Returning Pump Player

[MDivers]

Hi all,

I've recently decided I want to get back into the sport. The bulk of my time playing, I was a pump player, first and foremost. I mainly played 2002-maybe 2013 or so, with a few days sprinkled in here and there over the years after, but it has probably been at least 6 years since I have last been out. I wanted to check in with pump players and see what the scoop is on a few things:

• Is there still much of a pump community out there? There was back when I was playing. I am in SoCal and mainly played SC Village or Jungle Island. I am closer to Jungle now.
• What paint are you having the best luck with these days? My go-to used to be Ultra Evil, and always preferred a darker shell.
• I've heard paint has gotten a bit smaller over the years, and curious what bore sizes in general most are using right now. I think .682 may be the smallest I have right now
• Is there a new king of pump markers? I have a Freeflow Lotus converted to pump, CCM T2 and an SC Phantom.
• Anything I need to know before going back out with a pump?

Appreciate any insight. Thanks!

[Carp]

If you haven't already. Grab yourself a new lens and or mask. Then stretch and hit the field. As easy, as that, they say!

[flyweightnate]

There's a lot of sub-.680 paint out there now. People celebrate over a case at .682.

Get some inserts and/or ASP Detent the Phantom, and grab a smaller insert or back for the T2 and Lotus, and you'll be fine. They're still the king of the heap or close to it.

[Jonnydread]

• Is there still much of a pump community out there? There was back when I was playing. I am in SoCal and mainly played SC Village or Jungle Island. I am closer to Jungle now. I can't speak to the West Coast, but the Northeast has plenty of pump players. We were at a scenario last week and there were audible pumps all the over the place.
• What paint are you having the best luck with these days? My go-to used to be Ultra Evil, and always preferred a darker shell. Paint is generally smaller and less consistent these days. Unfortunately you'll have to do trial and error at your local field and see what shoots best. We had good luck with Evil here last year, but now that it's cold brittle paint isn't so happy. Your mileage will vary.
• I've heard paint has gotten a bit smaller over the years, and curious what bore sizes in general most are using right now. I think .682 may be the smallest I have right now. You will need a smaller barrel/insert or finger detents . I highly recommend the finger detents. They work very well and are cheap.
• Is there a new king of pump markers? I have a Freeflow Lotus converted to pump, CCM T2 and an SC Phantom. Yes and no. New Phantoms, CCMs and some small shop Snipers are available. Nova is also producing a new pump, but the feedback regarding their pump markers has been mostly negative.
• Anything I need to know before going back out with a pump? Nope, go out and have fun. Don't forgot to stretch, like Carp said.