Editing DYE Precision (section)

== History ==

=== Establishment and early products ===

DYE Precision was established in 1994 by professional paintball player Dave DeHaan, known as Dave Youngblood, and his wife Rhonda DeHaan. The name DYE originally stood for Dave Youngblood Enterprises.[1][2]

The business began by manufacturing aftermarket barrels for paintball markers. Its early products became associated with professional tournament teams including the [[Ironmen]] and [[Avalanche]].[1]

By the 1996 [[Paintball World Cup]], DYE was exhibiting barrels and clothing, with Youngblood simultaneously competing for the Ironmen.[2]

The company's Boomstick barrel became one of its signature products. By 2000, DYE was offering specialised variants, including a version incorporating titanium.[3]

DYE also expanded into customised [[Autococker]] markers, apparel, harnesses and other tournament equipment.

=== Tournament involvement ===

In addition to manufacturing equipment, DYE Precision was directly involved in organising professional paintball tournaments.

Dave Youngblood promoted the 1997 [[National Professional Paintball League]] Las Vegas Desert Open. DYE also produced the 1999 Las Vegas NPPL tournament.[5]

In March 2000, the company organised the DYE Precision Los Angeles Open at [[SC Village]] in Corona, California. The event included 10-man and five-man divisions, with Lockout winning the professional 10-man competition.[6]

DYE maintained a close association with the Ironmen and other professional teams through equipment development and sponsorship arrangements.

=== Expansion into electronic markers ===

In 2003, DYE acquired rights to the [[Matrix]] electronic paintball marker from Generation E Sports. The agreement permitted DYE to manufacture and develop the platform while Generation E continued selling existing Matrix models and custom variants.[4]

DYE subsequently developed the Matrix into its own marker range. The DM4 was displayed at the 2003 Paintball World Cup alongside existing DYE Matrix models.[7]

The company's electronic marker range continued through successive DM models, the NT series, M2, M3, DSR and MXR platforms.

=== Proto Paintball ===

In 2003, DYE introduced [[Proto Paintball]] as a separate equipment brand.

Proto products displayed at the 2003 Paintball World Cup included gloves and the Switch goggle system.[7]

The brand subsequently expanded into electronic markers, including the Proto Matrix and Proto Matrix Rail, as well as protective equipment, clothing and accessories.

=== Loaders and goggles ===

DYE expanded its protective equipment and loader ranges during the 2000s.

At the 2008 Paintball World Cup, the company displayed its new i4 goggle system and Rotor electronic loader.

The i4 introduced an integrated, low-profile mask design with a quick-change lens system. The Rotor was a force-fed electronic loader featuring a distinctive low-profile shell.[8]

Both products became established parts of DYE's tournament equipment range, with later developments including the i5 goggles and Rotor R2 loader.