We’re going into 3D prints… AllTheDarts X FlatLineRunners…
Coming into this venture fairly green I have focused on “one box solution” blasters as they’re easier to support and get parts for. However, I’m more than aware of the power and presence of 3D printing within the hobby. It’s one of the core elements that makes this hobby fun and diverse. It feels like there’s a new blaster being released every day at the moment which is testament to how much the hobby is growing. That being said there hasn’t been much of a space for “retail ready” 3D prints as the space is full thousands of designs but more worryingly, half baked licence agreements that aren’t necessarily fair for designers or easy for retailers to navigate… This was until we partnered with FlatLineRunners and a acquired a licence on Diamond Dogs blasters…
FLR are a new 3D design and print house based here in the Midlands. Having known FLR for some time I can absolutely say this guy does not do things by halves and won’t accept anything but perfection within the realms of possibility… to a mere mortal such as myself, sometimes his prints appear to be outside of those realms! FLR have gone from a single Pro 3D printer to 4 Pro 3D printers in 6 months, testament to the demand for their attention to detail and print quality. Investing to expand so quickly is ultimately a bet on their behalf and I’m willing to bet our name retailing their prints. I only ever want to sell products I’d be happy to use myself so the 3D conundrum has been a long process.
Now: The Diamond Dogs 98K.
This was the blaster that peaked my interest because of its 2/3rd size homage to the Kar98k. The look, the details, the tactile nature of bolt action and the ability to change colour ways to end users tastes are all features that make this build amazing. However, getting hold of it is no easy feat. There are licence agreements and NDA’s in place which mean only a select few retailers are allowed to buy the hardware kits and retail the blaster. A few of you reading this may think “that isn’t fair on the community” and I absolutely get your viewpoint. Ultimately, DD want to ensure the quality of the final product is high and I’m delighted to say they are very happy and have signed off our collaborative result. As startup retailer we don’t have a team in place to answer queries on based on thousands of unique parameters when it comes to consumer self printing. Having license agreements in place with selective designers is therefore easier for us to manage and ensures the designers product is to their standard every time.
We’re currently going through a prolonged test phase including durability to iron out any snags until we’re 100% happy. All being well we will have ready to play blasters available at FoamFest in July. Moving forward, we will be able to take custom enquiries on the blaster as well as upgrades, accessories and ongoing support.
This is just the first of a line of 3D print upgrades we plan on stocking. If you have your own printer and like buying hardware kits, I am sorry in this particular instance and I do hear you.
The Diamond Dogs 98K will retail for £110 with a mag clip and the standard 160-180FPS spring. REVIEW INCOMING!
Downgrades on the spring (for 130FPS and 1J games), PCars, additional clips, spares and much more will be coming soon! Check back in a few months :)
