Landmines, Grenades, Masks…Oh My!
Unless you live in a warm climate or are truly a hard core player, the coming of spring means you are probably getting ready to come out of paintball hibernation. So, it’s time to dust off your trigger finger, oil up your marker and head out to the field. To get you ready, APG has put some new products through the wringer to give you the heads up on some gear that could make this season a little more exciting.
Save Phace with Style
Save Phace got its start making masks for other adrenaline sports like boat racing. Taking note of the similarities between their masks and those on the market for paintballers, they spent more than five years in research and development to create a goggle system specifically tailored to paintball’s needs.
Both myself and paintball reffing legend, Marc Gottfried, strapped on the Save Phace system to see what the buzz was all about. Here’s what he had to say: “The Save Phace Goggle System is a robust, versatile unit that protects the eyes, face, and ears. The retail package comes with a removable visor, and plugs to cover up ventilation holes if you prefer a solid barrier. This system is suitable for field rental use, or for the discerning player who is looking for an indestructible optic.”
One feature that makes Save Phace masks a different breed is their rigidity. Paul Facio of Save Phace talked about the rigid face protection.
“A few years ago, paintballers wanted a soft rubbery mask, so when a Ball hit their mask it might bounce off. However, with today’s guns that have rapid fire technology and… it doesn’t matter if one ball bounces off; there are probably 15 more right behind it,” says Facio.
I’ll take protection over the chance of a bounce any day. As Gottfried stated, “this system is rugged.”
I really like the option to plug the vents. I left mine open so I’d stay cool, but the option to avoid eating paint is brilliant. Lens changing is quick and easy and the foam is removable and washable without being flimsy. They are low profile; I’ve got an about average- sized head and it covers just to my jaw-line and all of my ears, except the tips of my earlobes. For you giants out there, they make the V2 series that provides 10 percent more coverage and an even bigger lens for more field of vision.
The coolest thing about these masks though is their graphics. They’re available in several different camo prints and some have intimidating skull prints. They’re also available to be custom painted, either by you or you can submit your design to Save Phace.
Check out the designs at: http://www.savephace.com/Tactical/Tactical-Masks
Smoke… then Fire
 Perhaps my favorite “toy” to bring to a scenario event is a tactical smoke grenade. Great for creating distractions and making artificial cover, they can be very handy and are just plain fun. Sport Smoke makes a tactical smoke grenade specifically for paintball and airsoft. They make a nice big white cloud, have a pull ring igniter that’s easy to use and are cool burning/non-pyrotechnic which means most field owners will let you use them as they won’t burn the place to the ground. They’re also made in the U.S.A. and are biodegradable – so no worries there.
Watch your Step
If you’re truly embracing scenario play you can step up the reality factor of your next game by incorporating landmines. Real Action Paintball (RAP) makes a number of mines that are reusable. Their “master” model can be used with a tripwire or remotely activated. They also sell a pressure-activated mine that is light and easy to hide.
Their newest model is the M80. It’s a reusable mine that was made specifically for a military training agency. It is pressure activated and powered by a CO2 charge that sprays 2 ounces of powder or paint in a 20-foot radius while letting off a loud report. It can be used on its side or vertically, buried with the top exposed or incorporated into a wide variety of realistic booby trap setups. The fact that you can bury this mine makes it very realistic… and super sneaky.
Part of the fun of paintball and airsoft is the ingenuity that goes into the products we use. Check back with Tech Talk to see who is making advancements in gear that you’ll want to check out. |
