Getting Back on the Wagon

IPR Steve · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 5:53 pm Post subject: Getting Back on the Wagon

I haven't played since Kutulu gave me a lift to some indoor place out in the middle of Nowheresville, upstate CT (or was it across the border in MA?). This must have been around 2000. Tuff was there. I think JK made it. Probably several others.

Now that I'm an old man and have stumbled upon this IPR reincarnation, I've been reminiscing about all the fun I had playing woodsball - both stock and semi. So I think it high time I try it all again.

But what have I missed in the last decade? So many companies are gone or essentially gone - Air America, Nitro Duck, AGD, undoubtedly many more. Everything uses batteries and it looks like even Spyders are electropneumatic (!!) now. There are $30 aluminium n2 cylinders to be had, so I don't even know if people bother with co2 anymore.

I'm not sure where to begin or what to expect, though I'm delighted by how cheap all of the awesome markers of the 90s now are. I thought I scored a deal by grabbing a nice Minimag (always wanted one of those!) for about $100 on eBay recently, but I later found that that's about the going rate. Insane.

But if nobody wants them anymore, are they amazingly out-dated? Are markers more efficient now? More accurate? Quieter? Do they just sling more paint? Or are they just cheaper? I don't want a new one. It might be strange for a computer scientist to think, but I'm very fond of the older mechanical markers and don't want any electronics in my 'gun. Man, I wish I never sold my Blazer!

Can anyone bring me up to speed? What have I missed? How has the sport changed? And, more concretely, what dealers are reputable and who makes decent n2 systems these days?

Finally, is anybody in the SFBA? I'm looking to have some fun and acquire some welts.

Jeb · IPR Regular Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Posts: 1230

The electropnuematics are cheaper now because of Far East manufacturing and the fact that there really aren't many unique designs. In a way, it's almost like the earlier days of semis, where you had blowbacks, Mags, and Cockers.

As long as you're not trying to play the electros' game (slinging ropes here and there) and play your gun well, you'll do fine. Decent HPA systems...pretty much any screw-in system is going to be decent, and you should be able to find something in the 68ci/4500psi dimensions. I think I've heard good things about the Ninja tanks. Something like this will hold you.

http://www.actionvillage.com/031-530-0012

If you're looking for a new barrel, you're going to have a hard time finding AGD-type barrels, I think. But Doc Nickel makes an adaptor for Automags to run Autococker barrels.

http://docsshop.com/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=59

Once you've gotten that, life gets a lot easier. Custom Products (CP) still makes their one-piece barrels in three different bore sizes and several lengths for about $30. I just got a 14" .685 for my Sniper and it's perfect.

Ace · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 7:35 am Post subject:

Who the hell are you? Razz

Also: If there's a place to play a weeknight game around SF, I'd be up for that next time I get up there.
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Gaijin_45 · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2010 1:50 pm Post subject:

Is it true that today's paint are generally smaller in size (outer diameter)?
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THE SHOOTIST · IPR Regular Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 333

IPR Steve · Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2010 8:09 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info, Jeb. I'm guessing the electros aren't faster than the RT mags were. Is it just that every twerp can afford them now (and maybe that hoppers can even keep up)?

Jeb · IPR Regular Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Posts: 1230

I think that it's easier than ever to shoot fast. Even RT Mags needed to be finessed to rip long strings. Now you've got forcefeed hoppers, antichop eyes, and drummable triggers on sub-$300 guns.

I've got one of those, incidentally. It's called a Diablo Wrath LTD. Except for a slightly awkwardly shaped gripframe, I like it more than my old Angel and I paid $125 for it secondhand.

Tuff · IPR Regular Joined: 29 Jul 2008 Posts: 79 Location: NH

IPR Steve · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 8:29 pm Post subject: Re: Getting Back on the Wagon

Hey Tuff!

I think somebody must have scanned some or had a digital camera back then. There were a few on the old IPR website. I should dig that stuff out of my archives...

Beef · Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 9:59 pm Post subject:

I miss paintball.
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