More Selections for Stiffi Carbon Fiber Paintball Barrels

8 08 2011

If you are a regular reader of this blog you’ll remember that I wrote a piece when we started stocking Stiffi Carbon Fiber Paintball Barrels again. The response has been overwhelming for these excellent paintball barrels that combine featherlight weight and awesome accuracy. We realized that we needed to expand the Stiffi selection… but there was a problem, a huuuuuuuuge problem.

You see, because Stiffi barrels are not machined from a tube or metal blank but instead constructed from precision components. There are near endless configurations and while some barrels are regularly kept in stock, the majority of our Stiffi barrels are built just for our orders. Here’s where the problem was. First of all, they are made in nine barrel threads (Tippmann A5, Tippmann 98 Custom, Cocker, Old Angel, Angel 06, Angel One, Shocker SFT, Impulse/ Ion and Spyder… then there are three standard lengths (12, 14 and 16 inches)… then there are three standard bore sizes (.687, .689 and .691 for most barrel threads or .691, .693 and .695 for Tippmann A5 and 98). That right there is already 99 choices of barrels… and thats just for the single barrels, not even taking the Switch Kits into account !

We have been stocking the Classic Finish barrels… those techno-cool looking ones that everyone expects carbon fiber to look like. However, Site Mfg also produces a huge variety of patterns for the Stiffi Barrels as well. Instead of anodizing these are actually a tough wrap applied and then cemented and sealed to the barrel. Because of this process virtually any finish or graphic can be applied to the barrels. For a simple example lets just say that they offer 15 finishes… thats 1435 individual barrels ( again, not including the Switch Kits) we would need to stock ! Don’t get me wrong, we pride ourselves on a great selection but that would take up a huge section of our warehouse… we’d drown in carbon fiber barrels ! There are thousands and thousands of options.

In effort to get our customers access to Stiffi barrels we’ve worked out a program with the manufacturer. When you place an order for any Stiffi Carbon Fiber Barrel or Stiffi Switch Kit marked with double asterisks (**) on our website, we automatically place an order with Stiffi. Your barrel is put into the express production line, built just for you over the next few days. Rather than wait for the barrel to be shipped to our warehouse, received and then reshipped we instead have it delivered factory-direct from the manufacturer to you. If the barrel was part of an order that would have qualified for free shipping then we will eat the shipping costs ! Bear in mind that because of the delay in shipping for making the barrel they cannot be shipped expedited services like Next Day Air.

Check out our line of US Army Paintball Guns, Project Salvo Paintball Guns and variety of Cheap Paintball Guns


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Categories : Paintball

Great Paintball Setups for Beginner Players

28 02 2011

Gryphon Semi Automatic Paintball MarkerSo you think you’re ready to get your own paintball gear and step up your game?  There are definitely some general rules to follow for your first set of gear and we’re here to help!

Hopefully, you already know that the essential parts of a good set-up are a decent marker, an air tank, a helmet, and maybe a hopper for faster loading. There are lots of places that sell ready-made kits like this, so you’ll want to check out some paintball gun reviews to try and narrow down which kit is right for you.

Lots of beginners like Tippmann paintball guns because they are high quality paintball guns and relatively affordable, which is a great place to start. There are a number of great kits that include Tippmann paintball guns, helmets, and air tanks. You can even check out more paintball gun reviews to check out which Tippmann paintball gun sets would be best for you.

You’ll also want to make sure you get some equipment to use to take the best care of your new gear as possible. Depending on which paintball gun you decide to go with, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintaining your gun. You should probably get yourself a compatible barrel cover and squeegee too, since the barrel cover is typically required on playing fields, and the squeegee will help you play better.

Start with good quality basic equipment that you know how to use and how to take good care of; then you can purchase or invest in upgraded, more expensive gear, like a  paintball sniper rifle, as you become more familiar with what you need to take your game to the next level!


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How to Get Your Wife or Girlfriend to Play Paintball

22 02 2011

paintball womenHave you ever wanted to bring your wife or girlfriend to play paintball with you but don’t quite know how to go about it? In case you’ve already asked your wife or girlfriend and they’ve addressed some concerns, we have some excellent suggestions to help you be successful in your pursuit.

One of the top complaints we hear from ladies that have never played paintball before is that it’s too rough of a game. The first thing to remind your special lady is that paintball isn’t a contact sport. There’s no tackling and no fighting. If your wife or girlfriend is really concerned, you’ll want to start with small games maybe at indoor fields that aren’t as crazy or dirty as playing in the woods or outdoor fields. Regardless of where you go, take plenty of time to go over the rules of the game, and try to get in as much practice as possible before the first game. You want her to feel like she’s has an idea of what she’s supposed to be doing.

Along the same lines of thinking it’s a rough game, ladies can be very worried about the potential for getting hurt. I mean, realistically, they could get shot with a paintball moving at high speeds one or more times, and that’s on a good day. It stands to reason that a well-prepared lady will be suited up with well-padded, loose fitting clothing.  Have her try on a few sample outfits, and make sure she can move and run freely. Next, make sure she has the right paintball accessories, especially a good set of gloves and a properly fitting helmet or head protection. We all know that the most painful places to get hit are the hands and the head, so you’ll want to make sure she’s got high quality protective gear to make her feel more comfortable and less scared.

Finally, try to find a few cheap paintball guns that your wife or girlfriend might like. You don’t want to start with anything too expensive or complicated, in case your experiment doesn’t work out, but you do want to let her pick from a few different paintball guns. That way, she can decide which one she likes best and feels most comfortable with. Don’t forget to remind her about how much fun and exciting the game can be.

You’ll definitely have to be patient and understanding, but if you make sure your special lady is well prepared and excited, it can be a totally rewarding experience for you both!


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How to Tell if You’re Ready for a Paintball Tournament

15 02 2011

paintball tournamentIf you’re thinking about or interested in playing in a paintball tournament, there are a few things to know before you get started. First and foremost, most tournaments are team events, so you want to make sure you have at least a few friends or fellow players that will be on a team with you, and that you all have your own paintball guns.

Next, start researching local tournaments. To minimize the travel costs for your first tournament, it’s probably best to start with one that’s nearby. However, you’ll always want to make sure to do a good amount of research about the tournaments close to you, to be sure all the other elements are in line, such as the level of tournament play, and the number of members per team. If this is your first tournament, it’s probably best to start off with a beginner’s tournament, even if you’ve been playing for a while. Then, depending on the tournament you’ve got your eye on, rally the needed number of friends, and start discussing strategy and costs.

You’ll want to ensure you have enough time to practice as a team and get used to any new gear. If you are planning to splurge for a new paintball sniper or any other new equipment, you’ll want to spend at least a few weeks practicing with it so you know what to expect. You won’t want to be going into your first tournament with gear you’re not used to using; it will just make the whole thing more nerve-wracking.

Spend plenty of time preparing for the tournament by practicing and strategizing with your teammates, arrive early to the tournament grounds, have an idea of how much money you’ll need before and during the tournament, don’t forget to have fun, and you should be well on your way to starting an exciting and wonderful career of tournament play.

[ photo by: magoexperto ]


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Valentine’s Day Gifts for Paintballers

11 02 2011

Are you in need of some gift ideas for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day? If your significant other is a paintball enthusiast, you don’t need to look any further!  We have some great ideas sure to please the paintball lover in your life.

For the new paintballer, you are always safe getting gear and paintballs as gifts, since they’re almost constantly needed. Paintballs can be inexpensive, and you could even try to get them in Valentine’s Day colors, like red and white. Or get the paintballs in any color, but wrap them in a red heart-shaped box! Make sure your significant other is well protected with a mask and goggles, or some elbow pads. Smaller items like extra parts, paintball harnesses or packs, and gloves are also great gift ideas that are relatively inexpensive and easy to wrap with heart-covered paper.

If you have a bigger budget for your Valentine’s gift, paintball players almost always enjoy the surprise of a new paintball sniper marker or pistol. See if you can gather up some tips about the type of paintball pistols would be ideal, and start your shopping.  If you have to guess, make sure you purchase the paintball pistol or other gear from a seller that allows for returns or exchanges, so your sweetheart paintballer can get exactly what he or she wants!

Should you want to start playing paintball with your sweety, or if you’re looking for a great way to spend some extra time together, lots of paintball fields sell gift cards that can be used for future play. Buy a gift card that will cover a day’s play for two, and you’ve got an awesome date planned.

[ photo by: floodllama ]


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How to Get Your Sweetheart to Buy You Paintball Swag

7 02 2011

If your significant other is anything like mine, gift-giving time can be a frustrating and stressful time for him or her and Valentine’s Day is no exception. What constitutes “the perfect gift” is unclear and even if your sweetheart knows what to get you, where to get it is another dilemma. Here we have some helpful tips for you to deliver some pretty strong hints about what you would love for Valentine’s Day.

One of the most obvious tactics is to take one or more of your favorite paintball magazines, circle the gear you would like, perhaps even write some helpful messages like, “I would like this paintball sniper gun very much,” and leave the magazine(s) somewhere your sweetheart is sure to find it. One important and beneficial point: make sure you consider your significant other’s budget when making your selections, and be sure to indicate your desired size if needed. If you’ve hinted to your sweetheart that you want a paint ball gun, make sure to also hint if you’ll need any new paintballs or other accessories too.

An even more fun way to give hints is to start by going to your favorite online paintball swag site. You can use the tactics outlined above to indicate exactly the gear or paintball sniper gun you’ve got your eye on; maybe even use a separate tab for each item. If you need to make it even easier, select the exact items you want, then go ahead and put them in the site’s shopping cart. Finally, leave the pre-set computer screen right on the shopping cart page.  All your sweetheart has to do is complete the order, and your ideal Valentine’s gift is on its way to you! It’s a win-win for everyone!


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Woodsball Tips and Tactics

26 01 2011

Woodsball FunIn case you don’t already know, woodsball is a paintball game played out in a natural, wooded setting. The playing field is typically large and provides lots of natural cover. If you’re getting ready to venture out for your first woodsball game, there are a few tips and tricks you’ll want to have beforehand.

First, check out some paintball gun reviews and make sure you have a marker that’s designed for woodsball play. There are specific types of markers made especially for woodsball games, including many varieties of Tippmann paintball guns. Tippmann markers are typically military replica styles and have tons of modifications available, so you can customize your gun with items such as an electronic loader or a scope; both very helpful. Tippmann paintball guns are also known to be extremely reliable, durable, and comparatively low cost. Again, find some paintball gun reviews, and you’ll see this is true!

With your woodsball marker in tow, be sure to bring along your camouflage gear. Dark colors can be extremely helpful in the outdoor arena. You might not need a full ghillie suit right off the bat, but do prepare by selecting dark colors, lightweight clothing (to help you move more easily), and a good pair of boots. Don’t wear boots that are too heavy, because you want to be able to move quickly and quietly around the field. And of course, don’t forget your protective mask.

Once you reach the field (or even before) meet up with your teammates and get organized. You’ll want to come up with a plan to cover the playing field and each other. It’s important to determine who will be positioned where and who will be providing cover for the team runners. You should also discuss hand signals to use so you don’t have to make any extra noise.

Lastly, try to come up with a few methods for keeping yourself calm and alert while you anxiously wait for your opponents to cross your path, or while you’re cruising through the woods looking for your targets. Be prepared for the surprise and keep your paintball marker ready at all times!

[photo: West Point Public Affairs]


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How to Practice Paintball Alone

20 01 2011

Practicing paintball aloneYou might not always have the time or money to head out to the paintball field, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still improve your skills by yourself.  Here are some practical tips and methods to make sure you rule the field, even when you can’t be there.

Spend time getting used to your equipment. Get used to the feel of your marker. Practice looking through your scope.  Some paintball facilities even have practice shooting yards, where you can grab some paintballs, all of your gear, and a few cheap paintball guns, and spend some time practicing your shots.

Get in shape and practice your movements. You must be ready to sprint, and depending on the game, you might have to run fast for long periods of time.  To prepare for the field, run some wind sprints, or go to a local track and run a few laps with short sprints every other lap.  You have to get your stamina up if you’re gonna play with the big guns.  Though it’s a good idea to get used to the weight of your paintball guns while running, it might be wise to leave your guns at home so you don’t freak out the other track runners.

Once you’re in shape, head out to any spot that resembles the playing field, like the forest or a park.  Figure out how to carry yourself to move quietly.  You might even want to try a few belly crawls or rolls to see how quietly you can do it.  Without looking like a goon, you should also wear your paintball gear so you can practice in the same outfit as you’ll wear on the field.

If you want to go to a paintball field but don’t have anyone to play with, don’t let that stop you.  Be a spectator.  Watch how other players move, where they go, and what works or doesn’t work.  Check out the entire field, if you can.  But make sure you bring at least your cheap paintball guns and some paintballs just in case someone needs you on their team!

[photo: Clauz Jardim]


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Night Paintball: Gear You’ll Need

18 01 2011

One Night Ops Marker PackageNight paintball, if you’ve never done it, is an awesome experience.  Depending on where you play, there can be little to no light on the playing field, making it especially challenging to see your opponents.  However, when you play night paintball, you’ll notice you come to rely more on your sense of hearing than anything else, though there is plenty of regular paintball gear you can use at night.

Some players mistakenly bring paintball accessories like glow sticks, or flashlights they leave on for more than a few seconds.  These players might as well have targets and spotlights on them.  The goal of night paintball, just like regular paintball, is to go unseen.  On the other hand, it’s not a bad idea to bring a spotlight to use in case you’re in a pinch. For instance, if an opponent is approaching, you can shine the spotlight directly toward him or her, and then peel out while you wait for the opponent’s eyes to adjust to the dark again.

Should you want even more of an advantage over your night paintball opponents, get yourself some paintball accessories made for night play.  For example, you might acquire paintball accessories, such as night vision goggles or night vision scopes.  Even the smallest bit of light will shine bright with night vision goggles.  Though the experience can feel odd at first, you’ll get used to it in no time and trust us, it’s pretty cool.


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Intimidation Tactics in Paintball

11 01 2011

Paintball Player and his Paintball PistolWe’ve already spent some time talking about skills and tactics for paintball, and a key strategy of a great paintball player is intimidation.  Paintball is a game that requires players to hunt and be hunted.  The psychological aspect is key. To gain the upper hand on your opponents’ state of mind, set up a scene to make others fear you right from the start.  In turn, prepare yourself for the intimidation tactics of others; practice staying cool to prevent scare tactics from affecting your game.

Let’s start with how you can intimidate other players.  First and foremost, you need confidence in your game.   Having the sickest paintball pistol on the field doesn’t hurt either, but you have to be sure you know how to use it effectively.  Talk a big game, and definitely play a big game too.  Players that show up as part of team already have an advantage. You’re organized, you’re experienced, and you know what you’re doing together.  Strut around together showing off your paintball guns and cheer loudly.  It’s also a good idea to keep your paintball guns clean and in good condition. It shows you care and want to play at your best.  Making others fear you and worry about your team’s skills from the very beginning of the game goes a long way.

Now, how can you counter the intimidation tactics of other players?  The best way to stand strong is to not let the intimidation irritate you.  And if you can’t stop yourself from being bothered by taunting from other players, at least don’t let it show.  Focus on your game, focus on your team, and make sure you’re playing the best you can.  If you have confidence in your skills and your paintball pistol, you can counter any smack talk with final scores.

[photo: Andres Aguiluz Rios]


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