Air Tech
Air Tech (also styled Air-Tech Design) was an American paintball equipment manufacturer based in Valencia, California, United States. Active by 1988, the company marketed the Air Tech Legend, a .68-calibre pump-action paintball marker, alongside specialised barrels, stocks and other marker components.[1][2]
History
[edit]Air Tech was operating in the paintball industry by July 1988, when an advertisement for its equipment appeared in Action Pursuit Games magazine.
The advertisement identified the business as Air-Tech Design, located at 24307 Magic Mountain Parkway, Suite 308, Valencia, California.[1]
Air Tech promoted its equipment under the description of assault and sniper systems, offering complete markers and customised components.
The company's advertisement featured the Legend Limited Edition, incorporating decorative gold-plated accessories. It also indicated that standard production components were finished in black hard anodising.[1]
The company's founding date, ownership and subsequent operating history have not been established.
Paintball markers
[edit]Air Tech Legend
[edit]The Air Tech Legend was a .68-calibre pump-action paintball marker using a Nelson-style valve system.
VintageRex dates the marker to 1988 and documents the following specifications:[2]
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Air Tech |
| Model | Legend |
| Documented year | 1988 |
| Calibre | .68 |
| Action | Pump-action |
| Valve system | Nelson |
| Feed system | Direct feed |
| Barrel | Fixed |
| Gas source | 12-gram CO₂ or constant air |
An original advertisement from July 1988 shows a customised Legend fitted with an extended barrel assembly, pump handle, sighting equipment and shoulder stock.[1]
Legend Limited Edition
[edit]The Legend Limited Edition was a special configuration of the Legend featured in Air Tech's 1988 advertising.
The advertised marker incorporated a 24-karat gold-plated assault barrel system and shoulder stock. The advertisement contrasted these components with the black hard-anodised finish used on standard production equipment.[1]
The total number of limited-edition markers manufactured and their original selling price have not been established.
Other equipment
[edit]Air Tech also advertised assault and sniper systems and components for paintball markers.
Its July 1988 advertisement promoted complete product lines available through authorised dealers, although a comprehensive contemporary catalogue has not been located.[1]
Historical documentation
[edit]The VintageRex historical paintball database contains two entries under Air Tech, titled Air Tech Legend and Legend.
Both records identify 1988 as the model year and give the same specifications. No evidence has been established that these entries represent two distinct commercially produced models.[2][3]
See also
[edit]- Air Tech Legend
- List of vintage paintball markers and equipment
- History of paintball equipment
- Pump-action paintball markers
References
[edit]- Air-Tech Design, original advertisement in Action Pursuit Games, July 1988, p. 28, archived by VintageRex.
- VintageRex, "Legend", historical paintball marker record.
- VintageRex, "Air Tech Legend", historical paintball marker record.
