Tippmann Prototype Rumored Stolen at PSP World Cup

Supposedly Tippmann misplaced their prototype, or more likely it was stolen. I'm not sure I would take the below snippet as a press release however because it just doesn't look formal enough to be one. However, if something valuable was stolen from you I'm sure you would get the word out ASAP, which very well could be what Tippmann has done on Oct 23rd during the PSP World Cup in Orlando, FL.

Statement from Tippmann Sports

 

This morning, a prototype of one of our new products was stolen from PSP World Cup in Orlando, Fla.

 

At this very moment, we are working with our colleagues in the paintball community to gather further information and leads. We have already had someone providehelpful information about the theft. A police report regarding the incident has been filed.

 

We want to remind the person or individuals that possesses our stolen property that any information leaked or shared, resulting in damage to Tippmann, will be prosecuted.

What was this prototype? Some people are claiming it is a new pistol design Tippmann had been working on for a while. I'm a little skeptic about this though, because one quick look through Tippmann's recent news section (on their website) reveals nothing about them debuting a Tippmann prototype at World Cup.

Here are there most recent press releases. I can only find news on their recent rebate programs, and a couple new upgrades for their existing line of paintball markers. Nothing about a prototype.

• Tippmann to Showcase New Products and Promotions at World Cup
• Tippmann Introduces Free Way to Play

Tippmann had enough incentives to draw people to their booth, why would they even bother having a prototype at their booth?  Even if they DID have a prototype at their booth, why wouldn't they let people know about it in their press release.  Another thing... if it was so confidential why would they bring it along with them?

Even in this video taken by Mike from TechPb of Tippmann's booth at World Cup 2008 you find nothing on this prototype. No news of it, and no news about a stolen one.

I don't know about you, but I'm frustrated with just hearing rumors and supposed press releases that are just emails. I want to see the news come directly from Tippmann, not some forum user that talked to a friend that talked to a friend that talked to a dude that overheard someone say they read in an email that something was going down.

I agree with what this forum user posted about this whole ordeal...

I have been part of some of these discussions Tippmann is reffering to.

 

All I got to say, if they want real player feed back, read the threads and see what the players really think and really want. Asking a handfull of people is not the same as getting opinions from the masses.

 

First off, Tippmann needs a factory rep on these forums. You expel bad info with good info. We deal in what we have because Tippmann wants to be G14 Classified. Get a rep on the forums!!!! Not your dealers, a factor rep. Second, be up front with what your doing. We shouldnt have to guess. Like the X7 for example. We get that Tippmann is coming out with a new marker, but not much else. Tell us up front that its based off the A5, but its milsim based with several factory upgrades. We learn a new markers coming out, but no real details. So obviously some of the people are disappointed when it isn't what we are hoping for. That can be fixed by telling people what it is your going to build to sell us. Now don't think it can be kept a secret. Its gonna get out that a new marker is in development. It always does.

 

Okay, this here by ends my semi rant, and advice post for Tippmann.

Reading hearsay that's supposed to be news in a forum is a waste of time and only harbors more rumors. I understand building hype around a product can be great for new product launches. The thing is however, people can't argue with what they see. Instead of releasing short written email blips that vaguely describe what you are creating, make a video that no one can misinterpret. A well produced video can get the viewer on the edge of their seat until your release date... a vague email on the other hand just creates hearsay and rumors which can potentially lead to disappointment on the consumers end.