Shocktech

Shocktech is an American paintball equipment brand specialising in custom paintball markers, aftermarket components and precision machining. Closely associated with Bad Boyz Toyz and the professional team Chicago Aftershock, Shocktech became known during the 1990s and early 2000s for customised Autococker markers and its SFL (Super F***ing Light) series.[1][2]

The brand also produced components and customised versions of other paintball markers, including the Automag, Smart Parts Shocker, Matrix and Intimidator. Shocktech continues to manufacture Autococker-compatible markers, components and accessories.[1][3]

History

Bad Boyz Toyz and early development

Shocktech developed within the American tournament paintball equipment industry during the 1990s.

Its early history was closely connected to Bad Boyz Toyz, a paintball equipment business associated with Renick Miller and the Chicago Aftershock professional team.

The Shocktech name became associated with customised tournament markers and aftermarket components, particularly for the Autococker platform.

Danny Love played an important role in Shocktech's marker engineering, technical development and distinctive body milling.[1][2]

Shocktech's products reflected the company's involvement in tournament paintball, where customised markers and performance-oriented components were used by professional players.

Autococker development

Shocktech became a recognised manufacturer of customised Autococker markers during the 1990s.

The Autococker, originally developed by Worr Game Products, was widely used in tournament paintball and supported an extensive aftermarket industry.

Shocktech produced custom marker bodies, pneumatic components, trigger frames and other upgrades.

Its Autococker products included the SFL range, which incorporated distinctive body milling and specialised components.

Historical models documented by collectors include SFL Autocockers produced during the early 2000s, along with later editions and designs associated with Chicago Aftershock.[2][4]

Other customised markers

Shocktech also developed customised components and marker bodies for platforms beyond the Autococker.

Documented examples include Shocktech versions or components for:

Automag and E-Mag markers.
Smart Parts Shocker markers.
Matrix electronic markers.
Intimidator electronic markers.

At the 2001 Mardi Gras Open, Bad Boyz Toyz displayed a Shocktech low-pressure regulator designed for the E-Matrix.[5]

A Shocktech SFL E-Mag prototype designed by Danny Love was also displayed during the 2001 International Amateur Open.

The SFL E-Mag subsequently became associated with a limited production run of customised Airgun Designs electronic markers.[6]

Changes in manufacturing

Shocktech maintained machining capabilities for custom marker bodies and components.

Technical documentation describes the company's use of CNC machining equipment for marker bodies, frames and other parts.

Shocktech also performed milling operations for selected private-label markers rather than relying entirely on the original marker manufacturers.

Its manufacturing activities were reduced during 2009, when the company disposed of unfinished components and other inventory.[2]

This reduction did not permanently end the Shocktech brand.

Return to production (2014)

Shocktech announced a return to production in February 2014.

The initial programme focused on the SFL Autococker body kit and other requested components.

The company also announced the resumption of technical services associated with Danny Love, including marker tuning and servicing.

The revival was presented as a return to small-scale custom marker manufacturing rather than a continuation of the company's earlier production volume.[7]

Shocktech USA

Shocktech subsequently continued operating under the Shocktech USA name.

The company's official website identifies Danny Love and Mark Van Drunen as co-owners.

Love is described as responsible for paintball engineering and manufacturing, while Van Drunen contributes industrial manufacturing and business-management experience.[1]

Shocktech USA offers complete markers, body kits, pneumatic components, trigger frames, barrels and replacement parts.

Its modern products include SFL Autococker configurations and CG-series marker designs.[1][3]

Products

SFL Autocockers

The SFL designation is associated with Shocktech's lightweight custom Autococker designs.

These markers incorporated customised body milling and selected components intended for competition.

Different SFL versions were produced over time, and the designation has continued to be used for later Shocktech Autococker models.[3][4]

Autococker components

Shocktech has manufactured a range of Autococker-compatible parts, including:

Pneumatic rams.
Low-pressure regulators.
Trigger frames.
Valves and internal components.
Marker bodies and body kits.
Air-system fittings.
Bolts and other replacement parts.

The company also offers complete custom marker assemblies and technical services.[3]

Other equipment

Historically, Shocktech manufactured or customised components for several electronic marker platforms.

These included Matrix, Intimidator, Shocker and E-Mag-related products.[2][5][6]

Relationship with Chicago Aftershock

Shocktech's early development was closely connected to Chicago Aftershock and Bad Boyz Toyz.

The association linked equipment development with practical tournament experience.

The company's own account describes its origins as manufacturing markers and components for competitive use before making them commercially available to other players.[1]

Shocktech is an equipment brand and manufacturing business, rather than an alternative name for Chicago Aftershock.

References

External links