We joined some friends for a birthday party at Dark Armies. This is my first time playing paintball. First impression is important, or so they say.
Our group package was pre-arranged, basic gear and 50 paint balls for $10.00. Their upgrade form was lightly confusing, so we passed, except to buy some extra balls 200 for $18.00. After I realized how all this stuff work, I noticed they stiffed me 50 balls (the ones that come with the basic gear). Lesson learned and we moved on. Good training course, a quick 3-step video and then a brief tour. The folks were friendly and look like they enjoyed their job.
We started with capture the flag, how in the world are you supposed to find an orange cone in the dark I'll never know. After an hour someone finally did. In that time, I came to find out that I did not get a standard Tippman Pump, that I had a semi-auto - cool that saved me $10.00 - till I set the gun down and some little kid took it and left me with his pump. Ah, newbies aye. The area is large, dark and has mostly angled walls to hind beside. I had plenty of room to move around and I think there were about 50 people playing. The guns worked well and they we very quick to fix any problems. I'm play paintball, how could it not be fun? The vest are pink or yellow, it is very hard to tell the difference between the groups, so I just start shooting everyone that I saw. I though I'd eventually get lucky and hit one. I got hit a few times by other players that couldn't tell the difference too.
We played "roll the ball" and then elimination, finishing up our 2 hours of play. After taking out 3 kids with my pump, I was out of balls and walked towards the exit. When I got to the middle of the room, my foot slipped, went flying up in the air and I landed flat on my back with my head absorbing the impact of the concern floor. Thud! After about 5 minutes a ref came to check on me. I dragged myself out the door.
So, three paint balls wounds, one 2" knot on my leg, one splitting headache and stiff back. I should probably own the place, but I had fun and still have a ticket for 100 balls and next Month's Special, with a blue pass, is 2 hours for $4.00.
I've since found this web site and others, so I guess I'm hooked.
Comments – Very slippery paint on the floor. Rent or Buy Kneepads!
