[Simi Baller]

Originally Posted by deaallen

I just want to know why bunkers don't have a superhydrophobic coating on them to save on cleaning time?

Because it would do nothing to repel paint. Paint is made of oil and gelatin and stuff, so it wouldn't be any easier to wash off. It might even make it more difficult to wash, as the oil would be on the bunker while the coating would repel the water. I don't mean it will for sure, but that's just a thought.

[idontknow2007]

Originally Posted by Simi Baller

Because it would do nothing to repel paint. Paint is made of oil and gelatin and stuff, so it wouldn't be any easier to wash off. It might even make it more difficult to wash, as the oil would be on the bunker while the coating would repel the water. I don't mean it will for sure, but that's just a thought.

I have tried the "neverwet" stuff that hit the market a few months ago, and no it does nothing when it comes to paintballs. Tried it on clothing and hard plastic to no effect, yes works great with water but paint just sticks right to it.

[idontknow2007]

Originally Posted by tranman

This is a step back in technology, SupAir had this idea years ago! Like in the late 90s. Doubling the amount of parts to put away and account for at the end of the day, not to mention having to charge 40 batteries after each day.

As a field manager, vortex is easier to setup, maintain and put away then traditional bunkers. A 45 piece field takes me about 40 minutes to set up and ready for play in the mornings. Try that with a 45 piece vinyl set. At the end of the day, 20-25 minutes to teardown, place in totes and store. And yes we store them out of the elements every weekend to make them last longer (same as you should do with vinyl).
A complete vinyl set of bunkers needs a large storage area (conex, shed etc)...vortex can be stored in a closet since they all fit in totes.
With that said, my savings in labor costs every weekend speaks for itself.

[jonotwist]

how well does it stand to PSP fire up close?

ive wasted what totals in many pods worth of paint tucking back in the bunker while shooting a stream with little to stop for that 1/3 second of shooting.

[idontknow2007]

Originally Posted by jonotwist

how well does it stand to PSP fire up close?

ive wasted what totals in many pods worth of paint tucking back in the bunker while shooting a stream with little to stop for that 1/3 second of shooting.

We practice PSP ramp almost every weekend. We run 3 and 5 man tournys on it as well. If you watch the video posted earlier, that was a total of 24 cases of paint shot in just under 90 minutes of play. And as you can see, very little clean up, no deflating issues, no issues with the bunker failing and the player getting shot. So, yes they stand up very well. Plus with the new bunkers getting a 133 cfm fan installed in them, there will never be an issue with deflating as the fan puts out more then enough air flow.
Which brings up another point, no worries about the bunker being over inflated due to heat, so no need for someone to take the time to let air out as the day gets hotter.

[KGBbonecrusher]

I was EXTREMELY skeptical of these bunkers.

Until I played with them.

Yes they are different than what paintballers are used to. But I don't think I've seen one ball break on them, which saves you a ton of time for cleaning. They can also be machine washed from what I understand. My only beef is that they aren't up to date PSP shapes. But honestly having a field of these bunkers is much better than nothing at all, and present a great alternative (or even a great primary) option for field owners.

[pball72008]

Can you pm me a link of a video of them being played with and perhaps a link to where you can purchase these? I would like some more info.

[Albinopitbul]

This is awesome if they are legit

[RedDotPaintball]

Originally Posted by pball72008

Can you pm me a link of a video of them being played with and perhaps a link to where you can purchase these? I would like some more info.

Pm'd.

[PAPA_SMURF1]

Originally Posted by RedDotPaintball

I am not 100% sure on your question and may be worth a phone call to us. 509-967-3030. Ask for Tim or Harley. The fan sits inside a fan box. The fan box sits inside the bunker. So there is no heavy moisture that gets in to the fan area. If it is raining there can be some very small amount of moisture that gets pulled through the fan and blows inside the bunker. However at 130+ cubic feet of air moving through the bunker every minute the moisture is quickly dispersed and dried.


Again, any fields wanting to try a demonstration bunker are welcome to ask us and we can discuss how that program works.

I meant what if I were to stick the fan box in a puddle of water, would it have any issues working?

[RedDotPaintball]

Originally Posted by PAPA_SMURF1

I meant what if I were to stick the fan box in a puddle of water, would it have any issues working?

I have to assume that you are not walking around putting the bunkers in a lake. So if you are referring to a puddle forming around a bunker in heavy rain, the bottom is also material. It will keep water out for some time and the fan box is not on the ground (it is raised a couple inches. So the fan will operate. The battery should be moved off the ground if the bunker would be sitting in water. If you are a field owner, I would encourage you to arrange a demo bunker and this way you can try with your exact normal conditions.

[RedDotPaintball]

[dominantgazelle]

The idea behind these is sweet

[Methodcaptain]

I had these bunkers back when they first came out.

The only drawback was the shorter battery life. Now that seems to be fixed.

I would definently buy these again. They were great to set up, tear down, and easy to clean.

[RedDotPaintball]

Originally Posted by Methodcaptain

I had these bunkers back when they first came out.

The only drawback was the shorter battery life. Now that seems to be fixed.

I would definently buy these again. They were great to set up, tear down, and easy to clean.

Thanks for your comment. For clarification how long ago was that?

[Gonzaga #35]

In 03/04 JT had fans in their bunkers as well. the battery were so damn heavy tho.

[MstrKey]

Originally Posted by RedDotPaintball

Ha ha yes, the batteries and fan technology far surpasses 2007.

The down side is, 7-12 hours is still not very practical for most fields. Plus, the recharging time is the real killer. I still don't see this being practical for most fields. When you can run for an entire weekend without a recharge, then you'll have something.

[Methodcaptain]

Originally Posted by RedDotPaintball

Thanks for your comment. For clarification how long ago was that?

It was back in 2005/2006.

[RedDotPaintball]

Originally Posted by MstrKey

The down side is, 7-12 hours is still not very practical for most fields. Plus, the recharging time is the real killer. I still don't see this being practical for most fields. When you can run for an entire weekend without a recharge, then you'll have something.

We have run more than 12 hours. In addition with some simple battery management you can run a whole weekend with some rotation. For example purchasing an extra 10 batteries could allow you to rotate 10 fresh batteries in and put others back on the chargers. We have run an entire weekend with just 5 extra batteries by putting 5 on a charger at mid day and rotating through 5 bunkers.

It is a conversation better suited for a phone call.

Also we have a smart charger option for fields that have heavy use. This way the batteries can be charged at any interval.

Lastly, we are working on a remote system which when we have it perfected would allow you to start and stop the field anytime not in use. While this is not released yet, it is well in the works.

Thanks for your comments. I would also invite you and encourage you to try one in your situation. We can arrange a demo bunker. See how it performs, battery life etc.

[Mike838]

A fix to a field who needs a longer battery life. Either the creators could sell a larger battery option (the battery sits inside anyway so it won't be in the way) or if the field owner has the know how and can find batteries that have the required voltage and amperage of the fan boxes and could hook up their own battery source for additional battery life (although both these options cost more $).

My only concern is the access port for the fan box. What safety systems are in place for when someone shoots the mesh possibly at point blank? What stops small bits of shell, paint and dirt from going into the fan blades and motor?

[Mike838]

Also, someone mentioned that the recharge time was not great. How long is it to recharge a dead battery (although depending on what battery style you are using (ie NiMH, LiPo, lead-acid, absorbed glass mats) you won't want to fully discharge those to maintain long term battery health).