Unfounded rumor?

[MANN]

They made (and were unable to sell) enough IONs and Shockers in the last 5 years that 25 employees could make a comfortable living just as tech support for existing markers and sellers/liasons unsold stock.

I have heard this too. I am guessing that they (SP) will sorta be in the same situation as AGD. They will not come out with anything new, and just stick around. Just my .02 tho.

The one thing that I have no idea on is what their balance sheet says. If it is too far in the red it may force them to shut down. I would think that the Gardners are smarter than that, but they have done stupid things before so who knows.

[Frizzle Fry]

The one thing that I have no idea on is what their balance sheet says. If it is too far in the red it may force them to shut down. I would think that the Gardners are smarter than that, but they have done stupid things before so who knows.

I haven't heard ANYTHING lately about the US side of things when it comes to SPs money situation.

Smart Parts Europe would be somewhat separate from Smart Parts North America.

[Reiner]

It is important to keep in mind that Smart Parts isn't gone as long as GI Milsim is around... Smart Parts owns GI Milsim and LUXE; they are not just "partners" or "manufacturers" or any other marketing-scheme stretch to distance their newer companies from the Smart Parts name. My guess is that they'll stop making "Smart Parts" markers and just make complete LUXE line and continue with GI Milsims .50cal clones of the current Smart Parts line.

It was my understanding that G IMilsim was owned by Italia and Adam and Billy Gardner. I haven't seen any info on the percentage of ownership. I do not believe Smart Parts owns GI Milsim though.

[warbeak2099]

SP doesn't own them, but the Gardners and Italia do. That means even if SP closes down, the same people are still going to be running a company that holds that same patents and whatnot. They will probably continue the same shady business practices no matter what the name of the company is, especially with Rich Italia involved. That guy is seriously bad news. The only they could form an unholier union would be the get Spurrlock in on the deal, if he isn't already. You'd basically have all the unethical garbage of the paintball industry together in one spot.

[littleshwade]

Who are the Gardner's, Rick Italia, and Spurrlock? Just asking

[robo1]

Smart parts dug their own grave. I would be willing to bet they threw whatever capital they had left into this gi milsim line. Whos got photoshop? We could have the agd lions standing on an sp logo.

[chopper duke]

I heard by word of mouth this past weekend that they're done and they will be bought and liquidated. Maybe the same person Punkncat hear it from, dunno.

[cockerpunk]

interesting about luxe...

when smart parts dies, the bank that has the loans will own the patents. depending on how they deal with that will have a large impact on the future of our sport. another issue is the amount of money SP pumped into the PSP and there sponsored teams. there are gonna be a lot of hurting tournament folks out there. might this be the straw that breaks the camel's back for the PSP?

i can't say i would really miss either organization.

[insixdays777]

http://www.propaintball.com/

haha speak of the devil. Now THAT is a seriously crazy rumor....

[Frizzle Fry]

SP doesn't own them, but the Gardners and Italia do. That means even if SP closes down, the same people are still going to be running a company that holds that same patents and whatnot. They will probably continue the same shady business practices no matter what the name of the company is, especially with Rich Italia involved. That guy is seriously bad news. The only they could form an unholier union would be the get Spurrlock in on the deal, if he isn't already. You'd basically have all the unethical garbage of the paintball industry together in one spot.

All of their products are produced, packaged and warranty'd by Smart Parts. It's a joint venture between the Gardners (SP) and Richmond Italia (former ProCaps) with the Gardners representing SP for 2/3 of the ownership. DLX (LUXE) is similar situation between the Gardners and Darryl Trent (the guy behind SmartCorps who "left" for DLX but is on SP payroll).

For those who don't know, Richmond Italia founded ProCaps (Draxxus) and created the X-Ball format of paintball play. He had about as much to do with the creation of the Matrix as the Gardners did with the Shocker, but that doesn't stop him from making it seem like he carved the first damn one out of mashed potatoes at the dinner table while he was "having a vision"... He was also behind Diablo when it started and has owned stores, teams, and fields since about 1993.

http://www.propaintball.com/

Flying off the shelves? Boston Paintball (one of the biggest and oldest dealers in New England) can't get rid of the handful they've got.

[fishmishin]

The PSP didn't really have the greatest year this year either. Attendance at World Cup was way down. It may have just been the venue change though.

It was reported, unconfirmed of course, that SP would close it's doors in November anyway. I don't really see it happening though. They have way to much inventory in stock to close. Although I don't see it moving very fast anytime soon, unless they start letting Ion XE's pros selling for $100. I would like to see the brothers gardner gone from the sport just as well as the next, trust me. I wouldn't even mind seeing someone buy SP out that didn't have the same cut throat intentions as the gardners, can't believe I am typed that, but the company could have potential under the proper management. Just the fact that it had new management could make a huge difference.

[Mr. Mouse]

smart parts die.... agd come back... doesnt seem like a bad situation to me

[littleshwade]

I agree with that statement. I would like to see more mags on the fields that an ion but that is just me. Time will tell what is going to happen.

[Ruler_Mark]

Keep in mind that even if they go down, the patents are still valid and in effect.

Not if they were put up as collateral as part of a loan. Then a bank would own the rights when they default. Then they would go up for auction.....

[Ratt]

Not if they were put up as collateral as part of a loan. Then a bank would own the rights when they default. Then they would go up for auction.....

So, as far as the patents go...let me get this straight:

a) The patents that that SP (illegitimately) owns were used as collateral for some bank loans. SP defaults on their loans, so the patents become property of the bank. In order to recoup their loses, may the bank then aution off those patents? (GOOD case scenario)

OR

b) The patents were never used as any collateral on any loans. The company known as SmartParts goes under, it's inventory liquidated, employees laid off, and the Brothers Gardner walk away with the patents they never deserved to have in the first place. (WORST case scenario)

Is that the jist of it?


(Wouldn't it be great if Tom decided to go shopping...and bought SP (and its patents)? )