Nobody likes a negative review, so I'm going to warn you now that this is a very negative review. But I'm trying to be fair in my assessment. Just for the record, the first time I played at this field was in 1993 or so. I'm not a regular there, but I've gone back every few years or so to see if they've improved. And year after year, they do not fail to disappoint me so I've made it a point to stop going.
It's not the field itself, which is visually spectacular, more the field attitude. If they don't know who you are, they are very rude. I'm a tolerant guy and respectful of other people's business. However, being treated as "third class" when I walk in the door because you don't know me is more than offensive, it's downright bad business. And this is from the field owner / manager!
The attitude seeps into the referee pool. They act like you owe them something, and it's obvious they don't want to be there reffing. They'd rather be playing on the airball field instead. At least that's what they told me. The chip on their shoulder is quite large. In fact, there was a sign over the registration area telling the players that in order to insure a good time, you "should tip your referees" at the beginning of your session.
Their web site says "Our referees are instructed to treat customers with respect and courtesy." I can instruct a dog to perform Shakespeare, but that doesn't mean it will.
I love CQB, I can't get enough of it. But the buildings here are in some serious need of TLC before it can be safe for hardcore play. It's obvious that they have not performed maintenance or repair since the first time I played at this field. I found holes in the floor covered with a paint soaked plywood sheet. Thankfully, I wore my boots or I would have twisted an ankle. Plus their ceilings are falling apart. It is my opinion that they are asking for a medical emergency by performing zero maintenance on the buildings.
Another reviewer said that if you can get over the "little things" than this field is decent. It's the little things that make a field lousy or great. It is my opinion that Blast Camp really needs to work on the details. Then they can repair the old buildings, perform maintenance on the field as a whole, and possibly find a more efficient way to park vehicles on the property rather than on the access road.
Prices? Meh, it's a paintball field. The prices aren't outrageous but are fairly cheap. Honestly, I'd pay extra money if they'd do some upkeep on their old billets. But putting up with the attitude of the employees does not offset the money saved. And for their location, I can go to several other fields that are closer, and treat customers with respect.
I rated this field 2/10, and I stand behind that. If they had a major attitude adjustment, my mind would change. But after 10+ years of going there on and off, and seeing the same attitude when I go there every time, I've stopped going. The "cool factor" of the old billets wears off quickly when you realize how inherently dangerous they are. My opinion is that if you want to play CQB Style, save your money and attend a MOUT scenario game on a real, active military base. At least there the location will not crumble apart under foot.
update: new owners better attitude, getting safer, more upgrades and improvements
I agree need full attitude adjustment, I found once you start talking to the refs and get to know them, some of them drop the attitude. Needs upkeep bad, please don't let this place rot until it is useless or someone gets hurt.
Last edited on Monday, April 5th, 2010 at 11:37 am PST
quote:Originally posted by Dag74 I agree need full attitude adjustment, I found once you start talking to the refs and get to know them, some of them drop the attitude. Needs upkeep bad, please don't let this place rot until it is useless or someone gets hurt.
