Getting back into it.

[eclipsemag]

I finally can get back into paintball.

Problem is, all my stuff is ANCIENT.

My big worry is my Air tank.

Its a very old "nitro duck". Are those guys even still around?

Its got a metal tag on the tank that says "retest date" "7" "02" on it.
How do I go about retesting this tank?
I remember all my stuff was bad *** back in 2001, and 2002. I had a the JT "IZE" mask. I wonder if anyone still wears those?

[aerosaaber]

sounds like you have to get the tank hydro tested. your local paintball shop (or fire department or fire extinguisher servicer) can probably do that for you. Or you can have ninja or another manufacturer do it by mailing it to them.

Also tanks can have a lifespan, meaning if it's too old (from it's build date) you can't get it rehydro'd. IIRC carbon fiber tanks are done after 15 years, not sure on steel ones.

[factoid]

The air tank is almost certainly going to be fine after you re-test it. Keep in mind that air tanks have gotten a ton cheaper since you bought that nitroduck. You can pick up a pure energy tank for about 50-60 bucks now. They're not great, but they're not awful either.

You absolutely need to replace the lens in that mask if it's been sitting in a closet for 8 years. Those lenses get brittle over time. I won't play with a lens that's more than 18 months old. 2 years tops if it hasn't gotten much use. The manufacturers don't put expiration dates on them because there are too may factors, but for 15-20 bucks it's just not worth risking your eyes.

i have no idea if those masks are still around. I found a lens for my 10 year old JT Spectra this summer, though.

Masks have come a long way in the last few years. I'd recommend something like a V-Force Profiler if you're in the market for a new one. Or anything that's comfortable with a quick-change lens.

[eclipsemag]

sounds like you have to get the tank hydro tested. your local paintball shop (or fire department or fire extinguisher servicer) can probably do that for you. Or you can have ninja or another manufacturer do it by mailing it to them.

Also tanks can have a lifespan, meaning if it's too old (from it's build date) you can't get it rehydro'd. IIRC carbon fiber tanks are done after 15 years, not sure on steel ones.

Ah, it is fiber. Its got a date of 12/98 on it, so I'm good for a little bit. Thanks man.

[eclipsemag]

The air tank is almost certainly going to be fine after you re-test it. Keep in mind that air tanks have gotten a ton cheaper since you bought that nitroduck. You can pick up a pure energy tank for about 50-60 bucks now. They're not great, but they're not awful either.

You absolutely need to replace the lens in that mask if it's been sitting in a closet for 8 years. Those lenses get brittle over time. I won't play with a lens that's more than 18 months old. 2 years tops if it hasn't gotten much use. The manufacturers don't put expiration dates on them because there are too may factors, but for 15-20 bucks it's just not worth risking your eyes.

i have no idea if those masks are still around. I found a lens for my 10 year old JT Spectra this summer, though.

Masks have come a long way in the last few years. I'd recommend something like a V-Force Profiler if you're in the market for a new one. Or anything that's comfortable with a quick-change lens.

Spectra is what I have. The IZE was the colored ones. Looks like they still make the specrtas?

I just looked at my lens, and its cracked. This still is alot cheaper than when I was 16. And a have more money now.
I see "marbalizer" is still going for damn near the same price.

[SOUP]

double post fail

see below post lol.

[SOUP]

Welcome back to the great expensive sport of paintball. Yes I believe they are still making most of the spectra series masks.

[Drix]

For an FYI your tank might not be worth rehydroing. If it's a 3000psi tank you're better off buying a used 4500.

[eckoblazer]

Spectra is what I have. The IZE was the colored ones. Looks like they still make the specrtas?

I just looked at my lens, and its cracked. This still is alot cheaper than when I was 16. And a have more money now.
I see "marbalizer" is still going for damn near the same price.

Well I can tell we both started playing around the same time, I used to use marbalizer and wear an IZE! You can still get replacement lens for them, they are the same frame as the spectra and flex 7 so the lens fit. The only issue I have noticed with the IZE is the lower colored part of the mask gets pretty soft over time and you may get some chin shots.

Get that gear up to date and get back on the field!

[Newt]

First thing I'd get is a new mask. Look at the Dye I4 or the Vents masks. Both are well designed, nearly fogproof, and have great side vision. The JT masks are good too. I find I have less vision in it though.

Your hopper might need a revisit as well. Major advances in loader tech since the '02. Whatcha shooting, by the way?

[Mindflux]

F

Your hopper might need a revisit as well. Major advances in loader tech since the '02.

Well that depends on if he's just spray and pray style playing or trying to make shots count.

[Newt]

Meh, not really. My first loader other than a shake 'n pray was a Qloader for the Tippmann 98. Spray and pray is not a tactic on the table with that platform.

IMHO, the loader's primary function is to ensure a ball is always fully in the breech so you're testing the paintball's compressive yield strength, not shear strength. Or making the Lvl10 chuff. That's just annoying when you're trying to pull a good RT string.

[eclipsemag]

First thing I'd get is a new mask. Look at the Dye I4 or the Vents masks. Both are well designed, nearly fogproof, and have great side vision. The JT masks are good too. I find I have less vision in it though.

Your hopper might need a revisit as well. Major advances in loader tech since the '02. Whatcha shooting, by the way?

I've paid WAY too much for a "smart parts" mag back in the day. Just a mag with a Eclipse splash kit, and a pointless expansion chamber. Its got a 12 or 14'' AA barrel, and a tiny little 6'' venturi barrel. I've only seen a couple of those venturies.
The loader was a 12V revi.


Mindflux. I'm in Waco. Is there anything around here, or do I need to heard to Austin?

[Mindflux]

I've paid WAY too much for a "smart parts" mag back in the day. Just a mag with a Eclipse splash kit, and a pointless expansion chamber. Its got a 12 or 14'' AA barrel, and a tiny little 6'' venturi barrel. I've only seen a couple of those venturies.
The loader was a 12V revi.


Mindflux. I'm in Waco. Is there anything around here, or do I need to heard to Austin?

You have webers near you. I haven't been but I hear it's one of the best in the area. It's technically in Troy but close enough.

[eclipsemag]

You have webers near you. I haven't been but I hear it's one of the best in the area. It's technically in Troy but close enough.

Bad ***.

I'm about to slam a level 10 bolt in my mag, and go to town..