.

The event will be during spring break, March 11 – 13, 2011. The beaches in Galveston do attract a lot of people around this time of year albeit spring break in Galveston is nothing compared to spring break in South Padre Island but you can still expect to see some beach bunnies sunbathing.

The Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau, PSP, and Galveston Island Paintball are all working together to bring a great event. The Galveston Island Convention and Visitors Bureau is very excited about bringing PSP to the little island and have decided to give each attendee a “Smart Card”, which can be used for discounts at stores, bars, shops and restaurants. The last event that GIP had, the owner got all the 21+ players discounts at the local bars. (I thought that was awesome.)

Paintball Headlines

2011-01-01T01:11:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Parkour Player vs Dynasty

Posted: 31 Dec 2010 03:04 PM PST

Paintball Headlines

2010-12-31T01:11:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Design a Dye NT Contest

Posted: 30 Dec 2010 12:48 PM PST

Dye is having a contest where you can design a NT. The winner of the contest will recieve a Dye NT with their design.

The deadline is January 31, 2011.
Designs are posted to the Dye website and voted on. A panel of Dye members will vote amongst the highest rated designs in order to narrow it down to 10 top designs. Then the top 10 designs will be voted on by the public to determine the winner.

Statement from Lane Wright

Posted: 30 Dec 2010 12:33 PM PST

My name is Lane Wright. Some of you will recognize me as “the guy who runs PSP”. More specifically, I am the Chief Operating Officer for PSP Events, LLC. I am also a partner in the corporation. So, in layman terms, I am one of the owners of PSP and the guy who runs the day-to-day operations of the company.

Lots of you may not realize that I got into paintball as a player. No matter what level of player you may be within this game, I was once just like you. I played recreationally. I played on a scenario team. I played local tournaments in the beginning. I worked my way through the ranks of tournament play from the bottom to eventually playing on professional teams and traveling the world competing at the highest level. I’ve served as coach and organizer for a local team of kids and was the captain of one of the greatest pro teams in the sport.

I also ran local events of all kinds, regional tournaments, and International tournaments. I’ve owned stores, small fields, large fields, worked in the manufacturing side of the industry, etc. I came into the position that led to my running PSP through my work as one of the players selected by my peers to represent them in talks with the owners of the events about how the league was being run. In other words, I was one of the representatives selected by the players in the NPPL to do battle with the PSP. I was there to tell them how to run the events from the players’ point of view. As I listened and learned what actually went on to make the events happen, I realized I could do more good from the inside than from the outside.

This isn’t about my life story. But I do believe some history is worth mentioning so people can see who it is that makes the decisions that take this company and league forward.

Today – and this is what matters – I work day in and day out to assure PSP Events, LLC functions to the best of its abilities at running paintball competitions throughout the United States. That includes overseeing the venues, rules, formats, classifications, structure, scheduling, etc. I also have to consider the economic situation within which we operate these events. There is a business that needs to function in order for any of the aforementioned to take place.

I believe that PSP has facilitated the operational side of the tournaments quite well. Based on the feedback we receive from changes we have implemented, it seems the players are so satisfied with the current product, that they want no change. That is a positive. But it is only one side of the issue.

The other side of the issue is the business that has to function behind, or along side, the events.

As everyone is aware, the economy is abysmal. All indicators are that the best-case scenario is a slow and painful path back to recovery. PSP is caught in this phenomenon with everyone else.

While most of you seem to be appreciative of the way the tournaments have been run, I have to take the current state of PSP’s financial situation, and the predictable future financial situation into consideration on a daily basis. Without a sound financial plan in place, the events cannot and will not continue to happen.

Every business runs with some set of financial considerations. Those considerations consist of two basic parts – income and expense. Obviously, when expense exceeds income, the business either adapts or dies.

PSP’s income has dropped for 5 consecutive years. I have adjusted our expenses, to the best of my ability, accordingly.

PSP’s income will drop again in 2011. It will drop significantly.

PSP’s income has always come from 2 sources – the players and the industry.

The economy has taken a toll on the player’s wallet. The economy has devastated the industry’s financial situation. Both of which bode poorly for PSP’s ability to maintain a solvent business. And a solvent business is absolutely pertinent to PSP running the events.

I cannot fix the economy. I cannot fix the industry. I cannot fix the current players financial situation.

I take the projected costs of running PSP for 2011 as the starting point for my business plan. I subtract the amount of money that I can reasonably expect from the ailing industry. The balance is the amount of money needed from the teams/players. If I take that number and divide it by the number of teams I can expect to attend the events – it simply is an unreasonable expectation to believe those teams can pay that amount of money.

That is the reality of the dilemma PSP is faced with, and the dilemma that you as players are faced with – whether you see it or believe it or not.

I cannot get more money from the industry. It doesn’t exist. I don’t believe there is a lot more money that can come from the teams. I have cut costs to the point that any additional cost cutting would jeopardize the ability of the company to provide even reasonably sufficient events for the people who pay to be there.

The only reasonable option I see is to try to increase the appeal of our events to a greater number of people. This will make them more willing to contribute entry fees into the event.

That’s what I am trying to do.

As I said earlier, our attendance has dropped over the past few years. Some of that has to do with the economy. Some of that has to do with the way we have structured the format.

There is little that I can do with the economy and it’s impact on teams. But I can try to make it so that some teams can feel they have a reasonable expectation of being competitive while spending a little less money in the process. I believe that not having the event specific layout available months prior to the tournament will allow teams who do not have the financial ability to run full on scrimmages 5 times before an event feel more likely to be at least competitive enough to attend.

At the same time, the teams who have been attending 1 event in a season may now enter 2 events in a season as the cost of practice will lessen being there is no means or reason to shoot tons of paint at another team in 5 full on scrimmages on the layout. Teams can just go practice paintball.

There are also people who have stopped playing our events because of the physical demands of the format. I’m not willing to completely undo what we have created. Again, I believe that we provide the format that gives the best team the best chance at winning the events. Obviously, a lot of you feel the same way too. The problem is that there are not enough of us who feel that way to pay for it to be that way. We need help.

I am trying to compromise in order to get that help.

Lengthening the fields and adjusting the bunker placement are efforts to give a wider variety of people a sense that they can now be a little more competitive. This is in hopes that they will once again start to make the choice to attend the events. We had all shapes, sizes, and ages in the events 10 years ago. Changes were made and these made people stop coming. At this point, I’m not willing to make wholesale changes back to 1999. I like what we do today. But, if I want to keep what we are doing alive, I see the need to compromise. We need some of those people back in the sport at this level to sustain it.

There are people who hold the good ol’ days of paintball near and dear to their heart. Nostalgia is a prevalent “emotion” in all sports. It was awesome for us. Today seems awesome for some of you. The difference is that back then – the game thrived. Today the sport is not only not thriving; it’s not even stagnant. It is absolutely in decline. And to put it bluntly, in it’s current position it isn’t sustainable. There are simply not enough people willing to play in the current format to pay the cost of having the events.

I do not agree entirely with the mentality that coaching and crowd participation has taken the skill out of the game. I see people play with coaching and can easily recognize those with skill sets beyond others still win. PERIOD. Even with that said, there is an aspect of the format that we play that keeps others from feeling their skill set – the mental capacity to read an opponents and adjust accordingly – is no longer tangible. I see that as well. We need those people to come back into this sport. Those people, by and large, are a little older, a little slower, and possibly a little less fit. They have learned to use their mind where their body can’t get the job done. They are out there. They played before. They enjoyed it. We need them back. And, again, by in large, these are the types of people who have money to contribute. I am not willing to completely upend the competitive integrity of the format to include them. But, I do see the need to try to adjust some of the things we are doing to get some of them back into our sport. We do need those players.

Taking pit side coaching out of the format will allow some of the people opposed to the format to see a way to get back in. It will be an adjustment for those who are used to having it. PSP will be considerate of that adjustment period. The best teams will win. The best players will shine. The tournaments will still be entertaining, fun, and competitive.

Tournament paintball has been around longer than most of our current players have been alive. It flourished on huge fields, with no coaching, and before anyone ever heard of a layout.

Teams practiced. Fields not only survived; they grew exponentially. Good teams became great teams. Players practiced and got better. Great players developed and became recognized for their talents. Everything players should want today has happened forever and will continue to happen, so long as there is a means for paying for it to happen.

That’s all I am trying to do. I am trying to find a way to pay for these events. The industry is no longer willing or able to subsidize the entry fees with the money needed to make these events happen. The current player doesn’t have the money to contribute to make up for the loss of industry money we are experiencing. I am trying to get more people to see this as a viable source of entertainment worthy of their contribution so that we can stay around.

Some of you see this as taking steps backwards. So be it. I don’t agree. But even if I did, I see nothing wrong with taking a step back to sustain ourselves so that we live to have a chance to eventually go forward again. Hopefully, we will do just that. As long as I’m making the decisions here, I intend to go forward with the best of intentions for the sport and the players in mind. I intend to use the experiences of the past to not repeat mistakes. I intend to look at the reality of what we are faced with and make the correct adjustments. I intend to give the sport the best opportunity to be all it can be. Just as I have been doing, just as I am doing today. It won’t always be easy. It won’t always please everyone. No different than in the past and no different than it is today.

Paintball as you know it today has evolved. In the ideal world there would be thousands of teams clamoring for the chance to play at the national level. This would allow the subsequently thriving industry to be in the position to kick in the big bucks PSP would be able to charge them. Such a world could attract outside money to subsidize event costs. And the costs associated with playing at the top would be minimal for the teams as they would be the stars of the sport. But the reality of the matter is this simply isn’t the case. Chasing that dream, while noble and enchanting, is simply not prudent today. I’m not letting go of the goal. I’m simply realizing that we have to survive today if we ever hope to achieve it in the future. Survival today means we need to open up the revenue stream to more people. To do that – changes have to be made.

Right now, there are things that inhibit lots of people who are competitive by nature and who like the sport of paintball from coming into the PSP. There are others that the nature of the current format chew them up and spit them out. I am trying to change that while having the least amount of negative impact possible. It is my sincere hope that all of you as players and supporters of the PSP will give these changes time to take effect and in the meantime will continue to support and enjoy competing in the PSP.

TL;DR PSP is in a financial downfall and the 2011 changes are an attempt to remedy the situation by attracting more people play PSP.

Paintball Headlines

2010-12-24T01:06:00.001-08:00

Paintball Headlines

Tippmann Buys NXe
New Bunkers for NPPL
2011 NPPL Schedule

Tippmann Buys NXe

Posted: 23 Dec 2010 11:59 AM PST

Tippmann Sports has acquired NXe, a manufacturer of soft goods for the paintball industry. The acquisition combines the industry's leading paintball marker brand with the leading soft goods brand. A full line of paintball harnesses, protective gear, tank covers, apparel, bags, pods and other miscellaneous accessories will be immediately integrated into Tippmann's existing product offering.

Howard Kosick, President and CEO of Tippmann, commented, "By acquiring NXe, we're adding a well-known and respected brand to our portfolio with a strong reputation for innovation and quality – two credentials Tippmann has maintained for more than 25 years. This move provides us with a comprehensive new product offering as well as access to NXe's factories, both of which are extremely valuable."

John Bosch, President of NXe, added, "It is with some sadness that we sell NXe, a company we built from the ground up over the past six years. But, it's time to focus on our other businesses and we're very excited that a company with the reputation of Tippmann will continue to carry on the NXe tradition. We really couldn't have asked for a better situation."

New Bunkers for NPPL

Posted: 23 Dec 2010 11:55 AM PST

Sup-Air the official bunker sponsor of the National Professional Paintball League has created a new NPPL bunker kit for the 2011 tournament season. Together the NPPL and Sup Air have decided to eliminate the center U. The League will also eliminate two small cakes and one small dorito from the 2010 field. The new upgrade kit will replace these obstacles with two large cubes and two giant wings. The Official 2011 NPPL Field will still have 44 bunkers, eliminating 3 small bunkers plus the U and replace with 2 Giant wings and 2 large cubes. The 2011 field will offer many different options for the NPPL Field Design Committee to create dynamic play fields. The goal is to provide larger bunkers on the field making it harder to get eliminations off the break and promote longer games.

2011 NPPL field: (44 bunkers)
4 Temples
4 Mayan Temples
6 Giant Beams
4 Cakes
4 Cylinders
4 Medium Cylinders
4 Medium Doritos
4 Small Doritos
2 Bumpers
4 Bricks
2 NPPL Cubes
2 Giant Wings (center bunkers)
New for the season 2011:
2 Giant Wings
2 NPPL Cubes

2011 NPPL Schedule

Posted: 23 Dec 2010 11:52 AM PST

Event 1 Surf City USA Open Huntington Beach, CA. April 1st – 3rd.

Event 2 Chicago, IL May 20th-22nd

Event 3 Washington D.C. September 16th – 18th

Event 4 Las Vegas, NV November 11th- 13th