Propane Technology Opens Paintball To New Players

Buffalo Grove, IL - Propane, the multi-purpose gas long popular among campers, backyard entertainers and energy-conscious consumers across the country, is now adding an exciting new element to the adrenaline-rushing game of paintball. Tippmann Sports, the world's leading manufacturer of high performance paintball markers and related accessories, has introduced the C3 with PEP Technology, the first-ever marker (paintball gun) fueled by propane.

Tippmann developed the C3 because propane is much more accessible and considerably less expensive than CO2 and nitrogen -- the two gasses currently used to power paintball markers. Plus, the PEP Technology (propane-enhanced performance) behind the C3 is expected to open the game to new players, especially those in rural areas where CO2 is more difficult to find as well as less experienced players seeking a hassle-free and cost-effective way to get started in paintball.

The C3 is a pump-action marker powered through a portable propane canister, the same as those commonly used in camping equipment and handheld tools. As a result, acceptable refills can be easily obtained in a variety of retail environments, including gas stations, hardware stores, camping outlets and "big box" retailers. When the propane canister on a C3 runs out, it can simply be discarded and replaced with a new one. This is an exciting development for paintball players who, until now, may have had a difficult time finding a store capable of filling their empty CO2 or nitrogen canister.

Players will also enjoy the extended performance offered through Propane. A single 16.4-ounce tank of standard propane provides more than 50,000 shots as compared to a 20-ounce tank of CO2, which offers roughly 800 to 1,000 shots. This not only saves players from having to frequently refill their tanks, but also results in significant savings that will really add up over time.

A 16.4-ounce propane canister can be purchased for $8 or less, versus $30 to $35 for a 20-ounce CO2 tank. To obtain enough CO2 for the 50,000 shots provided by one propane canister, a player would need to spend an additional $250.

"In many ways, propane is the ideal fuel source for a paintball marker -- it's readily available, inexpensive, easy to use and very safe," said Denny Tippmann, Jr., vice president of research and development for Tippmann Sports. "Propane is already used in dozens of consumer products, including power tools, household appliances, outdoor lighting, camping equipment and cars. It was really just a matter of time before someone recognized propane's potential to enhance the game of paintball."

Tippmann began working on the propane technology behind C3 more than five years ago. The idea was born in the field as the company consistently heard about the hassles of refueling when using CO2 and nitrogen from players across the country. As a leader in the game, the company felt compelled to find a solution and offer an alternative fuel source for new players who are quickly discovering the excitement of paintball.

In fact, according to research conducted by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers' Association (SGMA), there were nearly 10 million paintball participants in the United States in 2003 (individuals who participated in the activity at least once). In addition, paintball participation expanded by 10.7 percent from 1998 to 2003 -- an impressive growth rate for any sport.

"As paintball continues to grow in popularity, it's important to introduce new technologies that will make the game accessible to many types of players," Tippmann continued. "The C3 offers many exciting advantages and we believe more and more paintball fields will be introducing pump-only areas and tournaments to attract these new players in the future. This technology really has the potential to grow the game and introduce paintball in previously untapped markets."

SOURCE: Tippman Sports