Playing pump, got worked pretty hard. Time for semi?

[pablo4429]

Hi all,
I played for the second time this year after a 10+ year break at Velocity in San Diego. Playing with the rental group, I was not challenged a ton but playing with self-equipped was pure survival. Made a few nice shots but, as with any pump, I would shoot and then immediately have to cover because the deluge of balls coming back my way. My skills felt not good enough to fully keep up with the guys who play all the time but I couldn't help but wonder if the pump was really holding me back.
For anyone that has been in a similar position, would jumping to a semi, maybe an Emek make a noticeable difference? Would I have to go full electro to notice a huge difference, or am I shooting up the wrong tree focusing on the gun?
Thanks for the input

[packersrule729]

Good thing about Velocity is they have that no bunkering rule (assuming they still do—haven’t played there since 2019).

Use that rule to your advantage and remember you don’t have to worry about getting bum rushed. Take your time and practice your snap shots. Won’t be easy at first, but nothing worth doing is. Stick to it.

Also, what sort of pump are you using?

[latches109]

Depends on the group, refs sometimes ask and everyone will vote on bunkering.

[Nish]

Keep the pump. Keep practicing. You will get back into the swing of things.

A mech semi or electro would be a good investment for days you feel overwhelmed or don't want to work so hard.

[pablo4429]

True, they still don't allow bunkering.

I am using an old Sniper with an Inception Designs Pico and Palmers barrel...so very open class, thought no auto-trigger.

[packersrule729]

Solid setup. Just get some 3D printed wedgits to avoid rollouts and you’ll be golden.

[Riot]

I hate shooting pump again semi however, the reality of the situation is, it’s because I don’t practice. Any of these guys who play pump regularly, I’d pick as a teammate over anyone who plays semi occasionally.

My point is, if you want to get good, suffer now and keep practicing. Your wallet will appreciate it, but it will be frustrating and full of welts or be like me, take the lazy route and fight fire power with fire power.

[packersrule729]

True, they still don't allow bunkering.

I am using an old Sniper with an Inception Designs Pico and Palmers barrel...so very open class, thought no auto-trigger.

Yup, then use it to your advantage. You don’t have to worry about getting stitched up from a foot away. Take your time, breathe, and practice your snapping. You’ll take your licks for sure, but it will get easier if you stick with it. Eventually, you’ll unlock god mode.

There are some good pumpers out that way too. See if you can link up and play side by side. Always good experience and pointers to be learned from the folks who’ve been in the trenches.

[Cyberpyr8]

I play all the time against electrics with many of them ramping. I never feel overwhelmed with my Emek.

[maggot]

No shame in getting a semi for those days you don't want to be outgunned.

[Jordan]

I'm with Riot on this one. I play fairly infrequently and while I enjoy pump against other, similarly equipped players, I'm just not good enough to make up for an equipment handicap.

If you're willing and/or able to put the time in, stick with the pump - those guys that do are deadly and I envy their abilities every time I play with or against them.

Otherwise, enjoy life - it's short - and rock a semi.

[Cdn_Cuda]

Grabbing something like an Emek is probably a good idea. You want to enjoy yourself and getting lit up every round isn’t the most fun way to play. Start or finish your day with pump, and a nicely upgraded Emek will give you good options. An upgraded Emek flings paint like an electro, so you won’t feel outgunned and runs the a cocker barrel. So you have adjust hoppers and markers to adapt to the crowd you’re playing against.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Don’t stop just cuz it’s difficult. Practice your snap shots, work accuracy then speed. Extra paint at the end of the day run some drills use it to relearn that muscle memory. Work on keeping that profile small as possible. Pump will make you a much better more dynamic player.

How many times have you been out since this 10 year break?

I say give it some time and enjoy the challenge and stick with it.

[Spider!]

If you play against semi's it helps if you auto trigger well.

If you just want to pump and snipe against semi's, you need a field with bunkers large enough to at least double up on. Then you tag along with an electro or semi and fish the corners and long shots while they keep the more immediate opponents off of you.

The other option at big games is you run everywhere with a pump. I was never able to run that much, but have known several people that have successfully.

If you want to hold a single person bunker in the corner, i never could see that without a semi.

[RAZRBAKK]

It certainly has it's challenges. I usually start the day with a pump and gauge the competition. If I feel like I want to challenge myself, or if I feel confident that I CAN compete, I will keep the pump out. Otherwise I'll grab a semi and play the day out.

Give yourself some options.

[Fossilhead]

Emeks are affordable. And a good marker to have.

Pump isn't for everyone, every day.

Some days you want a semi.

It's always good to have options.

[iamthelazerviking]

Mix it up. Pump is still fun and rewarding, but has its place and time. I've been partial to the Emek since they came out and have a super duper nice one now and can hold my own against the fast-shooters.