Getting Started...

[AaronR]

Hi guys,

Me and a couple of friends have decided to invest in some equipment, purely because we love it every time we go so we thought we would try and make it a regular thing.

However, we're finding it difficult to find places to go as some places wont let you use your own guns, air or balls, and as im sure anyone who has ever been can understand, balls are by far the most expensive aspect of the game unless you buy them wholesale yourself.

So, I was just wondering if any of you guys know any places that host events for things like this? or anything of the sorts...? We are based in North Wales but are willing to travel.

Any help is appreciated. Cheers

Aaron

 

[Tom]

What have you played, what do you know about choices of types of paintball (see below for a rough guide on paintball costs)

Moving from punter to walkons or events will bring you a cheaper cost for paintballs by the case (eg as a punter your best price is about £50 for 1000 but as a walkon would be paying £30 or less for 2000)
Don't bother buying paint off the internet even if you can bring your own

Don't rush into gear purchases, have a good look around the world of paintball first


The paintball calendar maps tournaments and scenarios, there are some walkon sites mapped, but only if people let them know



http://p8ntballer-forums.com/threads/what-paintball-costs.153010/

http://www.paintballcalendar.co.uk

 

[AaronR]

We have all really only done what most people have done, just played as punters several occasions. We really loved it each time we went so we decided to do exactly what you have said not too, (sorry but i'm eager lol). Me personally, I have bought a Tippman sierra one and added a grip etc, as all of the reviews i saw and read said it was a fairly decent entry level marker. Between us we have bought a lot of paint, about 5k winter balls and about 10k summer balls in preparation but we got them fairly cheap so i guess its kinda okay?. ive just had a look at the calendar you provided as well (massive thanks) and there happens to be a walk on event on the 6th of march, a day after one of our birthdays. what is the turnout like for these events as we are really up for going, but it will be a 4 hour drive for us so...

Cheers,

Aaron

 

[Tom]

We have all really only done what most people have done, just played as punters several occasions. We really loved it each time we went so we decided to do exactly what you have said not too, (sorry but i'm eager lol). Me personally, I have bought a Tippman sierra one and added a grip etc, as all of the reviews i saw and read said it was a fairly decent entry level marker. Between us we have bought a lot of paint, about 5k winter balls and about 10k summer balls in preparation but we got them fairly cheap so i guess its kinda okay?. ive just had a look at the calendar you provided as well (massive thanks) and there happens to be a walk on event on the 6th of march, a day after one of our birthdays. what is the turnout like for these events as we are really up for going, but it will be a 4 hour drive for us so...

Cheers,

Aaron

Walkon crowds vary in size depending on locality and timing, if you search out the site on Facebook they often have a page or group for the walkons where you can usually get a feel on people on the page, photos etc.

I've played a few of the sites with walkons on the 6th, but the only walkon I've played out of them was the Bristol one at some xmas walkons. (Which as you're coming from Wales I'll assume you're off to Bristol)

With your paintballs, they will be fine, but check out the recent blog put out by BZ on looking after them
http://www.bzpaintball.co.uk/blog/how-to-store-your-paintballs/

Personally I wouldn't recommend stocking up as it puts the onus on you to look after it, carry it around etc. and when buying on the day you can judge the best paint from choices at the time, and though you can get a price saving through wholesale you can end up paying a bit extra on a walkon fee for BYO. (Its always good to see what everyone else buys and how it is)

It may be the case that walkons are site paint only, so check beforehand to make sure you have the cash and don't waste time carrying your own, but I believe there is also a benefit with Bristol that they offer discounts to UKPSF members
http://www.ukpsf.com/page/player-membership
Only £5 just to signup for the year, £15 including insurance and if you have any questions then you should find Kayleigh at Bristol and shes the UKPSF secretary!

The Sierra One will shoot pretty much any paint, just not necessarily the most fragile tournament grades.

Enjoy



http://www.paintballcalendar.co.uk/date/2016-03-06

Bricket wood
https://www.facebook.com/bricketwoodwalkon/?fref=ts

Skirmish, Bristol
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SKIRMISHBRISTOLWALKON/?fref=ts

Mayhem
https://www.facebook.com/events/1663539517229713/

Tazball
https://www.facebook.com/events/1686786528224781/

E3M
https://www.facebook.com/Envy-Paintball-Series-628071243965425/timeline

 

[AaronR]

Yeah, it is the Bristol event that we are planning to go to. Nice 4 hour drive but hopefully it'll be a good day for us and yes, i think we will be purchasing the UKPSF membership, no brainer in my eyes as it pays for itself the first time we go and its a handy resource to have Been messaging Kayleigh a lot as well, lol. Shes been really helpful with me, ive been asking her pretty much any question that comes to my head haha. sorry about the late reply as well, i dont get email updates about this thread.

But thank you! since you've given me that calendar we've starting planning far too much in advance and ive probably used up all my time until July haha. Hopefully ill see you on the field in the future!

One last thing, the tippman cyclone feed and low profile hopper.. Ive got a holo sight on my gun, would this get in the way of that or is the offset pretty decent?

Cheers

 

[Tom]

One last thing, the tippman cyclone feed and low profile hopper.. Ive got a holo sight on my gun, would this get in the way of that or is the offset pretty decent?

The cyclone sits well put to the side, so won't have any issues with sights

However see how you get on with the sight, train your eye and you will find you won't need to use it

Some people love sights some soon take them off
It's a personal thing or a look thing