FAIRFIELD, Conn., March 28, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Hoffman Authentic Paintball Apparel (www.hoffmanpaintball.com), a new company based in Fairfield, Conn. and dedicated to creating rugged clothing and accessories for paintball players, has introduced its first line of high-tech fabrics and camouflage prints.
Poole and his design team, who have experience in the fashion, state, federal and military industries, as well as athletic team sports, created and field-tested the extensive line, which features tactical-style camouflage prints, called "camo gear" in traditional and non-traditional, multi-color combinations.
Paintball, which is considered one of the fastest-growing extreme sports in the United States, was originally developed by Charles Gaines, world renowned author and screenwriter in 1981, more as a field sport, according to Matthew Poole, principal and head of sales for Hoffman Authentic Paintball Apparel.
"Extreme sport is an appropriate description of this indoor/outdoor experience and is becoming a team-building process for corporations, Poole added. "Today, paintball has also evolved into a family bonding exercise, as well as a social sport for birthday, family gatherings, bachelor and bachelorette occasions."
"I have been a paintball enthusiast and player for more than 11 years and I knew what was missing from 'camo' gear," said Poole. "All of our clothing is unisex to fit by height and weight with design features to adapt to different body types. Since paintball players can be as young as 10 years of age, our lines include an extra-small, up-to-adult 2 extra large size.
"This sport involves a lot of running and ambush tactics and we believe our camo gear and colors will make a significant difference in helping these players blend into the environment to avoid getting 'shot up.' During the three years we spent designing, re-designing and field testing the product line, we visited big scenario (role playing and re-enactments) games and paintball fields nationwide. This research enabled Hoffman Authentic to develop a line of clothing and accessories under actual field-test conditions."
The Hoffman Authentic Paintball line consists of four different segments, Poole pointed out. There is a segment of camo clothing and prints, which are in colors of digital green (Marpat); Woodland Camo (Traditional); Desert Storm Camo, Black, Gray Woodland Camo and Blue and Red Woodland Camo. The other three segments include accessories, a referee/media line and a rental and private label segment.
The "camo" clothing fabric is a high-tech mesh that features a technical, "moisture, vapor transfer system," which helps cool and ventilate the body during play and is the same high-tech mesh worn on the field or court by college and pro football and basketball teams, according to Poole.
"Our marketing philosophy is Shoot Fast, Play Smart, Wear IT," Poole said. "We believe we're filling a real gap with a line of gear that's been designed and tested by paintball players, for other players. This is a win-win both on and off the field."
Hoffman Authentic Paintball is a family-owned-and-operated business, which is proud to say that its entire line is manufactured in The United States. The fabrics meet the specifications and standards set forth by the ASTM. The company's mission is simple -- keep customers safe and comfortable while looking good on the field.