Tank Paintball Battle Birthday Gift

Ready, Aim, Fire!
Any woman who has had experience with brothers, husbands or sons understands their fetish with weapons and armoured vehicles. If the male species outgrew this passion, what would be the need for video games of war and classic movies like "Rambo" that never die? If you are looking for a different kind of gift for that war mongrel on your list, how about the chance to drive a real tank? And not just drive a tank, mind you, but a tank that is destined for the ultimate battle.

Okay, if your feminine side is cringing at this image, let us assure you that no one gets hurt in these forays, unless you count jamming a finger on the trigger or bumping your noggin on the tank lid. The weapon of choice is paintball, and with the proper protective clothing, you can rest assured that your man will stay relatively injury free. And he will be thoroughly turned on by the idea of virtual combat of this design.

Paintball made its debut in the United States in 1981, and it didn't take long for this craze to hit Britain. Usually, paintball battles involve handheld guns and soldiers on foot, but this company has taken the idea of kid-sized paintball into grownup proportions with the addition of tanks and camo-wear. Padding and helmets are also a necessity, although the metal cocoon of the tank will protect you from nearly all of the paint shots fired your way from the opposition.

These tank battles run from April to October, and last about two hours in length. The battle is composed of two tanks, each sporting three-man teams that are responsible for driving the tanks (yes, you get to learn to drive a real tank!) around a field and taking shots at one another. The first step will be driving lessons, and once you are comfortable at the controls, the battle will begin. The individual members of your team will select a position as gunner, driver or commander, and then engage in a battle to the finish - or at least until one tank runs out of paint. The tank with the most successful shots will win the title of paintball master - at least until the next battle rolls around!

This is the perfect gift for any guy in your family who needs a testosterone release and an afternoon of blood-pumping, adrenaline-rushing, shoot 'em up kind of fun. And you can rest in the knowledge that the only thing to get hurt on him will be his ego if his mission fails. Battle on!