Need help improving my game

[semmelbroesel]

I just played the Serenity game - my first scenario game ever - and it was a blast!

But (apart from being sore cos I'm outta shape!) I noticed very clearly that somehow I don't seem to be doing a good job at all out there... I thought I had fairly good aim and was sneaking well - turns out I must have been wrong.

In plenty of situations I got surprised from two sides at once who could all see me (obviously), yet I never knew where the fire came from. I suppose the heat didn't help, and I was sweating up a storm. I have good anti-fog gel, but instead of fog I got slow "streams" of water running down the inside of my lenses.
I wear full camo, even put some light camo cloth on my goggles (open at top to let the heat out), I try not to move while searching for opponents, yet I am spotted before I spot someone else.

Whenever I did see someone and fired (often at long distance, maybe 80-100 feet), it took me 2-3 shots to get close to where they were, and even then my shots would spread over an area of maybe 3-6 feet - when getting shot at by them, their spread seemed to be closer to 2 feet at the same distance.
I use a Tippmann Custom Pro with a 20" Stone Cold II barrel. I was told once that it might be too humid around here to use this effectively, but I had hoped that my new air tank (vs co2) would help, and I had thought it did last time I played with air - not yesterday.

Now I could be imagining things - I actually didn't get shot out more than 4 or 5 times all day, but I also only scored 2 confirmed (!) hits (at least they were both reavers, hehe).

So I am hoping for some advice on how I can improve my game or equipment etc. in the following areas:
- Sweat - how do I keep my head/face from sweating up a storm inside my goggles? I am already wearing a bandana...
- Getting seen before I see them
- Better aim (I hold the air tank in my arm pit, so somewhat steadily you'd think).

Any helpful advice is very much appreciated!

[*mess*Chain_gang]

for the sweat problems i say dont wear cammo get a actual paintball jersey and pants to help cool u down from the heat i used to wear cammo and i sweated tons then i bought proto o7 pants and it helped me

[JJohnson]

I'm positive everyone was having problems with the heat and humidity yesterday. I have some nice Vforce Profilers that I almost never have trouble with, but yesterday I had water running down the lens, and a LOT of other people I talked to had the same problem.

As for the improving your game I can't help you a whole lot there. It sounds like you sit and wait in the brush for people to come by a lot. I personally can't do that, if there is a battle I can hear, I have to go there. This probably attributes to the probably 20 times I was eliminated, but I also took out at least twice as many people as times I died.

I don't always do good though...my first two lives of the game I was eliminated without firing a shot...actually that happened a couple of my other lives too...

[Edgar]

Although i was not at the game i've been in plenty of steamers to know you must have thurmal lenses in your mask.Anti fog helps,but not as well as thurmal lenses.Chain gang is right camo makes you sweat...but before going out and wasting $ on new stuff, figure out what kind of player are you.Are you a squatter a hunter or a rambo?Camo helps the squatter most,it also helps the hunter and rambo as well,but stealth helps hunter more.I for one am a rambo.i will stealthaly move through the wood untill i engage,then it dosent matter if i'm in a clown suit,i'm loud,i'm hosen paint'and i'm commin for you..I wear a team jersey and some Draxxus paints its cooler than camo (cool,as in cold)So ask yourself what type you are and dress accordingly.
Also a spare dry mask helps a ton,swapp masks during the game let one dry out.Headbands only make it worse for me.
For better aim, one thing is any barrell over 14in is a wast,it has been proven anything more than 14in will hinder ball flight slow it down and help loose accuracy.Barrell kits also help with accuracy,it will size the paint to the different size barrell backs,the closer the size of the paint to barrell match the more accurate your shots will be.
Practice your shooting... left and right handed...The more you practice,and get to know your gun the easier it will be to hit your target on the first shot.
Play as much as you can...The stealth will come.Practice makes perfect..
Also always,i mean Always have FUN.........:)

[semmelbroesel]

Thanks for the replies so far!
I'll go into details more another time, but the jersey idea raises a question:
Aren't there any camo jerseys that keep you cool?

[Carlito]

I say camo is not really needed at all. I'm not saying to dress in the clown suit, but the eye will notice movement way before color. So work on how you are moving not just what you are wearing. And always remember never walk down the middle of a path unless you are positive that your team holds that part of the field, and even then be careful. I always get plenty of good kills from people just strolling down the paths.

[noobs30]

Special ops paintball has camo jerseys and such if your looking for camo thats like speedball gear.

[AKA]

I would'nt count yourself out as being less than a player than you were in a Game like BSV. Not all Scenario Games are quite as demanding as this one was. I play alot of woodsball and every Game has a differant outcome from the last. Just keep playing your style in which you want to play and soon you will be teaching yourself what better works for you than what anyone else can tell you. As for what you shoot, there again you must play more to learn what your equipment is capable of, I always say, keep it simple you'll live longer. By this I mean, try not to have things that get in the way or have to be adjusted or prevent you from movement or being able to hug tight to your cover. The minute you take your mind off the field to screw with something is the minute you just got shot. In fact, I was in a battle and somewhat surrounded and I went for a pod to reload and Wham they almost shot it out of my hand. Well anyway you can always run with others to assist and watch from behind them to see what they did wrong to get their @## shot off.:D/AKA

[JJohnson]

Barrell kits also help with accuracy,it will size the paint to the different size barrell backs,the closer the size of the paint to barrell match the more accurate your shots will be.

Very true, I thought my regular Stiffi was very accurate, but then I got a Deadly Wind with FREAK inserts. Man my baby is accurate now, the paint to barrel match does matter a lot more than I ever though it would. And if you figure out that the squatter style does match how you play, a ghille suit wouldn't be bad. Except of course that you would have DIED at BSV if you used a ghille suit in that heat. Some green paintball pants and a camo or green jersey should do the trick if your looking for something cool (as in not hot) and light.

- Better aim (I hold the air tank in my arm pit, so somewhat steadily you'd think).

For better accuracy you must simply get used to your gun, get comfortable with it, and for heaven's sake don't mess around using sights on your gun. When you get comfortable with your gun you should be able to aim accurately by just sighting down the side of the barrel or just by feel. By feel may sound strange, but if you use it enough, knowing where your shots are going to go will become instinctive.

Another thing I've learned about woodsball, don't be afraid to shoot into the brush. It's amazing what some paintballs can sneak through...I had a time at BSV where I had a shot zing by my head, I ducked behind a tree, peeked out, shot three quick shots where I approximately though it came from and was suprised to hear "Hit!". I never saw the guy through the brush, but saw about where his shots came from. You'd be suprised how easy it is to sneak shots into the brush.

[semmelbroesel]

Alright, time to answer all your great tips - thanks!

get a actual paintball jersey
Last night while we were watching TV, my wife actually started finding online camo jerseys and similar moisture wicking items for me - she's really fast at finding good stuff, so I'm positive she'll find something for me :D
I'll start with just a jersey - I think my legs don't sweat as much, but I like heavier pants to keep my legs protected from brush and thorns, so I'll try just a change of jersey to see how much that'll affect my general temperature.

thurmal lenses in your mask
Hm, I have never heard of that one... Well, as I said, I have some bright blue stuff that I rub on the inside of my lenses and then wipe off, and I haven't fogged up once using it (except once when I wiped it dry using my shirt without the gel stuff - then I fogged mercilessley, hehe).
The problem I had was drops of water/sweat running down the inside. Will thermal lenses help against that?

Are you a squatter a hunter or a rambo?
Not a Rambo (I get shot enough as it is :D ), but a mixture of the others.
Once I get hit too often, I tend to stay behind more experienced players. I stay in cover a lot and try to scan the area for movement. Then I advance to the next cover - and sometimes I get spotted at that point, so I'll probably start wearing gloves and crawling.
How I advance depends on the situation - if the cover is not far away, I'll slowly sneak up in a crouched position, otherwise (not often) I dash for it.

Headbands only make it worse for me.
I think I remember 6 years ago when I first started playing that NOT using a sweat band or bandana had more sweat run down my face - I guess that's different from person to person. But I should see if I can find a moisture wicking material for a bandana!

For better aim, one thing is any barrell over 14in is a wast
You know, I have read that again and again - what I don't understand is this:
I bought the Stone Cold II because a friend of mine has the exact same equipment I have now - 98 Custom (OK, I have the Pro, not the 98), compressed air and the Stone Cold 20" barrel - he says it's the most accurate thing in the world, and he plays in the same humid fields where I play...
How come the same equipment can react so differently between players?

I am wondering a little about my Tippmann - sometimes while I chrono I get fluctuations of up to 20fps - could this be because of the barrel, or is it more likely something's up with the gun?
I do take it apart and clean it after games and oil moveable parts and o-rings, and the Tippmann is only one year old.

Barrell kits also help with accuracy
The field where I usually play uses ONLY .68 paint - will a barrel kit make any difference if I always use the same "caliber"?

So work on how you are moving
As long as I stay stationary, I think I'm moving really well: That is I DON'T move :cool:
All that moves is my head tilting a little every few seconds to scan a new area.
I can move silently, but definitely not invisibly - I don't think I'm in good enough shape to keep up crouching for a long period of time (slight back issues).

I always get plenty of good kills from people just strolling down the paths.
When I know there's enemies around, I NEVER use the path - but I also have not seen anyone else do it (unfortunately). Well, at least not simply "strolling" down the path - dashing between cover along the path I saw often.

Special ops paintball has camo jerseys
Thanks, I'll check them out.

The minute you take your mind off the field to screw with something is the minute you just got shot.
I only refill when I'm safely behind cover - I'll even retreat if I have to refill in a tight spot. On Sunday I didn't have to refill a lot, and I didn't use anycomplicated gear.
For my Spyder, I have an Apex barrel where I can control the ball spin to have it go around corners - great fun toy, but not very accurate, so pretty much useless during this game, and I didn't use it. But that would be something I'd have to fiddle with in the middle of the game.

I though my regular Stiffi was very accurate, but then I got a Deadly Wind with FREAK inserts.
What gun do you use?

OK, is the Tippmann 98 actually accurate and good enough for a game like this, or are all the sharp shooters out there using other gear?

don't be afraid to shoot into the brush.
I'm not, believe me :D
I can be quite the paint waster!
There were probably 5 kills that I can't confirm because other people shot at them at the same time, but I shot into bushes a LOT, or at the ground below when they dropped. I'm not afraid to shoot near-blind :)

Well, from the sound of it and to wrap it up for this reply:
- I'll find a better jersey
- I'll probably buy the 14" version of the Stone Cold II (I know a store that still has them). That way I only need to buy one $45 middle piece because I have the tip and adapter already.

[Vander]

Thanks for the replies so far!
I'll go into details more another time, but the jersey idea raises a question:
Aren't there any camo jerseys that keep you cool?

I've been a motorcycle freak for most of my life, and when I started playing paintball I notice that speedball clothing is eerily similar to motocross apparel... hmmm.

SO... check out Dennis Kirk online (they are based in MN too.) and order closeout jerseys... some come in camo too.

OR Cabela's has some cheap shirts too.

[JJohnson]

What gun do you use? OK, is the Tippmann 98 actually accurate and good enough for a game like this, or are all the sharp shooters out there using other gear?

I use an 06' Proto Matrix. And while Tippmanns may not be the highest end guns out there, they are still very good guns for many reasons. They are simple to use, easy maintainance (sp?), and THEY CAN'T DIE. That last reason is why they are used as rental guns at almost every paintball field. My first two guns were Tippmanns, and they are my number one recommended gun for price and quality. The gun I use can spit out a lot of paint in a small amount of time, and that's what I need for how I play.

As for the barrel sizing. Yes the fields use .68 caliber paint, but ever case, and especially every different brand can differ in size. We are talking .681, .689, numbers like that. I used Blaze at BSV for a while and I sized that up with my inserts at .681, then later in the day I used some Elixer and sized that up at .685; it may not sound like much of a difference, but believe me, it really helps out on accuracy.

And Vander, yes, paintball jerseys started out as motocross jerseys. I forget what year it was, but I think it was Ironmen that showed up at a tournament wearing motocross jerseys from their sponsorer (JT sports); and that's when the switch from camo to jerseys came about, well, at least in speedball type tournament paintball.

[semmelbroesel]

Tippmanns may not be the highest end guns out there, they are still very good guns for many reasons. (...) THEY CAN'T DIE.
But you're not saying if they are accurate at all or not...
Can a Tippmann Custom be as accurate as one of the more expensive guns?

I have to say this for both the Spyder Compact 2000 (my first gun) and the Tippmann Custom:
Neither of them have ever given me any problems with paint chopping! Maybe the Spyder used to once or twice in 5 years, but the Tippmann so far has not chopped one ball on me.

As for the barrel sizing...
Oh... I though .68 meant .68 ... I suppose it's my fault for believing everything they print on those boxes, huh? :rolleyes:

I guess I'll check out pbreview.com for advice on barrel kits for my Tippmann instead of getting the 14" version of my current barrel...

How do you actually test which barrel width is the right one? I have seen someone test it by letting a paintball fall through, but what would I be looking for?

[Badger]

Tippmann guns are usually pretty reliable, and I'd say the 98s are even more reliable than the A-5s. At least they USED to be back when they were made in Fort Wayne, IN. Now they're made in China with plastic inner parts. If you can swap out for metal parts, do so.

.68 is a relative size, and some barrel companies offer ball measuring devices, and even size compensators like Python Paintball. www.pythonpaintball.com

It's up to you if you want to be that accurate with your paintball size to barrel ratio, but for the layman paintballer, you go through too much paint to really worry about that. I say if the first shot didn't hit 'em, then just fire another until one does hit. Maybe that's why I'm not a sniper. lol

As for barrel length, it's been described to me as this. Anything longer than 17 inches is overkill. It doesn't keep helping your accuracy, but it starts to add too much friction to the ball, thus slowing down your velocity. Plus, if you're running through brush, a longer barrel will more likely get caught up on branches and brambles.

Keep your "cool-look" factor to a minimum. Scopes don't really work for you, unless you're a sniper looking for potential targets. You're shooting a smooth round ball through a smooth-bore barrel. They're NOT rifles like the real thing, so a scope won't really be that accurate in a firefight. Red dot scopes might be cool, but in a firefight, you don't use the red-dot nearly as much as you think you might. Laser pointers are just for looks too. You won't use it in practice. Tac-lights are for night games if you play them, but even then they give your position away when you light it up.

All those things I mentioned above will make your gun HEAVY. Just ask the guy who won "Vera." That thing weighs about 35 pounds, I swear. Have fun running through the woods with that! beret:) I'm sure that will probably just be a wall-hanger for him, not a viable marker choice.

[semmelbroesel]

It's up to you if you want to be that accurate with your paintball size to barrel ratio, but for the layman paintballer, you go through too much paint to really worry about that. I say if the first shot didn't hit 'em, then just fire another until one does hit.
That's what I do - but even though I think I compensated well, the next few shots spread too far for my taste. Especially when there's 20 balls coming at me that all land within a foot of each other at the same distance...

Plus, if you're running through brush, a longer barrel will more likely get caught up on branches and brambles.
That at least has not been a problem for me ever, even with my 20" barrel :D

Keep your "cool-look" factor to a minimum.
Frankly, I don't care about "cool" - I'm more interested in effectiveness and practicality.

All those things I mentioned above will make your gun HEAVY. Just ask the guy who won "Vera." That thing weighs about 35 pounds, I swear.
Hey, how about the kid who won the Tippmann??? Man, the gun's nearly longer than he was! LOL!
I hope he can have fun with it.

[Bunker Busters]

just a quick question, what kind of paint were you shooting? bad paint (or even good paint thats dimpled) can make the best guns shoot like junk.

as for 98 pro's they can be very accurate however, every 98 will be a little different since they are now mass produced. Talk to other players and see what works for them, what set up they use and how they shoot.

98 compared to high end guns. you will never get the consistency of a high end gun with a 98. I shoot a AGD Tac-One when I cronoed at B.S.V. I had 278, 280,279 my bro shoots a invert mini he cronoed 279, 280, 279 our team mate shoots a 98 pro he got 275, 281, 271. he has put a lot of $$$ into his gun and it shoots awesome but it just doesn't get that shot to shot consistency, and consistency is accuracy

This might help with the heat issue http://www.specialopspaintball.com/shop/product_detail.asp?SKU=310+0045&CAT=103201303

[spock]

alls I have to say is play often, you'll learn from mistakes and what works.
as far as clothing goes,I sugest jerseys. many different companys make olive and darker.(look for close-out or last years models...cost less) have fun..

[*mess*Chain_gang]

idk if u have answerd this question but wat mask do u have?

[Ravenwood]

I have been playing for only a few months, I have an Alpha Black, which it just a 98 custom really. I haven’t had any real problems with it as yet. Crono is inconsistent but when you know your gun you know how to place your shots. I fitted a red dot scope to my Alpha when I first got it, I never use it now, its just for looks now (it does look cool lol) I find it much easier to fire at the person I am aiming for and then I place my shots and make adjustments from that first shot. This all happens in split seconds after the first shot is fired, it all comes down to knowing how your gun fires and trajectory is key knowing how much elevation to give your shots to reach there intended target, again split second decisions are made to acquire a hit or at least a grouping of shots in your intended target area. I don’t know if this makes sense to you or anyone else but it’s the best I can do to put it into words. I guess I'm saying knowing your gun and its limitations, what it can and what it can not do are key to an accurate grouping of shots.
Well that’s my ten cents if it helps :D
Just for the record I am a full camo player, I wear a full TAC vest and carry just over 1000 rounds onto the field with me. I am for sure not a sniper (don’t have the patients lol) I am not a Rambo either. I work in small teams of 2-5 and we go out on assault missions. It is nice to go out in a small team so you know you have back up and more than one set of eyes on a 360 really help through the brush.

[Chunk]

Get used to shooting while being shot at. The only way to really do that is to play a lot. The more you play with your equipment the better you will get with it. You can have the exact same set up as another person but the accuracy comes from knowing your gear and having a feel for where those first balls are going to go.

Things that will improve your game - play more, play on a variety of fields, shoot more (target practice - don't try and aim down the barrel just shoot and get a feel for where it is going and what your accurate range is), play with a lot of different people - open play, big games, scenario games, speed ball games. Ask questions of other players(don't be too annoying), most paintball players are happy to give out a pointer or two. Try different things, you may find out you play a lot better when you run screaming at your enemy. You can always reinsert.

Equipment that will improve your game -
Goggles, if you can not see you will play worse (thermal lenses are two lenses with an air chamber in between them) Most V- force goggles don't have thermal lenses but they do have an anti-fog film on the inside that works great but don't put anything on the inside but clean water and don't scrub it. If you really have problems you can get a fan for most goggles that helps.

Paint - using the best barrel and gun you can afford will be pretty meaningless if you use bad paint, that does not mean you have to spend $75 a case but find a good round non dimpled paint. Try a few brands to find one that works.

Barrel - I think you will see an increase in accuracy if you match your paint to your barrel, do a search on the web and you will get plenty of info on why. If you want to try a barrel kit Python makes a cheap kit and if they have a booth at a big game they will let you try it for free. Another way is to find a good paint that usually matches your barrel, paint may vary some bag to bag but for the most part one type of paint may match your barrel better.

Marker - Don't listen to much to others on this one, the best way to figure it out what is best for you is to try a lot of different set ups. Find a nice player and ask to trade markers for a game with them.
It sounds like you have a long set up, try out a smaller marker with a shorter barrel and drop forward, try a remote and a stock, try a scope, try lipstick on a felt knife, try just some lipstick and fishnets. You may surprise yourself with what feels right. Also as your playstyle changes you might want a different set up.

My 2cents.

[JJohnson]

try just some lipstick and fishnets. You may surprise yourself with what feels right
Please don't!!!300a:)

The rest of the advice was good though, but please....spare us from that...

[Bunker Busters]

try just some lipstick and fishnets. You may surprise yourself with what feels right.
laughing:)

[semmelbroesel]

just a quick question, what kind of paint were you shooting?
The one they sold on the field for $50.
I walked back to my car after I bought it, and someone mentioned that this was fairly decent paint (even though it's cheaper than where I usually play).
I don't remember what it was called - I still have a few bags at home, but I'm at work now and can't check.

This might help with the heat issue
Thanks, that'll go on my list of jerseys to check out :)

idk if u have answerd this question but wat mask do u have?
Hm, not sure.
If I look on the Action Village website, it looks very much like the Extreme Rage XRay Premier.

I like that the lens is closer to my eyes so I have a lot bigger peripheral vision.
Once I have a jersey to keep me cooler, I'm positive that I will sweat a lot less - my current camo shirt is fairly thick and unforgiving in heat, so very likely the sweat problem in the mask will be solved then.

I place my shots and make adjustments from that first shot.
I don’t know if this makes sense to you or anyone else
Perfect sense - it's how I tend to shoot! :cool:
I have tried aiming a bit more lately since I watched a whole lot of paintball advice videos from Web Dog's site, and man, does he have aim! He can run around the woods and still hit a small plastic bottle 50 feet away with one shot (not always, but often)! And he tends to partially aim down the barrel or down the sight. So I tried that a little on Sunday. Didn't help that much since my shots spread too far on long distance.

you may find out you play a lot better when you run screaming at your enemy.
Heh, no, definitely not - I tried the shooting range on Saturday, and when I move I have NO aim whatsoever!!!
When I'm not moving, I can have pretty decent aim, just not at very long distance.

thermal lenses are two lenses with an air chamber in between them
Good to know - I'll keep that in mind if the jersey doesn't reduce the sweat enough.

you can get a fan for most goggles that helps
A friend has one, but it's too loud for my taste. I like to rely on my ears to help me located opponents, and the fan would definitely distract me.

Try a few (paint) brands to find one that works.
Usually I play at the Combat Zone, and you can't bring your own paint there.
I actually have only played somewhere else twice - once in an indoor field (never again!), and once last Sunday :D

If you want to try a barrel kit Python makes a cheap kit
I'll do some research - thanks!
I take it there are tons of barrel kits for the Tippmann, right?

the best way to figure it out what is best for you is to try a lot of different set ups
I don't think anyone I know has ever used a barrel kit. I think I'll start with one of those - if it doesn't work well for me, I can always resell it somewhere.

try just some lipstick and fishnets. You may surprise yourself with what feels right
Talking from experience there, I see, huh? ;)
Just kidding.

Oh, another question:
Is it possible that the unsteady speed I get on my Tippmann (265-280 on Sunday) could be related to the 20" barrel, or is this bound to be a gun problem?

Thanks so much for everyone sharing their experiences here - every 2 cents are worth a lot to me!

[semmelbroesel]

Since I was one of the lucky winners of an ActionVillage gift certificate, I searched on their site for barrel kits for my Tippmann, and none of them show an actual description of bore sizes - except this one:

http://www.actionvillage.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=T6UwWcQmQWAwb4yhbAXw8c6AR4j1kPCmdZc=?Pro ductID=_evAqArbumIAAAEBO491B7ri

(I hope the link stays active and is not cookie based).

It actually shows the bore sizes, and it has pretty good reviews. There's not many reviews on pbreview, but they're all good, too.
I think that's at least a place to start without wasting too much money.
Then I can sell my 20" barrel :)

Here's another question:
I was not able so far to find out general details on barrel kits - for some reason I thought it would be inserts that you slide into the barrel, and I think I saw a picture somewhere, but most others I see are changed by replacing a middle piece.

Also, how do I determine if a barrel bore size is the right one for the paint I use?
I know you drop the ball through, but what am I looking for?

[semmelbroesel]

This might help with the heat issue http://www.specialopspaintball.com/shop/product_detail.asp?SKU=310+0045&CAT=103201303

It says "Ultra breathable jersey material" on that page, but will that be enough?
There's other products I have seen so far that are "moisture wicking".

Any experience value between something "breatheable" and something "moisture wicking"?

[Rogue]

Python bore sizers (http://www.pythonpaintball.com/)

I won a set a couple years ago and haven't use them. They are for a 98 if you are interested. I could let 'em go for cheap or trade....

[semmelbroesel]

Which exact item on the Python site (or another site) are those?

[semmelbroesel]

Never mind, finally understood how these work :-)

I'll read a few reviews on these first before I make a decision. Thanks for the offer in any case!

[semmelbroesel]

OK, I had a look at the bore sizes here.

The J&J system I linked to earlier ( J & J Edge Model 98 Barrel Kit - 14 Inch - Black ) uses .685, .688, .691, and .693, the Python uses .679 .682 .685 .688.
The standard size of paint theoretically is .68, and the J&J starts HIGHER than .68, yet it has good reviews wherever I looked so far...

Is there anyone here who has used either of these two here in Minnesota before (maybe even around Hinckley at the Combat Zone)?

I am asking this because of the high humidity that we have around here - I read extremely good reviews on my 20" barrel, and as soon as I had it someone here told me that with our high humidity it would be useless, so this time I'd like some local reviews before I make up my mind :cool:

[Bunker Busters]

this is the best barrel test/review I have ever seen I would highly recommend reading it before you buy a new barrel! http://www.pbnation.com/showthread.php?t=2218018

[semmelbroesel]

I actually looked at that site. I kept going and going through it waiting for an Excel file... But I guess the short version of the targets is helpful, too.

The JJ shows as 10 out of 20 hits which is not too bad I guess, but the Python doesn't show up on the list at all, so I have no reference point between the two.

I'm still hoping to hear from people who actually own some of the stuff I'm investigating.

[Rogue]

Are you going to be out at the Jungle Rumble Sunday? I can bring it with if you want to try it out.

[semmelbroesel]

No, I haven't even heard of it, and I'm still aching from last Sunday :(

I doubt I'll be out to play again til mid-August (or maybe not at all anymore this year, depends on my friends' time table), and no more scenario games this year! ... Unless Badger runs another Serenity game :D

[JJohnson]

Here's another question:
I was not able so far to find out general details on barrel kits - for some reason I thought it would be inserts that you slide into the barrel, and I think I saw a picture somewhere, but most others I see are changed by replacing a middle piece.

Also, how do I determine if a barrel bore size is the right one for the paint I use?
I know you drop the ball through, but what am I looking for?

There are a few different brands of barrel kits that have different backs that are the different bore sizes. (Redz, Empire)
As for the inserts, I think FREAK (by smart parts) might have an exclusive patent on those.

When sizing the paint to the barrel, you DON'T want the paintball to just drop through. What you want to do is keep using a smaller insert/barrel until the paintball no longer falls through, then take a breath and blow into the back of the barrel. Not long and slow, just a quick puff of air; the paintball should be blown through the barrel if it's sized right.

[semmelbroesel]

Thanks, that's exactly what I needed to know!

[Foster]

Step back, relax, put the credit card down. help:)

The bulk of your "problems" will be solved by playing more and buying less.
Of course nice gear can help, but not everything needs to be paintball specific.

#1 MASK
This should be #1 on your list, go to stores and try them on, go to games and try them on, read pbreview, talk to players, get pros and cons.
Invest in a complete goggle system with extra lenses, various sweatbands, headcovers, fans, anti fog (fogtec from action village is my #1 pick), neck guard, etc.
Untill you are 100% calm and in comfort with your mask/headware, you can not expect to work on your game.

#2 CLOTHES
-Start with boots/cleats/shoes/socks, these will improve your game without you even knowing it. And a hike through a park will help you find the right combo.

-Under layer
"Slider shorts", Unpadded cycling shorts, underarmor are all nice lower body 1st layers. Choose comfort and suppurt in a fabric that will wick sweat away.

-Pants and top's
There are many nice choices in pants, I prefer dye ultralights for hot days and normal BDU style pants for all around use. Dont buy into the hype that camo does not work...What?
Choose what helps you stay in the game, if not camo keep to colors that make sense. Fabric should breeth well or wick sweat, anything from a button up hawiian to a tech fabric jersey.

-Gloves, Like shoes this can be a big one to overlook.

After that just get in some game time.
Lots of short "speedball" type games will improve your skills faster than long scenario games. The # of encounters you will have on a small hyper field would take months and months to experience on a large scenario field.
Just stick to your guns, dont be quick to buy Game.

[semmelbroesel]

Thanks for the advice, Foster!

I am not going to go and buy every piece of new equipment I can get my hands on - I don't have the cash for that :rolleyes:
So don't worry :)

But with the help of the previous posts here I was able to isolate a few issues that I KNOW I have at the moment.

1. Sweat/Heat!
Buying one jersey to replace my fairly thick camo long-sleeved T-shirt is a cheap way to influence a lot of my game - I'll be less tired, less dehydrated and less sweaty. If the effect is strong enough, I won't need new goggles, either - my current goggles work great unless it gets REALLY hot, and they don't ever fog anymore since I use that antifog gel type stuff.

2. Shot spread
OK, I may not be the best marksman on the course, but I know that theoretically I have good aim, but no matter how stable I shoot, my shots still spray very far apart on distance. No amount of aiming and target practice will help if I have an inconsistent barrel/marker combination, and by now even I can see that buying the 20" barrel was definitely overkill and could easily be the cause for this issue. Spending another $50-80 on a barrel and selling my old one is another cheap enough fix that should help influence my game a lot.

Currently, I don't use my gloves a lot - simply because often they are too hot, and I am not much of a crawler, anyway. If the jersey keeps me cool enough, I will use my gloves again or be on the lookout for cooler gloves, but again: not top priority.

I am happy with my pants (so far) and my shoes. I may have to find another tube holder in the long run, but that's not as important.

This is where I intend to start. I won't buy a $500 gun etc. - YET :D

[sn3ak]

Foster hit the nail on the head with the first sentence. no player is a professional player their 1st game. i fight pro, and i sucked at first untill a fellow fighter at the time told me "muhammad ali didnt start as a pro.

take some time, play as much as you can, get the EXPERIENCE that youll need to get, you probably have a great concept of the game as to the way you play it now, but my concept has changed alot since the first time i played (1st game at splat tag was a GBG).

its all about having fun and you said you had a blast so sounds like it was worth it for ya. just stay calm, and play YOUR game. and if your not having fun, your doing something wrong :p

[semmelbroesel]

It's true, it was my first time playing a scenario game - except I have been playing regular non-scenario games for 6 years now... :rolleyes:
You'd think that after this much time I'd have better aim, and I think I do, but again I believe that my current configuration spreads too far (I can even tell on the chrono).

I don't think I was particularly bad on Sunday - I didn't get shot out more than 4 or 5 times all day, but then I only scored 2 confirmed and possible up to 5 unconfirmed assisted hits.

As for equipment, I don't buy lots of stuff - I used a Spyder Compact 2000 ($45 ebay) for years and only last year upgraded to a Tippmann Custom Pro and the Stone Cold II barrel (with both the Spyder and Tippmann adapter). This year I only upgraded to compressed air vs. CO2.

I think a cooling jersey is a must-buy for me this year. Since I have a $50 coupon for Action Village and they have free shipping over $100, I may add the barrel kit to it, or not, depending if I can get any personal LOCAL experiences with it. Same for the Python system.

The reviews on pbreview are good, but obviously not good enough when it comes to Minnesota humidity - the Stone Cold II barrel had raving reviews, but it doesn't perform consistently enough up here, which I think could be because of different types of paint that my regular field sells.
So a barrel kit should help a lot with that.
But that's about all I'm willing to spend money on this year - unless my goggles happen to break during a game ;)