September 1998               Back to School Edition               VOL 2 - Issue 1

"This is a great page! I think the ICQ chatroom is a good idea too. It`s good to see places like this that makes it easier for fellow paintballers to communicate with one another. Keep up the good work!"  Orion, Player from Ohio

"Like to here different people storys of paintballing..." Trey, Player from Shreveport, LA

       Well the good news is that the paintball season is still going pretty strong so far this year.  The bad news is that for many of you, it's the start of the school season, bummer.  At least you can still play on the weekends.
        We here at the MPN have been doing our best to bring you the players, up to speed with all info that we can within the paintball industry and sport.  We are trying out new formats, topics, pictures (you name it), in each new edition.  If there is anything that you can think of that you want to hear about, feel free to drop us a line.  The MPN is committed on being a paintball newsletter written by players, for the players.
        If you have pictures, stories, ads, whatever, send it to us if you would like us to use it as material for the MPN.  We will give you full credit for anything you provide us.  We are always looking for new stuff and would love to hear from you!  Keep the stuff coming!
        You can also look for articles from this newsletter to be published in the Splatter Times!

    Thanks,
    Sean Takeda
    President, Monthly Paintball Newsletter
 

** MPN News Flash **

Listbot - Our new Mailing List Service

Many of you may have recieved an email from ListBot list services.  Don't be alarmed.  We have started using ListBot to help us keep out member lists organized, as well as make it easier for you the players to edit your personal nfo, emailing address, or to "remove" yourself from the mailing list by unsubscribing.  Please take a moment to check out the ListBot website to change/edit your nfo if you haven't done so already.  If you have already "replied" to the initial email, that's all you need to do.  You have been added to the new list.  We apologize for any inconvinence this may have caused you, but believe that it should make it much easier for you to recieve future notices (emails) from us.
 

** Meet the MPN Staff!! **

** Looking for guest/full time writers **

** The Paintball Team WebRing **

 ** Other Newsletters **

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Things covered in this issue:

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New Improved Format!  Click on Links to go directly to section
~ I Spy
   Editorials by the MPN Staff and Guest writers
   Featured this month: 
         -Wiping and Cheating, by Sean Takeda
 ~ Q&A 
    Questions for the MPN Staff
~ Paintball Corner
   Articles and Reviews by the MPN Staff
   Featured this month:
        -The Case for the Spyder, by Brian Speiser
        -Electropnuematic Markers, by Glenn Sweeten
        -Standard Angel vs the Eclipse, by Sean Takeda
~ The Paintball Schoolbox 
    Tricks and Tips from the Realm / Learn About... /Newbies
    on the Field / Stories
         -Some Tips for Beginners, by Gramps@aol.com
~ New Products 
   (Guns, Accessories, Equipment)
   Featured this month:
        -S/S Autococker 3-wayfrom Check-it Prod.
      -Low Pressure Power Chamber, from CIP
~ For Sale / Classified
    New Link! Photo Buys and all classifieds
    This month hot Angels for sale!
~ Upcoming Events 
   (Tourneys, Special Events, Holidays)
~ Coming Soon / Announcements
    Private Game at Mare Island 

 
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I Spy – Editorials from the MPN Staff and Guests
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          This editorial section was created to inform you the Paintball Players from around the world about things within the sport the way we the MPN Staff see it.  As many of you already know, we have been around the industry for quite a few years now, and have seen the goods, the bads, and all the changes which have made this sport what it is and isn't today.  We the MPN Staff, feel readers can benefit from this section because it brings foward the way we read, understand, and interpret the way things are running in the paintball industry today.

 Wiping and Cheating on the Field
by, Sean Takeda, President

        Does it ever seem that you are playing paintball against the zombies from "The Night of the Living Dead"?  Especially when you know you tagged the other player clean, certain players never exit the field?  Whether it was a nice "gog" shot, or a nice shot on their gun, a hit is a hit, you exit the field.  This issue unfortunately, has been the case recently at a variety of fields I have been playing at.  It hasn't been too bad up until recently,  but has been noticible enough to be brought to my attention.
        Higher costs of playing (i.e. field entry fees, markers, paint, etc.) have players more intolerable to exiting the field when they get hit.  "Why should I leave the field when I get hit, I want to get my money's worth"  is the most common reason I have been given when questioning other players at local fields.  Many "first time" players are usually incoherent to what is going on around them because of all of the anxiety, excitement, and fear mixed into one huge "rush".  They usually are not aware that they are hit, or what exactly they are supposed to do after being hit, especially because they don't want to get hit again, thus, they usually have little or no reponse.
        But what about the experienced players who know better?  All I can say is, if you are hit, get out.  It is one thing to be hit and not notice it (i.e. on a part of your body that is not visible to you, or maybe if the ball feels like it bounced).  If you are not sure if you are out, have someone check it for you.  There is no excuse for not having someone check you, unless you are the last one on the field and the refs have all gone home (which is not going to happen).
        Intentionally playing after being hit is not only unfair for the other team, you are cheating yourself.  Getting caught cheating on most fields I know of, is automatic removal from that game, and the proceeding game.  Getting caught on the second offense is ejection for the day.  Thrid offense, better find another field to play at, because you have just been banned from this one.  In tournaments, you penalize your entire team with penalty points, one for ones, and ejection from the tournament itself.  Wiping and getting caught is not worth screwing up your paintball career, so just don't do it!  Let's keep the game fair and fun for everyone on the field, the way paintball was meant to be played...

 Back To Table of Contents


 
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Paintball Corner 
Articles and Reviews from the MPN Staff
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-The Case for the Spyder, by Brian Speiser
-Electropnuematic Markers, by Glenn Sweeten
-Standard Angel vs the Eclipse, by Sean Takeda

  Back To Table of Contents


 
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~ New Products
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Check-it S/S Autococker 3-way Valve
Check-it Products has come out with a "c-clipless" stainless 3-way which replaces your stock one.  The design is very impressive, compact, and shiek.   The action on the trigger is improved dramatically due to the smooth action this 3-way provides.  It is rather is rather simple to install (you might need to take it to a local store to re-time the gun), and comes with extra o-rings.  Retail $50.  You can order it directly from Check-It Products at (562)404-9844.

Check-it S/S Autococker Low Pressure Power Chamber
Check-it Products has a Lower Pressure Chambers which replaces the screw which holds the front block on the Auto/Mini cockers.  The Power Chamber is a ported adapter, which holds extra pressure, allowing for the gun to shoot at a lower pressure and providing higher gas efficiency.  Works well with both C02 and HPS systems.  If you are having problems with not having enough gas, this product is for you.  Retail $50. You can order it directly from Check-It Products at (562)404-9844.

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~ Upcoming Events
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- Great Western Major - Mare Island, California October 2-4
      5-10 man A,AA, and AAA.
- Zap International Masters - Nashville, Tennessee October 8-11
        $85,000 in prizes.  $95 per person will get you in for all activities on all four days.  For more inzo call 615-833-7376

  Back To Table of Contents


 
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~ The Paintball Schoolbox
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Got this emailed to me from my friend Stan, who saw it on a newsgroup.  Please be advised that it is only a parody of paintball and should not be taken seriously.

 Some Tips for Beginners
by Gramps@aol.com

        Howdy there folks.  Gramps here.  I got some sage advice for you newbies, and some groovy ideas for experts too.  So, hop up here on Gramp's lap and let me play doctor *ahem* , I mean, let me share my wisdom with you.  To start out with, before you even show up at yer local 'ballen hole, ya gosta have the latest technical do-dads.  He with the strongest plastic wins, so If you ain't got the dough try "borrowing" a co-workers Mastercard or sell nude photos of yourself to "Terri Tickler".  While gear'en up at your local store be sure and get some fancy Rebel-ware(tm) clothes- top, pants, nylons, etc.  These let other people at the field know that your cooler than them, and are an "Extreme" type player.  Also pick up an electropneumatic gun.  If you don't use one of these, you are just plain worthless, and a lousy player.  BrassPigeon doesn't count cause their stuff sucks royal ass, and doesn't cost enough.  And don't let one of those damn paintball hippies try sell'en you a stock gun either- they're for pu$#ies.  Also, beware of greedy shop owners trying to sell you useless accessories, like jock cups, or "paintball" goggles.  Serious players know that goggles and facemasks just increase the likelihood of ball-breaks.  Also, if the prices seem to high, and often they do (since store owners are just rich greedy parasites, trying to rip you off), you can try one of two things, 1st- try shoplifting some of the smaller things ex: stickers, loaders, nitro systems, Angels, etc... If this doesn't work, then use mailorder companies.  They are much more honest and less greedy.  Support your local mailorder company!
        Now, onto the field.  Hopefully you remembered to freeze your paintballs the night before (if you don't see blood, they're not out).  After arriving at the field, wait for the first game to be announced, then sneak by the sign-in booth and save yourself the entrance fee.  Once on the field (and past the chrono station) feel free to use that thumb-adjuster you pocketed at the store, and crank up your velocity at little.  After-all, everyone else is doing it, so it would be unfair if you didn't also.  Once the whistle blows, try to keep in mind that this is a WAR game, and not some silly little sport.  The other team is the ENEMY, and must be beaten at all costs.  If you come around the corner on someone, shoot them 6 or 7 times, or until they scream enough to get the ref's attention.  Also, remember if you feel a hit somewhere on yourself, don't stop and check it- thats the ref's job- not yours.  Just keep playing.  And, if by some chance you see some paint magically appear on you, just duck behind a tree and wipe it off.  Its the fair thing to do, since the other team is probably cheating too.  Plus you paid a lot more for your gun than the other people, so you deserve to stay in.
        Remember, between games, if a younger player comes up to you and says something like: "wow- nice gun", or "you must play a lot" , simply huff in his direction and walk away.  No self respecting serious player associates with the younger kids, or newbies.  During the lunch break, sit on the bumper of your car and knock back a few cold beers.  Point and laugh at people walking by with spyders and pump guns.  This lets them know you are a better player than they are, and cannot be shot out.  If by some freak of nature you get yourself eliminated, and the ref pulls you off the field, make sure you yell over your shoulder, "You're lucky my gun went down- I would 'a had you!". This lets them know you "gave" them the shot.
    By mid afternoon, you will be ready to leave, since you should have shot off your 3 cases of paint by then, and if you didn't, you're just playing like a pu$#y and should take up roller-skating.
    Well, I hope some of these ideas help ya out.  Take it from a guy whose been playing since 1936.  You shouldn't be play'en this game for fun- you play it to prove penis size.  Peace-Out G.

GRAMPS
TEAM IRON BLADDER       A Depends Diapers(tm) Factory Team

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~ Q&A for the MPN Staff
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Q: I would like to request any info you might have on the Shocker 4x4 S/F.  Maybe you could do a review on it.  I've tried getting hold of Smart Parts for more info, and they just don't reply. I'm asking this as I am considering purchasing one. - Richard H

A: Hi Richard,
You got it, I will put it in the next issue.
Sean

Q: I play recreational paintball quite frequently at local fields near my house.  I have been considering buying a gun, but have been using the field rentals until I can deside which one I want to buy.  When I rent the "field" guns, they always seem to shoot poorly, inconsistent, and are usually very rough on the trigger pull.  I can understand that they go out to many players, and probably aren't the cleanist markers, but they are Automags!  Shouldn't they shoot somewhat decent? - John J.

A: Hi John,
Unfortunately, field rentals are used and abused by the people who rent them.  Most fields that I have been to take pretty good care of their rentals, but sometimes that is not enough.  Usually things I look for when renting guns for people is make sure that it is clean!  When I mean clean, I mean, make sure that the bolt and barrel don't have paint or grease (oil) on/in them.  This is the number reason why these guns fail to perform.  Shoot a few rounds at the chrono or shooting range to make sure that the gun is shooting.  If you see the paintball doing what I call "the Twilight Zone effect" where your balls are flying in spirals, clean it up!  If the trigger or any other part of the gun is sticking or not performing well, definitely take it to the onsight airsmith to let him/her know that something is wrong.  They should take care of it before the gun hits the field.  As far as the guns being Automags, well, any gun which is dirty, is a gun which performs poorly.  All guns would have the same performance while in this stage.
Sean

 Back To Table of Contents

 
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~ Coming Soon / Announcements
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Pump/Semi marker game at Mare Island on Sunday, October 18.  Will be pretty much like walk-on game.  More or less, just trying to get to know other players in the area.  Should be alot of fun...thinking about having a small speedball showdown for some free stuff.  Email me for details.

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Well that's it for the September issue. I'm still working on the format of the newsletter, should have much more pictures and stuff in the next issue.  Look for these articles in upcoming issues:

- Uni-reg, Stabilizer, Bob Long regs.  Which one should I buy?

- Carter Comp (& Buzzard), Phantom SC,  and Scott Miyajima's Palmer Super Stocker.  Which is the best stock bang for
   the buck?

- What is the best paint for my gun?

Till then....

Happy Paintball'n!!

Sean Takeda
President, Monthly Paintball Newsletter
a.k.a. "the wArLoCk"

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   ->>>>Play Hard...or Don't Play at All<<<<- me
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#23 on So Cal's SUBZERO - Tournament Paintball Team
Captain, So Cal's YELLA - Tournament Stock Team
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Visit us at  Team Subzero's Homepage or  Team Yella Homepage
Don't forget to sign my guestbook, that's what keeps us running.