Paintball is a popular team sport right around the globe. In the US alone, it is estimated that over 10 million people play the sport every year. And more than 1.5 million play the game at least 15 times every year. The game is played in a variety of forms from woodsball to speedball, each with its own set of rules, gear and aims. As a team sport, paintball is about building relationships and trust - it is not just about one's self and one's own ego. In 2008, take up the challenge and begin your own paintball adventure!

What kind of equipment is needed to play the sport?

Many paintball venues allow players to rent the basic gear needed to play. However, for the enthusiast, owning one's own equipment is of great importance. There is a wide range of gear available, from the more essential pieces to those added extras. The basic essentials any paintball enthusiast should own include a mask (to protect the face), paintballs, a loader to hold the balls and, of course, a paintball propeller or gun. Guns come in a variety forms and are created by a variety of companies. One of this year's hot new releases is the Ego 2008.

What's so special about the Ego 2008?

The Ego 2008 was created by Planet Eclipse, a manufacturer of a wide range of paintball gear. Their guns are renowned for their reliability and durability. More than that, they are known for creating hi-tech, lightweight guns. The Ego 2008 weighs 1.99lb which means it weighs 35g less than its predecessor! Whilst this may seem like a small amount, when a game gets going every little bit counts. The weight loss in this gun makes it easy to use as well as highly efficient.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the Ego 2008 builds upon all the experience and quality of previous, successful models. Having undergone improvements in its design, the gun allows for markers to attach more smoothly than before. The framer system used in the Ego 2008 is the famed "Zick Kit" systems and the bolt system known as the "Cure" Bolt. These additions and improvements are just some amongst many others. This all means that the gun carries a smaller kick and a quieter shot. All of which makes for a highly efficient gun.

The standard barrel sold with the Ego 2008 is the Eclipse 14" Shaft II. This two piece barrel has a .693" bore and is one of the best barrels available from Eclipse. The gun itself is available in a range of colors, from a bold pink to a more subtle combination of Olive and Brown. With its good looks and great specs, the Ego 2008 is sure to make you the envy of any playing field as well as one powerful opponent. The gun, initially priced at $1,250 is now available at $1,179 through choicepaintballguns.com. Also available through Choice Paintball Guns is a wide variety of accessories and gear to meet your paintball needs and desires.