Review Paintball USA - Agua Dulce Ranch Now! 
9.2
 | Now, I'm a casual player that has been playing on and off since the 90's and I just like to go have a little fun. I've found that Close Encounters is a great place to do just that. Close Encounters is a quaint little place in the outskirts of the Santa Clarita Valley. It has a real fun and laid back "mom and pop shop" type feel to it (as do most businesses in that area). It really reminds me of the old school days of paintball, where everyone was about the sport of it and not so much about the hype and trends. The place seems to be geared more toward scenario play; with fields like the badlands of war themed "Bagdad" field, the WWI/WWII style "Trenches" field, and the almost western style "Hay" field; among many others. They do have fields that have speed ball in mind, like "Hyperball" & "Funhouse." I saw players, in numbers, of all different types and skill levels there. Their rentals are the US Army Alpha Blacks (further catering to scenario enthusiasts) and Tippmans. Newer players or people that just want to see what Paintball is all about will find Close Encounters quite comforting. The staff was more then willing to help me out, I saw them giving kids tips on several occasions. Staff was very friendly and upbeat and also great at evening out teams and ran different skill level games, to avoid those discouraging/challenge-less unmatched games. They also have a strong support for the heart of the sport. I have seen other fields neglect newer player needs, which can be very disheartening and can discourage new players sticking with the sport. Close Encounters was very supportive of the newer players and provided an encouraging environment for them. Not to mention, the kids there really dug getting to play with markers that looked like M16s. Staff was also Johny on the spot when it came to safety; insuring all players were following the rules. The down sides to Close Encounters: their bigger and better fields are quite a distance away from the main check-in area. There is a road that you have to drive up to get to the other half of their facility. But there is a parking lot, an air fill station (3k, 4.5k, and CO2), and seating areas up there so you really only need to drive back down if you want to play on the smaller fields or to buy more paint. Paint is a little expensive there, but I've never had better quality house paint and is discounted in rental packages. They also let you use your own paint if you have your own gun. I HATE not being able to do that! If you own your own gun, you can't play in the beginner games. I see why they do that, but on busy days and with private events, it makes for a little longer of a wait. But turn arounds were quick, so with a full day, you'll get your fill. And hey, if you have a group, book a private event, and you'll get to play as much as you want. Not sure, but i think it's cheaper to go that rout anyway. The fields are all dirt and can have uneven ground at times. I personally like that. Call me masakis, but I like crawling through the dirt, mud, and shrubbery. YOU'RE PLAYING PAINTBALL DAMN IT! THAT'S HALF THE FUN!! Though it plays into the scenario feel of the place, there some people that like to see groomed fields and astro-turf...*sigh* wusses...
So, if you are into highly groomed fields, regulation organized bunkers, then Close Encounters isn't really going to be for you. If you've never played before, like field variety, are a scenario player, a serious/pro player that wants to have some fun, or you just miss the mentality of old school paintball, then i strongly suggest this place. I'll be taking my kids there for sure.
Now I've got a little bit of a *** to get off my chest... I never realized that review sites were for personal attacks. I thought they were for non-bias people to post their thoughts and impressions. Not for, what seems to be, parties involved in a business deal gone sideways to unprofessionally vent their frustrations. If you've read the other reviews, you know what I'm talking about. I sincerely hope my review doesn't just get thrown into that mix.
Here's a few tips: Ppl want facts to support your opinion; not insults and all around pissy-ness. Save that kinda stuff for your youtube account. You get more views when you look stupid. Don't plug other fields saying things like "X is better, go there." That's where you post a review on that X field's page. If you don't like the place, cool, I'm with that. But, tell us all why, and let the reader's decide for themselves which fields sound better; that's the whole point of review sites, plus the field might be able to fix your beef. Its simple etiquette, the kind of stuff taught in high school.
Summary: Just plain fun Official Response:
Thank you for your honest response. We try harder and your review will be used to motivate and train our staff to provide even better service, safety and fields.
My refs are all trained by me and my head ref Art, who has been with us for over 20 years and we are both North American Paintball Referee Trainers and safety certified.
We are currently building an Iraq street for the L.A.P.D. Cadets. The public is welcome to use it when the police are not. It should be up and running in 6 weeks.
Thanks
Mike
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 Posted By Old School PBaller on Jan 12, 2010 |
Review Paintball USA - Agua Dulce Ranch Now! |
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