Blinging out your paintball marker
By Adrew C. Syren
Can anybody truly say they have not enjoyed looking through a local shop or recently subscribed magazine while ogling the latest in fancy paintball equipment? I know that in my years of paintball, I have not seen a day go by where I was not drawn to a particular marker that was tricked out with all the latest chrome accessories.
Who can deny the pleasure of seeing a marker decked out with all the sick looking goodies from the hottest after market companies in the industry? Let’s face it; the functionality of today’s paintball equipment is no longer the only important factor when making your purchases these days.
As I stated above, I too have succumbed to the eye candy when running out to buy the latest in paintball upgrades. All the way from chrome in-line regulators to fancy body kits, the markers in my personal bag have been known to be full of bling, bling.
In a way you could call it a way to express yourself or the desires to show off your efforts in making the ultimate paint slinger. In any case, adding a little zing to your gear can be fun and something that most any player has done or will do in the future.
The bling factor is something that has kept a large number of players interested in the sport of paintball. The industry knows this, as is evident by the numerous flashy upgrades out on the market today. Appeasing your need for more eye candy the aftermarket as well as the original manufacturers have created a barrage of chrome plated, tri-color anodized and overly milled accessories to slap onto your marker. This, my friends, is what the bling factor feeds on, your desire to have the coolest looking marker on the field at any given time.
Even though there are so many players that have enjoyed the bling factor, the sport is not without those that would scoff at the topic. Does a shiny marker make for a good woods ball gun? Probably not, however the bling factor is not necessarily tied to only glitter and gold. If your upgrading your marker with the notion of impressing those around you, with little to no regard for how it will effect your playing the game, then you have been sucked into the bling factor. Don’t worry, your not alone.
Many players have gotten into heated arguments on whether the bling factor of any marker is necessary. Wars have been waged; as opinions fly, arguing the topic to no conclusive result other than, the personalization of ones marker or any other gear. It’s all about self-expression and that is enough reason for anybody to take it upon themselves to trick out their own stuff. You can expect criticism from just about anybody, but if it’s what you like then run with it. In the end you’ll be happy you did.
