Warped Sportz

Warped Sportz is an American paintball equipment retailer, custom marker brand and paintball field operator established in 1994. The business became known internationally during the late 1990s and early 2000s for its Dark Angel series of customised WDP Angel electronic paintball markers, its association with the professional tournament team Avalanche and its paintball retail operations.[1][2]

The company was closely associated with Ed Poorman, who served as its chief executive and was also involved in the ownership and management of Avalanche.[3]

History

Establishment and expansion

Warped Sportz was established in 1994 as a paintball business in Nebraska, United States.[1]

The company expanded beyond local retail operations to develop an international presence in paintball equipment sales, custom marker manufacturing and branded merchandise.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Warped Sportz operated a network of retail locations and authorised outlets.

A contemporary listing in the WARPIG store directory identified the company's international headquarters at 1206 Avenue M, Kearney, Nebraska, in October 2002.[4]

The company marketed itself as an action-sports retailer combining paintball equipment with skateboarding, clothing and other merchandise.

In July 2002, Warped Sportz announced an authorised outlet programme, allowing independent paintball retailers to dedicate sections of their stores to Warped Sportz products and Avalanche merchandise.

One of the first documented outlets was established through East Coast Paintball in Howell, New Jersey.[5]

Dark Angel markers

Warped Sportz became particularly associated with the Dark Angel, a customised version of the British WDP Angel electronic paintball marker.

The Dark Angel incorporated distinctive body machining, anodised finishes and selected mechanical upgrades.

A contemporary review published by the New Zealand paintball team Mercenaries Star described the Dark Angel as an officially recognised custom Angel produced outside the United Kingdom.

The review documented features including a modified low-pressure regulator, shortened trigger, select-fire circuit board and distinctive teardrop body machining.[2]

The Dark Angel was used by professional players associated with Avalanche, including Chris LaSoya and Rocky Cagnoni.

The product range subsequently expanded to include custom versions of later Angel platforms.

Chris LaSoya signature markers

Warped Sportz developed signature electronic markers associated with professional player Chris LaSoya.

The Elements Angel was marketed as LaSoya's 2001 signature model.

In June 2002, Warped Sportz announced the Chris LaSoya Signature Series Dark Angel IR3, also known as the CLASS.

The marker was designed by Ed Poorman and based on the WDP Angel IR3 platform.

Contemporary manufacturer information described the CLASS as incorporating more elaborate milling and anodising than the earlier Elements Angel.

It was offered in champagne, pewter and ocean finishes.

The company announced a limited release of 15 markers per month.[6]

The CLASS was supplied with Warped Sportz's lifetime labour warranty and WDP's parts warranty.[6]

Association with Avalanche

Warped Sportz was closely associated with the professional tournament paintball team Avalanche.

Ed Poorman was involved in the team's ownership, while Warped Sportz supplied customised equipment and branded merchandise.

Avalanche players were prominent users of Dark Angel markers during the team's late-1990s and early-2000s tournament campaigns.

The team included players such as Chris LaSoya and Rocky Cagnoni, both associated with the Dark Angel product range.[2][3]

Avalanche won the 1999 National Professional Paintball League professional 10-man series championship.

The team also recorded tournament victories during the period, including Las Vegas and Dallas in 1999 and Nashville in 2000.[3]

The association between Warped Sportz and Avalanche contributed to the visibility of the Dark Angel range in professional tournament paintball.

Later field operations

Warped Sportz subsequently expanded its focus towards recreational paintball field operations.

According to the company's own history, it began concentrating on organised paintball parks in central Nebraska around 2010.[1]

The company operates Warped Sportz Adventure Park near Wood River, Nebraska.

The facility offers recreational paintball, low-impact paintball and other outdoor activities.

Its playing areas include woodsball, airball, hyperball and themed recreational fields.[7]

The company's current activities include field operations, paintball equipment retail and equipment servicing.

Paintball equipment

Dark Angel series

The Dark Angel series consisted of customised electronic paintball markers based on the WDP Angel platform.

Documented features of the early Dark Angel included:

Custom-machined receiver.
Distinctive teardrop milling.
Modified low-pressure regulator.
Shortened trigger.
Single-trigger and double-trigger configurations.
Select-fire electronics.
Custom anodised finishes.
Warped Sportz branding.

The markers retained the underlying Angel operating system while incorporating modifications and cosmetic features developed for the Warped Sportz range.[2]

Signature markers

Marker	Documented year	Base platform	Description
Dark Angel	Late 1990s	WDP Angel	Custom electronic marker with distinctive body machining and selected mechanical upgrades.
Elements Angel	2001	WDP Angel	Chris LaSoya signature marker.
CLASS Dark Angel IR3	2002	WDP Angel IR3	Chris LaSoya signature model designed by Ed Poorman, with limited monthly production.

These are documented examples of the company's custom Angel products rather than a complete catalogue of every Warped Sportz marker configuration.

Accessories and merchandise

Warped Sportz also marketed paintball equipment, accessories and branded clothing.

Its authorised retail outlet programme included products carrying Warped Sportz and Avalanche branding.[5]

The company's retail operations supplied paintball markers, protective equipment and related accessories from other manufacturers.

Retail operations

During the early 2000s, Warped Sportz developed a retail and distribution network extending beyond Nebraska.

The company's authorised outlet programme allowed independent retailers to sell selected Warped Sportz products and receive access to exclusive merchandise.

A July 2002 announcement described the programme as an arrangement between a conventional retail partnership and a full franchise.[5]

Warped Sportz also operated an online retail business.

The Warped Sportz name has continued to be used by paintball and skateboarding retailers in the United States.

The business operating the Warped Sportz Adventure Park in Nebraska identifies 1994 as its establishment year.[1]

References

External links