Paintball

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the terms used by other players beforehand. Highway 90, the 15 by 25-foot adobe and stucco building was partially funded by the Prada Foundation. Every paintball field has its own lingo for various obstacles, bunkers, and landmarks that are unique to the site. Located along an isolated stretch of U.S. "Mercy" - This is yelled by the shooter if s/he holds an upper hand on an opponent within a close range; this is done to give the enemy a chance to surrender without being shot. In 2005, near the West Texas towns of Valentine and Marfa, a pair of Scandanavian artists, Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, unveiled Prada Marfa, a sculpture masquerading as a Prada mini-boutique. "tricked out" - A term used to describe a gun that has numerous upgrades and enhancements, oftentimes providing dubious or non-existent performance benefits. Prada has commissioned international architects, most notably Rem Koolhaas and Herzog & de Meuron, to design flagship stores in various locations, both as a marketing and branding concept as well as a differentiating feature.

The snake is a unique setup because it allows a player to advance a considerable distance while still being protected from being hit from most locations on the field. The character of Kouda from the manga High School Girls is shown with a Prada bag, to show how rich she is compared to other students.. "Snake" (n)- In hyperball, speedball, and airball a snake is a long, low structure (less then 1 meter/3 feet high) usually located either in the middle or to one or both sides of a field. Lauren Weisberger titled her bestselling 2003 roman à clef purportedly about her onetime boss, Anna Wintour, The Devil Wears Prada. This allows referees with sound-activated timers to monitor rate of fire during games. In this episode, the Prada bag is seen as a status symbol (and later a bribe). In response to the popularity of ramping (and the difficulty of catching violators), some organizations have abandoned a strict semi-auto-only policy and adopted a 15 ball-per-second cap in its place. Her parents wouldn't give her the $1100 needed to buy a Prada bag, so she got a job to buy one herself.

Many "ramp boards" also incorporate elaborate schemes to conceal this feature from tournament referees, including a simple "panic button" trigger press sequence to turn ramping off before a marker can be confiscated and tested, and randomized rate of fire to mask the fact that the trigger activity doesn't match the actual firing of paintballs. In The Family Guy, Meg felt left out because she had an plain, boring purse. "Ramping" (v)- A feature enabled in many aftermarket electronic marker 'mod boards' that functions as de-facto full-auto; while in ramping mode, pulling the trigger faster than a preset lower limit (typically 5 or more times a second) causes the marker to "ramp" to its maximum preset rate of fire, which can exceed 20 balls per second, or to fire as quickly as the hopper can supply balls to the breech. Other labels within the Prada Group corporate umbrella include Helmut Lang and Jil Sander. "Maxed" (n)(v)- In tournament play, a team successfully eliminating all opposing players, losing none of their own players and successfully hanging the opponent's flag within the allotted game time is said to have "maxed" the other team (that is, they have achieved the maximum points possible in the game). The only brand to avoid the pitfalls of forming a large luxury label company is that of Giorgio Armani. It can also be used to describe a situation in which an individual or team excercised a great advantage to defeat the other player or team. Prada is still to recover from this debt.

It is often used to describe someone who has been marked several times. Prada was unable to turn around/support the money-losing Fendi label, and sold its Fendi shares to LVMH. "Lit up" - An expression connotating overwhelming victory. Prada shared shares in Fendi with the Louis Vuitton Moet Hennesy (LVMH) company. These electronic laser systems help prevent chopping in markers and help markers reach higher rates of fire consistently. Following lead in other companies in a popular trend of large labels to absorb as many other fashion houses as possible, Prada took on large debts to take on the financially floundering Rome-based house of Fendi in the early 1990s. If a ball enters the breech, the laser will be reflected back into the eye, indicating that a ball is ready to be fired. Although Prada remains the pinnacle of contemporary fashion following Tom Ford's retirement -- in 2004 Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour is said to have told Miuccia Prada that she was "the only reason anyone comes to Milan" for runway shows -- it continues to derive the overwhelming bulk of its revenues from its original leather goods business, the sale of shoes and handbags.

Reflective sends a laser across the breech from one eye. Prada won a Council of Fashion Designers of America International Award for accessories in 1993. When a ball enters the breech of the marker, it breaks the laser, telling the marker that a ball is ready to be fired. Other critics have described Prada's look by comparing it to Gucci's: While the Gucci girl is swigging shots of tequila in the back of a nightclub wearing a miniskirt and halter top, the Prada girl is reading Proust in a café. Breakbeam incorporates two eyes which send a laser across the breech to one another. The look of the early 2000's has been described as that of a "chic neo-fascist army" by the New York Times. There are two types; breakbeam and reflective. Prada rose to fashion primacy in the early 1990s on a look epitomized by thick, square glasses and garish colors known as "Prada Ugly." Prada takes a decidedly -- and consciously -- intellectual approach to fashion.

"eye/eyes/ACE" (n) - A laser detection system installed on electronic markers. It was followed by the Prada Sport collection. "chop a snake" - A process in which one player will fire over the head of an opponent located behind a snake, pinning him down, while another will advance along the lengh of the snake eliminating the opponent. Miu Miu clothing is often simple, and evokes a continual image of high-end vintage items. Many markers have special technology to prevent them from firing before a paintball has fed completely or to reduce the speed of the bolt so that it can't break a partially fed paintball. In its advertising campaigns, waif-like models in "home photo" poses further the look. Chops are usually caused by a marker shooting too fast for the speed at which the loader can feed it, or sometimes by misshapen paint that does not feed properly or low pressure or mechanical failure that causes the bolt to actuate more than once in quick succession. The Miu Miu line, which shares Miuccia Prada's nickname, emphasizes earthy colors and a less haute couture look, evoking an overall more bohemian style.

The force of the bolt of the marker moving forward will then cut the paintball in half inside the marker's chamber, creating a rather unpleasant mess that will prevent the marker from shooting accurately until cleaned. In addition to the original Prada line, the company introduced the Miu Miu collection, a lower-priced line aimed at a younger audience, in 1992. "chop" - Sometimes a marker may fire when a paintball has only fed partially into the breech. The collection's plain, modern lines were a stark contrast to other labels' flamboyant, sexual designs, and fueled a sharp rise in Prada's popularity. Necessary because hits on hard equipment may not be noticed by the player, and hits that do not leave a mark do not count, so a player may need another person to check to see if a hit broke when it is on an area of the body the player cannot readily see. Prada's first prêt-à-porter, or "ready-to-wear" collection was designed by Miuccia Prada in the autumn/winter season of 1989. "paint check" (v) - When an official or another player inspects a player for hits. These novel, high-priced bags quickly became widely sought-after, and spawned a global industry of counterfeit Prada goods.

If the teammates are looking the wrong way, or there are no teammates left, an opposing player can often run straight up to the player's bunker without the player seeing him and "bunker" the player by shooting directly over or around the side of the cover. Miuccia first gained her reputation for creative use of materials and simple, modern lines with her 1985 line of sleek black handbags made from parachute nylon. "bunker" (v) - When a player is behind a bunker, the bunker blocks that player's view of the field in front of him, forcing the player to occasionally look out from behind the bunker (and risk being hit) or rely on teammates to prevent opposing players from advancing through that area. In 1978, Mario's granddaughter Miuccia Prada inherited what was still a leather goods business from her mother, and led the company's expansion into haute couture. In speedball, vrtually all objects placed on an otherwise empty grass field are "bunkers", and in most modern speedball tournaments, bunkers are inflatable vinyl obstacles (like river rafts with more basic and varied shapes). The company, originally known in Italian as Fratelli Prada ("Prada Brothers"), was founded in 1913 by Mario Prada. In wooded play, a bunker may be a large fallen log, a collection of wood, a constucted obstacle of wood, barrels, or other material, or even a dug-out depression in the ground. Prada, SpA is an Italian fashion company (also known as a "label" or "house") with retail outlets worldwide.

"bunker" (n) - A non-natural obstacle on the field of play suitable for use as cover. Sometimes refered to as "Extra Love". A player may receive bonus balls due to the increasingly fast rate of fire of markers in tournament play, walking through a spot another player is shooting, or occasionally by being intentionally shot by an opponent. "bonus ball" (v)- Hits a player receives after being eliminated, usually while leaving the field of play.

Paintball is ranked ahead of snowboarding by a large margin. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association International's (SGMA) 2005 stats, paintball is the third most popular 'extreme sport' in the world, following skateboarding and inline skating. Growing Popularity. Good equipment does lend a competitive edge, but it is possible to get good results with relatively inexpensive equipment, and skill trumps gear quality.

Many players believe that more expensive and higher quality equipment determines how well a person plays. Quality of Equipment. Many fields forbid the use of full-auto markers, which are illegal in many countries (for example the UK). Paintball fields require anyone near the field to wear a face mask, and that markers shoot at a velocity of less than 300 feet per second.

As long as the players follow the rules, paintball is an entirely safe sport. Recent statistics from various insurance companies have proven that paintball is actually safer than traditional sports, such as football. Another common misconception of paintball is that it is dangerous. Injury and Danger.

Tournaments include aspects of traditional sports: players wear bright colors as fans watch the action behind safety netting and film crews record nearly all top competitive events for DVD or TV. And "scenario" paintball games seek to re-enact historic wars and battles, not to encourage violence. Today's markers are generally not designed to mimic firearms. Paintball fields do not tolerate physical violence (contact with an opponent is usually forbidden) nor even verbal abuse.

The paintball community generally works to dispel this image, increasing the public's exposure to paintball is seen as crucial to breaking down stereotypes. Additionally, paintball has been used for close combat training by both law enforcement agencies and terrorist groups. One common misconception is that paintball simulates war and encourages violence, thanks largely to vandalism, and the small, but noticeable resemblance of markers to firearms and the donning of camouflage for woodsball. War and Violence.

Various misconceptions are held by players as well as people who have never seen a paintball marker. Paintball has proved to be an extremely safe sport and its good record comes from the uncompromising emphasis on safety. Chronographs or "Chronos" can be found from $60-250 and can greatly help the safety of everyone playing. It is recommended that everyone playing outlaw games, get their guns "chronoed" or speed check before playing.

Many players involved in outlaw games will tend to have their guns firing "hot" or above this speed. The allowed speeds usually range from around 250 Feet Per Second to the highest allowed speed of 300 FPS. This reduces the possibility of mask failure, and will leave less of an injury when you are hit. Besides mandatory use of masks, fields require that markers don't fire above certain speeds.

Do not be surprised if you are pushed down or otherwise covered by players and/or refs. Players or refs will come running to help. If your mask falls off during a game, drop to your knees and cover your eyes with your arm or hands while yelling for assistance and/or a ceasefire repeatedly. A ref or another player will lead you to a safe area.

If you find your mask is covered with paint, sweat, or dirt, and you cannot see well enough to safely get off the field, stand with both hands in the air and yell (usually "Fogged!") for assistance. Under no circumstances should eye protection ever be removed on a live field. This means players must wear only paintball-specific goggles and facemasks at all times while playing, even if they are out. Safety is paramount while playing paintball and is strictly enforced.

If you think you may have been hit the ref of the current game will run over and complete a "paint check" to evaluate whether you have been marked or not. The idea is to get as close to the opponent as possible, as fast as you can, so that you can catch the other player off guard, giving them little to no time to react, and giving you little to no chance to miss due to the close range. This refers to running/charging up to the bunker or barricade that an opposing player is behind and tagging them at very close range. Another popular move is "bunkering".

Moves such as a 'run through', where a player sprints down the field shooting as many of the opposing team as he can, have developed over time and are now very important plays. If you catch an opponent off guard, you are free to fire at him. In almost all tournament play, there is no surrender rule. Keep in mind that while waiting for a response you can still be hit by other opponents.

However, if they refuse and attempt any hostile action (such as turning to fire at you), you may fire upon them. If your opponent complies (verbally, see above or by raising their hand or marker), they are considered marked and are out of the match. Some fields require that if you are within a certain distance of an unaware opponent, you must demand their surrender (by yelling "Surrender!") before you may open fire. This is you and one other teammate are eliminated from the current round for cheating.

In most instances a penalty of 1 for 1 will be called. This is cheating in its lowest form and could get you banned from the field. Some people, when hit, will wipe off the paint and continue playing. If you believe that you have tagged another player, but they are not calling themeselves out, you can always shout for a paint check on that person.

If you are lucky, a paintball will simply bounce off of you, and will not count as a hit. You should always check to see if a paintball that has hit you has indeed broken. Remember that even if you are not marked, exclaiming "I'm hit" will eliminate you from the game. In some cases, depending on the field's rules, being checked by a referee does not make you invulnerable.

Usually, if there is any spot that isn't clearly a hit or larger than a quarter, it will not be considered a hit. A referee will come over and make a judgment call. If you believe the paintball broke before impact, or if you cannot see the area to confirm a hit, then you should call for a paint check (by yelling "paint check"). Generally if you are marked (hit) anywhere on your body, or on anything you are carrying (marker, hopper, pods) and the paintball broke upon impact, you have been marked.

. For information on tactics, see paintball strategy. These are the most common regulations, and do not include tips for playing. Variations of the following rules are in effect at most fields.

When playing at a field for the first time, be sure to check up on the field rules. Major scenario and tournament events may sometimes occur at other locations like fairgrounds, military bases, or stadiums, essentially creating a temporary paintball park, including the trained staff and insurance found at permanent commercial paintball parks. Private landowners may also be liable for injuries sustained on their property, especially if there are any fees for play. While less expensive, and often less structured than play at a commerical facility, due to the lack of standards, instruction, and oversight, the vast majority of injuries incured by paintball players occur in a "renegade" setting.

Some players play on private land, often refered to as "renegade" play. Commercial fields adhere to specific safety and insurance standards and have employed staff (often called referees) whose job is to make sure players are instructed in proper play and play in a manner that insures all participants' safety. Additionally, some commercial fields offer fast-paced indoor game play, often with multiple rooms. A paintball park may be an area of woods, a complex of speedball fields, or a combination.

Most players play, and most scenario games and tournaments occur, at commercial, insured paintball parks. While these two groups differ in style of play and appearance, the most devoted members of both groups may spend thousands of dollars per year not only on paintball equipment, but also on travel to paintball events. These frequent participants can generally be divided into two groups: Scenario players and tournament players. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association, of the approximately 10 million people who participate in paintball annually, only about 15% (1.5 million) of them play 15 or more times per year.

Recreational players may play at commercial, insured paintball parks, or on private land (often referred to as "renegade"). The recreational class of player encompasses a range of levels of involvement in the sport, from occasional players like members of church groups or people attending birthday or bachelor parties, through more regular players who may own their own entry-level equipment, but do not play in tournaments. Players usually fall into three categories: recreational, scenario or big game, and tournament. The leagues consist of a whole circuit of paintball tournaments, but smaller regional and locally-sponsored tournaments are very common.

The major leagues are National Professional Paintball League (NPPL), Paintball Sports Promotions™ (PSP), and Millennium Series. Due to the competitive nature, most tournament players use high-end markers capable of higher rates of fire. There is a set number of people on each team (commonly three, five or seven), and modern tournament play is primarily speedball. Tournament paintball is played by the same rules as normal paintball, but in a more competitive environment.

The Millennium Series, the Nordic Series, the former European X-Ball League, the Centurio Circuit, the XSPL, the Paintball Association in the UK and many more leagues exist and draw large numbers of teams and fans. These aren't the only leagues, however, as most regions both inside and outside the USA have leagues. Current professional and semi-professional leagues, such as the NXL (National X-Ball League), NPPL (National Professional Paintball League), NCPA (National Collegiate Paintball Association), CFOA (Carolina Field Owners Association) the NEPL (New England Paintball League),the WPL (World Paintball League) and the SPPL (Scenario Paintball Players League), regularly hold high-class, well-organized events. Some paintball parks have added dedicated reball fields.

A reball is more expensive than a paintball, but since they can be reused, they are cheaper over the long term. While they do not break open to leave a paint mark on players, the lack of filling makes them useful for indoor locations where accumulation of paint from broken paintballs would be a problem. Reballs are approximately the same size and weight of a paintball, but do not contain a paint filling. A "reball" is a solid, dense-foam substitute for a paintball.

The first team to reach a set point total (commonly 5 or 7 points), or the team with the highest point total after game time has elapsed, wins the match. The X-Ball Light variant has one period, typically 15 minutes long. X-Ball has taken root at the national level, although variations are found in regional and local competition. Players who receive penalties are not permanently removed from the game, but placed in a hockey-like penalty box for several minutes.

Unlike most tournament formats that forbid players to communicate with people on the sidelines, X-Ball allows a coach to advise players on the field. Teams of up to 18 players field five players at a time. The winner is the team with the most victories after two 16- to 20-minute halves. A newer tournament format, X-Ball pits two teams against each other in multiple rounds of Center Flag played one after another until time runs out.

Popular non-Xball center-flag formats include:. Teams play several other teams, accumulating points in each game for acts such as being the first to get the flag, bringing the flag to the goal, eliminating opposing players, and having uneliminated players left at the end of the game. The most common tournament formats pit two teams of three, five, or seven players against each other. Woodsball tournaments, the original and once the most popular format, have largely given way to speedball fields, whose inflatable bunkers can be moved between matches or tournament stages.

Modern tournament paintball has developed in earnest since roughly 1990. The largest is probably "Oklahoma D-Day" which drew more than 3,500 in 2005, plays across 700 acres of land and includes some 15 "paintball tanks" and pontoon-built landing craft. Skirmish Paintball in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania holds several every year, including The Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of Normandy, which drew more than 3,000 attendees in 2005. Scenario games can last hours or even days, and bigger games often have player re-insertions at set intervals.

Scenario paintball games are often larger-scale re-enactments of historical battles involving hundreds of people, such as the Battle of Normandy, or modern scenarios such as storming a building and rescuing hostages. Most national and local tournaments and leagues are built around speedball. The close quarters foster a lot of movement and "bunkering", or running up to an opposing player's bunker and eliminating them from close range. Artificial barriers (bunkers), often inflatable, are placed throughout the field for players to move between and hide behind.

Speedball is a faster, closer-quarters game than woodsball and is played on a field about the size of a basketball court or two. Woodsball games generally take more time than speedball games. Woodsball, paintball's original format, is generally played in a wooded area large enough to hold dozens of players. The team that eliminates all of the players on the other team wins.

The winner is the team that brings the flag to the opponent's end of the field. Similar to Capture the Flag, the game starts with a single flag at the center of the field instead of one at each end. Victory is achieved by being the first team to hang the opponents' flag on the designated location at or near their own starting location. Teams start on opposing sides and attempt to acquire the opponents' flag while protecting their own.

The classic schoolyard game, with a paintball twist. . The first tournament with a cash prize was held in 1983. The first paintball game was played in New Hampshire in 1981 by Bob Gurnsey, Hayes Noel, Charles Gaines, and nine others, who used markers built to tag cattle or trees.

Once marked by a paintball, a player is eliminated from the game. Paintball is a sport whose participants use markers to shoot paintballs (roughly marble-sized, .68 caliber, gelatin capsules filled with colored polyethylene glycol) at other players. 90% of paintball players are 12-24 years old. 85% of paintball players are male.

Baseball — 9.7 million participants (just 1.01% more than paintball). Tackle Football — 5.4 million participants. Paintball had approximately 9.6 million participants in 2004