Paintball Bag
July 31st, 2010
How Paintballs Are Made
Have you ever wondered how those thin yet sturdy shells were made that contain paint and can be shot out of a gun to splat all over your opponent? The process for making paintballs is pretty interesting and you might be surprised at what is used to make them.
Paintballs are made of a thin skin of gelatin that will break upon contact. They are filled with non toxic, water soluble ingredients that are colored by a dye. The paint is biodegradable and will come out of clothing or off human skin with just water. When the paintball hits a person it splats color signifying they have been hit.
Paintballs are made on special machines that aren’t available to the public as the process is too intricate and the machines are extremely expensive. The following process is a rather complicated and lengthy one that only manufacturers of paintballs can do.
To make the hollow shell of the paintball, the gelatin is melted down and other additives are introduced while color is added and blended in. This mixture is run through an encapsulation machine, the same type of machine that drug companies use to make gel caps. The machine forces the gelatin onto a cooled drum which produces a thin sheet of gel called a ribbon. Two ribbons each pass over their own rotating die, or mold, that forms each half of the ball. The dies press against each other as they are rotated and eventually align to meet and seal making a round ball by placing the two half shells together. Once that happens the shells are filled with paint injected into them. You can usually see a seam on each paintball. This is where the dies came together. The paintball is sealed and comes out of the die being dropped out of the machine. The shells are very soft and bouncy at this time. The balls go down a conveyor belt and are then put in trays to dry. During the drying period the gelatin shrinks around the paint making them less soft and bouncy.
The paint that goes inside the two shells is made by combining polyethylene glycol, which is also found in cough syrup, thickened with wax.
Two tone or Dual Colored paintballs are made the same way except there are two colors of gelatin being introduced instead of one. One side will be one color and the other side will be another.
After the paintballs have dried they go through a counting machine and into bags and cartons for you to purchase.
The quality of paintballs depends on the quality of the ingredients used to make them. Some companies make excellent quality paintballs but they are very expensive, up to $100 per 2000 round count. These should be left to those playing in tournaments since it could be detrimental to the game to have a defective paintball break inside the barrel of the gun. Other paintballs can cost around $50 to $60 per 2000 round box and still might be too expensive for practice. Practice balls can be purchased in a 500 count for about $16. That is a little more affordable, but they won’t be the same quality of the ones you pay more for. Find the paintball that is right for you by trying several different varieties.
About the Author
Mike regularly writes for ProlificPaintball.com, they carry such paintball equipment as the
EOS paintball gun
and the
Pinokio Hopper
, as well as many other items from a variety of manufacturers.
Paintball Gear Bag Video
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PAINTBALL BAG OF 500 CO2 TANK O-RINGS 90 DURO $9.95 |
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PAINTBALL BAG OF 1000 CO2 HPA TANK O-RINGS 90 DURO $15.95 |
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UAG HUGE PAINTBALL-AIRSOFT GEAR CARRY CARGO BAG-CASE-B5 $29.95 |
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Digi Cam PAINTBALL GUN CO2 HPA NITRO TANK BAG DIGICAM $19.95 |
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TWO! Deluxe Camo gear bag large paintball NEW! NR! $34.00 |
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New Large Paintball Equipment Camo Gear Bag Duffle $22.99 |
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New Medium Paintball Equipment Camo Gear Bag Duffle $15.99 |
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Raven paintball knee & shin pads X-Large+ carry bag lot $0.01 |
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Paintball Hydration Pack, Harness, Backpack, Bag $9.99 |
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New Large Paintball Equipment Camo Gear Bag Duffle $19.99 |
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PAINTBALL HOPPER/GEAR BAG/MARKER MULTI-STICKER PACKAGE $3.50 |
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TIPPMANN 98 CUSTOM PAINTBALL GUN W/BAG OF PAINTBALLS $26.06 |
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New Large Paintball Equipment Camo Gear Bag Duffle $18.99 |
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Syn Paintball Cap, Pod Bag, Dog Tag, Lanyard, Keychain $3.99 |
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Syn Paintball Cap, Pod Bag, Dog Tag, Lanyard, Keychain $3.99 |
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Paintball Hydration Pack, Harness, Backpack, Bag $9.99 |
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Paintball CQB Hook 2-Point Rifle w. Bag AEG Sling Blk $6.29 |
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Paintball CQB Hook 2-Point Rifle w. Bag AEG Sling GRM $6.29 |
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2 Pocket Dual Tubes Pod Pouch Bag Paintball Ball Hauler $2.99 |
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Paintball CO2 Remote Hose Gas Tank Pouch Carrier Bag N2 $3.99 |
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Extreme Rage Padded Paintball Gun Marker Case Gear Bag $8.99 |
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Lot (8) Military Ammo Bag NEW Paintball Hunting Camping $1.00 |
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New Large Paintball Equipment Camo Gear Bag Duffle $22.99 |
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New Large Paintball Equipment Camo Gear Bag Duffle $18.99 |
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Paintball Hydration Pack, Harness, Backpack, Bag $9.99 |
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L@@K*** Paintball equipment, bag, mask, pods, cylinders $250.00 |
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Draxxus 4000 paintballs bags are sealed $49.99 |
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Military Style Duffle Bag, Parachute Cargo Bag $29.95 Rothco Parachute Cargo Bag is made of heavy canvas with double web handles for extra support. Has a zipper that opens the full length. Great for travel and sports equiptment. Makes a great gift. Specifications: 24″ X 15″ X 13″… |
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Plastic Bugs Insects Spiders 1.5 inch (1 Gross) $14.99 This collection of plastic insects features a bunch of flying and crawling creatures in a variety of colors. Assortments may vary…. |
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Embroidered Shoulder Bag / Map Case with Emrboidered Military Patches This cute shoulder bag has two inner compartments and a pocket…. |
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EMT Response / Medical Rescue Bag $39.95 This bag is made of heavyweight 1000D Polyester and features a 3-section central compartment with zip-flap storage pocket and tool loops. Also included are 2 zipper side pouches and 2 front pouches and extra tool loops. Comes complete with a top carry handle, adjustable shoulder strap, quick-release buckle and Velcro closures. Reflective “Star of Life” emblem on top flap. Measures 15″x9″x7″. Pictu… |
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G.I. Type Brass Zippered Mechanics Tool Bag $15.95 … |
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Mechanics Tool Bag Heavyweight Cotton Canvas mechanics Tool Bag for all you outdoor tactical needs. 11″ x 7″ x 6″… |
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Compartment Travel/Shaving Kit $14.95 This two compartment travel shave kit / toiletry bag is great for travel to hold any toiletries. Has an easy carry handle and is lined in nylon to keep the bag dry…. |
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3127 EMI EMERGENCY RESPONSE HOLSTER SET $29.55 EMERGENCY RESPONSE HOLSTER DUAL HEAD STETHOSCOPE WINDOW PUNCH W/ POCKET CLIP LIFESAVERTM SEAT BELT CUTTER BRITE-LIGHTTM PENLIGHT (WITH BATTERIES) DELUXE EMS SHEARS 5 1/2″ BANDAGE SCISSORS 5 1/2″ STRAIGHT KELLY FORCEP 1000 DENIER BALLISTIC NYLON HOLSTER w/GLOVE POUCH & 2 SIDE POCKETS… |
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8776 BLACK MOLLE TACTICAL FIRST AID KIT $24.99 HEAVY WEIGHT ZIPPERED POUCH 900 D POLYESTER 7” X 8” X 3” WITH MOLLE ATTACHMENT ONE INSIDE POCKET INSIDE ELASTIC BANDS INCLUDES NEW POUCH, MILITARY BANDAGES, COTTON BALLS (2 PK), 2” STERIPADS, 3” STERIPADS, 1/2” ADHESIVE TAPE ROLLS, VARIETY OF BANDAGES, TWEEZERS, ASPIRIN, SOAP, PACKET OF SUGAR, PEROXIDE, TELFA PAD, COLD PACK, ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT, BZK TOWELETTE, ALCOHOL PREP PADS, EXAMIN… |
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VINTAGE WOODLAND CLASSIC MESSENGER BAG Camo Canvas School Laptop $22.74 * Washed Cotton Canvas – Woodland Camo * Measures 15″ x 11.5″ x 5.5″ * Enourmous Main Compartment / 3 Outside Pockets * Adjustable Shoulder Strap Product Description |
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Empire 09 Body Bag Paintball Gear Bag $159.95 Empire Body Bag-Ever brought your gear bag to field and had it covered in splattered paintball and mud? If you hate having your gear bag destroyed after taking it to the field a few times then this is YOUR bag. Its simple put all your paintball gear in the bag and take to the field after your done with it hose it off. It’s that simple. We used an extremely durable washable material and water-resistant zippers to help keep your bag in good shape. Every time it gets dirty just wash it down and your as good as new! Off road Wheels Rugged and durable easy to clean exterior Heavy-duty push button retractable handle Separate Shoe compartments Neoprene Grab handle Large main compartment Water resistant zippers |
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Spyder Paintball Gun Bag $11.99 Keep your highly valued marker protected from the elements and scratching from other equipment during storage with the Kingman Spyder Marker Bag.Soft interior liningMade of durable nylon with paddingProvides maximum protection from bumps and scrapesConvenient carrying handleLarge detachable pocket to hold extra tools and partsDimensions 14 H X 26 W |
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Empire 09 Unity Transit Paintball Gear Bag $114.95 Unity Transit Gear Bag- Brand new for 2009! This bag was built for paintball! The Transit is a tough well-organized highly evolved bag. The transit is built to go where you go (hence the name). Not only does this bag have a wheel system with an ergonomic pull handle it also has zip away back pack straps in case you need to do some serious off roading. It has enough space and compartments to hold ALL of your gear for a day or a week of paintball! 3 massive separate main compartments Abrasion resistant base Collapsible T-handle pull handle Heavy-duty grab handle Custom removable heavy duty shoulder strap Made with Nylon and Durable Rip stop In-line skate style wheels |
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CORE Paintball Goggle and Clothing Bag $59.99 “Tired of getting your change of clothes all covered in paint, grime and goo? Want a separate compartment to keep your dirty goggles away from other gear that can crush or scratch them? Here is a tough and durable gearbag originally designed for riot police to carry all your clothes and goggle system, with additional zippered pouches for your keys, cel phone and other non-playing necessities. Why haul your non-playing necessities around the paintball field all day when you only need them at the end ?” |
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CORE Paintball Gun Bag $19.99 Features:Fits most markersLightweight yet heavy-dutyPadded to protect your investment from dings and scratches. |
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Empire 09 Unity Crosstrainer Paintball Duffel Bag $79.95 Unity Crosstrainer- One of our best sellers year after year. The cross trainer is a compact shoulder bag that boasts overnight accommodations for 2 guns your full line of paintball clothes and equipment plus (NEW FOR 2009) the ability to morph into an external gun carrying case (attach your fully intact marker set up). The highly adjustable gun carrier allows it to fit just about any gun. There is also a huge main compartment with a foam-padded base. Heavy duty ergonomic shoulder strap that removes if you want it to. Exterior pockets designed to carry spare lenses and a tool kit. Made from Ballistic nylon in Empire Unity’s custom pin stripe and diamond-padded pattern Large main compartment for gear Side mount external gun carrying case (holds a fully intact marker) Multiple position grab handles Abrasion resistant base Hide-Away wet pocket (great for muddy shoes) ID window Zippered tool pouches |
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Empire 09 Heater Paintball Backpack – Hound Dog $59.95 “Unity Heater backpack- Some Paintball players need to carry 2 bags to the field with them. A gear bag and a backpack. Leave the gear bag at home. The Heater Backpack does double duty in a big way with a separate clothing compartment for Paintball clothes and an expandable padded marker pouch that also doubles as a laptop compartment! Inside the main compartment you’ll find it’s lined with a special nylon coating that easily wipes out after a messy day of paintball. On the front face of the bag there is an organizer so you can always mix business with pleasure. If you are tired of huge gear bags, this is a great way to combine everything and take bulky gear bag loads off your hands.” |
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NXe 08 Ambassador Rolling Paintball Gear Bag $119.95 “The NXe “Ambassadorâ€? Rolling Gear bag was originally designed for the travel needs of international players, where Airline weight and size restrictions make those of the United States seem minuscule. The “Ambassadorâ€? was designed to be a compact, ultra organized, light weight travel solution. In evaluating the finished product, we found the needs that it met to be global in scope, and decided to launch the bag worldwide. The “Ambassadorâ€? Rolling gear bag is the perfect solution for the player who demands supreme organization and protection for their equipment.” |
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NXe 08 Executive Rolling Paintball Gear Bag $159.99 “The “Executiveâ€? rolling gear bag expands on its industry leading style and design, and takes functionality to a whole new level with this year’s model. By adding a fully adjustable internal divider system, high-end 1680 denier nylons, and a new heavy duty pull handle, the “Executiveâ€? is the all-in-one solution for any player. Boasting nearly 10,000 cubic inches of storage, the “Executiveâ€? rolling gear bag weighs in at the same or less than other gear bags in its class and offers over 40% more storage. High Density foam lining and specially selected Elevation nylons guarantee maximum protection for your gear and ensures you and everything you need will make it safely to your destination and look good doing so.” |
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Dye 08 Explorer Wheeled Paintball Gear Bag $144.95 Features:Travel wheelie bagTelescopic handle and clear wheels for easy transportTwo book-style padded gun pagesTwo main compartments for gearAccordion style expandability for overpackingTwo carry handlesConverts to backpack with padded straps and back paddingBuilt in barrel compartment and bottle sleeveSectional interiorDimensions: L24 x W15 x H16 |
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Empire 09 LKR Paintball Backpack $99.95 Introducing the LKR BACKPACK. The next level in the evolution of gear bags. Over two years in development the LKR is not just a backpack but a fully functioning paintball gear bag that has the ability to hang just about anywhere and unzips like a portable locker (hence the name LKR). While the other guys are struggling to drag their bloated gear bags over rocks sand and mud with dried grass caked in their wheels the LKR Backpack allows you to walk over all the obstacles and hang your bag (keeping it off the paint soaked muddy ground) when you get there. The “zip-away� all purpose hook allows you to hang your backpack on a fence tent tree (pretty much anything around) and unzip the “locker� portion of the gear bag and access all of your gear that is neatly organized in its own built for paintball specific compartments. Neoprene padded fleece line protective gun case 2 mesh loader pockets stretch to fit any size loaders Adjustable goggle compartment to fit just about any goggle on the market Padded tank compartment that will accommodate 45 68 or 88 cu inch sized tanks 4 extra mesh zippered pockets to hold your tool kit small parts gloves headgear Neoprene marker pocket constructed to hold your gun after you get to the field and have it all put together with barrel tank and hopper attached. “Zip-away� stow-able metal hook for hanging the backpack just about anywhere Dual exterior gear pockets with expandable stretch mesh pockets to hold bulky wet gear. Adjustable bottom panel to cinch down and hold any configuration of a pod harness Dual Barrel loops with neoprene thread protection hold your extra barrels Beefy Air-mesh padded and reinforced shoulder straps with a sternum buckle-strap support to help evenly distribute the weight. Neoprene padded cell phone case (stretches to protect whatever size phone you have) Hidden valuables pocket keeps your personal stuff safe against your spine in a sneaky spot. Two external bungee cords to strap down any loose or wet items. Two large air mesh padded grab handles on the top and main face of the bag to easily pull your bag out of your car Large air-mesh back and lumbar pads keep the bag comfortably against your back and allows air to flow to keep the temp down. Mesh “spare lens� pocket that stretches to fit various style lenses Separate zippered shoe/cleat compartment to keep those dirty things away from your clean stuff! |
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Paintball Tote Bag $17 Paintball T-shirts and Paintball gifts for the entire family. Great gift idea for a paintball lover! |
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Empire 09 XLT Rolling Paintball Gear Bag – Hound Dog $159.95 Empire SN XLT: The choice of our top pros! New for 2009 we have reduced the overall size and weight of this bag by more than 25% to accommodate stricter rules by the airlines. We were able to reduce the size but still add in all the features. This bag has it all every feature you could dream of in a gear bag and then some. This is our top of the line gear bag designed to carry a weekend worth of paintball to the field with you. Telescopic push button handle Fleece lined goggle pocket with mesh pocket for extra lenses Huge tool side pocket Marker tether system Mobile office organizer side pocket with padded cell phone holder Multiple grab handles on every side Removable padded gun case Rugged off-road wheels A wet compartment with breathable vents (great for muddy shoes or soaked jersey!) Removable padded barrel case Holds up to 3 guns in padded cases Internal mesh compartments to hold multiple Loaders and Air systems New for 2009! A fold away changing mat to either change clothes on or work on your marker without losing valuable parts. New for 2009! A stow away rain cover to keep not only the rain but also the unwanted splatter off your gear! |
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Empire 09 XLT Rolling Paintball Gear Bag – Pinstripe $159.95 Empire SN XLT: The choice of our top pros! New for 2009 we have reduced the overall size and weight of this bag by more than 25% to accommodate stricter rules by the airlines. We were able to reduce the size but still add in all the features. This bag has it all every feature you could dream of in a gear bag and then some. This is our top of the line gear bag designed to carry a weekend worth of paintball to the field with you. Telescopic push button handle Fleece lined goggle pocket with mesh pocket for extra lenses Huge tool side pocket Marker tether system Mobile office organizer side pocket with padded cell phone holder Multiple grab handles on every side Removable padded gun case Rugged off-road wheels A wet compartment with breathable vents (great for muddy shoes or soaked jersey!) Removable padded barrel case Holds up to 3 guns in padded cases Internal mesh compartments to hold multiple Loaders and Air systems New for 2009! A fold away changing mat to either change clothes on or work on your marker without losing valuable parts. New for 2009! A stow away rain cover to keep not only the rain but also the unwanted splatter off your gear! |
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Dye 08 Weekender Wheeled Paintball Gear Bag $79.95 Features:New telescoping handle and wheels for easy transportPerfect size for carry on luggage compartmentOversized main compartment for all your gearTwo large side compartmentsSide storage for toolsLarge bottom compartment for shoesPadded hideaway backpack strapsExtremely large interior compartmentExterior water bottle holderEmbroidered DYE logo DYE logo zipper pullsDimensions: 24 x 11 x 14 inches (L x W x H) |
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Smart Parts Transpod Collapsible Paintball Pod $2.95 The hottset paintball pod to hit the market the new transpod is designed to save space in your gearbag. These pods collapse to 1/3 of the size of a standard pod leaving you plenty of space in your bag to carry all your other paintball gear. You can also interchange the 3 parts allowing you to customize the color of your pods or even fix a broken section to save you money from replacing pods. Simply put the best design on the market. Smart Parts Transpod Features: Set of 6 Pods Made from Impact-Resistant Polymer Tri Level Sleeve design featuring quick-release tabs for fast and effecient storage. Collapses to 1/3 the size of a standard pod On the field its a standard size pod Broken Parts can be interchanged with good parts from other pods. Interchange parts to design custom colored pods Length 10.75 Length Collapsed 3.95 Max Diameter 2.9 Buy 6 or more for $2.50 per Transpod. That saves you $0.45 per pod! |
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Empire 09 LKR Rolling Paintball Gear Bag – Hound Dog $119.95 LKR Rolling Gear bag- For 2009 the LKR has become the ultimate gear bag! This bag has been redesigned and is back by popular demand. The LKR Gear bag is unparallel in its ability to transport everything you need to the field and stay compact and lightweight. The LKR is made with padded sides for equipment protection and rugged off-road wheels. You wont be let down by its sturdy high quality design. Telescopic hide-away pull handle External tool pouch Internal mesh pockets Large Main storage compartment for all your gear Pocket for dirty clothes / cleats Rugged off road wheels |
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Empire 09 LKR Rolling Paintball Gear Bag – Pinstripe $119.95 LKR Rolling Gear bag- For 2009 the LKR has become the ultimate gear bag! This bag has been redesigned and is back by popular demand. The LKR Gear bag is unparallel in its ability to transport everything you need to the field and stay compact and lightweight. The LKR is made with padded sides for equipment protection and rugged off-road wheels. You wont be let down by its sturdy high quality design. Telescopic hide-away pull handle External tool pouch Internal mesh pockets Large Main storage compartment for all your gear Pocket for dirty clothes / cleats Rugged off road wheels |
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NXe 08 Executive Rolling Paintball Gear Bag – Dynasty Blue $159.99 “The “Executiveâ€? rolling gear bag expands on its industry leading style and design, and takes functionality to a whole new level with this year’s model. By adding a fully adjustable internal divider system, high-end 1680 denier nylons, and a new heavy duty pull handle, the “Executiveâ€? is the all-in-one solution for any player. Boasting nearly 10,000 cubic inches of storage, the “Executiveâ€? rolling gear bag weighs in at the same or less than other gear bags in its class and offers over 40% more storage. High Density foam lining and specially selected Elevation nylons guarantee maximum protection for your gear and ensures you and everything you need will make it safely to your destination and look good doing so.” |
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Empire E-Vents Paintball Goggles – Carbon Fiber $104.5 The E’Vents Goggle System is a new low profile goggle system designed to present the minimum target possible while being soft and flexible for comfort and to help keep you in the game by glancing/bouncing paintballs. The soft faceplate is re-enforced by a flexible yet strong mouth guard which allows the front of the mask to flex on impact but stops full paintballs from pushing through or lifting it up and thus protects your lips and mouth. Features:Cut Down Dual molded MaskSoft Ear coversDark Smoke Thermal Lens2nd Lens (Clear Thermal)Micro Fibre bag with second lensDual Density FoamBrow ShieldVisorColor matched StrapColor matched Metallic LogoMicro Fibre Goggle BagDisplay Case |
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Paintball $22.95 Paintball |