Why not make silicon paintballs??

[ubooze]

I believe paintballs made out of silicon would be a good idea(the type of silicon that you use to seal things). I mean, it doesn't change form like normal gelatin, and also temperature has little effect on the silicon. Also, it won't let water in, and it holds its shape pretty well. It may have a little give to lets say a bolt or it may make a tight seal when there is pressure behind it, that would mean better gas efficiency. Also, it can be spread out htin, but it will still be strong. One advantage to a thin spread is the idea of more paint, meaning a bigger mark, meaning harder to cheat. I'm not a scientist or anything, but it seems that this would be a good material to use. What is your imput????

[Blennidae]

Are you talking about silicone? Silicon is what they make computer chips out of.

[ubooze]

That the element kind, but more of the manufactured type like sealants.

EDIT: Can someone give me a mature and simple explanation what would the negative of this idea be?? Some say it will be more expensive, really?

[Blennidae]

Silicon is an element (Si), silicone is not. I don't know for sure but I don't think silicon is used as a sealant, where silicone is.

If you are thinking of silicon, the #1 reason not to use it to make paintballs is probably cost.
"Costs Regular grade silicon (99%) costs about $0.50/g. Silicon 99.9% pure costs about $50/lb; hyperpure silicon may cost as much as $100/oz."

Playing paintball is expensive enough as it is.

If you are thinking of silicone, I would think the biggest problem is that its rubbery consistancy. You want the paintballs to break not bounce.

Mature and simple enough?:)

[ubooze]

Thank you!! I needed to see some facts and that helped me out.

[Tufiremn]

Well the best reason is that silicone will not decompose, and when it breaks down you end up with an enviromental hazard. This would create one heck of a clean up problem for paintball fields. Paintball already has a bad enough name with out the EPA, and Tree hugging groups after us.

[cphilip]

Moving out of DB into main.

[Croix71]

Also, another thing is will it stain?

[Restola]

whether it stains is probably more a factor of the dye used.

[Kevmag]

instead of large bore, small bore paint we can have B, C, D, and DD sizes. While we're at it, let's put a nipple on it so we have something to play with between games.

Did this idea (for silcone paintballs) come to you after browsing through Playboy?:)

Not making fun of you, just having fun...

[DJSOLID]

Silicone is not biodegradeable, so every paintball ever shot will have to be picked up off the ground or left there until the field gets waist deep and you can't move. What the heck - I'm for it.

[soilent green]

not decomposable is the biggest prob. but it also would take alot develope the technology