A question about 50 "the mythical final formula" and patents

[Lohman446]

I posted this on PBN< and felt like putting it over here as well. The backstory on this on PBN is simple. In response to observations that the paint is indeed only weighting in at 1.2 grams (as expected) the assertion has been made that there is a better formula on the way, we just have not been shown it.

Valid question.


We have come out with the weight of the ball being in the neighborhood of 1.2 to 1.3 grams. We do this in two methods: mathematical reduction of weight based on size, and actually weighing the balls currently available (in sealed GI MilSim bags). The graphs and ballistic calculations tell us that at 1.3 grams the ball will not perform as well as a 68 in terms of range at 300FPS. It may or may not have enough energy to break - we are assuming the shell will be redone.

The claims are that this is not the "final formula". We assume that means they are intending to make the final formula heavier, so as to give them similar performance in range to a 68.

Apparently this is not a simple task. Reading TKs input on it finding a suitable fill material to increase weight without being toxic and still being able to be mass produced has been a problem. Therefore we have to assume that there is some effort going into the R+D of this "final formula" fill.

Obviously if this much is being bet on that R+D there is some belief of those doing it it will be successful. Considering this was shown to the market as less than the "final formula" it can be assumed it is taking more effort than normal.

So the question becomes: Will this "final formula" be patented or otherwise protected in some way? If it is, why should we believe for a moment that it will be available cheaper than the product currently offered by several different companies?

[Shirow]

So the question becomes: Will this "final formula" be patented or otherwise protected in some way? If it is, why should we believe for a moment that it will be available cheaper than the product currently offered by several different companies?

And the answers become: of course and we shouldn't.

[AGD]

Glad you mentioned that I predicted the problem. I too am waiting to see what they come up with. If they went ahead and launched the product without the "final fill" you know there were issues......

AGD

[SCpoloRicker]

*bookmarked*

I have only been half following the debate, but it will certainly be interesting to watch play out.

I'm in the "if it works better I'll try it" camp, personally. Compared with some other interests, I can afford to be price-elastic with paintball.

[Beemer]

Just make a 3.5G perfect circle PB. Who has it? Where can I get the 3.5G 68cal. paintball?

[Sumthinwicked]

if tk made it would be 3.145789137472348338625144396325413943483436 and would have an antigrav fill that is neon smells like a lions mane and never breaks in the gun or barrel and only on gear or skin....

[Reiner]

If they went ahead and launched the product without the "final fill" you know there were issues......

AGD

Yep!

[Rudz]

I've seen the stats, and I believe that these new 50 cal balls can't perform as well as 68 cal at 300fps, now what happens if we shoot 50 cal at 400? Or 450? Should we? Sure we may get the range of 68, but is it safe? Would it cause insurance risks? And how is 50 cal supposed to be more effieciant if we have to use 50 percent more air to achieve the same range as 68 cal?

I see this as a final push by the gardners, we all have read that they're in debt, now could this be there last hoorah? Will SP split into GI milsim and dlx and dissappear? I don't see the 50 cal "revolution" taking off, We decide, the players, sure you can convert some guns, or buy new, but converting a mag? Possibly all new bodies and valve system, I don't see that happening, so mags along with a lot of other niche markers are not going to be too eager to conver, but this should be intresting to watch, I hope SP falls flat on there faces and fail miserably

[sandfreestyle]

If the 50 cal balls were allowed to shoot at speeds of 400-450, then everyone would need to buy a new mask. I read somewhere, and I'm looking for it, that masks and lenses are rated to impacts at speeds of 320-350 max before cracking and failure come into play.

[Rudz]

True, see somehow I don't think these 50 cal guys thought this thru all the way, now whose to say dye and kee don't jump on board, now who is going to make upgrade kits for all of our halos, reloaders,prophecies, and rotors?

When you look around sp/ gj milsim are the 2 biggest proponents of this, and a vast number of players hate smart parts with a passion, so why the heck should we help them?

The only company also giving support to the 50 cal move is spyder, but as far as I seen they haven't released a 50 cal marker yet, pe make a proto upgrade kit for egos, just 1, not a run, just 1 to show they can, now that's some revolution huh? You have the most hated company in pb, and a new compnay trying to change our whole sport, I gotta give them credit though they are trying, and have there propaganda machines at full speed, but I'm sure we will quickly see the demise of this new fad

[SSP REAPER]

how about if one of those 50 cal bals gets under a mask? It could cause permanent damage. Will there be revised safety gear just for .50 ? I seriously doubt it. Maybe they should look at everything before saying .50 is the new wave of awesome!!!

[Rudz]

I'm sorry if your the smaller balls kinda guy, but ill keep my balls nice and big!!!!

[Spider-TW]

What? No patented 50 cal bismuth paintballs yet? I'm shocked.

[Flatliner333]

There would be revised everything. I dont believe it is gi milsim's intent to make paintball better by re introducing an old idea that never worked but rather to change it enough that people will have to by all new gear thus stimulating sales within the industry.

[Lohman446]

If the 50 cal balls were allowed to shoot at speeds of 400-450, then everyone would need to buy a new mask. I read somewhere, and I'm looking for it, that masks and lenses are rated to impacts at speeds of 320-350 max before cracking and failure come into play.

At 1.3 grams and 450 FPS they carry less energy than a 68 3 gram at 300FPS. That being said less energy is dispersed over a smaller area so it might exert more force per inch on impact.