Do Inflatables Make the Best Indoor Fields?

[Jeffy-CanCon]

I've played a number of different indoor fields over the years, and I will confirm that inflatable bunkers are the best option. Compared to solid bunkers, they are relatively easy to clean, partly because so many balls bounce off of them. Durability varies, in my experience. Some seem to stay inflated forever, taking a lot of punishment, while other rapidly deteriorate to the point of needing to be re-inflated several times per day. Simple shapes like tombstones, popcans and doritos seem to be a little tougher than rockets or "X"s. Inflatables do need to be secured somehow, either by fastening them directly to the floor, or to something heavy like sandbags.

The best surface I've played on so far is carpet, though I think field turf would be best of all. Drainage is a concern with carpet, and it really needs to be replaced every year. That plastipro stuff would solve your drainage problem, but I don't think it would have very good traction. Paint-slime is mineral oil, and it takes some pressure to wash it away. I expect your floor would always be either slimy or wet. Plastipro tiles underneath carpet might be a good idea, for drainage & traction.

[peewee]

I like it all . But I really love hard bunkers & interesting room designs. Mazes with strob lights etc are great . I am looking at the new bunkers that have the tube frames , they look like you could do alot indoors with those.

[SlartyBartFast]

I am looking at the new bunkers that have the tube frames , they look like you could do alot indoors with those.

Which? Who sells them?

So much for my idea being original.

[lew]

Downsides?

I guess those that like sliding probably won't be happy.

Anything else?

I would definately not be happy playing on that surface. I love to slide a lot; whether it's sliding in to a bunker fresh off the break or scooting around behind the bunker. I've been quite happy with Astro Turf.

As to the original question, I believe inflatables are the ideal indoor, maybe even outdoor, bunker. I play tight to the bunker, so my barrel tips would probably have all the anodizing worn off if it weren't for a suface that has as much give as inflatables.

[Fallout-]

Wood, pipes, barrels any thing is better than sup air IMO.

[mag88888]

me and my friends need a portable field. while looking at sup'air stuff i thought about using those inflatable swimming tubes/rafts. we could fasten duck tape rings to the sides and then stick stakes through the rings and into the ground. im pretty sure they can hold up to paintballs being shot at them. if they can hold up then theyre a great thing to use since theyre so cheap and theyre portable. us kids can'y afford real sup'air. if we ever get this done, ill get some pics up.

[SlartyBartFast]

That plastipro stuff would solve your drainage problem, but I don't think it would have very good traction.

Yeah I wondered about the traction. But, I once worked as a short order cook and had some similar type tile at the grill and fryer.

By the end of a day they were coverd in grease and I never slipped.

Of course those were put through the dish washer to clean them.

Paint slime is a problem....

The FieldTurf does need to have drainage tile installed underneath if installed indoors.

[frop]

I find that traction goes down pretty quickly as the day wears on, as it gets soaked with paint. What I'd really like to see if something that wouldn't lose so much traction when saturated with paint.

[SlartyBartFast]

I find that traction goes down pretty quickly as the day wears on

On which type of surface?

[frop]

I believe its some sort of carpet. It's been a while since I've played, though.

[Potatoboy]

12K sq ft.

No columns or pillars.

Washed bunkers.

Dry turf (2 months of play and just as good as day one.)

No annoying rubber granules.

White net.

Tons of light.


P.S. Picture was taken before the bunkers were blown up for the day. Yes, it needs to be done EVERY day. (Boo hoo?)