The Monthly Paintball Newsletter "Covering the Paintball Industry from around the world" May/June 1998                                                                    VOL 1 - Issue 9&10

        As usual, I am late again.  Sorry all, but I have been pretty busy lately.  Thus, this month, we have a special “summer” issue with twice as much action packed paintball stuff for all of you who just can’t get enough paintball info!  We are now able to provide pictures, illustrations, advertisements, etc to spruce up the ol' newsletter.  Welcome all new subscribers who are receiving this issue for the first time.
        Summer is finally here.  For those of you (like me) who live in Northern California, we still have been experiencing a lot of rain.  Fortunately, it has had its breaks so that we can play every once in a while.  Although it’s now June, it doesn’t seem like it since we are still having this unusual winter weather.  It’s finally time to pull out all the paintball stuff from the closet to start playing again.
        Many of you have been sending your emails to me with questions to answer, wanting to know about new guns, products, as well as info on joining teams.  I have been basing my issues around email that you the players send me.  Just wanted to say, keep the mail coming...!  You can also look for articles from this newsletter to be published in the Splatter Times!

    Thanks,
       The Warlock
 

** MPN News Flash **

        If you have a Paintball team and a home page, get them on the web!  You can do this by visiting the Paintball Web Ring.  With the Paintball Web Ring, you can get your team advertised to other teams, players, sponsors, and others on the web.  You also get a web ring logo to put on your web page, which allows for easy access to other sites (Kewl Isn't It?).  It also gives you full credit for you Paintball site.  Join today!!  Here’s some words from Ants, founder of the Paintball Team Webring (pTw)...

        Man, do I hate summer...it's so friggin hot, you have to wear shorts when you paintball, not to mention you gotta buy a lot of sport drinks so you don't get dehydrated.  Anyhow enough of the complaining... First off, finally got the new FORUM running, so y'all come down and check it out, ya hear?  Secondly, site o' the month update:  I'm still working on the award...gotta find the perfect graphic...sorry for the wait...but it will be run(....eventually).
 

If you have pictures, stories, ads, whatever, feel free to send it to us if you would like us to use it as material for the MPN.  We are always looking for new material and would love to hear from you that players.  Keep the stuff coming!

**** We have a new sponsor!!!  Please take a moment to click on "CyberCasino"  link on the bottom.  I know it has nothing to do with paintball, but they are willing to help us out if you visit them.  Even if you are not a gambler, every click counts.  Thanks for your support paintball players!!!

** Looking for guest/full time writers **

** The Splatter Times **

** Wild Geese Newsletter **

** Jeremy'sPaintball Pageand Field **

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Things covered in this issue:

~ I Spy, an Editorial by Warlock
~ Paintball Corner – articles from the MPN Staff – NEW!
       Featured this month:
            -Jokers Wild Paintball Tournament – from Germiston Johannesburg –South Africa by Richard Hooper
            -Paintball from a teenage perspective by Shawn Morris
~ New Products (Guns, Accessories, Equipment)
~ Upcoming Events (Tourneys, Special Events, Holidays)
~ Tricks and Tips from the Realm / Learn About... / Newbies on the Field
~ Q&A for the Warlock
~ For Sale / Classified
~ Coming Soon / Announcements

          This editorial section was created to inform you the Paintball Players from around the world about things within the sport the way I see it.  As many of you already know, I 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.  I feel readers can benefit from this section because it brings foward the way I read, understand, and interpret the way things are running in the paintball industry today.

        I recently played at "The Jungle" paintball field in Southern California.  It was the first time that I have been to this particular field and must say, it was pretty impressive.  When I talk about "impressive", I am not only talking about the field, but atmosphere, playing environment, players, refs, etc.  It was a pleasant experience being that I felt relaxed playing there.  Games are run at a comfortable pace to where everyone can get ready for each game with ample amount of time.  Refs do a good job here, and were handled things very professionally, and catered to the demanding customers needs.

        The first thing that caught my eye (as I was putting on my gear) was the amount of younger players out on the field nowadays, and man, where the hell do they get money for these awesome guns?.  Many "father and son" players.  I noticed that probably about 75% where no older that 16, maybe a little older.  I also noticed a good number of player which were probably no older than 12 years.  As I was loading my paintballs, 2 kids came up to me and started asking a bunch of questions about my guns like "is that a full auto?" or "how much did you pay for your gun..."  I smiled and anwered their questions (while catching a glimpse at their $800 custom minimags with nitro), and walked to the field (with my new fans follwing close behind).  I thought to myself, these kids will probably playing on some team we play in the future, maybe they will remember me as "that old timer that we lit up on the field when we were kids..."
        3..2..1..GAME ON!!!  As the game started, I see the kids flutter frantically for cover.  As one of the players is going for cover, he is hit in the arm and is eliminated.  The other makes it to his bunker and starts exchanging fire with a few other players.  He is screaming profusely as he continues to shoot, and hold his ground.  He kills a few players, screaming "player get out!! I killed you!!" after each kill.  After a couple of minutes, he is hit in the goggles, eliminated.  He walks off the field talking to himself about how he shouldn't have died, almost sounding because he was too good.  Towards the end of the game, I overheard a few of the old players commenting about how this kid actually came up at the end of the game to tell them that he had shot them.
        It's now lunch break, as I overhear a couple of the old players swearing and commenting about what a "jerk" this kid was for thinking he is such an awesome player and that they are going to punish him on the next game.  Soon after that comment, the kid comes walking by, again reminding the old player that he had killed.  They players smurk, and turn to each other, and smile.  They get their stuff and start walking to the field, mumbling plans about how their going to obtain payback.  The rest of the  players are now walking onto the field.
        The next game starts as players dash all over the place.  I spot the kid running out, yelling orders to everyone around him.  After about 5 minutes, I see the older players on the opposing team making their move towards the kid to grasp their sweet revenge.  The kid flanks right trying to get a better position as a group of the older players on the opposing team make their move.  "I'm hit I'm hit" the kid screams painfully as previous victims become the victors shooting the kid down like a wild animal.  "That should shut him up"  comments one of the players as they are walking away from the crime.  The kid gets up with his head hung low, gun down, limping, sheltered in disgust from the enemy and thier shrewd tactics.  In the back of my mind, I was thinking was wow, it must have been gratifying to get payback, while at the same time thinking, what if the kid had gotten hurt.
        I have seen many of the of these "kids" with the attitude on the field.  It enrages alot of the players, including myself, but you have to realize, they are just kids.  I noticed alot of the more experienced players invitie an opprotunity such as this to "teach" them a lesson when they find players like this.  Many kids and younger players seem to be ignored because they are just that, young kids.  What I am getting at is, though young, they are still people (and paintball players).  As more experienced players, we should try to help them out when we can (especially because they (or their parents) are spending so much money in the paintball industry, and are keeping the industry going strong)).  I try to help out when I can, because though they may be spoiled, nieve, whatever, don't forget they are minors.  All it takes is one incident of something going wrong to cause a dilema which could hurt paintball.  Let's try and keep it at the professional level, not forgetting, it is only a game.  Try and have some fun!

Jokers Wild Paintball Tournament - by Richard Hooper

        On the weekend of the 25th and 26th of April, the annual Jokers Wild tournament was held at Paintball City, Germiston Johannesburg, South Africa.
 

The organizer, Dave Birch, put together a truly memorable tourney. This tourney takes place every year over the same weekend, and attracts teams from all over South Africa. The furthest coming from Cape Town. Among the sponsors of the tourney were Armson, makers of Pro-Team products, R.P.Scherer, who sent out their representative, Chuck Hendsch, and Paintball City.

        This year, the tourney attracted 16 teams, half that were from Durban. Games were played on an outdoor village type field and on an indoor field. Games lasted 15 minutes, with most games on the indoor field not lasting more than 5 minutes. Each team played each other only once, so they had to make sure that no mistakes were made.

        Overall, the tourney was well received with a local newspaper providing coverage of the event. Prizes for the event ranged from Tippmann carbines to JT Goggle systems and Scherer gear as well as plenty cases of paint. Spectators were plentiful and all had a really great time. Many thanks to the Judges for doing a great job. Special thanks to Dave Birch and Chuck Hendsch for making it a tourney to remember.

Final placing  of the top 3 are a follows:
 

1st Team Animals (Johannesburg team)-  Fifth year in a row to win tournament

2nd The Best (Johannesburg team) - photo not availabale
 

3rd Cane Rats (Durban team)

My team placed 14th, due to the fact that the new team had only been together for 2 months.

 Paintball from a Teenage Perspective - by Shawn Morris

        As I sit here and think about the sport, I am truley overwhelmed, excited and frightened.  I find it kind of sad of some of the levels where the game is at right now.  I am a 15 year old who trades stuff around to maintain my gun and upgrades.
I play on a field that me and my friends built in the pouring rain using scrap wood and discarded barrells.  I use my newspaper route money to pay for paint. I have walked 10 miles to get my tank filled.  I still belive that owning a PUMP once in your life is a good idea.  I belive that there is something in paintball called tactics.  I belive knowledge can be a great thing in a game.  So am I a "child" of paintball?  Am I a true paintball player in some peoples eyes?  No.
        What paintball is now is $1200 electropneumatic guns, tourneys with $3000 entry fees, sponsorship, prizes, game fixing, rule violations, 35 year old men who laugh at my home-customed spyder.  Indoor fields and Outdoor fiels owned by cooperations, Banners, logo's.  This is what paintball is now.  I find that sad.
        When a Pro shoots another Pro is it a greater accomplishment then me shooting my best friend.  Did I not sweat like him?  Does a Paintball not sting both of us?  Where is the difference?  The main reason I'm sending this is just to say remember us guys at the bottom of the paintball chain.  If you see us with a gun jam on the field, help us out, lend us an o-ring, give us some advice, don't yell but laugh when we act stupid.  And next time you become irate because your new cocking rod modification for your level 6 A/C is a little off, take a look at the kid with the stingray, who has a smile on his face because now he finally dosn't need to pump anymore, or the kid who finds 15 paintballs on the table or figures out whats wrong with his gun and is proud of himsel, look at there smiles.
        That is what paintball should be about.  And a message to all the kids out like there like me, always remember.  We are the future of the sport.  But our future is coming closer and closer, so make sure you build charecter, expierence and smarts now.  Because soon we might all be selling/buying the "Shawn Morris Autococker" or playing at Havoc Field owned by (insert your name here).  So keep the true spirt alive and remember all of our love for the sport.

- Check out the new patterns from Renegade Action Wear!  Even if you are not a pro, you can at least look like one with theses new hot patterns.  Also check out the new "Marblizer" patterns.
- New PMI "Perfect Charger" reg for Automags.  It has 8 holes to provide more air flow and less resistance. retail: $85

  If you live up in Northern California, I'm looking at putting a private game together and trying for Sunday, July 19.  It is open to all who:

    - like to play against good, fair players.
    - want to learn from experienced players who will be present.
    - don't like getting lit up by avid rec players who can't control their trigger finger.

If this game sounds like it fits your paintball playing needs, please send email to  the wArLoCk .  I will send details in an email if you are interested (which includes the entry, rental, lunch fee).  I know it is short notice, but try and make it if you can, it should be good!!  If we can't get enough people, we will probably just mix it up with walk-ons, like usual.

Tips for the first time player(s)

          Recently I have been experiencing alot of people who simply do not "leave" the field after they get shot.  Paintball is supposed to be about having fun and playing fair.  Everybody pays their money to have a good time.  People who cheat eliminate all what is good about paintball, as well as they do in any other sport.  Many of these "cheaters" that I have confronted after the game who I have seen cheat, have admitted that they usually do it because they thought no one was watching.  Another reason that I have heard is that they believe prices of the field have become so outrageous, that they think they are not getting their moneys worth if they leave the field early after being elimintated.
        Now, what good can come from this you ask?  The answer is, nothing.  The only thing that it creates is angry players, screaming, chaos, and sometimes fights.  Nobody enjoys comfronting cheaters, and usually end up in heated disputes after they shoot somebody and they don't leave the game.  What usually happends next?  Excessive shooting, arguing, and people getting hurt and ejected off of the field.  For those of you who cheat, you know who you are.  Leave the field after being shot.  It will give you a feeling of playing honest and fair, and will give your opponent a sense of accomplishment.  This is what keeps people involved in paintball.
        For those of you who are the "shooters" of the cheaters.  Try and keep a cool head!  Remember that it is just a game, and you are trying to have fun.  My rule of thumb is, shoot them once or twice, if they don't leave, put a few more balls on them.  However, if you know it broke and can see it (especially good if you have others who have witnessed it), call a ref to check the other player.  That is what they are there for.  If the ref sees the player continuing on with paint on him/her, they will usually eject them from that game, and might even throw them off the field if they continue to play.  Let them decide, don't let it get to you because its not worth getting all wigged out about.
        Unfortunately cheating occurs everywhere at every field.  It will remain to be a factor of the game, as well as any sport.  If you learn to cope and deal with it, it will make your game much more enjoyable.  Afterall, no one likes an invincible player (unless you are good and just don't get hit).  Remeber, when in doubt, check it!!!

Q: I would like to know your opinion on the Tippman Pro-Lite or the Tippman Mini-Lite. Please, E-Mail me as soon as possible with your opinion.
Thanks, codytc@gte.net

A: Hi Cody,
They are essentially the same gun.  I'm not to particular to the Tippman family, but will try and get you some nfo ASAP.

Q: Could you do an article about the Evolution AutoCocker? The Smart Parts one, plz.
Thx,
Mike Scherrer

A: Hi Mike,
I will be sure to do an article next month.  My friend Steve just bought the Evolution 98.  I plan on playing with it first before I give it my 2 cents.

Q: I live in western Massachusetts, and have not seen much in the way of local interest in paintball. I am a newcomer to the game and have tried to get things started in the area but to no avail. I have heard of a field in Orange or near there, but have heard that to play there you have to purchase your paint there as well. I have purchased a great deal of paint already and don't really like the idea of having to buy more just to be able to play at this field. Is this normal at most fields??? Or does it depend on the individual running the field????
Thanks for your time.
Ed Demers

A:  Hi Ed,

As far as having to buy field paint, it is usually particular to the field.  Many fields will have low admission fees but will require that you use their paint.  This is how the fields make their money, especailly if their entry fee is low.  I haven't heard of too many outdoor fields require that the players use thier paint, mainly indoor fields.  Many of them (indoor fields) do this because they get balls with thinner shells (because you usually are required to shoot at a lower velocity).  Another reason was because paintballs used to be "oil" based, not water soluble.  In other words, when you shot at a wall, it didn't come off.  There are not particular reasons other than field preference now.  To answer your questiong directly, yes, it depends on the individual running the field.

Q: Im very interested in learning more, and possably purchasing a Carter stock gun.  Iv had trouble finding ANY information about Carter stock guns on the net until I found your page.  Good page BTW.  If you know any information pertaining to Carter stock guns like the differnt models Carter offers, each models pros and cons, each models available options, each models prices, and anything else that would help me I would REALLY appriciate it. If you could also tell me how to get incontact with Carter Machine or somehow get ahold of their catalog, pricelist, or something along those lines that would be great!  Thanks for your time!

Josh

A: Hi Josh,

I'm glad that you liked my homepage.  I will be updating it soon with pictures of the last stock tourney that we played in.  You can get a better idea of what kinda stock guns are out there.  To answer your questions, there are 3 types of carter comp guns on the marker.  There is the traditional "Carter Comp" which is an undercocking gun.  "Stock" it will cost about $325, which includes an anodized color of your choice.  If you would like the pieces so that you can play constant air, it might cost a little more.  Next, is the Carter "Buzzard".  This is a dual armed pump gun, similar to the "Bushmaster" type guns.  The feature a detachable barrel, and are very similar to the Carter Comp.  These guns will cost about $425.  Finally, there is the Carter "Desert Duck"  There are not many of these, but if you can find one, will cost about $1000.  It looks very much like a 45, and features a slamcocking C02 trapdoor on the bottom.  As for contacting Carter Machine, they can be reached by calling DYE Products at : 619-536-5183

If you have anymore questions, just let me know.  Tell Earon that Sean Takeda sent ya.

Good Luck!
Sean

Q: Hi Sean
I cant wait to see the pictures from the stock class tourny!  Thanks for the info on Carter stock guns!  I just called DYE but the person that had the info I needed wasnt there so Ill call again Monday.  I have a few more questions on Carter stock guns that I hope you dont mind awnsering.  How many shots per 12 gram can you expect from a Buzzard?  Could you please compair the standard features of a Comp., Buzzard, and a Desert Duck.  What is a "slam cocking CO2 trapdoor" on a Desert Duck and why are they so expensive?  If I were to get a Carter I think Id get a Buzzard with a spiral vented barrel, stock, 45 grip frame w/ rubber Hogue grips, and a vertical CO2 quick change.  How does that sound and how much do you think would all of that cost?  If I did order a gun how long could I expect to wait?  Do you think that Carter stock guns are the best marker out their for stock class play?  I have a P68-SC which I was going to send to Palmers Pursuit Shop and have them completly overhaul the gun, but I might drop that idea and get a Carter instead.  Thanks again for your time and information!

Josh

A: Hi Josh,
The Buzzard, depending on what type of power tube you get, there are actually 2.  One has 2 holes and the newer ones have 3.  With the 3 hole powertube, you can expect anywhere from 25-28 good shots all over 275 fps.  You might be able to squeeze off 1-2 more shots, but will be prob under 250fps.  As far as standard features between the Comp, Buzzard, and Duck, well, the comp is an undercocker with a fixed barrel (non removable).  The buzzard is dual cocking, and has a removeable barrel.  As far as the Desert Duck, well that one looks like a 45 pistol.  The range on it is very limited, however, accurate.  The "trapdoor" on the Duck is on the bottom of the receiver.  You slam the door shut to puncture and hold the C02.  It was expensive because they were very limited in number.
        The setup you are planning on getting sounds good.  It should cost you about $375.  If you were to order a gun, I would image you should get it in about 2 months (due to the large order of custom guns usually being made).  I believe the Carter guns are some of the best guns on the market (for pump or stock class that is), but they can hold their own against semi.  I play stock against semis all the time; it accuracy, not quantity.  Good luck in your decision.

Sean

Tricked "Carter" One of a kind Autococker

A/C #21861
-   2 sets of Full Blown Products grips  (white) wraparound and wgp style
-   custom cut aggressive style shroud with front sight and Full Blown Products side panels and neoprene
-   1 Check-It Power chamber
-   chrome trigger shoe
-   Chrome Palmer's rock regulator w/ stainless steel adjuster
-   Stainless steel 3 - way shaft
-   threaded timing rod
-   beavertail
-   venturi bolt with locking block.  (1/2 turn takes bolt out, 1/2 turn keeps bolt in-- no push pin)
-   1/4 28 adjustable hammer nelson spring kit
-   timing holes
-   Decorative cuts w/ eclipse style sight rail and windows
-   custom two sided exhaust ports for no blow back
-   stainless steel rod set (pump arm and cocking rod)
-   10' Stainless steel Check-It Products barrel
-   PMS 68 minireg system w/ powerline fittings and quick disconnects
-   PMS custom cut drop forward cradle mounting system
-   Custom trigger job with adjustable shortened trigger pull
-   Worr Game Products low pressure valving modification - to increase gas chamber area
-   Clear coat anodizing for silver look
-   Custom Carter Machine valve to increase gas efficiency

All work done at Carter Machine

Asking $1000 or best offer, this is definitely a one of a kind gun!

email stakeda@thempn.com
 
 

Tricked "Carter" Tournament Level Minimag

I have a fully tricked out Minimag which I have for sale.  Overall appearance is all silver with black detail.  It features:
- Polished Steel Power feed Minimag body
- Polished Aluminum Taso 45 trigger with Hogue grips and setup with a Micro switch for the viewloader
- Custom trigger job with shortened trigger, trigger pull, modified sear
- Custom rail with sharkfin cuts and black anodization
- Check-it Armageddon S/S barrel (bored to .0691)  This barrel ROCKS!
- Check-it S/S tourney velocity Adjuster with dual lock screws (to prevent it from moving)
- Custom 8-hole Unireg.
- Custom S/S "foamless" Venturi Bolt
- Earon Carter Sight Rail with custom "teardrop" cuts
- All steel braid hoses, setup for streamline C02.
- black Budd Orr Reg (not pictured)
- PMS 68ci Nitro (not pictured)
* Serial Number of this gun is in the "Lifetime" warrantied series.
* I will switch the Budd Orr reg for an Air America Unireg for $50 more. (Total $850)

** More details available.  Send me email to  stakeda@thempn.com Asking $800 OBO (serious offers only please).  Definitely a "one of a kind" gun.
 

Tricked Autococker for sale

A/C #21###
- 12" Lapco s/s barrel
- 16" All American press fit aluminum barrel
- Minicocker block with push-pin
- Bad Boyz S/S 10-hole Venturi bolt
-Rat Vavle (drilled for low pressure)
- Timing holes
- Tourney beaver tail
- Bad Boyz spring and hammer kit
- s/s pump arm and cocking rod
- ball detent
- Palmer Roc
- Bad Boyz custom s/s 3-way
- Matching splash 2 finger trigger.  Custom trigger job, 45 grips and reciever
- Air America Unireg
- PMS 68ci Nitro system
- New Microline with Quick disconnect fittings

Asking $550 for the gun and $275 for the Nitro or $800 for both.
Send me an email if interested by clicking "here"
 

Pump Game at Mare Island.  See details above under upcoming events.

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Well that's it for the May/June issue, i know i know, late again. I'm still working on the format of the newsletter, should have much more pictures and stuff in the next issue.
 

Till then....

Happy Paintball'n!!

Sean Takeda <#23>
a.k.a. "the wArLoCk"

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   ->>>>Play Hard...or Don't Play at All<<<<- me
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