Slingshot paintball
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Slingshot paintball is a growing alternative among many recreational paintball players because of the low cost of play and the variation of strategy involved in the game. Players attempt to shoot opponents with paintballs that are fired from slingshots rather than standard paintball guns (or markers). Although manufactured slingshots do not shoot faster than 300 fps[1], most paintball fields don’t allow them. A normal game usually requires all players to use slingshots, but some games may allow certain players to use pump action markers vs. slingshots, such as Cowboys and Indians.
Slingshot paintball was first played in the 1990s by a group of friends in Mountain Home, Idaho. The game was promoted by inventor Ron M. Smith after discovering the benefits of using slingshots instead of paintball guns. The game quickly spread throughout Idaho, Utah, and other states, and fans had their own website by 2005.
The basic gear required to play slingshot paintball consists of a slingshot, a paintball mask, and a pocket (or pouch) to carry the paintballs in. Players normally prefer to wear fingerless gloves for protection. Each player carries a designated number of paintballs, anywhere from 3 to 20, depending on the game that is being played.
There are many advantages and disadvatages to playing slingshot paintball over traditional paintball. The main disadvantage of slingshot paintball is the rate of fire of a slingshot is less than that of a paintball gun. However, since all players are equipped with a slingshot in a normal game, the skill of the player is the determining factor. The main advantage of slingshot paintball is the cost of a slingshot is much less than that of a paintball marker, and on average, a game of slingshot paintball requires about 10 paintballs to play, compared to standard paintball, which often exceeds 200 paintballs. Another difference of using a slingshot is its ability to shoot almost silently. This enables players to eliminate opponents without revealing their location. The primary benefit to slingshot paintball is strategy. Since players can only shoot one paintball before reloading, players must use skill, stealth, and teamwork to accomplish their objective.
