Editing Bob Long Intimidator (section)

== History ==

=== Development and introduction ===

Bob Long developed the Intimidator following his involvement with customised mechanical paintball markers and earlier electronic designs, including the Bob Long Defiant.

The original Intimidator, subsequently known as the Classic Intimidator, was released in 2000.

According to the manufacturer's later historical account, the original marker combined electronic firing control, break-beam anti-chop eyes, separate pressure regulation, a two-piece barrel and decorative anodised finishes.[1]

The design was intended for competitive paintball, where electronically controlled firing systems were becoming increasingly common.

=== Ground Zero Intimidator (2001) ===

In 2001, Bob Long Technologies released the '''Ground Zero Intimidator''', commonly abbreviated '''GZ'''.

The GZ introduced a more compact body configuration, a conventional 45-style grip frame, revised electronics and the Bob Long Torpedo regulator.[1]

The marker was associated with the professional tournament team [[Ground Zero]].

Contemporary [[WARPIG]] coverage of the 2002 Mardi Gras Open documented Ground Zero Bedlam using a new Intimidator variant. The report described the marker as lighter and more compact than the original model.[5]

=== Second generation (2002) ===

The Intimidator range expanded during 2002 with additional models, electronic improvements and customised body designs.

The manufacturer's August 2002 manual documented the second-generation Intimidator alongside the Dragon and Ripper variants.[3]

These markers used electronic solenoid control, dual pressure regulation and infrared anti-chop sensors.

The range included customised models associated with professional teams, retailers and equipment distributors.

At the October 2002 NPPL World Cup, National Paintball Supply displayed new Ironmen and Ground Zero Intimidator models intended for the following season.[6]

=== Alias and subsequent generations ===

The '''Alias Intimidator''' was introduced during the mid-2000s as a substantial redesign of the established platform.

It incorporated a smaller body, revised internal components and a redesigned grip frame with integrated electronic controls.

Further developments included the third- and fourth-generation Intimidator models, alongside numerous customised and team-associated versions.

The fifth generation included the '''Vice''' and '''Protégé''', which were documented in the manufacturer's technical manuals.[7]

The Protégé was introduced for 2008, incorporating a revised stacked-tube poppet system and an optional four-eye anti-chop system.[1]

=== Sixth generation: G6R ===

The '''G6R''' represented the sixth generation of the Intimidator platform.

Introduced in 2011, it retained the stacked-tube poppet-valve operating system while incorporating substantial changes to the marker's construction.

The redesigned body used separate front and rear sections and internally routed air passages, eliminating the exposed macroline air hose used on earlier models.[4]

The manufacturer's manual also documented a revised trigger assembly, updated electronics and optional four-eye detection.

A revised G6R version was released for 2012, incorporating changes to the electronic display and air-source adaptor.[8]