History and Background: Founded by Mike Cassidy, CCI has carved a niche for itself within the paintball industry. The company is best known for its dedication to pump markers, with the Phantom being its flagship model.
Notable Product:
Phantom: The CCI Phantom is the product most synonymous with the brand. Introduced in the late 1980s, the Phantom quickly gained a reputation as one of the premier pump action markers on the market. It's lauded for its reliability, efficiency, and lightweight design. Over the years, the Phantom has seen a range of versions and customizations, and its modular design allows players to set it up in different configurations, such as stock class or open class.
Impact on Paintball: While much of the paintball world shifted its focus to semi-automatic and, later, electronic markers, CCI remained steadfast in its commitment to the pump action style of play. The Phantom played a pivotal role in keeping the pump play tradition alive and has been a favorite among pump enthusiasts for decades.
The Phantom is more than just a marker; for many, it's a symbol of a style of play that emphasizes skill, strategy, and paint conservation. CCI's commitment to quality and the pump community has fostered a dedicated following and respect among paintball players.
Current Status: CCI continues to produce the Phantom and remains an integral part of the pump paintball community. Their dedication to the craft has ensured that they retain a loyal customer base and respect within the industry.
In the broader narrative of paintball's history, CCI stands as a testament to the appeal of pump action play and is a beacon for pump enthusiasts worldwide.