New to the sport - Morgantown WV

[Endorn]

Hey guys,
I've played paintball twice now, just basic capture the flag.  It's something I *really* want to get into.  29 and a bit out of shape, so I doubt I'd be good for your team, but I since we're both from morgantown, I was hoping you could give me some advice on where to go / what to get?    I haven't been able to find any paintball fields around here (closest I've found is washington pa).

Also, what kind of gun do you recommend?

I'd appreciate any help you have to offer... thanks!

[Enhander]

Hey man!
Welcome to the forums! Glad to hear from another Morgantown baller! We are always accepting new recruits of all skill levels, play styles, shapes, sizes ..you name it!
If you are referring to MVP in Fairchance, that use to be our home field. We still play there every now and then.

My question is:
Tell me a bit about your paintball experience, how you like to play, and what marker/setup you currently use. We can determin what setup would be good for you depending on your play style..etc.

Hope we can ball with you soon man! We currently play alot at Three Rivers Paintball in Freedom PA (10-15 minutes from Pittsburgh) and we plan on hitting alot of big games this year (ie Castle Conquest, Living Legends, Fulda Gap) Let us know if you'd like to come along and try out for the team!

Again welcome and make yourself at home!

[Endorn]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

As for my experience, I've only played twice, and both were at a place called Urban Assault.  They have an indoor setup with houses and everything.

I've used rental markers for both of those two times, but I have a Kingman Spyder Victor that a buddy of mine left here when he moved out of town, and he said I could keep.  It's just the gun, needs a hopper and an air tank (co2 I'm assuming?)..    I'm not opposed to buying another gun though if you think there's something better for me to start out with.

I'm not entirely sure I've played enough to develop a style...  but I often found myself sneaking around the edges of the arena and shooting players from behind.. I found that very rewarding for some reason

I know one thing for sure, the first thing I'm dropping big bucks on is the mask...  can't tell you how frustrating it was in the rental masks that would fog up every 15 minutes. >< lol.

I still doubt I'd be good enough for the team yet, but I'd love to come play with you guys sometime. 

Cheers!

[Jackson]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

As for my experience, I've only played twice, and both were at a place called Urban Assault.  They have an indoor setup with houses and everything.

I've used rental markers for both of those two times, but I have a Kingman Spyder Victor that a buddy of mine left here when he moved out of town, and he said I could keep.  It's just the gun, needs a hopper and an air tank (co2 I'm assuming?)..    I'm not opposed to buying another gun though if you think there's something better for me to start out with.

I'm not entirely sure I've played enough to develop a style...  but I often found myself sneaking around the edges of the arena and shooting players from behind.. I found that very rewarding for some reason

I know one thing for sure, the first thing I'm dropping big bucks on is the mask...  can't tell you how frustrating it was in the rental masks that would fog up every 15 minutes. >< lol.

I still doubt I'd be good enough for the team yet, but I'd love to come play with you guys sometime. 

Cheers!

Spyders aren't too bad.  They aren't great either.  I have 4 of them.  With some modifications, they are decent.  But the money spent on modifications could be spent on getting a new and better gun that would offer better performance.  The Victor is an ok starting gun.  Just don't expect to become really serious about the game and still keep the gun.  You'll eventually want to move on.

Yeah, you'll need an air source and a hopper.  You'll be ok with CO2 on that gun.  The tanks are cheap and it can run on CO2.  When you get into more expensive guns, some require compressed air (HPA, Nitro, whatever).  Or if you are looking for a hassle-free performance boost, you can switch to compressed air on the Spyder.  Compressed air has a built in regulator and is inherently more consistent which translates to slightly better accuracy.

Your style is pretty typical.  Everyone tries to flank, get the angle on their opponents, and shoot them when they are exposed.

Maybe to get a better feel of your style, answer these questions:
1. Do you prefer to lay cover fire/pin opponents with a volume of fire or do you prefer to fire in a more controlled fashion, trying to aim your shots?
2. Do you like to run light so you can gain a slight edge in mobility or do you prefer to carry more paint and gear at the expense of being a slightly bigger target and possibly moving a little slower?
3. Do you like to lead or follow orders?
4. In a head on fight, do you like to move in close, sit in a medium range, or sit back further and try to "long ball" the opponent?

Answering these questions and providing a little more insight into what you do on the field exactly will help in picking a gun.  There's no sense buying an electronic high end gun (which allows you to shoot very fast) if you don't fire a lot and never feel like you need a high rate of fire.

Also, what is your budget for new gear?  I know you said you want a good mask, and that already shows you are an educated player.  The mask is probably the one place where you should not skimp.  Not necessarily for safety concerns (all masks provide adequate protection), but like you said, a cheap mask fogs and ruins your day.  Also comfort plays a role.  Figure $70-90 for a good mask.  How much do you want to spend on the rest of your gear?

Though I'm not a team member exactly, I am a team sponsor.  But FEAR really isn't a competitive team.  Yeah, they like to win.  But they aren't going to turn down a cool player because they aren't experienced.  Play with the team as a team and be chill and you've got a great shot at making the team.

[Enhander]

Jackson is completely right!

Here are a few recommendations.

There are several great Starter-Mid Range markers out there and all have their ups and downs. Ill name a few here.

For your base Mech marker I would suggest either a Tippmann A5 or X7. You can get either of those relativly cheap on Paintball forums..to save you from paying full price for a new marker. The Tippmann/US Army Project Salvo would also be a good start if you want to make a Milsim Marker. Salvo comes with everything you need and its cheap!

Here is a link to the Salvo:
http://www.rockstartactical.com/product_p/tipp-alpha-salvo.htm

For your base Electronic marker I would suggest either a SLG or a Smart Parts SP1. The PMR is a speedball style marker, but would require you to purchase a Compressed air tank. The SP1 can use both a CO2 tank and Compressed air, but is built off of a SP Ion speedball marker. Here are links to both of those:

Here is the link to the SP1:
http://www.compulsivepaintball.com/product.asp?ic=14975

Here is the link to the SLG:
http://www.compulsivepaintball.com/product.asp?ic=14984

Those would be great starting markers. If you have any questions on them..or any other marker, please feel free to ask!

Now for masks:
Most of us use the VForce Grill mask. A few of our guys use the new Dye I4's. Both are amazing masks. The I4's are made for a person with a smaller face frame.

Here are the links:
Grill: http://www.compulsivepaintball.com/product.asp?ic=14064

I4: http://www.compulsivepaintball.com/product.asp?ic=18284

Hope this helps man, and if you have any questions about ANYTHING..markers..gear..accessories..Ask away!

[Endorn]

Thanks guys, I'm really appreciating all this help!

I don't really have a set budget so to speak...  I've got about $130 I want to drop on a nice mask, and the basics to get my gun operational, then pick up the rest as I move along.  I figure I'm going to have to run with the sypder at least until may or so.

Right now I had narrowed it down to an i4, or an e-vents.  I've got a big thing for the empire brand, just because I'm a huge star wars nerd    but I've read awesome things about the i4 visibility.

To answer your questions:
1. Do you prefer to lay cover fire/pin opponents with a volume of fire or do you prefer to fire in a more controlled fashion, trying to aim your shots?
Definitely more controlled, I like to take people out in one shot if I can manage it.


2. Do you like to run light so you can gain a slight edge in mobility or do you prefer to carry more paint and gear at the expense of being a slightly bigger target and possibly moving a little slower?
I'm a big guy, so I'm not very fast to begin with   but I'd much rather move slower than run out of paint half way through the match.


3. Do you like to lead or follow orders?
 I'm comfortable with both.  Until I get a better understanding of the game / tactics used though, I'd rather follow orders.


4. In a head on fight, do you like to move in close, sit in a medium range, or sit back further and try to "long ball" the opponent? 
Definitely sit back farther.   I love the feeling of getting a long ranged hit in.

Going to go read up on all those links now...  thanks!

[Enhander]

Very good!
I would definitly start out getting a nice mask, C02 Tank and a cheap Loader..even a gravity fed would work if your not too particualr. Events and I4's look close to the same, but the visibility out of the I4's is a BIG plus.

The Spyder will work good for you for a while, then once you get more into the sport you can drop some cash on a nice marker. Keep in mind that with the "tourny" markers, you'll be more opt to shoot faster, which means more paint, which means more money to buy paint hehe.

You almost sound like you should use a Pump or Pistol. Alot of our guys are playing Limited Paint, its cheaper and it hones your skills in alot. Pump/Pistol play is very fun..but it takes some getting use to.

[Hudd]

I would recomend geting a nice mask like the grills or profilers for around 50-60$ a nice loader like a invert Halo II for $70. Then an air source. You can get a co2 tank for about$20 or if you can swing it get a nice compressed air tank for around $150. Then if you upgrade you gun everything will work on a new gun.

[Endorn]

I'm worried about the "i4s are made for small faces" part...  I don't have a big face or anything..  when I wear fitted hats I wear small/medium..  just how small of a face are we talkin' here?

I have no idea what "pump or pistol" means could you explain some more?

[Foxxy]

pump guns are like the CCI Phantom which most people who have heard of a pump are familiar with. Or the Pistol which most people know the Tiberius Tac8. The pump requires a pump with every shot. They are not semi. but some can be essentialy. I would personally reccomend a a-5 or x7 if you want a semi gun. they are mechanical but have the option of electronic use for full auto or rampng modes if you want. They run on co2 or HPA. The pumps and pistols are limited on paint. very nice and light guns. I own a phantom and many on the team have tiberius t8s or t9s. The also run on c02 and hpa depending on how you have your marker set up. Mamba on the team has the Dye I4s. He would I imgine where a medium sized fitted hat. They are vrey nice. LIke said before. The VForce Grillz, Profilers, EVents, or I4s are all very good.

[Enhander]

If you have a smaller framed face you should be ok..I have a bigger head and when I wear the I4s or Events, my whole chin hangs out the bottom.

There are alot of Pump markers on the market, as well as Pistols.

I dont know alot about pump guns, You might want Jackson, Crimson or Hudd to tell you about some of the good ones. Pump guns are basically a paintball marker that you pump and shoot.

The 2 pistols that are the best on the market right now are the Tiberius T8/T8.1 and the Tippmann TPX. There are others..but they arnt very good. Now the TPX is, in my opinion, a horrible pistol. I owned one when they first came out and hated it. The Tiberius T8 is the BEST pistol on the market..hands down. Crimson and Jackson can explain pretty much anything about the Tibierus markers if you have questions. I own the Tiberius T9, which is the T8 that you can add a shroud and stock to and make it a rifle.

Both the Tac8 and TPX are mag fed, 8 round magazines. The Tac8 mag is alot bigger/heavier because it also houses the 12 gram C02.

[Jackson]

Thanks guys, I'm really appreciating all this help!

I don't really have a set budget so to speak...  I've got about $130 I want to drop on a nice mask, and the basics to get my gun operational, then pick up the rest as I move along.  I figure I'm going to have to run with the sypder at least until may or so.

Right now I had narrowed it down to an i4, or an e-vents.  I've got a big thing for the empire brand, just because I'm a huge star wars nerd   but I've read awesome things about the i4 visibility.

To answer your questions:
1. Do you prefer to lay cover fire/pin opponents with a volume of fire or do you prefer to fire in a more controlled fashion, trying to aim your shots?
Definitely more controlled, I like to take people out in one shot if I can manage it.


2. Do you like to run light so you can gain a slight edge in mobility or do you prefer to carry more paint and gear at the expense of being a slightly bigger target and possibly moving a little slower?
I'm a big guy, so I'm not very fast to begin with  but I'd much rather move slower than run out of paint half way through the match.


3. Do you like to lead or follow orders?
 I'm comfortable with both.  Until I get a better understanding of the game / tactics used though, I'd rather follow orders.


4. In a head on fight, do you like to move in close, sit in a medium range, or sit back further and try to "long ball" the opponent?  
Definitely sit back farther.   I love the feeling of getting a long ranged hit in.

Going to go read up on all those links now...  thanks!

What I gather from your answers, you are a typical player.  That's not a bad thing at all.

An electro might be your thing down the road, but for now it seems like a mechanical will suffice.

You'll probably want to get a vest instead of a pod pack.  Vests allow you to carry more equipment, but usually are a bit bulkier.

With liking to stay back, an electro might be good for you or maybe look at the flatline if you get a Tippmann or an Apex barrel.  Paintball guns are not very accurate.  Or rather the paint is not suited to being accurate.  So while sitting back and hitting a target with a single shot is nice, it rarely happens.  Sitting back, you'll want to either spray more paint or move closer.  An electro helps you spray more, a flatline or apex allows your paint to travel further and flatter, but both usually hurt accuracy.

Very good!
I would definitly start out getting a nice mask, C02 Tank and a cheap Loader..even a gravity fed would work if your not too particualr. Events and I4's look close to the same, but the visibility out of the I4's is a BIG plus.

The Spyder will work good for you for a while, then once you get more into the sport you can drop some cash on a nice marker. Keep in mind that with the "tourny" markers, you'll be more opt to shoot faster, which means more paint, which means more money to buy paint hehe.

You almost sound like you should use a Pump or Pistol. Alot of our guys are playing Limited Paint, its cheaper and it hones your skills in alot. Pump/Pistol play is very fun..but it takes some getting use to.

I wouldn't recommend pump or pistol right now.  He's just getting started, going pump or pistol is going to get him in over his head.  Also, an affinity for the back, due to the inaccuracy of paint, does not lend itself well to pump or pistol.  You want to play medium to close with a pump or pistol.

I'm worried about the "i4s are made for small faces" part...  I don't have a big face or anything..  when I wear fitted hats I wear small/medium..  just how small of a face are we talkin' here?

I have no idea what "pump or pistol" means could you explain some more?

I like the Grill mask.  I have one and it's pretty decent.

Pump: a pump gun requires that you manually cock the gun for every shot.  You pump it, like a pump action shotgun, for every shot.

Pistol: a pistol.  Runs on 12 gram CO2 powerlets, usually carries 10 or fewer paintballs at the ready.  Usually very small (compared to other paintball guns).

[sun-tzu]

Wow,if you’re not already overwhelmed by all the information you have received today here is a bit more to digest. 
I personally run with Grills, but my first mask was a pair of Vforce Shields.
Here is a link: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-VFORCE-V-FORCE-SHIELD-GOGGLES-MASK-OLIVE_W0QQitemZ110457685968QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b7ca87d0
What I liked about them is they provided some extra forehead and throat protection.  This made me a bit less worried to move up in to the fight and really helped me in my first year.

I think you should stick with the spyder for now, you’ll want to upgrade after you play a few more times but before you do check out a few of these markers the others suggested like the A5/X7 or SP1.  I suggest getting something that will run off CO2 and HPA (compressed Air) to start with.  That way if you want to play in the back yard you don’t have to worry about filling the HPA tank.  But allows you to step up to HPA when you’re ready.

You’ll want an electronic hopper at some point but again don’t rush in to it.  Wal-Mart or eBay has gravity fed hoppers cheep. 

You’re going to love this sport more and more every time you play.  I started two years ago, I played with FEAR twice and they picked me up.  The team is about brotherhood and sportsmanship.  Our forum is a great way to learn and get better stop back often and let your friends know about it. 

I hope to see you play this year. 

[Endorn]

Thanks for the great advice everyone!

This is what I ended up ordering:

Dye I4 (white) with an extra clear lens since I mostly play indoors (at least for now)
200 count gravity hopper (for now, will upgrade soon)
standard C02 tank.
and I couldn't pass up this empire jersey for $30 bucks (sucker for empire)
http://www.paintball-online.com/shop/Empire-ZeroNine-09-Contact-Paintball-Jersey-Black_prod_JYEM9CBLK_XX_813


I think that should be good to get me started..   I'm going to look at upgrading the hopper next, and then the gun I think... probably in may sometime

Hopefully I'll get to play with you guys soon!

[Enhander]

Ah man I should have told you to order everything from Compulsivepaintball.com You'd have got all your stuff tomorrow! They are in Mckeesport PA so their stuff gets here in one day.

A few of our friends played at Urban Assault a couple of times and didnt like it. We might have to drive up and try it out. What are your thoughts on Urban Assault? Do they have a website?