Pods, Tubes and Packs

            Don’t you just hate it when you are in a fast moving game and you reach for a pod of paintballs to find out that the lid popped open and all the paintballs are gone?  It has happened to everyone who plays paintball at some time.  Probably more often in speedball games than others.  There is no sure fire way to prevent this from happening, but there are some things you can do to help the problem.  The pods go into the packs upside down or horizontal so it is important to have pods with secure lids on them.

Paintball pods/tubes are made by several companies.  Some are better than others obviously.  Gen X pods are ok.  The lids normally stay shut and keep the paintballs where they are supposed to be.  The only drawback is the way the lid attaches to the pod.  They are not as secure as they could be and they have a tendency to open at the wrong times.  Java pods are probably in the mid range.  They are ok, but I have had problems with the tops coming unglued and you may have to glue them back on.  The lids are fairly secure and they keep the paintballs in.  They have a reinforcing ring around the top to help keep them round should you lean or fall on the pod.  Proto pods are also in the mid range.  They perform well and I have had no problems with them.  Dye Super tubes go in this range also.  They are reinforced at the top also. Probably the best pods are the Dye Lock lids.  They are sturdy and well built.  The tube has “bubbles” on it to aid in grasping the pod.  This is helpful if you happen to have paint on your hands or gloves.  The lid has a latch on it that stays shut under extreme conditions.  In order to open the pod you have to push a release button.  They cost a little more than the other pods, but they are well worth the extra dollar or two. 

            Packs are the other item that can reduce the loss of paintballs.  Some packs consist of a belt and a pouch that the pods go in.  They are not comfortable to wear for the most part and they bounce around when you are running.  The better packs are one piece with an elastic belt that is wider and much more comfortable.  They keep the pods from bouncing and reduce the possibility of breaking paintballs inside the pods.  That creates a big mess, but that is another story.  The good packs have “ejection assist” which helps force the pods out of the pack.  This is basically an elastic band that holds the pods in the pack.  This makes it easier to get the pod out of the pack.  If you pull on the pod, which is upside down, it is possible that you will open the pod before you want it opened and paintballs will be on the ground and not in your hopper.  Some of the better packs are the Dye, NXE and Redz.  There are others that are probably just as good.  You can always talk to other players to get their opinions on pods and packs.  Then you can make an informed choice on what you want and what will work best for you.