Special Ops SC Forearm Guard Review

This Review is by "maniac3641." As always if you have questions or comments etc, feel free to comment below.

When I first started playing stock class, I would run around the field with 10 round tubes and 12 grams in my pockets. Predictably, it caused quite a bit of ruckus and wasn’t comfortable.  Often times I would reach for a tube and find my paintballs had spilled and burst.  As I got more serious about stock class, I looked into different harnesses and found two products I was very interested in.

The Review: 

These Forearm guards are custom made from Special Ops. As expected, custom products take more time to make and ship. but it is well worth the wait. 

Special Ops states: “Most orders will ship within a week or 2 but we guarantee that all orders will be shipped within 30 days from order placement. 3 day and 7 day RUSH options are available.” 

Features & Specifications:

• Great for carrying 12 gram CO2 cartridges or 10 rd tubes. Also can hold tubes of Tiberious “First Strike” rounds.
• Padded and comfortable.
• Lightweight
• Available in 5 different camouflages: ACU Digi, Coyote, Crye Multicam, MarPat, and Woodland. 
• Made in the USA by a great company with great customer service.
• 18 slots, 6 slots on each strip to fit up to 18 12 grams, or six 10 rd tubes and six 12 grams.
• 3 Elastic bands secure the forearm guards to your arm (These are meant to be worn over clothing or even pads, so it will a little loose on your bare arm).
• It has also has slight padding to protect your arm from paintball impacts. (Not meant to bear the brunt of a dive/slide, this would put all your 12 grams and 10 round tubes in the dirt anyway).
• The guard also extends and tapers, configuring to cover your hand up to the base of the fingers, adding sting protection on hands.

  I have owned other wrist and forearm carriers and was not impressed.  First off, I like how the SpecOps guards look, and they fit into the rest of my gear nicely. They carry what I need onto the field dependably. Depending on what you have loaded onto them, you will barely notice the weight on your arm. It is very secure and distributes the weight evenly. 

As long as you have some layers on your arm (one or two shirts etc), they stay right where they are supposed to. I ordered them in Crye Multicam, which matches the rest of my gear. Many companies have yet to offer genuine Crye Multicam, so this was excellent. I find these are a fantastic product at a great price.

Cons:

   As stated above, the forearm guards are a superior product compared to what I have used before. However, carrying a load on your forearms and getting it to conform and really stay put on your arm is really quite difficult. As such, they has a few general cons to be addressed.

The biggest con (could be a pro as well) is having to wear a layer or two under this forearm guard, or allowing for the larger forearms. I have “average” size forearms. As a result, if I was to wear these with no sleeves, it would be too loose to bother with. My solution is simply to wear arm pads underneath. 

The only other problem is that while carrying the heaviest load possible (18 12-grams), they tend to shift and move while running. But again, that is a natural con to these products and can’t really be helped too much. 

My last small con is that it was advertised with a loop to go around your finger to secure it. The product I received didn’t have that. To me, it is no big deal, and if more of a personal preference than a defect. Since I  wear this with armpads (that secure the same way) I don’t use it anyways, so it wasn’t a big deal to me.

*Note: I did not contact the company to get this remedied as I like it better this way. If I did, I’m sure they would correct it with no problem.

In conclusion, this is a great product that I would definitely recommend to stock class players. I have always been a fan of Special Ops work, and they continue to produce quality and innovative products at good prices. 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

If you are interested in them, check out this link:

http://shop.specialopspaintball.com/index.php/special-ops-stock-class-forearm-guard.html

Note by Justin: Before ordering, you may want to contact Special Ops about them. Considering they are custom made, chances are, you can order them to fit a better if you don’t want to wear pads underneath. For him, it works fine. If you don’t want to, this may be a better option.

BT Apex Barrel Review

Background information:
This review is of the first generation Apex barrel. There is a newer generation that has been aesthetically improved and advertises the same abilities: Click here for link to Apex2.


I received this barrel with an A-5 I bought from another player via the Special Ops Forums. I used the Apex for a period of about 6 months (alternating with a few other barrels). 


The Apex barrel is meant to give you an advantage over another player. It allows you to "curve" the paintball around a tree, over a bunker or other obstacle. 


This advantage is nice to have, but it is not something you can just think to your paintball "curve over there" and it will happen. The user needs to manually spin the apex tip as well as adjust the angle of the rubberized ramp located in the end of the barrel (using a tab located on the Apex).


I found this barrel a blast for "plinking" at targets in the yard. Though in practical applications (aka a game) it was more of a hinderance to keep adjusting. It is very hard to get the right combination of backspin/distance to curve balls around a bunker, but it did do as advertised.


The only competition for this product is the Tippmann Flatline barrel, which pales in comparison. It is pickier on paint, can not be "shut off," It also can't do any of the other features of the Apex or Apex2 (removable tip etc). 


The Apex Tip can also be adapted to other barrel tips using something commonly known as the "tape mod" or an adapter. 




Pro's:
-"Flatline" or "backspin" effect can be shut off
- tip can be removed and put on a better barrel with an adapter
- allows you to shoot farther
- Works best during scenarios where you can hit masses that can't reach out to you

Con's:
- The "curving around a bunker" effect is not as great as it seems, and is almost pointless (in my opinion), although, when set for distance, it works fine.
- Not tourny legal
-Added distance, but more bounces at this distance.
-The stock barrel for an Apex tip is almost identical to the A-5 stock barrel, same porting and length. It leaves much to be desired. (


Recommendation:
If your are set on improving the distance of your paintball gun, and are thinking about purchasing a Flatline or Apex/Apex2 barrel, I have to recommend the Apex. It is a cheaper and (in my opinion) better product. I would rather not use one at all and just have a decent barrel bore/paintball match, but if you are set on it this review will hopefully help you choose between.

V-Force Grill Review

Background Info:
The only mask I had used before I bought a set of V-Force Grillz was the stock Tippmann/Scott mask that comes in the "Tippmann 98C Power Pack." I had decided that that mask just didn't cut it, and I needed something that performed much better. I did some research, and decided to buy the V-Force Grill.

Looks:
Some people say you look like a "bug" or an alien of some sort when you put it on, but most love the aggressive styling of the Grillz. A lot of the newer, higher end masks are starting to have a more "agressive" style to them. I used Reverse Green/Black Grillz (Pretty much Olive Drab/Black) with an amber lens. I must say it looked good. 

Comfort:
The Grill beat out that old Tippmann/Scott mask in every area by far. Comfort was a massive step up, as was everything else. Although I prefer my Proflex over anything right now, who knows what I will try next. Every high end mask I have used has been comfortable, this is really a matter of personal preference.

Field Of Vision/Lens:
The Grill offers a good field of vision. Not the best, but still an excellent field of vision (exactly how it should be with a nice mask). Something everyone must know about all V-Force masks, and (in my opinion) a large downside is that V-Force masks are not equipped with true thermal lenses. They are coated instead. I found this coating wore off after a couple months of use and had to be replaced to avoid a good deal of fogging issues.

Ventilation: 
The V-Force Grill has good ventilation. I wouldn't give it "five stars" in this category, simply because I know there is better. When breathing hard in this mask, it was easy for me to tell that ventilation could have been better.

Lens Changing/Maintenance:
Extremely easy to change the lens. The E-Vents are just as easy, but you don't do it in the same way. The removable foam is also an excellent idea, and allows you to quickly change out sweaty foam between games or replace old foam if you choose to.


Protection/Coverage:Many of the newer masks are getting smaller and smaller. The Grill is an excellent choice for many people because it is not made for only people with tiny heads (*cough* I4). It gave me enough protection to be more than satisfied (as well as any friends who used it).


Sound/Hearing:
Sound and hearing are something I have been hearing more about these days when considering a mask. I found that while wearing the grill I could hear my teammates just fine and they could hear me. I have only heard of being impaired with a couple masks, and haven't experienced it myself.


 Final Recommendation:
I definitely recommend this mask. It is an excellent choice, and you definitely get your moneys worth. Though I was happy to switch to E-Vents, and even happier to switch to a set of Proflex's. As always, if you are planning to buy a high end mask, try some out at your local pro shop first. What works for me may not be your best choice.




As usual with my reviews, if there is anything I could add or you have comments or additions, feel free to post up.


EDIT (22OCT2011): VForce has released a dual pane lens for the Grill. I haven't had a chance to try one but now this mask can really compete with the others I have reviewed.

AGD SuperKnife Review

I bought this from the user "BenoitOWN" on MCB. It is basically a private label "SuperKnife." It is the exact same as the company product except that it has the AGD engraving on it.

There isn't much to say as it is simply a utility knife. I have already found it handy in many situations. I usually carry either this, a Kershaw Leek, or my Leatherman around daily, or a mix. I use it mainly when I know I will mess up a normal blade. It is far easier just to pop a new razor into this than ruin a good edge and/or replace the latter.

The only product I can compare to is a Husky knife I used to carry around. It was the same concept, but the locking mechanism wasn't as "smooth" as this, and it was awkward to hold; as well as slightly more bulky.

Definitely a knife I look forward to keeping around for a long time.

Field Review: Danger Zone Paintball

Danger Zone is located in Pensacola, Florida. It is close to where I am at the moment, although most of my gear is back home (sadly). For the first time in my life, I had to rent a marker. Thankfully I had a mask and a couple other small items. This is owned by MWR (Military Welfare & Recreation) and as such is technically a military base, so be sure not to use your cell while driving etc.

Danger Zone has a good amount of bunkers around the "front" of the field, but only a few in the "back." This makes it a very challenging field to play. To be honest it really makes me miss New England where a tree was large enough to use as a bunker. There are only a few here that work like that. The bunkers in the front are arranged in no particular way, but still makes for a fun day of play. Once you learn the field a bit, it becomes more fun. The rear has a couple "forts" which are a couple small (around 15' by 10') plywood bunkers.

Gameplay and the people are the best parts. Many of the fields I have played had the crowd who felt the world would end even if they lost, even on rec days (that may be a small exaggeration). There was a small amount of people today, around 20 tops. The caliber of the people were excellent though. I played with fellow Navy, Marine,  Air Force and civilians. Everyone had great sportsmanship, played honorably and had a great time. The field has a very laid back feel to it.

Now for the bad: The whole "laid back feel" transfers right into safety. Safety was almost non-existent. I say almost, because the players were adamant on policing each other. A player who tilted his mask back to see better was immediately told to pull it back down by a teammate. Another who was walking back to the staging area was told by another to put a barrel condom on and did so without complaint. The good thing is barrel condoms were abundant. If someone didn't have one, they were promptly given one without a second thought.

In all honestly, this is one of the few places I can see the above (safety portion) working. No one had problems when told to correct an issue, and did so without arguing.

Rental equipment was not too bad. As said, this is the first time I had rented in my life, so bear with me. There was 70+ Tippmann 98C's; some older, and some the newest versions. They were kept in relatively good order and when I had a problem I was issued a new marker without complaint. The masks didn't seem half bad, though I used my own (wouldn't play without it).

Pricing:
Admission: $15
Paint: $50 Per case (Premium), $15 for 500, and prices in between.
Compressed air fills: free with admission*
Co2: Unsure as I used CA with the rentals all day, most likely well priced

The field has a very laid back/old school feel to it. This is not only its downfall (safety), but it is also the best part. The caliber of customers could not be better. I haven't played since September and I could not have asked for a better time today. No overgrown ego's, just relaxed people and players having a good time.

*Compressed air tanks can only be filled to 2000 PSI as they are filled out of large tanks, not a compressor

Note: I also found another review on www.pbreview.com that sums this field up very well. If you would like to search type in "32508" as a zip code in the field finder.

RTR Gargoyle Review

I recently picked up "The" purple gargoyle (I didn't check for serial #, but it is the only purple one, so that should sum it up).

 

It just so happens that Rodney lives a couple towns over from me (well, from my hometown anyway). I am in the Navy, and was going home for Labor Day weekend, so I had the pleasure of picking this up directly from Rodney in person. 

We met locally, and he showed me everything I need to know about the marker and more. The list of features is astounding. So begins my review. 

Note: I would just like to say I have only used this once. Although I didn't put it down once that day. I had a new PMI 1 I planned on testing out as well, but I could not put the Gargoyle down. 

Trigger & Trigger Frame:

The trigger is extremely smooth. It is without a doubt the smoothest slide trigger I have ever used. The grip frame is comparable to the "Titanium" anodized Carter Buzzard that many have seen floating around MCB at one point or another. It has the "hump" on the back with makes it extremely comfortable to grip. The grips are comfortable as well. I have no complaints here. I plan to switch them out in the future for a different pair, but not for comfort by any means. Honestly it is just to personalize the Gargoyle that tiny bit more.

The trigger is fully adjustable so if you feel like having an almost "mouse-click" style trigger pull it is capable. I found that I enjoyed the trigger pull as it was tuned from Rodney. 

My Experience With The Gargoyle:

Now as said, I was only home for labor day weekend, so we played all day on Saturday in the woods area my family owned. We didn't have a chrono, but a fellow member from MCB (greenmtnphantom) had the following readings in his review: 

Temp - low 60's

Total shots taken - 34

Data -

Chronograph speeds - 288, 297, 291, 000, 309, 273, 289, 279, 285, 289, 276, 303, 278 285, 301, 286, 288, 290, 282, 280, 300, 271, 280, 260, 276, 277, 259, 244, 237, 206, 000, 000 

000 means I did not get a reading. 

I was using Brass Eagle 12 grams all day (supplied by a friend), as I was not able to order better 12ies on such short notice and when I would only be playing over one short weekend for now. I don't remember how many shots I was getting out of each 12 gram, but I changed them after each game just in case, and was only carrying a 4 ten round tubes on the field with me.


Overall Feel: 
The tolerances are no less than perfect with the Gargoyle, it was machined with precision. Each part fits seamlessly where it belongs. For weight comparison, is heftier than a phantom (comparable to a Buzzard IMO) but feels better in my hands than both the Buzzard and Phantom. I have never owned a Phantom, only used for a couple games. I owned a buzzard though for a few months (it wasn't for me I found).
Overall, I have not one complaint. It pumps like a nelson, so don't expect to compare to your T2's pump stroke. Although I was told the pump stroke would only get better with use. I have no complaints about the pump stroke as is anyway.

A couple of my favorite features:
This deserves a special mention:
As you can see in the embed youtube video, the gargoyle is easily broken down and put back together in seconds. It would not be hard to take out the internals, give it a clean/lube and be back on the field in a couple minutes or less.









Also, the feed cap had an unexpected twist. If the stock ball retainer failed for what ever reason or went missing, the feed cap has a ring milled into it. A bit of it is milled all the way through. This way, an O-ring can be inserted into the groove as a makeshift ball retainer. Another way to keep you out of the staging area and on the field.

Not only does this make cleaning and breaking the marker down incredibly fast, but think of the possibilities for add ons in the future ;]

Customer Service
Rodney is great with this. As soon as I walked up to him he hands me a 20 dollar bill for picking it up instead of shipping. That caught me off guard (didn't even realize he factored it into the price. It was a excellent surprise.
As he was showing me all the features of the Gargoyle, he realized he had forgotten the O-ring around the barrel and insisted on getting me one by the end of the weekend. I wasn't worried about it, but I got a text and a message on MCB asking where to send/meet. I still need to reply to that (Sorry, I have been busy, I will PM you soon).

There is so much more to this gun, but for that you can refer to Remember The Ronin and check out the features. Another excellent source for information is the RTR Gargoyle Q/A's.
This is the first marker I have owned out of 28 that I can give a 10/10 and I could not be happier.

All in all, I am proud to say I now own one of my dream paintball guns. It is everything I hoped for and more.

I will update the next time I manage to get back home to play. Sadly it couldn't come back to FL with me at the moment...

Something neat to dress up your forum signature:

This is something that a paintballer on MCarterBrown posted a while ago:
Achievement Generator

It can be used to create custom "video game" style achievements for anything. You input what ever you want.

You can create anything you like, here is an example I did:

Just follow the on screen instructions.

Enjoy.