Paint

[RTDawnPatrol]

So I got to say this. Last year I noticed a steady decliune in the quality of the paint throughout the year. It was more apparent in the scenarios. When I generalled the G.I. Joe game, I couldnt shoot either of my guns due to balls chopping. I am pretty proficient in troubleshooting and evaluating tippmann guns and I know it wasnt my marker. I know that any XBall paint is not good for tippy"s. Anyway, I cant speculate as to the care and storage of paint before its purchased, but I and Dawn Patrol would like to see an improvement in the ammo. I know that Eric Engler will be dealing with Nelson this year and my team has used their mid grade paint extensively for 3 years and it has worked out well for us and the price is very reasonable. Not trying to step on Playmore's toes by anymeans. Just giving suggestions based on my experience.

[Hugh R. Walls Jr., "G"]

Paint is a fickle beast.  Factors in paint breaks are thus:

1.)  Paint Shell:  A thicker shelled or "Winter" shell will be more durable and be least likely to have barrel or breech breaks. It is also mmore likely to bounce off players due to the thicker shell.

2.)  How it is stored:  Paintballs need proper storage. That means from manufacturer through player.  Always keep paint stored in a temperate place.  Average 70 degrees / 40-70% humidity. If it is too cold or too hot or flucuates between the two drastically, it will become brittle.

3.)  Marker type:  Each marker fires and impacts the ball differently.  A tippman is an open-bolt, sheridan based, marker.  It fires the ball with the bold and air impacting the ball at the same time.  This causes much disturbance on the ball and if improperly stored or manufactured, the ball may rupture in the hopper, breech,or barrel.
          A pump or autococker is a closed bolt system and only air forces the ball from the marker.  This imparts less energy and force on the ball and creates less chance
          for ball breakage.  But again improperly stored or manufactured paint may cause the ball to rupture in the hopper, breech,or barrel.

4.)  Barrel Type:  Smooth bore barrels cause less friction/drag on the ball as it leaves the breech and creates less of a chance to tear or rupture the ball.  Some barrels (Tippmann Flatline) have a rough surface that can cause a rupture to weaker shelled paint.  Also improperly fitted barrels will cause problems.  If the wrong barrel is used a lack in continuity (Gap or open space) inside the barrel could create and edge that could cause the ball to rupture.  Improperly installed Flatline's are notorious for that.

5.)  Velocity:  Too high a velocity can rupture the ball.  Too low can stack balls up inside the barrel and cause them to slam into each other.

6.)  Hopper/Loader:  With today's high rate of fire (rof) markers, a slow hopper will cause people to break more balls.  Response triggers and electronic markers can shoot in excess of 20 balls per secone (bps). If a loader cannot maintain theat rof then a ball can "half-feed" into the breech and get "chopped" by the bolt moving forward.  Also if old batteries are used, then loader's feed rate may be diminished.  Also a select force loader an be set too high and the force can rupture the ball in the hopper.  Change the amount of force on the feed.

Basically, if all these are followed, paint breakage is minimized.  Hope this has helped!

7.)  Ball Detents:  Work or no ball detents can cause a marker to double-feed and paint can slam into each other in the breech/barrel.

[RTDawnPatrol]

I completely understand that paint breaks are not always the paints fault. As further suggestion, we have used Diablo Nightmare and Formula 13 with good results. Has a paint brand /type been picked out for this year yet? I'm speaking in general btw, not just for AMP competitions.

[Hugh R. Walls Jr., "G"]

Paint was a topic of discussion at the last meeting, but it is still being reviewed.