Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
How to start a paintball field?
Yes, the million dollar question: "How to start a paintball field?" Try to google this and you will find many solutions to this question. Different perspectives from different people... some positives, some not so encouraging... but really, how do you really set up a paintball field?
Firstly, you have to understand the mechanics of paintball. When I say mechanics, I mean research, play the game, know how the game works, understand the difference between CO2 and HPA, understand the difference between the various types of paintball, talk to the paintball people. If you have played paintball once or twice and you think that paintball is a viable business, then let me tell you, you dont really know what paintball is. Yes, many people will think that I am bullshitting about this but I am writing this blog from my personal experience, from not knowing anything about paintball to running 2 paintball places, supplying paintball gears and organizing the country's only paintball tournament.
If you think that you know all that is needed to know about paintball by just playing the game...then you are far from knowing how to run a paintball business. Playing the game is one thing, running a paintball business is another. As the saying goes, "Its not about what you know, but about who you know". So in paintball, its no different. You need to talk to paintball people, people who have already been there done that...they will give you the best advice. Better still make them your partners. Its easier to break a bundle of sticks as a team than doing it alone. Playing the game helps a lot, so if you are not a player engaging in paintball, dont even think about paintball as a livelihood....likely, your learning curve is so steep and you are always out of touch. I happen to know this field owner who bought e-markers for his field as house markers...many will think that its surely a good idea . E-marker shoots more paintballs, more paintballs means more money. WRONG! It happen that there were not enough research done before the purchase, there was not enough talk with the paintball people and eventually... the e-markers started to give way and without a good knowledge of marker maintenance, the markers have now become white elephants.
Secondly, find the right people who can "teach" you paintball. Amazingly, paintball can be taught, yes, research, research and research... dont believe everything that is written on the internet. Marketing plans have everyone claiming that they are the best, the easiest marker to maintain, the best quality paintballs, etc. Dont just read, try and test them. Imagine that you are a customer when playing the game...bang the marker around, play it in a tight corner, slide with the marker, shake the marker...and if possible, drop the marker. Dont just read and believe those marketing words. E.g. "Best field paintball marker in the world" Again, this can be resolved if you know the right paintball people.
As I am writing this... I am starting to feel that there are so many things to write about "how to start a paintball field" and its almost impossible for me to write them down, it could take me hours and hours or maybe even days!!! But in short, these are the various things to look out for:
1) Talk to the paintball people
2) Location
3) Theme
4) Supplies
5) Cost
6) Directions
7) Workers
8) Repairs
9) Gears
10) Talk to the paintball people
To find out more about "how to start a paintball field", please email info@weplaypaintball.com
More to come... mobile paintball
Firstly, you have to understand the mechanics of paintball. When I say mechanics, I mean research, play the game, know how the game works, understand the difference between CO2 and HPA, understand the difference between the various types of paintball, talk to the paintball people. If you have played paintball once or twice and you think that paintball is a viable business, then let me tell you, you dont really know what paintball is. Yes, many people will think that I am bullshitting about this but I am writing this blog from my personal experience, from not knowing anything about paintball to running 2 paintball places, supplying paintball gears and organizing the country's only paintball tournament.
If you think that you know all that is needed to know about paintball by just playing the game...then you are far from knowing how to run a paintball business. Playing the game is one thing, running a paintball business is another. As the saying goes, "Its not about what you know, but about who you know". So in paintball, its no different. You need to talk to paintball people, people who have already been there done that...they will give you the best advice. Better still make them your partners. Its easier to break a bundle of sticks as a team than doing it alone. Playing the game helps a lot, so if you are not a player engaging in paintball, dont even think about paintball as a livelihood....likely, your learning curve is so steep and you are always out of touch. I happen to know this field owner who bought e-markers for his field as house markers...many will think that its surely a good idea . E-marker shoots more paintballs, more paintballs means more money. WRONG! It happen that there were not enough research done before the purchase, there was not enough talk with the paintball people and eventually... the e-markers started to give way and without a good knowledge of marker maintenance, the markers have now become white elephants.
Secondly, find the right people who can "teach" you paintball. Amazingly, paintball can be taught, yes, research, research and research... dont believe everything that is written on the internet. Marketing plans have everyone claiming that they are the best, the easiest marker to maintain, the best quality paintballs, etc. Dont just read, try and test them. Imagine that you are a customer when playing the game...bang the marker around, play it in a tight corner, slide with the marker, shake the marker...and if possible, drop the marker. Dont just read and believe those marketing words. E.g. "Best field paintball marker in the world" Again, this can be resolved if you know the right paintball people.
As I am writing this... I am starting to feel that there are so many things to write about "how to start a paintball field" and its almost impossible for me to write them down, it could take me hours and hours or maybe even days!!! But in short, these are the various things to look out for:
1) Talk to the paintball people
2) Location
3) Theme
4) Supplies
5) Cost
6) Directions
7) Workers
8) Repairs
9) Gears
10) Talk to the paintball people
To find out more about "how to start a paintball field", please email info@weplaypaintball.com
More to come... mobile paintball
Friday, May 22, 2009
Singapore Paintball Novice Series (SPNS) 2009
Singapore Paintball Novice Series (SPNS) 2009 Leg 2 – Pasir Ris Park, Native Lawn
Bringing Paintball to the Hearts”
For the first time in Singapore, a competitive paintball tournament was held beyond a licensed paintball centre in Singapore. Established in 2008 and organized by the Paintball Association (Singapore), PBAS, SPNS 2009 Leg 2 sets its foot on a national park located in the eastern coast of the Singapore’s shores, Pasir Ris Park. Supported by the Singapore Sports Council and the National Parks Board, this leg of the competition saw 13 paintball teams vying for Singapore’s top paintball honour. With the slogan of “Bringing Paintball to the Hearts”, the objective of organizing the competition in a public park allows PBAS to showcase the sport of paintball to the heart of the community. This is also the first time that a 5-men competition format is adopted in the SPNS as compared to the previous legs of a 3 men and 4 men format.
For the first time in Singapore, a competitive paintball tournament was held beyond a licensed paintball centre in Singapore. Established in 2008 and organized by the Paintball Association (Singapore), PBAS, SPNS 2009 Leg 2 sets its foot on a national park located in the eastern coast of the Singapore’s shores, Pasir Ris Park. Supported by the Singapore Sports Council and the National Parks Board, this leg of the competition saw 13 paintball teams vying for Singapore’s top paintball honour. With the slogan of “Bringing Paintball to the Hearts”, the objective of organizing the competition in a public park allows PBAS to showcase the sport of paintball to the heart of the community. This is also the first time that a 5-men competition format is adopted in the SPNS as compared to the previous legs of a 3 men and 4 men format.
Introduced to Singaporeans in 2008, competitive paintball otherwise known as speedball is increasingly gaining its popularity in Singapore. Efforts by PBAS to promote this sport have been significant with roadshows in tertiary institutions such as Singapore Polytechnic and Ngee Ann Polytechnic. Singapore Polytechnic has also recently become the first Singapore institution to introduce the sport of speedball to its students and armed with the intention of establishing a paintball club in the school.
Another historical event is the conduct of the Malaysia Marshal Level 1 marshalling certification course for 6 local paintball referees by Mr. Junaidi Khalil who is the Head Referee in Asia with marshalling experiences in the Asia Paintball Invitational Tournament 2008 in Kao Hsiung, Taiwan and the Asia World Cup since 2007. "The Certification Course helped to raise the competency of many of the new recruits to local refereeing" added Benedict Chen, a second year student from the National University of Singapore who took on the Head Referee role during the SPNS. Indeed, the certification course and cross learning between the Singapore and Malaysia marshals helped to unify the conduct of the sport with similar regulations across the borders.
Another historical event is the conduct of the Malaysia Marshal Level 1 marshalling certification course for 6 local paintball referees by Mr. Junaidi Khalil who is the Head Referee in Asia with marshalling experiences in the Asia Paintball Invitational Tournament 2008 in Kao Hsiung, Taiwan and the Asia World Cup since 2007. "The Certification Course helped to raise the competency of many of the new recruits to local refereeing" added Benedict Chen, a second year student from the National University of Singapore who took on the Head Referee role during the SPNS. Indeed, the certification course and cross learning between the Singapore and Malaysia marshals helped to unify the conduct of the sport with similar regulations across the borders.
Team Red West who was the champion team in leg 1 of SPNS 2009 managed to defend their title by clinching another champion medal in this leg of the competition. With 3 of its players playing for the Red Sevens team, a Singapore Division 3 team participating in the Malaysia Paintball Official Circuit (MPOC) and Malaysia National Paintball League (MY-NPL), the Red West team displayed immense teamwork and proficiency to qualify for the 1st position during the 8 qualifying games and eventually winning the title. Five-O, participating for the first time in the SPNS took home the 2nd position after a series of impressive games against some of the top sides in the series such as Kamikaze and Dark Militia in Round 2 of the tournament. Last leg’s runners-up, Contract Killers, concluded the day with a 3rd position placing and Dark Militia claiming the 4th position. One of the most exciting segments of the tournament was the “Top Gun” Division where teams would send a representative to compete in a 1-on-1 paintball game where spectators of the event were involved in delivering sideline coaching. The “Top Gun” Division is a test of a player’s individual skills and of his ability to cope with the immense pressure of the match under the eyes of a crowd. This leg’s “Top Gun” Division was won by Sean Low, a student from Pei Cai Secondary School who has been playing paintball as a competitive sport for more than 2 years. His team the Death Mavericks was in 3rd position after the qualifying rounds.
“We have seen vast improvement in the level of the game. Participants are getting more skilful and technically sound as compared to last year. To continue developing paintball, we’ll need the local authorities to reconsider the classification of paintball markers as a firearm but as a sporting equipment, similar to a foil in fencing, a bow in archery or a bat in softball” exclaimed Jane Koh, President of the Paintball Association (Singapore) who is also the Tournament Director since the dawn of the SPNS. While many consider this event as a big leap for Singapore paintball, there are still many aspects of the sport that needs to be addressed to develop this sport into a mainstream sport. Through awareness program and paintball clinics, this sport will soon do away with the common branding of being “jungle-game, painful or just plain shooting”.
Official results of SPNS 2009 Leg 2 can be found in, www.weplaypaintball.com/SPNS.html
Article is contributed by Ben “King”, a paintball enthusiast and promoter in Singapore.
Photos courteosy of Tilt, www.tilt.com.sg
Photos courteosy of Tilt, www.tilt.com.sg
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thank you Furious Barrels!!!
Photo by Hartika, DEADPGX
Red Sevens had a taste of Furious barrel in the last MPOC and they shoot great! The barrel shoots well and has a consistent shot with every trigger pull. Definitely a solid performer for barrel class. Vicious from the Semi Pro Division in PSP shoots with Furious barrels too.
If you want to try out these barrels just approach any of our guys and we will be willing to let you try out. After trying, do let us know your feedback and should you decide to commit to one of the best barrel in the paintball industry, do let us know too.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Asia Paintball Invitational Tournament (APIT) 2009
Its confirmed! This event will be held from 16 - 19 July 09 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Last year, when Red Sevens attended this tournament, we were told that it was a prelude event to the World Games in which paintball would be considered as demo-game for this year's World Games event. And so... when we heard the news that the APIT will be organized again, we were thrilled... With the start of the World Games 2009 on 16 July 09, the Kaohsiung city will be flooded with athletes from around the world making this event even more significant than last year's. When we received the invitation to participate in April this year, we were pretty skeptical that this event will not pull through but we were proven wrong. It seems like the Kaohsiung city committee like what they saw last year.
So, yes... Red Sevens will be attending this year's APIT again. I am sure we will see the likes of Infernal from Thailand and KU from Japan who were there last year. Adding to the list of the participating teams, could be Ironmen from US and Incarnate from Canada. S+S which is our favourite team from Taiwan could well be representing Taiwan for this tournament too. Taiwan is special to the Red Sevens, we spent a good time in Taiwan last year, met a lot of people, made a lot of friends, eat a lot of good food (fish sperms) and this is what paintball is all about. Fun and meeting new people everytime you go for a tournament.
So Kaohsiung, here we come...
So, yes... Red Sevens will be attending this year's APIT again. I am sure we will see the likes of Infernal from Thailand and KU from Japan who were there last year. Adding to the list of the participating teams, could be Ironmen from US and Incarnate from Canada. S+S which is our favourite team from Taiwan could well be representing Taiwan for this tournament too. Taiwan is special to the Red Sevens, we spent a good time in Taiwan last year, met a lot of people, made a lot of friends, eat a lot of good food (fish sperms) and this is what paintball is all about. Fun and meeting new people everytime you go for a tournament.
So Kaohsiung, here we come...
Monday, May 4, 2009
DM9 Vs DM9 Ironmen Limited Edition
I have previously done a comparison of Egos, SLGs and yes, I would love to do a comparison for DMs but instead, I will go one level higher to compare DM9 against its limited edition, the Ironmen DM9.
There are only 5 pieces in Asia, 4 in Taiwan... and of course, being the paintball hub of South East Asia, there is 1 piece in Malaysia and to be really specific, you can only find this marker in KCHL paintball. This marker is not going to come cheap given that the DM series markers are undoubtly the most reliable marker in the paintball industry. Speak to any Dye DM series users and they will tell you that they wouldnt change anything for a DM marker. The internals of this marker uses a Billy Wing DM9 bolt which is non-existence in the retail market now. So that explains how limited edition this marker is. If you think that a limited edition DM is only limited by its overall outlook, then you are so so wrong. The Dye research and development team has developed a completely new marker frame with what looks like a strap holder for the new marker series. And yes, its lighter than the currecnt DM9s.
The one thing that amazes me most about the design of the mark is the Ironmen crest that is entirely embedded into the marker frame as opposed to the usual laser anodizing. This could set the entire paintball industry looking into this newly added feature in marker designs.
Oh...did I mentioned that there is a black version for this? Consider it as the limited among the limited. And yes, I will be holding one of this very very soon.
Congratulations to Bryan "Judas" Quek!
Congratulations to Bryan "Judas" Quek for winning the 2nd position in the International Super Sevens Championship (ISSC) 2009 Division 3 with Team Shoot in Rage. This is by far the most prestigious medal ever won by a Singaporean.
Judas has come a long way since started playing with Redlords. We have proud of him and happy of his acheivements. He is now the most medalled player in Singapore having won the following:
Redlords - SPNS 2008 Leg 1 Champion
NPL 2009 Leg 2 (Shoot in Rage) - Division 4 3rd Runners Up
ISSC 2009 (Shoot in Rage) - Division 3 2nd Runners Up
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Paintball store in Singapore
Want to play paintball seriously? Want to get some paintball gear so that you can look good in the field while shooting your opponents? Want to get some paintball upgrades? Look no further...
Red Dynasty Paintball offers all major paintball brands such as Dye, Proto, JT and Eclipse!!!
International Super Sevens Championship (ISSC) 2009
JT Booth by Pro Paintball
Seburo and I helping out at the Dye Booth
G3 booth by Wernahol
Steven with a full display of the rotors
Ironmen Limited Edition DM9 only 4 pieces in Asia!
Elle with SupaStar Loh
Eclipse booth by Skirmish Asia
The first Asia 7-men international tournament, the International Super Sevens Championship (ISSC) 2009 was held in Jaya Petaling, KL this weekend. A similar international paintball event as the World Cup Asia (PALS event) except that its a 7-men format in the amature (Div 2) and open (Div 1) division. With 3 playing fields and a splendid game schedule, participating teams play as much as 4 qualifying games a day (either the morning or afternoon half) and still have time to travel around the KL city.
Elle and I were lucky enough to guest for Division 1 team, Gen-X Penang. An ad-hoc team with a few players from Matrix Entourage and Sani from X-Fox. Playing in a 7-men tournament with uncapped semi-automatic or PSP ramping at 12 balls/sec is very different from playing in a 5-men tournament, firstly you have to think a lot faster, load a lot faster and move a lot faster. Even after eliminating 3 opponents, you still have to sit and wait as there are 4 more on the opposite end. Game advantage can switch in a moment of a split second move, if you are impatient and try to move in too early. We won only 1 game from the 8 games schedule losing to teams such as Macdev Ronin, Raz Legion, Bonnie Dogs (Guam), Nightmare, MPPJ and Killer Beez. Its definitely an eye-opener and a wonderful experience playing in the higher division.
Thanks to KCHL Paintball and Dennis for making this happen. Thanks to my fellow comrades from the Gen-X team, although we only won 1 game but you guys have been a great gang to hang out with. If only we have a snake player in the team... hahahaha...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
What is paintball?
When it comes to promoting paintball, we always try to promote the positive aspects of the game. It is the same when you go for a job interview and your potential employer ask you "Tell me your best qualities" And you go on ranting about all the good things that you have done and experienced. Likewise, when someone asked me "What is paintball?" You can see the lights in my eyes with these few thoughts coming through my mind: "Hmmm...here's my chance! let him know all there is to know about paintball" or "should I go all out and bored him with stuff that he has never experienced before?"
Usually, I will start off by saying that paintball is an excellent teambuilding game which focus on self confidence, communication and people working together. But really, if you have never try paintball before, its really hard to explain to you the positives of playing the game. I will then elaborate on the different kinds of paintball, from recreational game, scenario woods game and speedball. And by the time I reach this part of the explanation, I realised that 80% of the time, they get pretty bored with the information overload. So this is when I will take a step back and just tell them to try the game and experience for themselves.
I was reading the latest copy of FACEFULL with great interest as the famous XSV paintball icon, Rich Telford brought up an important point about creating paintball awareness and getting people to work together for the good of the game. One of the things that he mentioned, and I quote "If there is a local tournament and you dont play, go out and check in see if you can help". I think this is important for paintball to grow and develop, not just for local paintball but for everyone who loves the game.
Creating awareness for paintball is not just about one or two individuals. It comes from everyone, anyone can be a good ambassador for paintball if they promote paintball in a positive way. If there is someone that you know who wants to try out paintball, get them to try it out. Hey! Its all about having a good experience.
Usually, I will start off by saying that paintball is an excellent teambuilding game which focus on self confidence, communication and people working together. But really, if you have never try paintball before, its really hard to explain to you the positives of playing the game. I will then elaborate on the different kinds of paintball, from recreational game, scenario woods game and speedball. And by the time I reach this part of the explanation, I realised that 80% of the time, they get pretty bored with the information overload. So this is when I will take a step back and just tell them to try the game and experience for themselves.
I was reading the latest copy of FACEFULL with great interest as the famous XSV paintball icon, Rich Telford brought up an important point about creating paintball awareness and getting people to work together for the good of the game. One of the things that he mentioned, and I quote "If there is a local tournament and you dont play, go out and check in see if you can help". I think this is important for paintball to grow and develop, not just for local paintball but for everyone who loves the game.
Creating awareness for paintball is not just about one or two individuals. It comes from everyone, anyone can be a good ambassador for paintball if they promote paintball in a positive way. If there is someone that you know who wants to try out paintball, get them to try it out. Hey! Its all about having a good experience.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
SPNS 2009 Leg 2 Team Preview
With SPNS just around the corner, a preview of the participating teams is something that we need to spice things up. In no random order:
Seek Family - This newly formed team has a big "Heart" when it comes to playing paintball. In heart, I mean the heart to learn, the heart to practice and the heart to listen. It has been a while since I last saw a team with such dedication. Made up from a group of army friends and friends of friends, this team is driven by the passion to learn and play. This is their first time playing in competitive paintball. Everything learnt is a big step towards something bigger. Some wins in the prelims will see this team play more and promote the game we all love. Captain Rudi is the driving force in the management of this team. Player to watch is a secondary school boy, Adam, who absorbs like a sponge when it comes to marker handling and posture.
Kamikaze - Having lost out in SPNS Leg 1 and dropping everybody's expectation, Kamikaze has come out strong this time. With almost a new team set up, the Kami boys added Mark (SPNS 2008 Leg 3 Champion), Delusion and Nicholas into the squad making the lineup look much stronger than before. Having won the MY-NPL Leg 2 Division 4 Runners Up, the new inclusions are not here to make up numbers. With SPNS Leg 1 MVP, Shadowknight leading the way. This team is surely a dark horse with tons of playing experience.
EVIL Avengers – A transformation of the former Hot Fuzz team, this team is all about experience. With most if not all of its players playing in the SPNS since the series formation, we will be expecting this team to showcase the best of paintball from the fundamental skills of snapshooting, bunkering and winning games. SPNS 2009 Leg 1 showed the team coming close to Round 2 qualification but with the inclusion of Shah who was a former SPNS 2008 Leg 1 Champion with Redlords and a SPNS 2008 Leg 2 Runners Up with Red Shadows. The question remains…
Contract Killers – Starring the same lineup, the SPNS 2009 Leg 1 Runners Up added depth to the team by recruiting Dragonfly for this leg of the competition. A “natural born killer instinct” is how I will describe this team, on their good days, they can beat any team that comes their way. With a good stronghold from their reliable back players, Benguin and Shark has form a formidable back partnership in becoming the backbone of this team. With the intention to change their name to Mastadon United, will this team be stronger than before?
Ares – Little is known about this team. Formed by a team of international students, this SPNS will be a first for everyone in the team. Led by Chris Hampton, this team can shoot a lot more paintballs than you can ever imagine. Working their way into their first competition, this team trains regularly at the field and is hoping to see their effort pays off in the field. Player to watch out for will be Chris who displayed good leadership on and off the field.
Dark Militia – Coached by Houdini, Dark Militia made their mark in the last leg by winning the 2nd Runners Up in their first SPNS appearance. Houdini who plays for Team Damnation a Division 3 team in the Malaysia Paintball Official Circuit (MPOC) will be the team’s player-coach in this leg of the series. Player to watch out for will be Abdullah who plays on the snake side of the field.
Red West – With 3 of its players playing in the Red Sevens team, this team is surely strong on paper, but we all know that even with the best lineup in the team, sometimes you just need that little bit of luck. Vincent who played with the team in last leg of the tournament has left the team leaving the team with a void to fill. However, with the team’s new inclusions such as WarLorD and spacemonkey, who are both playing in the back position; this team is able to find a good balance in agility and stability. Player to look out for will be Ryan Stoll who is versatile in playing all positions. Yes, even the snake…
Wargh!Cook – A newly named team from the former Wargh!Nuts, this team is one of the longest supporting guardian and ambassadors of the SPNS. Formed by a group of best buddies who went through the army together, they know what tough times are. The Semi Finalist of SPNS 2009 Leg 1, Wargh!Cook will be one of the teams to look out for. Known for their defensive tactics, Wargh!Cook will be sure to kick some ass! Commonly known to the paintball community as Chak, he will be bringing the game to the next level.
MLC – Yes, they took the paintball community by storm and surprise when they first participated in the 3rd leg of the SPNS series in 2008. Don’t be fooled by their age and looks, they might not look like the ordinary paintballer but hell these guys are aggressive on the field. They think fast and they move fast too. Just to add to their credentials, these guys won the SPNS 2008 Leg 3 1st Runners Up in their first competition beating teams such as PSG Warfreakz. So yes, they mean business. Target man to look out for will be Kay, who thinks fast and acts fast, yes some say shoot fast too.
Rebels R Us – You might not have heard of this team before but they have been around. Painting and training mostly in Malaysia, this newly formed team will be vying their skills against our local lads. Don’t be mistaken, this is a true Singaporean team but little is known about them.
So there you go…the registered teams so far. More reviews of teams will be posted if there are new inclusions. SG Troopers, Ice Cubes, Death Mavericks…
Surely, these are just my personal observation of the teams. You will be a fool to believe what I wrote, so just take it with a pinch of salt.
Seek Family - This newly formed team has a big "Heart" when it comes to playing paintball. In heart, I mean the heart to learn, the heart to practice and the heart to listen. It has been a while since I last saw a team with such dedication. Made up from a group of army friends and friends of friends, this team is driven by the passion to learn and play. This is their first time playing in competitive paintball. Everything learnt is a big step towards something bigger. Some wins in the prelims will see this team play more and promote the game we all love. Captain Rudi is the driving force in the management of this team. Player to watch is a secondary school boy, Adam, who absorbs like a sponge when it comes to marker handling and posture.
Kamikaze - Having lost out in SPNS Leg 1 and dropping everybody's expectation, Kamikaze has come out strong this time. With almost a new team set up, the Kami boys added Mark (SPNS 2008 Leg 3 Champion), Delusion and Nicholas into the squad making the lineup look much stronger than before. Having won the MY-NPL Leg 2 Division 4 Runners Up, the new inclusions are not here to make up numbers. With SPNS Leg 1 MVP, Shadowknight leading the way. This team is surely a dark horse with tons of playing experience.
EVIL Avengers – A transformation of the former Hot Fuzz team, this team is all about experience. With most if not all of its players playing in the SPNS since the series formation, we will be expecting this team to showcase the best of paintball from the fundamental skills of snapshooting, bunkering and winning games. SPNS 2009 Leg 1 showed the team coming close to Round 2 qualification but with the inclusion of Shah who was a former SPNS 2008 Leg 1 Champion with Redlords and a SPNS 2008 Leg 2 Runners Up with Red Shadows. The question remains…
Contract Killers – Starring the same lineup, the SPNS 2009 Leg 1 Runners Up added depth to the team by recruiting Dragonfly for this leg of the competition. A “natural born killer instinct” is how I will describe this team, on their good days, they can beat any team that comes their way. With a good stronghold from their reliable back players, Benguin and Shark has form a formidable back partnership in becoming the backbone of this team. With the intention to change their name to Mastadon United, will this team be stronger than before?
Ares – Little is known about this team. Formed by a team of international students, this SPNS will be a first for everyone in the team. Led by Chris Hampton, this team can shoot a lot more paintballs than you can ever imagine. Working their way into their first competition, this team trains regularly at the field and is hoping to see their effort pays off in the field. Player to watch out for will be Chris who displayed good leadership on and off the field.
Dark Militia – Coached by Houdini, Dark Militia made their mark in the last leg by winning the 2nd Runners Up in their first SPNS appearance. Houdini who plays for Team Damnation a Division 3 team in the Malaysia Paintball Official Circuit (MPOC) will be the team’s player-coach in this leg of the series. Player to watch out for will be Abdullah who plays on the snake side of the field.
Red West – With 3 of its players playing in the Red Sevens team, this team is surely strong on paper, but we all know that even with the best lineup in the team, sometimes you just need that little bit of luck. Vincent who played with the team in last leg of the tournament has left the team leaving the team with a void to fill. However, with the team’s new inclusions such as WarLorD and spacemonkey, who are both playing in the back position; this team is able to find a good balance in agility and stability. Player to look out for will be Ryan Stoll who is versatile in playing all positions. Yes, even the snake…
Wargh!Cook – A newly named team from the former Wargh!Nuts, this team is one of the longest supporting guardian and ambassadors of the SPNS. Formed by a group of best buddies who went through the army together, they know what tough times are. The Semi Finalist of SPNS 2009 Leg 1, Wargh!Cook will be one of the teams to look out for. Known for their defensive tactics, Wargh!Cook will be sure to kick some ass! Commonly known to the paintball community as Chak, he will be bringing the game to the next level.
MLC – Yes, they took the paintball community by storm and surprise when they first participated in the 3rd leg of the SPNS series in 2008. Don’t be fooled by their age and looks, they might not look like the ordinary paintballer but hell these guys are aggressive on the field. They think fast and they move fast too. Just to add to their credentials, these guys won the SPNS 2008 Leg 3 1st Runners Up in their first competition beating teams such as PSG Warfreakz. So yes, they mean business. Target man to look out for will be Kay, who thinks fast and acts fast, yes some say shoot fast too.
Rebels R Us – You might not have heard of this team before but they have been around. Painting and training mostly in Malaysia, this newly formed team will be vying their skills against our local lads. Don’t be mistaken, this is a true Singaporean team but little is known about them.
So there you go…the registered teams so far. More reviews of teams will be posted if there are new inclusions. SG Troopers, Ice Cubes, Death Mavericks…
Surely, these are just my personal observation of the teams. You will be a fool to believe what I wrote, so just take it with a pinch of salt.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Red Sevens Random
"I swear to god" The best Red Sevens lineup ever... maybe not...hmmm...
Our sponsored Furious Barrels..."I swear to god" they shoot well!!!!
"I swear to god" he was singing and dancing...
"I swear to god" he is picking a song and not something else...
"I swear to god" we felt as though we won the championship...
"I swear to god" he is better in paintball...
"I swear to god" Ryan is of legal age and drinking Jolly Shandy...
"I swear to god" he is in shape...round is a shape.
The best outing... not from the games! MPOC 2009 Leg 3
The best Red Sevens lineup so far in one of the team's worst performance. This proves to show that anything can happen in paintball. The team started off with high hopes of repeating the same feat from our last 2 tournament but it turns out to be a nightmare for. We won only 4 out of 10 qualifying games (1 win was from a bye) and shot an amazing 8 boxes! We usually shoot 13 boxes in day 1 but this round we shot amazingly little... we lost a few bodies early in the game, we had some decent game plans but never really seemed to be able to finish and close the game. Yes, it was a disappointing result but all is not lost as we spent a good weekend together with dancing, music, singing, darting, pooling and of course all the joking. I truly enjoyed the weekend. We came in 13th position...one short of the qualifying spot (thanks to someone...yes, Mr. XPOC). But yes, we dont deserve it... we know we can do better.
This could also be the last time that Zach and Ryan will be playing with the team as they will going back to States for good in June. Yes, we will missed them but who knows we might be competing again. ISSC anyone? Final game together?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Red Family - Red Sevens, Red Fraction, Red West and Red Dynasty
Yes, the Red Family... 4 different teams but all part of the Reds.
Red Sevens, one of the earliest team in Singapore to play speedball. Perhaps I should say, one of the earliest team in Singapore which was learning how to play paintball. Formed in 2006, the team has been an ardent fan of the Malaysia paintball scene and also doing their part to promote this game to the local paintball community. Competing for about 2 years and still nowhere close to playing at the top level, this team is trying its best to maintain a regular squad. Since formation, there has always been a daunting task trying to keep all players together. Of course, players come and go and have different priorities in their life, so its pretty hard to get everyone together to play paintball. Till today, the team is still competing and keeping pace with this fast adrenaline rushing game and of course along the way, the team learns how to play paintball better. Since 2007, the team has played in 20 paintball tournaments (all overseas) and about 230 competitive games together (and counting), so surely there is a lot that this team can offer to people who are keen to take up this sport on a regular basis. No, Red Sevens is not a National team as many claim. And yes, the team is always on a lookout for potential players to join them.
Red Fraction, supposingly the junior team for the Red Sevens, it still is. The team was formed from the local paintball community, all strangers from different walks of life. People with passion who wants to know more about playing paintball competitively. During its formation, the Red Fraction has gone through intensive training conducted by members of the Red Sevens in hoping to translate all they have learnt onto the field but anything can happen in paintball... with the team playing together for the first time, did not perform to expectations. But still good enough to see the players wanting to play more to improve their skills. SpaceMonkey joined the Red Sevens in one of the MPOC outings. But the last time Red Fraction played together was about 3 months ago... so is the fire still burning within? I am unsure. For now, 2 players are missing in action and the other 2 of their players recently made an announcement to leave the team. A building process is now in due. Anyone keen?
Red West, a team formed for the purpose of participating in the SPNS was crowned the 2009 Leg 1 Champion. With only 2 training sessions together, the team "clicked" on their first meeting. Who are the Red West? 2 students (Zach and Ryan) from the Singapore American School, a National serviceman (Edi) and a few other phantom players. As the american boys will not be in Singapore for long, the idea is to combine Red Fraction and Red West for future SPNS series. Zach and Ryan who has been playing tons of woodsball in the States before moving to Singapore with their parents has played for Red Sevens on numerous occassions. Edi, a former player from Team RAG was recruited to the senior team for his paintball potential. A recent inclusion into the team is Paul, who will be playing as a back player for Red West.
Red Dynasty, formed by staff who works in the Red Dynasty Paintball Park. A mixture of good talents from local teams such as Kamikaze, Carnage, Contract Killers and Red Fraction, the Red Dynasty is an iconic Div 4 team which has since participated once in the MPOC and NPL with top 4 showing in both competitions. It will be in no time when all of them start thinking about playing in the higher division.
Red Sevens, one of the earliest team in Singapore to play speedball. Perhaps I should say, one of the earliest team in Singapore which was learning how to play paintball. Formed in 2006, the team has been an ardent fan of the Malaysia paintball scene and also doing their part to promote this game to the local paintball community. Competing for about 2 years and still nowhere close to playing at the top level, this team is trying its best to maintain a regular squad. Since formation, there has always been a daunting task trying to keep all players together. Of course, players come and go and have different priorities in their life, so its pretty hard to get everyone together to play paintball. Till today, the team is still competing and keeping pace with this fast adrenaline rushing game and of course along the way, the team learns how to play paintball better. Since 2007, the team has played in 20 paintball tournaments (all overseas) and about 230 competitive games together (and counting), so surely there is a lot that this team can offer to people who are keen to take up this sport on a regular basis. No, Red Sevens is not a National team as many claim. And yes, the team is always on a lookout for potential players to join them.
Red Fraction, supposingly the junior team for the Red Sevens, it still is. The team was formed from the local paintball community, all strangers from different walks of life. People with passion who wants to know more about playing paintball competitively. During its formation, the Red Fraction has gone through intensive training conducted by members of the Red Sevens in hoping to translate all they have learnt onto the field but anything can happen in paintball... with the team playing together for the first time, did not perform to expectations. But still good enough to see the players wanting to play more to improve their skills. SpaceMonkey joined the Red Sevens in one of the MPOC outings. But the last time Red Fraction played together was about 3 months ago... so is the fire still burning within? I am unsure. For now, 2 players are missing in action and the other 2 of their players recently made an announcement to leave the team. A building process is now in due. Anyone keen?
Red West, a team formed for the purpose of participating in the SPNS was crowned the 2009 Leg 1 Champion. With only 2 training sessions together, the team "clicked" on their first meeting. Who are the Red West? 2 students (Zach and Ryan) from the Singapore American School, a National serviceman (Edi) and a few other phantom players. As the american boys will not be in Singapore for long, the idea is to combine Red Fraction and Red West for future SPNS series. Zach and Ryan who has been playing tons of woodsball in the States before moving to Singapore with their parents has played for Red Sevens on numerous occassions. Edi, a former player from Team RAG was recruited to the senior team for his paintball potential. A recent inclusion into the team is Paul, who will be playing as a back player for Red West.
Red Dynasty, formed by staff who works in the Red Dynasty Paintball Park. A mixture of good talents from local teams such as Kamikaze, Carnage, Contract Killers and Red Fraction, the Red Dynasty is an iconic Div 4 team which has since participated once in the MPOC and NPL with top 4 showing in both competitions. It will be in no time when all of them start thinking about playing in the higher division.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Paintball Vs Laser Tag - Promote it the right way...PLEASE!
Heard of Laser Tag? Heard of Combat Skirmish? Basically, it is a tagging game that uses a beaming device (often a shaped liked gun) that when triggered, emits IR beam and if you are "hit" by the beams, you are considered as tagged. I have played this game countless times when I was still studying... pretty fun, lots of adrenaline rush... I was doing a route march with my NS unit the other day at East Coast Park but cannot help to notice big banners hanging from the lamp posts about this game. Surely, this teambuidling game is not new to most corporate companies and are creating lots of awareness to the public.
There used to be a laser tag centre in the old Marina Square called Laser Quest. It was the in-thing at that time, people would pay as much as $15 (about 12 years ago) for a game as short as 5 minutes. Surely, at that time, I was thinking must be a total RIPOFF! Firstly, there are no expandables, secondly, the game is amazingly short. Pitch dark playing field and you cant really see whats going on and who shot you and the next thing you know, its over. Yes, similar to playing paintball in the night. Talking about fogging...
Laser tag operators (across the world) will often promote their game by 1) indicating that paintball can cause bruising and laser tag cant, 2) there is no age limit imposed on participants, so everyone can play and 3) the game can be played everywhere, even void decks, gardens, parks, CCs, schools!
There are a few laser tag operators in Singapore too, but I was shocked when I went to their website and saw the way the game is being promoted...they were basically comparing the differences between laser tag and paintball. And saying some of the most "horrible" things about paintball: "paintball cause bruising and unsightly marks, paintbball "burns" your pocket, paintball leaves you painful, there's no need to wear a goggle (yes, we all know...), there is no age limit, 5 years old also can play, paintball players have no integrity and fires 10 shots in a few seconds....this is the amazing part: and this results in the opponent being DISABLE!!!! WOW....disable....WOW... I didnt know that... (isnt hard to find the website on the internet). Is that how people do business nowadays?
Okay... so much for the comparisons.
Since laser tag operators often compared with paintball with their game. Perhaps we should compare paintball with the "real thing". Er....here goes, shooting kills. Bullets cost about 30 cents, some more expensive than the others depending on the calibre, shooting makes people feel sad...(you know what I mean). Surely, there are some who promotes both: Laser Tag and Paintball... must be a "conflict of interest" as one likes to put it so conveniently. Oh... did I mention that the good people from paintball came up with this:
So maybe no more conflict of interest. I do remember seeing some of these in the store... perhaps perhaps.
In summary, just promote the game that you love in a way that you do not short changed other games.
There used to be a laser tag centre in the old Marina Square called Laser Quest. It was the in-thing at that time, people would pay as much as $15 (about 12 years ago) for a game as short as 5 minutes. Surely, at that time, I was thinking must be a total RIPOFF! Firstly, there are no expandables, secondly, the game is amazingly short. Pitch dark playing field and you cant really see whats going on and who shot you and the next thing you know, its over. Yes, similar to playing paintball in the night. Talking about fogging...
Laser tag operators (across the world) will often promote their game by 1) indicating that paintball can cause bruising and laser tag cant, 2) there is no age limit imposed on participants, so everyone can play and 3) the game can be played everywhere, even void decks, gardens, parks, CCs, schools!
There are a few laser tag operators in Singapore too, but I was shocked when I went to their website and saw the way the game is being promoted...they were basically comparing the differences between laser tag and paintball. And saying some of the most "horrible" things about paintball: "paintball cause bruising and unsightly marks, paintbball "burns" your pocket, paintball leaves you painful, there's no need to wear a goggle (yes, we all know...), there is no age limit, 5 years old also can play, paintball players have no integrity and fires 10 shots in a few seconds....this is the amazing part: and this results in the opponent being DISABLE!!!! WOW....disable....WOW... I didnt know that... (isnt hard to find the website on the internet). Is that how people do business nowadays?
Okay... so much for the comparisons.
Since laser tag operators often compared with paintball with their game. Perhaps we should compare paintball with the "real thing". Er....here goes, shooting kills. Bullets cost about 30 cents, some more expensive than the others depending on the calibre, shooting makes people feel sad...(you know what I mean). Surely, there are some who promotes both: Laser Tag and Paintball... must be a "conflict of interest" as one likes to put it so conveniently. Oh... did I mention that the good people from paintball came up with this:
So maybe no more conflict of interest. I do remember seeing some of these in the store... perhaps perhaps.
In summary, just promote the game that you love in a way that you do not short changed other games.
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