Why was FSR only tested against Valken brands?
Valken paint is highly respected and very consistent. Due to time constraints it was the only viable option that was commercially available. Redemption and Graffiti are widely used on fields.
What was your goals with your method and how are you unbiased?
Our main goal was to support or refute changing the definition with results that are factual and repeatable. We want to remain consistent accross all tests. This type of testing is very costly and time consuming to do well. Carmatech has some to gain from FSR being widely accepted, but his business does not rely on it. There are other markets he can explore. We encourage other testing to be done using our method, that is why we are releasing it to the public in this publication. We do not claim it to be our intellectual property nor do we require a fee to share the method with you. FSR is a game changer, that is why Carmatech designed a platform around it. If we want this sport to grow and other companies to do the same we need to welcome technological advances such as FSR, but only by going through the proper channels and making sure they are safe for the consumer.
Alot of people have misconceptions about the ASTM, would you care to elaborate on their purpose?
The ASTM is a private company who has been around for more than a century. Their goal is to make sure products are safe for the consumer. The ASTM lags in new products to see if they are commercially viable and see patterns. It was 17 years from the first survival game to the first ASTM standard for paintball. 6 years to get something ASTM approved is not atypical. The ASTM is made up of volunteers from all walks of life and to get people from different backgrounds, opinions, and views takes time to be able to agree on testing methods to create standards that are adopted by industries. The ASTM is an advocate for the consumer to insure they get safe products. Safety is critical to insure the paintball industry survives.