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Five of the Best Paintball Markers of 2018

When it comes to paintball, having the right weapon in your hands is quite a big deal. In the end, it’s what determines whether you and your team win or lose. If you’re looking to change your game for the better, purchasing a new marker is certainly something to consider. But, with the paintball marker industry as saturated as ever, it can be challenge in itself to choose the right one. That’s why we here at Go Ballistic have highlighted some of the best markers that are out there right now. So, without further ado…

Tippmann A-5
AKA: The Sharp Shooter

The A-5 model from Tippmann makes it onto the list because of its reliability, accuracy and speed. One of the most important features of this marker is its Cyclone Feed System, which enables the marksman to fire as quickly as possible – we’re talking up to 15 paintballs per second! In addition to that, a 16” barrel length makes for better accuracy out in the game zone, making this gun ideal for the sharp-shooter.

As this marker is known for its sturdiness and reliability, it also means that the gun weighs in at 2.5kg – a weight which is heavier than most other markers out there at the moment. Another slight negative about the marker would be its price point. At £209, this marker is at the higher end of the pay scale when compared to other models. But, with its greater overall capabilities, is it only a small price to pay?

Tippmann Cronus
AKA: The All-Rounder

Sticking with the ever-reliable Tippmann brand, we’re moving onto one of the cheaper models – the Tippmann Cronus. This model is without doubt one of the most popular Tippmann models out there. This isn’t surprising due to its simplicity, reliability and durability. It’s also easy on the wallet, making it a perfect marker for beginner and intermediate players who are looking for a comfortable marker which has good accuracy.

Based on the legendary Tippmann 98 model, this updated model has retained some of the classic elements, while modernising some features such as a rail system used to attach accessories such as red dot sights, lights or grips. Unlike the A-5, the mechanical trigger system means that the Cronus will only be firing seven balls per second. However, at only £90, this marker more than makes up for it with its good range and accuracy.

Empire Mini
AKA: The Sleek Machine

As one of the most compact markers out there, the Empire Mini really does live up to its name. Its small size means that it is extremely lightweight and easy to control when running around the paintball arena. The Empire Mini also has a number of fantastic features including a two-handle design and a pressure gauge on the air connector, meaning that you can check your remaining air at a glance.

One of its most significant features however, is an electronic trigger system – which makes it easier to fire as fast as your fingers can pull the trigger! Ideal for intermediate players who are looking for a high end paintball marker or those who are new to tournament paintball, the Empire Mini could well be the marker for you. But, because of all of the premium additional features, this marker will set you back nearly £350 – you’d better get that penny jar out.

Dye Proto MaXXed Rize
AKA: The Professional

Despite being on the higher end of the price scale for most players, Dye’s Proto MaXXed Rize is a great marker for the more experienced player who is looking to upgrade their weapon of choice while not breaking the bank too much. Dye have really focussed on production quality for this model, and it shows throughout. From its electronic trigger, to it’s autococker firing mechanism and sticky grips, this well-designed marker ticks the boxes in nearly every department.

It’s hard to find any negative aspects for this marker. Even the price (£220) is on the healthy side for a tournament-level piece of equipment. From its straight-shooting 14” barrel, this marker has the capability to shoot up to 15 balls per second without chopping paint – everything about this high end marker screams quality.

Spyder MR100
AKA: The Long Ranger

Another great all-rounder, this time from the guys at Spyder. Known for its durability, the MR100 features a long barrel and sturdy stock – guaranteeing a greater accuracy out in the field. Whether you’re using this marker in the woods or for speedball, the default double tap trigger makes it one of the most versatile weapons of choice at the moment.

The longer barrel and composite grips makes sure that your range will be on point, too. If you’re a beginner who is looking to get into the game seriously, then this is the marker for you. What’s more, at just over £110, the price is right for this seriously reliable marker.

Final Thoughts

So there we have it, folks. Five markers which will (hopefully) up your paintball game exponentially! Of course, there are plenty of other brands and models of markers out there, but these five are a good place to start. With a marker featured here for all budgets and player levels, you’ll be sure to find the right marker for you.

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Five of The Coolest Places To Go Paintballing!

There’s a lot more to paintball than stacks of old tyres, old Transit vans and trees in the woods. Around the world, there are a number of super impressive paintball sites which you wouldn’t believe have been specifically built for this sport. Some paintball sites have been reclaimed from the past to host spectacular paintball experiences for newcomers and seasoned professionals alike. So, let’s dive straight into the action as we run down five of the best places to paintball around the world!

Hot Shots Paintball, Australia

Starting off down under, Hot Shots is voted Australia’s number one paintball centre and the fourth best in the entire world! If that isn’t reason enough to visit this amazing park, then its 50 acres of themed playing fields surely is. You’d soon forget that you were in Melbourne, as Hot Shots boasts a number of themed structures, real movie props, exciting backdrops and Hollywood special effects (complete with explosions and sound effects, of course). Add all of these elements to its eleven (yes, eleven!) individual battlefields, you won’t be forgetting about this experience anytime soon – this certainly isn’t your average paintball field!

Hollywood Sports, USA

If you’re looking for a blockbuster of an experience, be sure to check out Hollywood Sports paintball park based in the heart of Los Angeles. It’s certainly a unique one, as it’s the only place on earth that will provide you with the opportunity to play paintball inside actual movie sets! Spread over 28 acres of land, the paintball fields include sets from classic films such as Starship Troopers, The Haunting, Saving Private Ryan, Godzilla and many more! So, if you’re after a truly authentic experience, then Hollywood Sports in California is surely the paintball venue for you!

Asylum Paintball, New Zealand

Hands up who would love to paintball at a former psychiatric hospital? Well, just head to Asylum Paintball in Kingseat, near Auckland, New Zealand and you can do just that! Widely known as one of the best paintball sites in New Zealand, Asylum has a number of indoor and outdoor arenas that are ready and waiting for you to explore from Lockdown Ward to Tyre Mania and Asylum Paintball Sport! Enjoy firing paintballs in these arenas as a part of a birthday, stag/hen party, corporate or team building event. If you’re looking for that ultimate adrenaline hit, then why not try your hand at Asylum’s unique night paintballing sessions?!

Paintball Explosion, USA

If you’re a video game fanatic, then Paintball Explosion is the site you need to visit. Based in East Dundee, Illinois, Paintball Explosion is home to seven arenas which can be used for paintball, airsoft and laser tag. With a total of seven arenas to choose from, their themed zones are designed to mimic popular video games. The most popular zone at Paintball Explosion is their Nuketown field, which is based on the ever popular Call of Duty game. Other arenas include Mutiny Field, Code Black Field and World At War Field. So, if you’re looking to recreate your COD PB in real life, then this is certainly the place to do just that.

Escobar Paintball, Colombia

If realism is your thing, then you’d better put Escobar Paintball on your bucket list. As its name suggests, this experience involves playing paintball at one of drug lord Pablo Escobar’s former mansions in Guatape, Colombia – close to the city of Medellín. In true Colombian style, the adventure begins by riding atop of a jeep from Guatape to the La Manuela ranch, where visitors get to learn about the man himself and his previous incessant wealth. After that, the paintball commences. Participants are divided up into two teams facing off against each other – the narcos and the DEA. The DEA won the real-life battle by eventually bringing Mr Escobar’s nasty regime to an end – will you be able to do the same?

Final Thoughts

So, there we have it – five unbelievable paintball venues which totally rock! There’s something to suit almost every type of player across a number of countries, so all you have to do is pack your bags and jet off to experience a paintballing adventure like no other.

 

Photo Credits:
tripadvisor.com
grabone.co.nz
pbbomb.com
dailymail.co.uk

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Oxford Paintball Claims Venue of the Month for September!

The summer might almost be over, but that’s certainly no excuse for you to give up your paintballing desires. We here at Go Ballistic HQ are always up for a dose of action on the battlefield, and with so many venues to choose from, action is something that is never in short supply. With that being said, it is hard for us to pick just one winner for our venue of the month award. But, we eventually came to the decision that Oxford Paintball are the winners for September! So, read on and we’ll tell you all about it!

Featuring mixed terrain including woodland areas and open ground, you’ll have plenty of space to unleash your inner soldier. It’s the perfect activity for group events of all occasions too – no matter if it’s a stag/hen do, corporate event, or a birthday party. What’s more, there’s no previous experience required to take part, meaning this is an experience which is highly beginner-friendly – with full tuition and equipment provided throughout your session.

When you pay a visit to Go Ballistic Oxford, you’ll find that it’s the perfect place to get your fix of adrenaline-fuelled action. After all, there’s so many epic game zones for you to work your way through – this includes classics such as capture the flag and stronghold. So, from the very first moment to the last, you can expect a truly action-packed event!

“All the equipment worked as should and the terrain was a great mixture of open ground and woodland. we all came way feeling exhausted, a few bruises and all agreed it was a great experience. thanks so much to the team for giving us a fun and exciting few hours”.

– Stuart Holder, Visitor to Oxford Paintball

So, there you have it folks! If you’re a true adrenaline junkie, then you certainly won’t be disappointed if you pay a visit to Oxford Paintball. If you’d like to find out any additional information about this awesome venue, then you can visit the following link to do exactly that.

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What to Wear for Paintball

Despite its military background, you might be surprised (and pleased) to discover that the grand ole game of paintball doesn’t require too much specialist equipment. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. For your own peace of mind, each and every one of our UK paintball sites provide the standard equipment needed such as your paintball marker, mask, goggles and overalls.

However, as with any outdoor activity, it’s important to prepare beforehand and think about what you’re going to wear underneath all of that protective gear. The general rule here at Go Ballistic is to put function before fashion – for your own and everyone else’s safety. So, read on to discover what we think you should be wearing when you turn up for a day of Go Ballistic paintballing action!

Head and Hands

All of our paintballing sites will provide the overall protection for your head and eyes through goggles and masks, but there are additional steps you can take to ensure that your most precious body part can be well protected from those flying paintballs! You could sport your hood from your hoodie, as this provides neck protection, too. Failing that, then a baseball cap (worn backwards) or a beanie hat should do the trick. To protect your hands, consider wearing golf, gardening or gym gloves, as these offer a certain degree of protection but aren’t too cumbersome.

Top Half

It’s important to cover as much as possible up top as a direct paintball hit on bare skin can be a painful affair. This rules out vests, t-shirts and any other short-sleeved top you may be considering! We suggest wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt or a hoody – which is also useful for neck protection. If the weather’s wet (let’s be honest, it probably will be) then remember to pack a waterproof jacket. But, in our opinion, the more mud, the better!

Bottom Half

It’s best to favour comfort and protection over fashion – so leave those skinny jeans at home! We’d recommend wearing a pair of loose-fitting jogging or tracksuit bottoms. Failing these, then a solid pair of cargo pants would also do the job sufficiently. Remember that all of our paintballing experiences include overalls to wear on the day, so make sure you’ve got room for them over your underclothing!

Footwear

Leave your Jimmy Choos at home and dig those old trainers out of the shoe rack because you’re going to have to wear something you don’t mind getting wet and dirty on your feet. If you can, opt for a high-top shoe which offers some degree of ankle support, as ankle twists are the most common injury when paintballing.

Final Thoughts

The above pointers should shoot you in the right direction for safety and success out in the paintball arena. The most important thing to remember is to favour function over fashion, as it could be the difference between a minor or more serious injury. Also, be sure to wear clothing you don’t mind getting muddy and covered in paint! The water-based soluble paint used in paintballs washes out of clothes easily, but it’s best to play it safe by not wearing your Sunday best. That’s about all there is to it. All that’s left to do is to think comfort, think safety and most importantly, enjoy the game!

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Ten of the Best Paintballing Songs

So you’re about to step into the paintball arena, emotions are running high and adrenaline is kicking in. But what’s running through your head? Maybe you should be thinking about your strategy for when you enter the game zone. But instead there’s that annoying song you heard on the car radio this morning – going over, and over, and over again.

Sound familiar? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. This is why we here at Go Ballistic are here to provide you with some of the most inspirational, motivating songs for you to listen to before you reign supreme in the paintball arena. Check them out below.

Europe – The Final Countdown

Swedish band Europe count down the seconds until you load up that hopper and pull the trigger with this hard rock classic from 1986. The song is based around an apocalyptic yet optimistic trip to Venus – but instead we can pretend that it’s about a trip to one of our UK paintballing venues.

Rage Against The Machine – Guerrilla Radio

The late nineties saw a few rap metal bands come to the limelight. One of these bands, Rage Against The Machine, proved to be rather successful with their signature brand of politically charged tunes. This one will get you psyched up, for sure.

Drowning Pool – Bodies

‘Let the bodies hit the floor, let the bodies hit the floor…’. This nu metal classic from 2001 is perfect pre-paintballing listening material – hence the name. Although it can be used as a perfect paintballing soundtrack, it has been the theme song for a number of WWE events and has been featured in various films, TV programmes and advertisements.

The Prodigy – Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix)

This wouldn’t be a motivational music list without a healthy dose of drum n’ bass. Pendulum get the job done well on this classic from English electronic legends The Prodigy.

Fort Minor – Remember the Name

Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park formed an alternative hip hop group who released this banger back in 2005. The motivating lyrics can be applied to all kinds of sports, including paintball, as it has been included numerous times throughout television and advertisements in many countries.

Roy Jones Jr – Can’t Be Touched

No, you’re not seeing things. Considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, Roy Jones Jr, holds multiple world titles in four weight divisions. Turns out, he isn’t too shabby behind the microphone, either. This upbeat song is perfect listening material if you’re looking to knock out your opponents (I’ll grab my coat).

Disturbed – Indestructible

This is the third single from American heavy metal band Disturbed’s fourth album. Representing the band’s success in the music industry, the song is also known for encouraging troops who are about to embark on the fiercest of battles – game on!

DJ Khaled – All I Do Is Win

This 2009 hip hop song from DJ Khaled will get you more than pumped for a paintball battle. Numerous sports teams from around the world have used this anthem as their walk on tune. You should do the same.

Kanye West – Power

Kanye West released Power as his lead single from his fifth album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The title of the track says it all, with its powerful lyrics combining with the tribal-warfare backing track, you’ve got a recipe for a perfect motivational track.

Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger

American rock band Survivor provide the motivation right until you step into the ring…I mean, the paintball arena. It really wouldn’t be an inspirational music list without this song, would it?

Conclusion

So there we have it, a list of songs which will hopefully keep you hyped-yet-focused throughout the duration of your paintball battle! Not sure when you next battle is going to be? You can search for your nearest paintballing venue over on our main website.

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St Albans Paintball Wins Venue of the Month for August!

Go Ballistic should most definitely be your first port of call when it comes to adrenaline-fuelled action on the battlefield. After all, we boast some of the best venues that the UK and Ireland has to offer!

On that note, it’s that time once again – time to name our venue of the month winner! So, without any further ado, we’re proud to announce that St Albans Paintball are the worthy winners for August! Read on and you’ll find out exactly why.

Based in the south of St Albans, this fantastic site is ideally located for thrill seekers across the South of England, meaning you’re less than an hour away from the capital, as well as within reach of Watford, Hatfield, and more!

But, it’s of course the awesome Paintball experience which makes a visit to this wonderful city all the more worthwhile. Blasting your way through the awesome game zones, you’re guaranteed to feel like you’re in a real life warzone from the very first moment to the last!

A true adrenaline rush is exactly what you can expect, and there’s no need for any previous experience either – making St Albans the perfect venue for a group event such as a stag/hen do or corporate event! Recent visitors to the site certainly enjoyed their experience too – here’s what they had to say:

“Had absolutely cracking afternoon. all the staff & marshals friendly and nothing was to much trouble.
explained all the rules thoroughly and always on hand to help.
my son, his friends & i couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon. was everything we expected & more”.
– Richard Leighton, Visitor to St Albans Paintball

“The best place in London”.
– Krzysztof Terelak, Visitor to St Albans Paintball

So, there you have it – if you’re impressed by St Albans Paintball and think that it would be the ideal destination for your next battle fix, head on over to our main website to find out more information about our latest venue of the month winner!

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Go Ballistic Welcomes Ballynahinch Airsoft!

The new venues keep on rolling in here at Go Ballistic – and this time, we’re heading over the Irish sea to the charming town of Ballynahinch, which just so happens to be home to our epic new Airsoft site! So, read on as we spill the beans on this fantastic new site which is one of the biggest Airsoft venues in the whole of Ireland!

If you’re in search of the chance to get in touch with your inner warrior, Airsoft is the perfect activity for just that. At our new Ballynahinch venue, there’s plenty of awesome game zones for you to take part in across a whopping 22 acres. The site even comes complete with authentic military props such as artillery guns, communication equipment, as well as trenches and tunnels too. For that reason, you’re guaranteed to feel like you’re on a real-life battleground from the first moment to the last – even if you’re a complete beginner!

If you’re the competitive type, then you certainly won’t feel out of place at this epic site. After all, it’s tailor-made for group events of all occasions – everything from stag/hen dos to corporate events! You can expect nothing but pure action from the very start. So, if you’re looking to go head to head with your mates in an adrenaline-fuelled session, Airsoft at Ballynahinch certainly won’t disappoint!

If Ballynahinch Airsoft sounds like the ideal place for your next action fix, then you can visit the following link to find out more information.

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Maidstone Paintball Wins July’s Venue of the Month!

If you’re a regular reader of the Go Ballistic blog, you’ll know that each month, we present our venue of the month award. Well, it’s that time again folks – this time for the month of July! On that note, we can happily announce that the worthy winners are Maidstone!

200 acres of beautiful Kent countryside are at your disposal at our fantastic Maidstone venue. Combined with the epic paintball experience that’s on offer, you’re guaranteed to have an adrenaline-fuelled session from the very beginning! With multiple game zones at your disposal, there’s sure to be something to exhilarate you at this excellent venue.

Full equipment hire and expert tuition is provided, meaning even complete beginners will soon be getting in touch with their inner warrior! Players as young as 10 are able to take part too! So, there really is something for everyone if you decide to pay them a visit.

Recent visitors to Maidstone certainly weren’t disappointed – just take a look at what they had to say about their experience!


“The paintball day was booked for my sons 15th birthday. he enjoyed a brilliant day with his friends”.
Sarah Hewitt
14th July 2018

“The staff and instructors at the sittingbourne site were excellent throughout the afternoon and made the event very enjoyable”.
David Rogerson
14th July 2018

Given the excellent feedback our Maidstone venue has received recently, you’d be foolish to not pay them a visit if you’re based within the Kent area, or if you’re planning on heading there any time soon! So, if you’re looking for an action-packed experience on the battlefield, the is the perfect place for you!

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Low Impact Paintball Now Available at Ballygawley!

Do you know a young action seeker who’s always looking for the chance to unleash their inner ‘Call of Duty’ warrior? If so, we’ve got just the place – our brand new venue in Ballygawley which we’re proud to announce is now offering ‘Splatmaster Paintball’, otherwise known as Low Impact Paintball!

The summer holidays aren’t so far away now. So, the perfect chance for youngsters to get their fix of action is now here! At our new Ballygawley venue, there’s over 100 acres of epic paintballing action to be had, with no less than seven paintballing sites to get through – this includes the likes of Michelin Mountain and Dunlop Valley. You’ll even get the chance to be transported around the site in an ex-military passenger vehicle too. So, a unique paintball experience is most definitely what you can expect!

Juniors as young as six are able to take part in the action, all thanks to the specialist equipment which is used for the Splatmaster Paintball experience. Equipped with a specially designed marker that’s lighter than a regular paintball gun, ease of use is guaranteed for all those taking part. Plus, the paintballs strike with less than a third of the force of the ones used in regular paintball too.

Provided with full safety gear and a complete safety briefing upon arrival, experienced marshals will be on hand at all times. So, even the complete newbies will soon be having the time of their lives on the battlefield!

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Go Ballistic Welcomes Stratford Laser Combat

Action seekers, listen up – we’ve got some great news for you. Yep, another new venue! We’re always adding new locations to our ever-growing network. But, Stratford is just one of the latest to join us. They offer the awesome activity that is Laser Combat. So, read on and we’ll tell you all about it!

Placed perfectly to the east of central London, our epic Stratford Laser Combat venue is based just a stone’s throw away from London Stadium and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. So, you’re most definitely within easy reach of some of the best tourist attractions in the capital. Plus, there’s plenty of excellent transport links available to access us with ease too, including Stratford International Train Station.

But, the place to get your fix of action is right here at our epic Stratford Laser Combat venue. When you pay them a visit, you’ll get the chance to step through the airlock and enter the federation’s galactic outpost – navigating the maze in search of enemies to take out!

It’s suitable for all levels of ability and there’s no previous experience required either. So, if you’re after an action-filled activity for a birthday party, then Laser Combat is most definitely a great option! If you like the sound of our awesome Stratford venue and you’d like to find out more, then visit the following link and you can do just that.