PUMP VERSUS STOCK VERSUS SEMI

Here we go stockers calling semi users talent-less paint pack mules with a fast finger in overdrive and a brain in neutral ('cause it's true). Then we have semi owners calling stockers knuckle-dragging Neanderthals ('cause they're semi players and what do they know). In the midst of this we have poor pump players liked by neither (because an autotrigger doesn’t make it a semi any more than a direct feed makes it a stockgun).

As I sit staring at my computer screen (waiting for the muse to hit me) I wonder is this worth venting my spleen over (well maybe not -- but money is money). I don’t understand what makes one paintmarker better than the other (just because of its particular operating system).

BANG! As I typed that last bit it hit me and it was the Divine Revelation from the Burning Bush -- or -- maybe it was more like lightening from Mount Olympus -- or -- maybe it swooped down on the wings of valkyries from the Feasting Halls of Valhalla -- and now I have stood upon the Pillar of Truth and been given knowledge and the Gods themselves have spoken to me through my pencil sharpener -- or -- it could simply be the voices who follow me everywhere talking to me during a delusional episode (who knows) in any event here it is (revel in my brilliance mortals).

Where was I . . . ?

Oh year.

Here's the thing: players who simply will not play with a stockgun or a pump or a semi are losing the advantage over ones who are willing to do so (that’s it).

I’ll explain further because when you play with a semi you three learn things:

  1. Never let your opponent gain the advantage.

  2. Play aggressively

  3. There is no problem so insurmountable that cannot be solved with the proper application of tons of paint (and if it cannot be solved by shooting as fast as you can then it is unsolvable).

Then you play stock you learn four things:

  1. Make every shot count

  2. Movement is the key to this game

  3. Teamwork is essential

  4. A little bit of skill goes a long way.

When you play with a pump you learn one thing and that is that you have the best of both worlds.

I have noticed that players who play all three have learned to combine the elements of the three levels

  1. They never let their opponent gain the advantage

  2. They play aggressively

  3. There is no problem so insurmountable that cannot be solved with the proper amount of firepower (they use less paint with a semi to get the same job done and they know how to pin a player in a bunker with a stockgun)

  4. They make every shot count

  5. They know that movement is the key to this game and teamwork is essential

  6. A little bit of skill goes a long way.
So you now have a choice in most areas and if you’re a little short on cash get the guys and gals together for a stock day and if it’s just after pay day you unpack your semi.

In “days gone by” you didn’t have a choice. You played at the technological level available because there was only one level. So now we can see that semis have done more for the sport than they have caused damage against it. This is because new players have more fun (because their lack of experience is balanced out by the available firepower of the semi) and this gets more people into the game. Tournaments have become fast and furious "slug-fests” and have become more entertaining for television and this has begun to bring paintball into "mainstream” sports. Semis have allowed astounding leaps in technology that weren’t possible with pumps and stock markers (or at least they didn’t happen as quickly). Most technology applied to semis have trickled down into today’s stockguns and pumps.

I admit that I have been guilty of pointing an occasional accusing finger at semi players and I have proudly brandished a pump in a semi tournament. I’ve played with a stockgun in a pump tournament.

Originally I was doing it to prove a point (now I realize that there was no point to prove). Basically we’re all playing the same game (paintball) let’s stop looking down our collective noses at each other get down off of our high horses.

If you don’t want to play with a pump or play with a semi or play with a stockgun (then don’t). Just try not to judge those who do (if you must judge them then judge them correctly and give them a little respect). Finally, if you advocate and practice all three it doesn’t make you a Paintball God (unless of course you are and can back that claim up when the paint flies).

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