ProPaintball insiders report that Sup’Air is preparing to unveil an upgrade kit for the 2012 Paintball Sports Promotions (PSP) regulation paintball field.

Are more bunkers coming to paintball fields?

The current Sup’Air paintball bunker set for PSP fields comes in at 44 pieces. According to inside information made available to ProPaintball, the upgrade kit will feature 8 new bunker pieces. While we are not sure if these will be in addition to, or designed to replace existing bunkers, ProPaintball insiders report the new bunker kit will primarily effect the snake side play.

Is the paintball field changing?

ProPaintball insiders mentioned that Sup’Air has been looking for ways to reduce the cost and increase the life span of the paintball field kits. Unfortunately these changes will come a price tag of $1100.00 per 2012 upgrade kit.

The community has long called for adjustments of field layouts to open competitive paintball to players of different shapes and sizes. Fields have requested that Sup’Air end the yearly bunker upgrade kits to help reduce costs and standardize play. Unfortunately it does not appear that upgrade kits are going anywhere in the near future. However, the addition of 6-8 new bunkers raises some interesting possibilities.

What is your opinion? What adjustments can we make to improve paintball game play?

The battle between the NPPL and PSP seems to be heating up. Earlier today we learned that Tony Mineo, former NXL commissioner and PSP field supervisor, has joined the NPPL. This move follows the recent rumor that NPPL Commissioner Tom Cole had quit to pursue other opportunities. In addition to running the UWL, Cole is said to be joining the PSP to help manage the affiliate leagues.

Tony Mineo, pro paintball commissioner, walking with his family. Photo via Warpig.com

View for the Deadbox has more on the Tony Mineo rumors. Interestingly enough, it appears that the NPPL has been listening to our complaints all along. According to the VFTD article, the NPPL laid down some serious money to bring Tony and several of of the PSP referees across with him.

This move, timing aside, was originally considered as a way to resolve reffing problems in the NPPL given that the general consensus has been for some time that the PSP’s pro refs (and staff) were the best in the business. Cole’s move may have precipitated the NPPL’s push to make this happen right now but it isn’t or wasn’t a new idea. It is rumored that the NPPL has not only offered Mineo a pile of cheese but also an ownership stake (better get that in writing, Tony) and autonomy in organizing and overseeing the officiating of NPPL events. It is rumored but unsubstantiated that part of the deal was to pull as many of the PSP trained refs over as possible.

[...]

The existence of two major leagues has been a sharp debate in recent years and whatever else anyone thought of either league they offered, between them, more options for the players. Those days are ending–at least with regards to these two particular leagues. Intended or not this move by the NPPL is a declaration of war and it won’t be over until one or both of the current major leagues is finished. It would behoove the players and teams to think long and hard about what they want and what they hope for in a major league paintball future and decide accordingly. Except of course the paintball half life of too many making such decisions is so short they won’t (and don’t) know what is potentially at stake. As VFTD as been saying for some time it is the industry that will have to choose–and it is no longer a choice they can put off. Choose wisely.

Read the rest of article at View for the Deadbox.

Is this the begining of a new major league war?

We just received word that the PSP will be offering a 10% discount for teams that prepay the 2012 season entry fees. This is a great chance to save your paintball team some cash. Check out the official release below;

2012 Season Entry Fees – Save 10%!   

 Registration for all 2012 PSP Events is open NOW at www.PSPEvents.com!

 

 

 

PSP 2012 Entry Fees, Prizes and Series Standings  

 

January 5, 2012 - Pay your season’s entry fees before PSP Galveston registration closes and save 10% on the season! Pay online through APPA by selecting the “Season Entry Fee” event, or contact Camille@pspevents.com to pay by cashier’s check or wire transfer.  Full 2012 calendar of events is listed at the bottom of this message.

 

Professional RaceTo-7

5-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $12600

Event Entry Fee: $2800

 

Event Prizes:

1st – $10,000, Plaque and Medals

2nd – $4,000, Plaque and Medals

 

Division 1 RaceTo-5

5-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $12600

Event Entry Fee: $2800

 

Event Prizes:

1st – $5,000, 1/2 RaceTo-5 Entry, Plaque and Medals

2nd – $2,000, 1/2 RaceTo-5 Entry, Plaque and Medals

3rd – 1/2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

 

Division 2 RaceTo-5

5-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $12870

4-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $10350

Galveston, Phoenix and New Jersey Entry Fee: $2800

Chicago and World Cup Entry Fee: $2950

 

Event Prizes:

1st $2,500, 1/2 RaceTo-5 Entry, Plaque and Medals

2nd $1,000, 1/2 RaceTo-5 Entry, Plaque and Medals

3rd 1/2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

 

Division 3 RaceTo-4

5-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $11970

4-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $9630

Galveston, Phoenix and New Jersey Entry Fee: $2600

Chicago and World Cup Entry Fee: $2750

 

Event Prizes:

1st – Free RaceTo-4 Entry, Plaque and Medals

2nd – 1/2 RaceTo-4 Entry, Plaque and Medals

3rd – 1/2 RaceTo-4 Entry, Plaque and Medals

 

Division 4 RaceTo-4

5-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $11970

4-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $9630

Galveston, Phoenix and New Jersey Entry Fee: $2600

Chicago and World Cup Entry Fee: $2750

 

Event Prizes:

1st – Free RaceTo-4 Entry, Plaque and Medals

2nd – 1/2 RaceTo-4 Entry, Plaque and Medals

3rd – 1/2 RaceTo-4 Entry, Plaque and Medals

 

Masters RaceTo-4

World Cup Entry Fee: $2550

 

Event Prizes:

1st – Free Masters Entry, Plaque and Medals

2nd – 1/2 Masters Entry, Plaque and Medals

3rd – Plaque and Medals

 

Division 2/3 RaceTo-2

World Cup Saturday Afternoon Entry Fee: $1100

 

Event Prizes:
1st – 25% of all entry fees from this division, Medals and Plaques
2nd – 15% of all entry fees from this division, Medals and Plaques
3rd – 10% of all entry fees from this division, Medals and Plaques

 

Division 3 RaceTo-2

5-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $4230

4-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $3420

Galveston, Phoenix or New Jersey Entry Fee: $900 (Friday Prelims), $1000 (Saturday Prelims)

Chicago Entry Fee: $1000 (Saturday Prelims)

World Cup Entry Fee: $1000 (Friday Prelims); $1100 (Saturday Prelims)

 

Event Prizes:

1st – Free RaceTo-2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

2nd – 1/2 RaceTo-2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

3rd – 1/2 RaceTo-2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

 

Division 4 RaceTo-2 

 

5-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $4230

4-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $3420

Galveston, Phoenix or New Jersey Entry Fee: $900 (Friday Prelims), $1000 (Saturday Prelims)

Chicago Entry Fee: $1000 (Saturday Prelims)

World Cup Entry Fee: $1000 (Friday Prelims), $1100 (Saturday Prelims)

 

Event Prizes:

1st – Free RaceTo-2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

2nd – 1/2 RaceTo-2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

3rd – 1/2 RaceTo-2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

 

Division 5 RaceTo-2

World Cup Entry Fee: $1000 (Friday Prelims); $1100 (Saturday Prelims)

 

Event Prizes:

1st – Free RaceTo-2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

2nd – 1/2 RaceTo-2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

3rd – 1/2 RaceTo-2 Entry, Plaque and Medals

 

Open Pump RaceTo-2

5-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $2250

4-event Season Entry Fee (Save 10%): $1800

Event Entry Fee: $500

 

Event Prizes:

1st – Free Pump Entry, Plaque and Medals

2nd – 1/2 Pump Entry, Plaque and Medals

3rd – 1/2 Pump Entry, Plaque and Medals

 

 

Late Pump Registration and Pump Pick-Up Teams!

 

Registration for Pump will remain open until 6 PM Saturday at each event. Don’t have a pump team? Sign up for the Pump Pick-Up team, pay your share of the entry, and we’ll put you on a team with other Pump Pick-Up players!

 

 

2012 Season Standings:

 

Pro and Division 1: Top 5 scores count

Divisions 2, 3, and 4 and Pump: Double World Cup score plus Top 3 other scores count

 

 

2012 Season Prizes to be Added Soon!

 

 

 

Fine Print:

 

Teams paying 4-event season entry fees should sign up for events they would like to play prior to the 1st registration deadline for the event. Late fees will apply if a team signs up for or drops from an event after the 1st registration deadline for that event.

 

5-man Season Entry Fees are for Friday Prelims at Texas, Phoenix, New Jersey and World Cup and Saturday Prelims at Chicago. Teams may move from Friday to Saturday prelims for $90.

 

Free PSP Entry Fee prizes must be redeemed at a 2012 PSP event, except prizes earned at the 2012 PSP World Cup may redeemed at any 2013 PSP Event. All Free/Discounted PSP Entry Fee prizes are non-combinable and non-transferable and may not be sold, traded or bartered. The roster of the team redeeming a discounted/free entry fee must have a minimum number of players (4 for RaceTo-4/5/7; 3 for RaceTo-2) in common with the roster that won the discounted/free entry fee. Roster changes that result in the minimum not being met will require the full entry fee be paid or disqualification. Teams redeeming free RaceTo-2 Entry Fee prizes may be scheduled in either the Friday or Saturday prelim session at the discretion of PSP, or may lock in a Saturday prelim session for $

100.

 

2012 PSP Calendar of Events

 

Event #1: PSP Galveston Island

Galveston Island Paintball, Galveston, TX

March 9 – 11, 2012

 

Event #2: PSP Phoenix Open

University of Phoenix Glendale Soccer Grounds, Glendale, AZ

April 20 – 22, 2012

 

Event #3: PSP Chicago Open

CPX Sports Park, Joliet, IL

June 21 – 24, 2012

 

Event #4: PSP New Jersey

TopGun Paintball, Cream Ridge, NJ

August 10 – 12, 2012

 

Event #5: PSP World Cup

Fantasy of Flight, Orlando, FL

October 18 – 21, 2012

Dan Napoli and Planet Eclipse have made a master piece of an episode in this episode of Artifact. Catch up with narrator Matty Marshall as he walks us through the story of Upton 187 cRew, winners of the 2011 PSP D1 Series Championship and 2011 PSP World Cup in Division 1. This is their story.

Click here to view the embedded video.

FULL EPISODE. Planet Eclipse presents “Four Words” the third episode in season 2 of Artifact, the acclaimed action sports documentary series presented by Planet Eclipse, producers of the world renowned EGO,GEO, ETEK, and ETHA paintball markers.

“Four Words” follows the top-ranked amateur paintball team in the country, Upton 187 cRew, a collection of players from outside of Boston, as they descend on Lakeland, Florida, and the PSP World Cup of paintball.

Leading the amateur division going into the final event in the series, Upton holds the rare opportunity to earn a pro spot, fulfill their 7-year dream, and make the statement that every young, aspiring tournament player desires-”We are going pro.”

Artifact is presented by Planet Eclipse, in association with Deep Elm Records, and produced by Disconnected Media.

The series is narrated by Matt Marshall, a retired professional paintball player and renowned commentator, and writer.

“Four Words” features music by (in order of appearance) Athletics (intro & outro music), Evidence, Red City Radio, The Skylife, and +/- (plus/minus). I

Artifact is directed by veteran action sports filmmaker Dan Napoli.

This 24-minute documentary episode s available for purchase in downloadable I-tunes & I-tunes device format from the Planet Eclipse digital download store, available from their website.

Copyright 2011 & 2012 Planet Eclipse. All music licensed and used by permission.

The PSP has just announced the first two locations for 2012 PSP pro paintball tournaments. If history is an indicator, players will be very excited to hear that we are returning to blue skies, grass fields and moderate weather locations.

The PSP is pleased to confirm their return to two outstanding venues for the first two events in 2012:

Event #1: PSP Galveston Island, Galveston Island Paintball, March 9 – 11, 2012

Event #2: PSP Phoenix Open, University of Phoenix Glendale Sports Complex, April 20 – 22, 2012

In 2009 and 2010, the PSP hosted the season opener in Glendale, Arizona at the University of Phoenix Sports complex. Year after year the weather proved very paintball friendly, and the nice low cut green grass was a dream to play on. In 2011, the PSP introduced the Galveston Island event as a replacement to the Phoenix Open. Players that competed in Galveston will recall the blue skies, moderate temperatures, and warm welcome from the community.

We are excited to hear that the 2012 PSP schedule begins in two amazing event locations and can’t wait to hear what else they have planned. According to ProPaintball insiders, the PSP has several big announcements planned for 2012 and details should surface shortly.

Stay tuned for the latest paintball news!

Here is the latest (and last?) update from the major paintball league merger discussions.

Dear Industry Members, Teams, Players and Supporters,

In June of this year, the PSP management and the NPPL management met in Las Vegas for a meeting to construct the framework for a merged or newly combined entity to host one paintball tournament event series for 2012 and beyond. Both the PSP and the NPPL supported by the majority of the industry felt that given the past erosion of our industry and the current economic uncertainty, that one league hosting a series of events would be the best thing for everyone involved. After additional meetings in New Jersey, Orlando and Las Vegas combined with countless phone conferences and email correspondence, we were unable to come to an agreement that satisfied both parties. Given the time that is left in the calendar year and the quickly approaching 2012 tournament season, we have exhausted the time to negotiate further.

The PSP & NPPL staff fully recognizes the benefits of a combined league for 2012 and with the most genuine of intentions, deployed all assets and made every effort to make one league a reality for the paintball community. We believe the PSP & NPPL organizations pursued the negotiations with the same intentions and shared our desire to be successful. The PSP & NPPL both recognize the termination of negotiations as a temporary setback but remain committed and optimistic to merging for one league in the future. We want to thank the staff of both the PSP & NPPL and sincerely appreciate the efforts they made to consummate a combined entity.

Regards,

The PSP & NPPL Management.

The 2011 paintball season has come to a close and the paintball community is taking stock and preparing for next year. Back in July we uncovered a secret meeting in Las Vegas, NV between the major US paintball leagues. The subject of that meeting was one that many paintball players and fans take seriously – a merger and unified format for paintball. Response to the pro paintball league merger rumors (and semi-official announcements) was overwhelmingly positive. Those in favor wanted to see both a unified format and a unified push to bring paintball into the mainstream. Many in the community commented that by combining the NPPL and the PSP, paintball would be in a strong position to grow the game. The NPPL would bring the marketing muscle and a wealth of outside industry contacts while the PSP would bring the dominant game format, event experience and player database. Dream come true, right?

The paintball community has been awaiting for an update to the news and rumors concerning the much rumored paintball league merger. During the 2011 PSP World Cup Webcast final match between Tampa Bay Damage and Russian Legion, Dave Youngblood mentioned that the merger was almost complete and to look forward to official announcements in the coming weeks. Two weeks later, the PSP and NPPL met again in Las Vegas, NV at the 2011 NPPL Championships and tried to seal the deal. Sources suggested this would be a “closing” meeting and the deal was “basically” done. Unfortunately we don’t have specifics on the meeting but we do know the meeting took a nasty turn.

ProPaintball insiders figured that the two parties would come to their senses after the season wound down and finish the deal. This however was wishful thinking.

According to very credible ProPaintball insiders, the Paintball League Merger is off the table – Update, an official release has been issued. Each league is said to be going its own way and continuing in a “business as usual” manner.

Is this a major win or an epic fail for paintball? Sound off in the comments below.

The series championships have come and gone. Rumors have run amuck throughout the 2011 season that a merger was in the works and that we would see some sort of unified league in 2012. At the PSP World Cup, we heard Dave Youngblood (via webcast) indicate that a merger announcement would be coming in the next 3 weeks (positive indication on merger). A few days prior to NPPL Vegas, we learned that the NPPL has already “scheduled” NPPL HB 2012 (negative indication on merger). All of this leaves us guessing..

Here is a rumor round up of the latest;

Apparently the merger was a “go” the week prior to NPPL Las Vegas. According to ProPaintball insiders, a meeting was held on Saturday, November 12th between the NPPL and PSP. Sources suggest the topic of conversation related to closing the deal, but something went awry. Rumors range from differing on format to the high rollers on each side of the table trying to buy one another out.

Over the years we as players have heard that the big league merger was “right around the corner”, “happening” or a “done deal” more times than we can count. After publishing countless merger related stories (and rumors), we find ourselves tiring of the subject.

Now we turn it to you, the players.

• Do you think a merger will happen?

• Do you think this merger will make or break professional/divisional paintball?

• Do you care if the leagues merge or not?

Tampa Bay Damage Paintball Team wins World Cup 2011

ProPaintball Photographer Mike Deep has put together the finale for his World Cup paintball photo gallery. Mike Spent several days dodging paintballs and players as he photographed the action at the 2011 PSP World Cup.

Check out this awesome gallery encompassing the final paintball games at the 2011 PSP World Cup. In case you missed it, jump over to Mike Deep’s Thursday and Friday paintball photo gallery.

[Show as slideshow]

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Greg Boris has published a new paintball video from the 2009 PSP Chicago paintball event. The footage features a host of players that are competing with teams that no longer exist. Its fascinating to look back through the eyes of Gregoris and recall the event. Talk about a trip down memory road.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In his thread on pbnation, Greg promises another video release in the near future – if you buy his old gear.

Edit: Oops, posted the wrong link. Fixed now, thanks!

Pro Paintball team Russian Legion

Looking back, last week’s 2011 PSP World Cup was a great success. Players and teams from across the world converged into the middle of Florida to compete for their respective titles. The final match up between pro paintball teams Tampa Bay Damage and the 2x returning champs Russian Legion reminded me of the great rivalry between USSR and USA hockey programs. The match was exciting to watch all the way to the very end and ultimately culminated in Tampa Bay Damage defeating reigning Cup champions Russian Legion. Exciting times for sure. In case you missed the final match you can watch (for free!) Tampa Bay Damage do battle against the Russian Legion at the 2011 PSP World Cup.

Tampa Bay Damage taking the snake

World Cup is looked upon as “the” event to debut new paintball gear. Vendors hauled the new paintball gear in from across the country and in several cases, sold out of their event inventories. Here is a brief synopsis of the events main attractions;

New Paintball Gear at World Cup:

• GI had the new GI SLEEK goggle system on display. The goggle features great visibility and a lower than normal goggle strap – designed to increase the level of comfort for recball players.

• Empire Paintball was showing off the new Empire Sniper paintball gun to a lucky few. Some of which were able to buy the Empire Sniper prior to its official release this coming December. For the record, the gun is light, looks good, and has nearly every feature a pump player could possibly desire. I can’t wait to get my hands on one — stay tuned for a ProPaintball review coming soon.

• Virtue was demonstrating their shot recording software (which is really neat!). They held contests all weekend long in which players were able to figure out who had the highest rate of fire. Progress and scores were posted on a huge projection screen inside the booth. Virtue also unveiled a new handheld gun-shaped chrono graph that appeared very sturdy and small enough to fit in your pocket. No word yet on price.

• HK Army/PBFashion had their new Shredder paintball cleats and packs on display. Unfortunately the worlds largest HK Army headband did not make its way into the record books this time around. Not HK’s fault however — Guinness wasn’t able to get a record keeper to the field in time.

• Critical Paintball had their new Critical 100 gram barrels, Critical V2 paintball packs, and the Zodiak paintball gun on display.

• Both KM and Bad Dog had a ton of really good looking goggle straps available – Our favorite was Bad Dog’s Tampa Bay Damage strap – the Damage graphics/colors look awesome and they fit on both new and old generation goggle platforms.

• DYE Precision unveiled the new DM12 as well as a line of off the field apparel which looked like something you would find in a skate/surf/snow shop. Many players were inquiring as to the future of the NT platform. ProPaintball insiders tell us that work continues on a new NT and a release is targeted for sometime next year.

• Understood unveiled the new paintball apparel lines from Thomas Taylor and Nicky Cuba. Both were hanging out at the booth doing autographs and meeting players which was really cool to watch them interact with fans.

• Darryl Trent and Luxe Paintball had several awesome color schemes anodized on Luxe 1.5′s and 2.0′s. The splash anodized Luxes really caught our eye and Tony Perez’s voice in the new Luxe menu was hilarious. Stay tuned for our video coming online shortly.

In addition to media coverage and countless meetings, I had the opportunity to play with my friends from LIFT in division 1. According to the score sheet we took (and gave) a few beatings. For those of us who were there it was a different story. There is true brotherhood on LIFT and it was an honor playing with the team.

LIFT on the break out

On a related note, striking a balance between playing and covering events is much more difficult than it appears – but the battle is well worth it. There is something about the adrenaline rush when you step out on that field. The thought that you and your buddies have to fight five other dudes and make your way across the field — or else suffer the consequences. Playing competitive paintball with your friends is both invigorating and challenging. At the end of the day I wouldn’t change it for the world.

The weather was great. Aside from a bit of muck on Wednesday, this event was filled with clear skies, light breezes, and dry weather all weekend long. Everyone we talked to was having a great time both on and off the field. Here are a few highlights:

Pro Paintball News & Rumors from World Cup:

• Omaha VICIOUS made a power play at World Cup. Vicious made waves by not only making the teams first appearance in the prestigious Sunday club but also taking 4th place at the event. Congrats on the podium finish, great work Vicious! The red “Sunday” jerseys looked great.

• Billy Wing of the LA Ironmen is said to be officially retired from professional paintball. According to ProPaintball insiders, Billy is moving to Florida and will continue to run sales in Central and South America for DYE Precision. Billy has an ability like few others in that he is able to both read the field, play the field, and command the field, all at the same time. In addition, Billy has a great personality and has always been friendly to those on and off the field. I can’t tell you how many times Billy has spent time breaking down the field for Brandon and I and explaining how we should be playing it.We are bummed to see him retire from the pro court. Hopefully Wing will keep playing with fellow teammates Mike Paxson, Mr. U and others on the Ironmen Tactical Team.

• In division 1, Upton 187 beat out Top Gun for the PSP World Cup. 187 has been a solid team all season long and shortly after the teams victory, they announced their intent to go pro in 2012. According to insiders, Division 1 runners up, Top Gun is considering a move to the pro division in 2012 as well.

Dynasty feasting in the prelims

• San Diego Dynasty was literally unstoppable in the prelims at Cup. The team won 21 unchallenged points (thats 3 consecutive matches that Dynasty won 7-0!) and sealed up the PSP 2011 Series Championship. Shortly afterwards word reached us that a handshake deal between Empire Paintball and San Diego Dynasty had been reached to continue the partnership. While nothing has been “signed/sealed/delivered”, we would imagine that both Empire and Dynasty will continue together in the coming years. Congrats guys!

• PSP sends word that “406s Finest” out of Montana won the Division 4 RaceTo-2 World Cup Title instead of placing 2nd as announced earlier. Congrats to James Greer, Kelly Liggett, Kris Liggett, Jacob Timmons and Seth Vannoy on their win!”

Check out the action packed galleries from pro paintball photographers Mike Deep (Part 1, Part 2) and Phillip “Stretch” Baker – Part 1.

For those of you who were able to attend PSP World Cup, what did you think? How did your team fair? Did you pick up any new paintball gear?