• So I got my weekends sorted now…this weekend is a big one, with Oklahoma D-Day going off in Wyandotte, OK and Shoreline’s “The Fort” going off in France. Both are Valken-fueled events, and I’m told the sales team at Valken are giggling like a pack of schoolgirls chugging Monster.
• If one of my ex-wives shows up to D-Day, tell either of them I said “Hi”.
• Meanwhile, as a joke a member of the closed FB Group Vapor Vendetta jokingly made reference to holding and shooting a ‘V4′ Vapor. Of course the rumor mill and it’s overly intense scrutiny of Machine took this and ran, prompting various representatives of Machine (myself included) to make statements regarding the upcoming 2014 Vapor.
• For the record, there is one prototype bolt that I’ve seen personally (via Skype) in existence, with the rest of the gun existing only as CAD drawings. I would imagine that people like Bryson and Peavy have seen more of the new gun, but since I have a big mouth and audience if there is more to see, I’m not being shown it.
• If you’re going to OXCC this weekend for “Fallout”, make sure you find Winter and tell him I said he is a Rock Star.
• In other news, Sean Scott and Mike Phillips will be squaring off for this year’s Canadian Carnage event. Shame I don’t have a passport…
• Speaking of things CPX related, Infamous and Damage are grinding this weekend at the Joliet field in preparation for the PSP Chicago Open.
• Speaking of the Chicago Open, both Empire and GI Sportz tell me that if you use their paint, you can win!
• Larry Cossio, everyone’s favorite insurance guy, checked in: “Alex Cossio has graduated with a degree in Insurance Risk Management and Marketing and is now heading up Weekend Warrior Sportz and the paintball and airsoft side of Cossio Insurance Agency, shock!! Check out the new colors for the custom barrel socks on Weekend Warrior Sportz: http://www.weekendwarriorsportz.com/paintball-barrel-covers.php “
• Speaking of colors, DYE released their spring colors for the Rotor, which include a grey, earth tones, and the “DyeTree Purple”.
• Back on FaceBook, Billy Smith announced a summer event at LCP, happening I believe July 13^th. It’s basically going to be like the Redneck Luau a few years ago, which given the weather conditions in Georgia Low Country, will be a nice way to spend a weekend. Once I have particulars from him I’ll get the information out there.
• The NPPL has put out the results from event #2.
• Meanwhile, the PSP is claiming over 170 teams going to Chicago.
• In the UK, NPF has taken on RAP4 as a sponsor for their upcoming PaintFest event: http://thefordreport.com/2013/06/npf-announces-rap-4-uk-as-sponsors-of-black-hawk-down-at-paintfest-2013/
• Staying in the UK, I see now that Fat Bob’s has Valken products in stock as well. Always knew Sables was a smart one.
• If you’re going to this year’s Oklahoma D-Day event, make sure you pick up a copy of “Soldiers of Paint” here: http://www.soldiersofpaint.com/
• Today is 88Teeth Photography’s Taylor Ashton’s birthday today. I’ve asked his wife Crystal to make sure he’s properly spanked for his birthday. I’m not sure who was more excited at the prospect…Taylor or Crystal!
• If you’re paying attention to my Facebook at all, you’ve noticed that I’m currently ‘in between jobs’ right now. As a result of this, I’ve been considering changing career paths since to be blunt, the copier industry is mainly populated with scumbags, and the part of GA I live in is populated mainly with small mom and pop operations. Between the interest in logistics I developed working at Wulff and my brother in law letting me sit in his Freightliner, and after talking it over with my wife, I’ve decided to go to school to get my CDL. Now Billy Smith calls me “rubber duck”, and Craig Miller thinks it’s newsworthy as well. What struck me after reading Miller’s comments was that it opened up the prospect of the various large paintball companies hiring me to drive their show trucks around. Now wouldn’t that be a pickle?

TFR Enterprises is a collaboration between The Ford Report’s Dale Ford and 88 Teeth Photography’s Taylor Ashton.  The Georgia Corporation was formed to pool together the talents of Ashton and Ford, with an aim towards entering into paintball distribution, consulting, and other services.    For our initial offering, we had negotiated a distribution agreement with Shadow Paintball and were working towards our first order with the Polish company to bring their high performance, high quality barrels to the US Market.

Sadly, things don’t always work out the way we want them to, and representatives of Shadow Paintball informed Dale that they had secured distribution through someone else and at that point Ford decided to sever ties with the company and move forward.  For now TFR Enterprises is working with Shine Gears soft goods, a Pakistani-based company owned by Irfan Shah to bring quality soft goods into the US for OEM’s, distributors, and even teams.

This evening in a phone call Mr. Ashton had told Dale Ford that he was still getting phone calls and inquiries regarding Shadow Paintball, and asked that Ford write this press release stating specifically that neither he nor Ford had any information on current orders through Shadow Paintball, and that any inquiries regarding current or prospective orders for Shadow Paintball’s line of products be directed to Nathalie Whise at info@pbshadow.com

As of June 3rd, 2013 TFR Enterprises has severed ties with Shadow Paintball, and as of this writing neither Dale Ford nor Taylor Ashton have anything to do with the Shadow Paintball.   Currently Dale Ford is heavily involved with Machine Paintball’s work on the upcoming 2014 Vapor and Mr. Ashton is getting ready for the upcoming scenario season in the Florida-Georgia region.

To keep up with the goings-on with TFR Enterprises, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TFREnterprisesPB

Rick and Nancy Carver, OXCC’s field owners, are thrilled to have the team on board. “We are excited to welcome TSSOC into our family of scenario and recball home teams. For those of you who know TSSOC or may have played in games with them, you already know of their incredible positive attitude, sportsmanship of the highest caliber and genuine love of the sport of paintball. Their excellent reputation both on and off the field makes them a perfect addition to OXCC’s family of paintball enthusiasts. You can be assured that there are some great things coming in the future from this new union!”

TSSOC will play OXCC scenarios, hold practices and play rec-ball days at the field, joining the OXCC family of home teams. Also look for future TSSOC Scenario Productions at OXCC in the coming years!

The event will be held at world famous Paintball Explosion. Previously an amusement park, this facility is known for its scenario fields that incorporate themes from today’s newest video games including the brand new Nuke Town. It also boasts a 40,000 sq. ft. indoor, climate-controlled speed ball arena and well-maintained outdoor tournament fields to accommodate any player.

New lower entry fees across all divisions! We’ve also added a new Saturday/Sunday only D4 5-man Division!

Entry Fees (if paid by July 12th) Final deadline August 2nd

Professional 7-Man Race to 5: $2500
Semi-Professional 7-Man Race to 4: $1950
Division 2 7-Man Traditional: $1750
Division 3 7-Man Traditional: $1500
Division 4 7-Man Traditional: $1000
Division 4 5-Man Sat/Sun Only: $800

To register go to www.nppl.com

Stay tuned for more information coming soon regarding host hotels, grandstand tickets, VIP and more exciting announcements.

GET READY!

WINDY CITY OPEN @ Paintball Explosion!

http://www.pbbomb.com/

 Over 200 Teams – Grandstands Selling Out

The PSP is partnering up with the UWL for the Chicago Open and together are destroying previous numbers by boasting over 200 TEAMS competing across several formats on 7 PSP Fields, 1 UWL Woodsball Field and 1 JT 3-man field for the JT First Shot Paintball Challenge (just for beginners) at CPX Sports Park.

PbNation and CPX Sports are hosting the Empire Battle Tested vs. Dye Tactical Mini Games at CPX on Saturday.  These games are free for CPX Members, PbNation Members, PSP ID Card holders and Living Legends 6 Badge holders.  Meanwhile – CPX will be hosting walk-on play all weekend long!

Want to shop?  Welcome to the PSP Chicago Open.  Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, looking to upgrade your gear or simply wanting to check out the latest and greatest markers, equipment and apparel, you will find no greater selection than at the PSP Chicago Open Trade Show!  This is also the best spot to get autographs and mingle with your favorite Pro Players and meet paintball’s finest designers face-to-face.

The complimentary Trade Show set up amidst all the paintball action will consist of major showcases from paintball giants Dye, Planet Eclipse, G.I. Sportz, Empire, HK Army, DLX, JT, Virtue, Trade My Gun, PbRack Clothing, Aggressive Sports, Valken, UWL, Athletes Joined Against Spondylitis and Tech Services from BLAST, MacDev, Vanguard and Ninja.  Dye Competition Grade paint, G.I. Sportz Imperial paint and RPS Ultra Evil paint will all be available for purchase from their massive paint trucks.

Enjoy food and drinks served from the concessions and find a great seat inside the Pro Champions Field Grandstands!  While tickets are not necessary to watch games on the divisional fields and there is no charge for parking or trade show admission, to watch any Pro Champions matches you will need a grandstand ticket – and they ARE selling out quickly!  Purchase on-online now to save your seat: Click here

There really is just one place to compete against the best in the world, soak in all the sport has to offer, shop the largest manufacturers and watch the highest caliber of paintball action live from the grandstands.  We’ll see you next week at CPX Sports Park for the PSP Chicago Open!

The PSP Chicago Open Trade Show opens at Noon on Wednesday, June 19th and runs from 8 am – 6 pm daily.  Divisional games begin Thursday, June 20th and Professional Games run Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Visit www.pspevents.com for complete details or email info@pspevents.com!

Mike, Ian and Phil of the Gloucestershire based company have been long standing supporters of the MILTAC events held at NPF and areknown throughout the industry as one of the largest suppliers of woodsball and scenario paintball guns, parts and accessories . With the huge resurgence of tactical games over recent years RAP 4 are able to provide the player with outstanding choice in quality gear.

The RAP4 showroom in Mitcheldean carries hundreds of lines in tactical / scenario kit and equipment and anybody visiting, whether it be a first timer or seasoned veteran, is guaranteed to receive a warm welcome in store. Those that prefer to shop online will find the same quality of service, technical back-up and value for money at their online store www.rap4uk.com

The PAINTFEST – Mil-Tac event is themed as Black Hawk Down for 2013. NPF and RAP4 will be teaming up to provide 3 hours of the ultimate in tactical paintball. This is a mag-fed, tac-cap – limited ammo event which went down a storm at last year’s festival. The guys at RAP4 will also be loaning as many of their latest Tactical Mag-fed markers as they can to any player wishing to experience this different level of game!! Numbers will be limited so be sure to register on the day to get yours!

But that’s not all ………….

NPF will launch their BRAND NEW FEATURE SCENARIO at the MILTAC event this year!!! Be the first to play and experience “CAMP BASSETTS” during the Black Hawk Down game on the afternoon of Friday 26^th July 2013. The team are currently working flat out to build , dress and complete this awesome addition to the already unique battlefield that is NPF Bassetts Pole. Those players that already visit know the awesome quality of these builds and for those for whom it is a first time visit – then you have something great to look forward to! Watch out for future pics soon…..

Kerry Mayo – Ops Manager for NPF said “ We have a great relationship with the guys at RAP4. We have long believed they offer something unique to the tactical paintball player. Over the years they have supported not just our Paintfest event but also our on site scenario series Diamond Wars…taking personal time out to set up their stand on site and serve players with great kit. We’re really pleased that the guys have agreed to be the main Mil-Tac sponsor! Plus …they don’t mind a good party so look out for them at the Paintfest players party on Saturday night!!

FOR MORE INFO GO TO www.paintfest.co.uk BOOK YOUR TICKET NOW!! 0121 323 1000

WWW.RAP4UK.COM – 01594 546477

• I was wrong last week about everyone getting spooled up for Oklahoma D-Day…they were getting ready for the NPPL’s NEO this weekend! D-Day starts next week.
• Over in the UK, Barnett checks in: “Valken’s first major step in to Europe takes place next weekend with The Valken Big Game: The Fort taking place in France but run by UK promoter Shoreline Paintball. The 600 tickets sold out in 15 minutes six months in advance and given the location of an actual fort built by Napoleon maybe that is not surprising. It’ll be players first chance to try Valken paint and Valken will have boots on the ground at a big trade stand for Euro players to get their first look at the product range.
• Seth Manchester somehow managed to catch Greg Hastings and interrogate him at length: http://outerheavenpaintball.blogspot.com/2013/06/looking-backover-these-past-3-years.html
• From North Georgia, Ledbetter checks in: “Survival games – The Business class has Cookies AND MILK! Come join me to show the working class that everyone has a place in society.” Take advantage of the early pre-registration pricing by signing up now at http://www.lcpscenariogames.com
• Meanwhile, Taiwan Minions are excited about how the new Vapor is shaping up, but for some odd reason aren’t giving specifics. Might be time to send in a Terminator Class Minion to get them sorted.
• Tell Amber you want Hot Can! http://thefordreport.com/2013/06/hot-can/
• The Ford Report wants to welcome McClain Motorsports’ newest addition to the family Dallas “Danger” McClain, born yesterday to proud parents Houston and Frankie. Well done!
• The PSP and Millenium Series released their latest field layouts: http://propaintball.com/2013/06/2013-psp-chicago-and-millennium-campaign-cup-layouts-released/
• This weekend though, the NPPL wants you to get ready for the player’s party Saturday night at Chesapeake Inn Restaurant and Marina.
• One of my people has a sample of YourGat.Com paintballs sent to him by Matt Miller. I’ll be interested to see how it does. Assuming the Tropical Storm doesn’t blow us all away!
• For those of you who pay attention to my FaceBook, you’ve noticed that the TFR ZX-11 has moved on to a new owner. The main reason I traded for a cruiser type bike is because it’s become obvious that my body can’t quite hack a 200 mph motorcycle anymore. Not to worry, though. Those who stepped up to support the ZX-11 will continue getting love on the TFR Vulcan.
• Sources are now alleging that the ruebenesque girl caught on video at LL6 this year was paid for reasons as yet unknown. The sources allege the payment was over $1000, and claim to be talking to the girl herself, who is an actual paintball player. I’ll believe it when I see a scan of the check.
• Not that it would surprise me, but I like having proof for that sort of thing…
• TechT has rolled out a new product for the Tippmann Phenom, the Stainless Steel Gauge Pin.
• E-Money checks in: “Have you ever wondered what Joel Osteen is really like? Evan Money interviewed him for his new movie, check out: http://the.wordsofartmovie.com/the-cast/ “
• DYE is going to have their CG paintballs at the Chicago PSP.
• ProPaintball.Com has results and galleries for the 2013 Bitburg MS: http://propaintball.com/2013/06/2013-millennium-bitburg-photo-gallery-and-results/
• Tippmann is having an “Ultimate Marker” Sweepstakes: https://www.facebook.com/Tippmann?v=app_200519946756484
• Looks like the guys at NPF are keeping busy: http://thefordreport.com/2013/06/npf-bassetts-pole-birmingham-england-reports-a-400-increase-in-ticket-sales-for-its-summer-paintfest-event/
• Bassetts Pole is off-the-chain!
• Apparently A-Train is off doing some Recon for his commander Greg Muller: http://youtu.be/WBnixsOHs_Q
• This weekend will be a new experience for me…we’re heading to Florida to float the Ichitutnee (sp) river. Sounds all sorts of relaxing to me!

• Pretty quiet out there this week..everyone’s getting spooled up for D-Day, I guess.
• Speaking of D-Day, Jonathan “Mispeld” Cornell shared this with me: “Mispeld is now the XO of the 101st Airborne Division under Eric Engler out at Oklahoma D-Day one of the many units that make up the Allied side of the week long event. You can burn the land, and boil the sea, but you can’t take the sky from me.
• Reporting out of South FL, Seth Manchester gives the AAR for Nuke Town 2013: http://outerheavenpaintball.blogspot.com/2013/05/nuke-town-after-action.html?m=1
• Immortal Air has hit the ground running, so now the rest of the playing community can check out the new bottle regs from Dan Colby. Me and a select few others have been using pre-production pieces for awhile now, helping Dan sort them out. You’re going to love them!
• Speaking of released, I see from a post on FB that the Empire Vanquish is now shipping to dealers from Missouri. Minions continue to ‘chat’ with Quarles about releasing one for review, but thus far no dice. I suppose it’d help if he didn’t enjoy it. Obviously my MO Minions are too nice. I’ll have to see about changing that.
• Funny how things happen. I wrote in the past about a video that Bob Long made, and off I go doing sort of the same thing: http://thefordreport.com/2013/05/rumor-control-here-are-the-facts/
• Even funnier are the emails and phone calls from people higher up on the food chain than I am thanking me for having the cajones to step up and address the issue of Trolls.
• Houston Heat is growing: http://thefordreport.com/2013/05/houston-heat-expands-family/
• Meanwhile besides blowing up the office with Grenades, it appears the Wizards at Valken have been busy with hay rides: https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=462088823872230
• One such Wizard, known as “Winter” is a Rock Star, and is ‘Pretty’, mainly because he took a badly abused Ego 8 and turned it into a screeching death machine…again.
• Resurrection: http://thefordreport.com/2013/05/the-empire-resurrection-autococker/
• Up in Ontario, everyone is talking about the UWL 10 man event coming to Adrenaline Paintball.
• For those of you in the Southeastern US, “Georgia” Joe Hamilton is a fixture, producing some of the most fun scenario games I’ve ever played. Sadly, continuing health issues have forced Mr. Hamilton to permanently retire from paintball. He will be missed at the fields.
• Out in New York, sources indicate that resolution may be on the way to happening in the Paintball Sports Bankruptcy case. I understand the Trustee gave some of the people involved an ‘or else’ speech. It would appear they’re going to take the plata option, rather than the more onerous plomo (legally speaking, of course) option. Allegedly this includes paying Karyn Feldman the money she was owed for sales commissions as well.
• In the UK, Bluewater has paintball luggage to keep your kit properly sorted and undamaged.
• I swear, I’m an Englishman trapped in a very attractive American body…
• TFR Enterprises’ Taylor Ashton got his demo Shadow Shake kit this past week, and immediately collapsed into a puddle of giggling goo. His wife hasn’t forgiven me yet for the mess.
• Hey dealers and distributors! You want Shadow to come to the US and be stocked here? Help a brother out: http://www.gofundme.com/2yx4vs
• The CFOA Spring Nationals is coming to PBC Paintball Park on June 29^th.
• In Chicago, the UWL 5 Man is again teaming up with the PSP for a UWL event a the Chicago Open.
• GHTP: Fields of Battle is now available on iOS.
• Race to Success with E-Money: http://www.nadineracing.com/workshop
• Valken-Sponsored The Urban Guard are pleased to announce they’ve gotten a sponsorship from TJ’s Paracord Designs.
• Tippmann talks about NukeTown: http://thefordreport.com/2013/05/nuketown-2013-sponsored-by-tippmann-now-open-at-paintball-explosion/
• Sonny Lopez checks in: “We are happy to announce the Carmatech Engineering SAR12 Bolt Action Sniper Rifle (made in Indiana) was released to the public earlier this month. Carmatech is busy sending out pre-orders and cutting down the lead time it takes to produce the SAR12. The new Carmatech website allows you to order one right off the website. Current lead time is down to 4 weeks. Please visit www.carmatech.net”
• I just so happen to have a Terminator Class Minion in Indiana…hrm…
• I’ll be interviewing House of Daggers’ Mike Sixx in the near future.
• For pistoleros out there, Sonny Lopez checks in again: “The LA Hitmen team has released an aftermarket barrel for the Tippmann TiPX pistol. The barrel is made in California and has tip threads that are compatible with Hammerhead barrel tips. The Hitmen TiPX barrel comes with a Snaggletooth aggressive tip and is .689. More info can be found in the merchandising section of the www.lahitmen.com website.”
• This past weekend in Savannah, my wife shocked me speechless. While we were out and about with my brother-in-law, we ended up at a Harley shop. While George and I were slobbering over the various Road Kings, Wide Glides, etc. I found my wife sitting on a 1200 Sportster with that look on her face. She went on to tell me that she wants to learn how to ride, and after she does, she wants to build a Harley. My God, I’m one lucky man…