What Is Paintball and How Can You Get into It?
Thrill seekers, gamers, athletes, and your little niece all are perfectly suited for paintball. For as hardcore as it sounds when you initially learn about what is paintball, the sport is fit for anyone with a fire in their eyes.
Paintball's a team sport with predetermined objectives. Players tag each other with gelatin capsules shot from markers. Once tagged, a player is out.
Unlike traditional sports, paintball focuses on an entirely unique set of skills. Whereas most sports require mastery over your body, paintball incorporates aim, tactics, and situational awareness into the mix. However, another loveable aspect of paintball is its fun factor, as many enthusiasts simply enjoy playing rather than winning.
What Is Paintball?
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In essence, paintball is like the adult form of water tag. You run around with markers, which are like your water guns, and shoot other people with paintballs. When you hit someone with a paintball it leaves a splatter of water-soluble paint on them indicating they're out.
The difference is that markers shoot paintballs up to 300 feet per second, and can leave fat bruises all over you.
But don't let that scare you off! When learning about what is paintball, you'll find safety is the number one priority at every field. There is also clothing you can wear to make paintballs sting less.
On the other hand, fellow thrill seekers will agree the sting is part of what makes paintball so exhilarating. Charging a group of enemies gets your blood flowing, unlike any other sport.
Unlike Airsoft or laser tag, you fear getting hit not only because it takes you out of the game, but also because you simply don't want a flurry of paintballs to pelt you.
Entering the arena
So what is paintball like in person? Before even walking into a paintball arena you'll be able to hear the action. You'll first notice the symphony of markers popping off in the distant battlefield.
As you get closer you'll hear the shouts the fallen. Various voices from every direction shouting "Aghhh, HIT!"
Once you get close enough to see the action you'd think you're in a war zone. You'll see masked forms armed with markers hiding behind trees, peeking out windows, and coordinating attacks on the other team. You'll hear them calling out enemy locations while others sprint across the field, diving from cover to cover.
A sport of honor and comradery
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After you watch both sides engage in high-paced combat, you might find yourself shocked by what happens when the round ends. After everyone exits the field they're all laughing. Opponents shake hands and joke about their various encounters.
Everyone shares their own stories of the battle. Also, they joke about how they got caught by complete surprise and commend other players on their heroic moves.
At the end of the day, everyone's on the field for a good time. Also, because paintball requires you to call your own hits, there's an underlying respect for each other in the sport. When you learn about what is paintball in person, you'll notice players respect one another both on and off the field.
Even if throughout your day you were getting hit more than you were tagging other players, you'll still walk away with a smile on your face. There's something special about the bonds you make with your teammates and your opponents during paintball.
So many times you'll find yourself in a pinch with one of your teammates. You'll both huddle behind a small plywood sheet as the other team bombards it. You both laugh about the situation but know you need to find a way to get out of it.
When all seems lost, your teammate yells at you to you retreat back to your team while he covers you. You sprint back to cover, and eventually your buddy dashes back to you through a hailstorm of paintballs. From then on, you know you've got a friend you can trust through thick and thin.
Finding Your Stride
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After learning about what is paintball, you might decide it's right up your alley. However, now you have to figure out how to get into it.
Joining a passionate community
Lucky for you, you'll find paintball an easy sport to dive into. Plenty of paintball fields have rental equipment and paintballs for you to use. You'll have to pay to use the equipment of course, but it's a very easy way to try out the sport and see if you like it.
All you have to do is Google search for paintball fields near you and check their site. Their website or Facebook page will usually tell you if they have rental gear.
While you're on their webpage, you can find out when they have open play days. These are the days where you're free to just show up at the scheduled time and play paintball. They'll usually split everyone that arrives up into teams, and then choose various game types to play.
If you have any friends who are interested, make sure to bring them along! Paintball's loads of fun when playing with your friends.
But don't worry if you can't get anyone to come. It's easy to make friends while you're at the field because everyone there is passionate about the sport.
Suiting up for battle
Once you have a paintball day scheduled, you'll need to gear up. Paintball's an athletic sport so you need to dress accordingly. What you should wear depends on what the field is like.
If the field is in the woods, you'll want long sleeves, pants, and boots with ankle support. Covering your skin will keep you from getting scratched by thorns. Having traction and proper ankle support will keep you from spraining your ankles.
If you'll just be in a speedball field with a flat surface and the only cover is soft barriers, you won't have to worry about protective clothing as much.
If you're worried about paintballs hurting, you have a few options. Our first suggestion if you'll be in the woods is a BDU jacket. The camouflage comes in handy, but what's really special is that these jackets are thick yet breathable.
Wearing layers also really helps. Bringing a hoodie to wear over a thick cotton shirt can do wonders. You can even wear one or two long-sleeve shirts under the hoodie for further protection.
Also, covering any exposed skin and wearing a beanie to protect the top of your head is helpful. Gloves are nice too, as well as a bandana to wrap around your neck. To find out our favorite articles of clothing for paintball, visit our guide on what to wear paintballing.
Finally, you might want to invest in a paintball mask. Even though you can rent a mask at most places that rent out equipment, their masks are usually scratched up and might not fit right.
Because your mask is one of your most important tools on the field, you'll want one that fits. If you think you'd like your own mask, check out our guide on finding the best paintball mask.
Getting a feel for the ropes
Because paintball's such a unique sport, you might feel a little awkward at the start of your first match. Don't fret, as you'll eventually fall into the groove of things. Your initial goal should just be to learn and have fun.
At the start, you'll likely find it helpful to follow a group of teammates around. They'll both act as a distraction for the other team and give you a helping hand. Your teammates will be able to tell you how you can best help them, but also you'll start picking up on what they do.
You'll first notice is how they avoid getting hit. You'll see they constantly move from cover and cover, rarely opening themselves up as targets. Avoiding getting tagged will be your first priority.
Once you get a hang of using cover, you'll be able to start focusing on tagging opponents. A tip for shooting at opponents is to limit the amount of time they can see you. So once you locate an opponent, peek out of your cover and shoot at them quickly, then hide again.
If you stay still for too long while shooting at an opponent, a second unseen opponent has the chance to aim and tag you with ease.
Wrapping It Up
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Now you can see the answer to "What is paintball?" is as diverse as the people who play it. Paintball can be a competitive endeavor in which players aim to be the best there is. Also, paintball can be an exciting past time to bond with friends. And finally, paintball can simply give you an exciting way to get some exercise.
No matter why you come to the field, you'll find yourself welcomed by a close-knit and enthusiastic community. We hope you'll try paintball out and find out why so many people love this sport and what it has to offer.
Be sure to share your thoughts, tips, and tricks about the game in the comment section below.
What is the Best Paintball Mask?
In the sport of paintball, when confronted with a question of what is best, there is often no “right” answer; players will usually defend their favorite brand or manufacturer. This holds for paintball guns, clothing, paint, and especially masks.
So how do you choose the right mask for you? All masks must be put through rigorous testing, and are all universally safe for the sport, but there are other factors that go into choosing the right mask. We’ve provided insight into a wide range of paintball masks, and several qualities that further define what each mask is like.
What Makes a Mask a Mask?
There are four parts to each and every paintball mask. Their shapes and colors change, but their functions remain the same. They are:
Lens/Frames
The lens is the most important part that you'll never see until it saves you from taking a paintball in the eye. The lens obviously stops paint, but also keeps dirt and smoke out of your eyes. There are several types of lenses, including single-pane and thermal. Lenses can have special tints like mirrored and smoke, and recently have started being increasingly UV resistant. The frames are simply what holds the lens onto the rest of the mask. Some masks have integrated frames, such as the Profit, while others have removable and swappable frames, like the Proflex.
Bottoms
As the name implies, the bottoms of the mask are everything below the lens. Bottoms wrap around to the sides to cover your entire chin and parts of your neck. The bottoms also include any protection against your nose and cheeks. The bottoms house almost all of the ventilation, as that's where your mouth and nose will breath out, so they have meshed areas or slots, angled away to prevent direct contact with the paint, to allow the mask to breathe with you.
Ears
Also called ear-pieces, the ears of a mask may be soft or hard, tall or short, but are designed solely to keep paintballs from hitting either in or on your ear. They must be open enough to allow you to hear calls and shots, while still keeping your ears safe. These can usually be swapped out, except in rare cases, such as the Profit and Flex 8.
Strap
The strap is one of the more flavorful parts of the mask. Practically, it holds the mask to your head, and should first and foremost be able to do just that. However, past its practical use, straps are often used to personalize the mask. Rare or collectible straps are often traded for upwards of $100, but there are hundreds of other options out there for any price range or color combination you need.
So, with all that technical information out of the way, let’s look at how to proceed in your search for the best paintball mask.
Choosing the Perfect Mask
Now that you have both a selection of popular mask systems and the information behind them, it’s time to pick a mask based on the below important factors.
Budget
First, obviously, is your budget. Paintball is an expensive sport; no other sport has you buying new balls every time you play, let alone entire boxes of them. So pick a price range that you want to stick to, and go from there. The more recognized the brand and the more features the mask offers, the more expensive the product will be.
Style of Paintball
Next, it’s important that you decide which style of paintball you wish to play. Not all masks are suited for all types of play, and it’s important to be comfortable in order to enjoy the sport. For example, in a day-long scenario game, where you’re crawling through the woods for hours without water or rest, you want comfort and space to breath inside your mask. You really won’t need to worry about having a minimal profile as the enemy is going to have multiple acres to flank you, and at that point, a low profile isn’t going to help as much as a calm operator, so finding a mask with good foam and ventilation is key.
Comfort and Appearance
This leads to the final point. Pick the mask that you like and the mask that feels good on your face. If, for example, you try on a mask and notice that foam itches, don’t use it. Comfort should always surpass style when buying any paintball gear. Do you know what looks cooler than an itchy mask with a skull painted on it? Your team winning because you weren't jamming your fingers up there to scratch your face. All kidding aside, it's a serious point; the mask has to work for you. That means no fog, good peripheral vision, good acoustics, and a comfortable fit. This is why we recommend trying on your mask and wearing it prior to your game so that you have time to adjust to how it feels.
In the end, the most important piece of advice is to try different masks on, and, if you can, actually use them in a game. It’s by far the best way to find which mask is best for you.
Durability and Protection
When choosing the best paintball mask, you should definitely consider durability and protection. Paintball masks come in an array of materials and designs that can make your search even longer. Some masks are sturdy and made from plastic, while others are designed with soft rubber for optimum flexibility.
If you’re purchasing your first paintball mask, you’ll want to choose one that will protect your face from any direct hits you might receive. No matter how good you might anticipate you’ll be, you should be prepared for your opponents hitting you, and protect yourself accordingly. A harder shell provides a better job from any direct hits, although some brands feature foam on the interior so the hard plastic isn’t uncomfortable on your head.
Look For Excellent Ventilation
It’s easy to completely disregard ventilation when you’re looking at the best paintball masks available. More than likely, you’ll be more focused on protection and comfort. But, if your product doesn’t enable you to see and breathe like normal, how are you supposed to perform to your best standard and enjoy the sport?
Don’t just observe the designs that have ventilation around the front of the mouth, as you’ll also need proper ventilation in the side and back to prevent any fogging and help with your hearing. If you’re concerned about any paint coming through the ventilation, opt for a mask that has smaller holes throughout to keep out any paint while ensuring that no paint can mark your face.
Single Pane or Dual Pane?
Another important factor to consider is if you opt for a single or dual pane lens. These types of lenses offer a different vision, durability, and maintenance. Single pane lenses have an anti-fogging feature on them, but this completely depends on the environment that you wear the mask. This type of lens is easy to maintain and clean, and will also offer great durability. Many of these also come at a reasonable price.
The other option also prevents fog from building up in your mask, but they require more care and maintenance. For example, the inside of a dual pane lens can easily get damaged with scratches and you have to clean them with water and wipe them down to ensure they remain in good condition. Although this might sound like more work, dual pane lenses generally last longer because they’re more durable.
Ultimate Paintball Mask Comparison Table
Mask | Profile | Check Prices |
|---|---|---|
Medium | ||
Medium | ||
Large | ||
Small | ||
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Small | ||
Small |
Pros
Stylish and sleek, with JT's legendary comfort and visibility.
Cons
Rigid body design and a difficult lens-changing system.
Summary
JT has been making paintball masks since the '80s, and the Flex 8 line, introduced in 2005, brought a radical new look to paintball headwear, along with offering an optional full-head cover for added protection. It’s a solid mask for any player.
This mask does a great job of not fogging up in cold weather and you can even regularly use it when it’s humid outside. This is one of the most important features when searching for the best paintball mask because you don’t want the weather to restrict your game. Another advantage to the JT mask is its durable frame that protects your eyes and face use time you use it. The mask won’t let you down and you can comfortably have fun playing paintball without worrying about getting injured. Owning a durable and reliable mask is important to ensure that no one’s safety is at risk during the sport.
Despite this mask’s durability, it’s not uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time. In fact, it’s flexible while still being able to take a beating. While playing on the field, comfort is an important factor for a mask to perform at its best. With small vents at the bottom of the mask, you can clearly communicate with your teammates, and these vents also enable you to properly breathe, even during intense moments.
Finally, there are virtually no restrictions to your sight while wearing this. It’s one of the best paintball masks to provide you with a 290-degree vision so that you’re always aware of your surroundings. Not only will this improve your gameplay, but keep you safe. Some masks can make it difficult to see what’s around you, as they’re merely built for protection.
Pros
Ultimate customization, trade value, comfort, and visibility. Flexible bottoms add extra chance of "bounces."
Cons
The Proflex may feel too large for some players, and the profile is fairly boxy.
Summary
The Proflex (and it's older brother, the Flex 7) is by far JT's, and perhaps paintball's, most legendary mask. There exists an entire subculture dedicated to trading and discussing "Flex" masks. Comfortable, lightweight, and with a thermal lens as standard, the Proflex is a truly awesome mask.
It comes with many similar features to the above option, as it’s built for professional and safe use while ensuring that you enjoy your time out on the field. It’s a great mask for such an incredible price (many have purchased for under $100). There are also some incredible features such as being able to change the straps to customize your look as well as change sizes should you choose to share with other players. You can also change the lenses, and removing them to do so is simple and quick.
This mask is a head-turner and a great addition to the game. Rather than a robust design, it’s sturdy while remaining elegant to look at - the perfect combination for all genders. With excellent vision, the mask always has you covered, no matter the angle you need to keep your eye on. One factor to consider on the mask are the ears. After multiple games, the ears tend to tear at the screw which can force you to purchase a replacement mask. But, if you only intend on playing the sport every so often, this shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Pros
Great ventilation for long, hot days, a close fit to the face, and a mean look.
Cons
Lenses scratch easily (even dual pane), and the Grill is bigger than it feels. Your voice echoes slightly inside the mask.
Summary
The V-Force Grill is used by several professional teams, which should tell you enough about its quality. This mask fits in-between an i4 and a Proflex when it comes to the feel on your face, but from the outside, it's rather wide and, well, easy to shoot.
You can take this mask apart in less than one minute, and in this same amount of time, you can replace the lens, strap and foam padding. This impressive timing is all thanks to its incredible durability and usability, which makes the V-Force Grill the best paintball mask for busy individuals. This brand also comes with an array of lenses, including smoke, mirrored, reflective and tinted, so you can always customize your look. Although looking stylish while playing paintball might not be your top priority, it’s certainly not a disadvantage to enjoy how you look.
Engineered with a low-profile, the V-Force Grill is ideal for players of all sizes, and for everyone in any position. The best paintball mask should fit your head perfectly without being too chunky that it impairs your vision and adds extra weight to you. Thankfully, this model is lightweight, durable and only contains the essential materials and features that you need.
This mask is designed for someone who is tired of uncomfortable paintball masks but is looking for a product that will protect them and make playing the sport fun. It’s also a luxurious and flexible mask that you can wear all day without any irritation. This is all thanks to the semi-rigid and soft rubber frame that provides movement while protecting all areas of your face. This mask also has an aggressive look to it which will scare off your competition. But this aggressive is due to the numerous ventilation holes that provide constant air circulation so you can breathe and speak adequately.
Pros
Nice, tight feel with ample foam.
Cons
Poor ventilation and acoustics; make sure your teammates speak up.
Summary
The Profit is a controversial mask; you either love it or hate it. The foam is comfortable, and the field of vision is good, but many players complain of overheating and not being able to hear properly. In the end, try one on before you buy, or better yet, play with one.
We love that it has a mean design to it which can help to get you in the right mindset for the game while scaring off your enemies. With a low profile style, you’d expect a higher price tag, but this mask doesn’t rob you of your money. For just below $80, it’s a bargain that you can’t afford to miss - even if you don’t play paintball all that often.
If you’re looking for a paintball mask that has a comfortable fit, then don’t shy away from the Sly Profit LE unit. It’s not easy to find a mask that comfortably sits on your head without needing adjustments every 10 seconds. This is one of the only paintball masks on the market to use a cross-over type of dual strap that you can adjust when setting up your mask. This provides a secure fit while ensuring that everyone can wear this mask.
The Sly Profit is one of the toughest paintball masks. Designed with a co-molded nylon frame, this comes as a standard feature on every unit. With a combination of soft TPR on the lower part of the mask, this provides excellent movement and protection throughout your gameplay. Finally, not being able to see other players on the field can massively affect your gameplay, so we’re impressed that the Sly Profit mask can offer an extensive view so help you continue building tactics to win. This field of view is definitely an important component when choosing a mask.
Pros
The most spacious and comfortable mask out there, with JT's innovative flex bottoms. Great FOV and ventilation.
Cons
Like the Proflex, this mask may feel very large for some players, and the big lens is open for ample scratches.
Summary
A collaboration of JT and Empire technology, the E-Flex combines JT's flexible bottoms and overall profile with Empire's E-Vent System to provide maximum breathability, visibility and bouncing. This mask is arguably the most comfortable on the market, while still retaining a relatively low profile shape. As a result, it’s perfect for those with larger heads.
The best paintball mask for you should be comfortable and enjoyable to wear. Thankfully, the E-Flex mask helps you to have fun on the field by not worrying if your mask is falling off or if you look a fool. Inside the mask, it’s filled with a hypo-allergenic foam that is thick and comfortable on your face. This means that no harsh plastics are touching your face and causing any irritation or annoyance. The foam also enables you to get a tight fit without applying any pressure to your face.
The E-Flex mask is certainly built to last for a long time as it’s designed with top quality materials. Even the earpieces and goggle straps are created to perfection so that the mask looks expensive and protects as much of you as possible. Maintaining the mask is easy to. When it’s time to replace the lens or foam, this is easy to access and the replacement parts are fairly inexpensive, too.
This mask’s goggle strap and chinstrap are comfortable and functional to wear for long periods of time. Although these features might not look like anything extraordinary, they’re lined with silicone to securely remain to the back of your head throughout the entire duration of the game. The chin pad is easy to take off if you don’t want to use it, although keeping it attached helps to improve your safety. Either way, this quick and simple process is beneficial to everyone.
Pros
Close-fitting and very customizable, lens swapping is a breeze, as is cleaning.
Cons
Fits a very particular player and the parts don't feel very sturdy. Very small design.
Summary
HK's new, and only, goggle system. Its sleek and angled faces reduce chances of a break, and it's got lots of color options. However, it's arguably the smallest mask available, and should definitely be tried on before purchase. With a limited size range, this mask isn’t ideal for everyone.
HK Army is one of the first brands to use a lens retention system to provide an innovative, safe, and interchangeable wear for every paintballer. The PVT lock system enables you to change the lenses in a handful of seconds, and you no longer have to gouge your mask and lens with a screwdriver. Offering a large, swiveling hinge system, you can change the appearance of your goggles instantly. There is also a wide range of colors and designs available, so you can choose a paintball mask that best suits you.
The 3D memory foam provides comfort while the high-density foam absorbs any impact to your face against the goggle frame. The foam is cleverly located around the paintball mask to absorb any sweat from our face as well as provide insulation when it’s cold outside. Made from thermoplastic elastomers throughout the mask, this allows the paintballs to bounce off of your face, no matter how hard and fast they travel toward you.
With padding on the inside of this mask, it’s comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time so you can enjoy the sport with no worries. To increase your gameplay, the mask comes with a high-definition optically correct view so you can see as far around you as possible. What’s the point in a mask protected you but you can’t properly see? You still need to have a high chance of winning the game as well as remaining safe.
Pros
Small, solid, and viciously styled. good acoustics, both in and out.
Cons
Like the KLR, very small design. Rigid design means no bounces.
Summary
A classic of tournament players, the i4 focuses on tight, low-profile play, where you need the minimum of extra material hanging off of you. The i4 breathes well, and allows you to hear even distant calls, but don't be surprised when you get shot in the Adam's apple; this mask has no extra coverage unlike some other paintball masks have.
The hard cost lens on this mask provides excellent UV protection and also prevents the mask against scratches and scuffs. Dye gives you a total of 20 different types of lenses to customize your look. This mask’s multi-directional design is a great addition in maintaining enough heat and moisture inside. Also, your breath is pushed out of the mask via the ventilation filters rather than up and causing fog issues.
This Dye i4 mask offers 1 ½ inc straps that are comfortable and can easily be adjusted without any issues locking the mask into place. Its strap also comfortably remains in place, even if you’re constantly moving around while playing. Sometimes paintball masks can slip off of your face, but you won’t encounter that issue the Dye’s product.
The frame is designed from rubber that provides a high-quality, yet flexible finish. It’s slim and has a lower profile than competitive masks, but this should definitely be seen as an advantage. This feature also means that the mask doesn’t weigh much and is comfortable to wear without impairing your vision. You should bear in mind that this does mean the mask offers less protection than others on the market.
Mask Profiles
In the above table, you'll notice a column labeled "profile." There are other ways to describe a mask's profile (thin, wide, short, etc.), but "small-large" is the best range to describe the general profile.
Now, what is profile, exactly? It’s the total area that a mask occupies in your vision from different angles. This comes in handy when you’re playing an aggressive type of paintball, such as speedball, where your mask and gun are (or, at least, should be), and the only things visible outside your bunker. In this case, a small front profile would be most useful; you're mostly going to get shot in your front. A small profile mask allows you to see from behind cover without exposing unnecessary amounts of mask that can get shot. Remember, on most fields, a hit on any of your gear is an elimination.
So, what profile do you want? What profile do you need? Smaller profile masks are generally used for speedball, although that’s not a rule. If you plan on playing in the woods (woodsball or mil-sim/scenario), then the profile isn’t as important. In that case, comfort should take precedence, but we’ll discuss how to choose the right mask later.
So there you have it! A complete guide to selecting your next mask system! Finding the best paintball mask for you doesn’t have to cost the earth, and you don’t need to purchase the most recognized brand either. Finding a durable and comfortable mask that you trust within your price range is totally possible if you prioritize what features are most important to you. It might take some time and research, but it’s definitely worth it.
Remember, there are dozens of other masks out there that aren't listed here, but these above are some of the newest and most popular selections on the market. So get out there, try some on, and get on the field!
What To Wear To Paintball To Keep It Safe And Fun And Still Look Good
So you want to play paintball? Of course, you do!
What better way is there than to spend the afternoon firing high-speed capsules of stinging paint at your friends?
We can’t think of anything else!
The game of paintball is an intense and exciting experience.
Image via padefiance
It has the ability to turn your best friends into your sworn enemies while giving you the opportunity to show off your glory and courage in the face of unspeakable odds.
It will challenge you and force you to make “life or death” tactics and decisions on the spot all while getting down and dirty in the fresh air.
So it should come as no surprise that it can all feel extremely overwhelming for a first time player to the game.
Not to mention that the idea you are about to walk out into a field of gunners ready to shoot you is intimidating, to say the least.
But don’t let it get the better of you!
A paintball gun hit is not as bad as it looks.
Take our word for it. Don’t let the fear of the unknown prevent you from trying out this fun and exciting sport.
The Game Of Paintball
Image via bragaphotography
Paintball focuses on three main things:
- Safety
- Fair play
- Fun
Although the sport of paintball appears to be a dangerous, extreme sport, it's a safe and fun activity that you share with family and friends.
The game is open to all ages ranging from 10 years to 60 years and older.
Image via bedrck
Paintball does not promote any form of warfare or acts of violence such as killing.
In reality, the sport is basically just a simple game of hide and seek with a little bit of tag thrown into the mix.
It is also often compared to a first-person shooter video game, but instead of sitting at home in a computer chair, you are actively on a real field playing with real people.
So you actually get to experience what it is like to run and dodge, hide and stealth your way through the battlefield.
And there are some extremely cool battlegrounds!
To sum it up:
Paintball is a sport that involves nothing but having fun.
It is a team sport with a simple goal that the players must reach in order to win the game.
A typical game of paintball splits a large group of players into individual or two separate opposing teams.
Next, the players take a particular position out on a field full of artificial barriers, bunkers, and other obstacles to hide or take cover behind.
The game will begin once the referee calls it out.
Once the game starts, players are to make their way around the barriers individually or as a team on the battlefield.
They have to locate and eliminate opponents from play by shooting them with round, gelatin capsules that have dye inside, known as paintballs.
You are "eliminated" and out of the game when a paintball hits you.
The Health Benefits Of Playing Paintball
Image via -Andretti-
Needless to say, paintball is more than just an entertaining game where adults can be children all over again.
There are also many health benefits when it comes to playing as well.
Paintball is an intense sport and demands a lot of physical activity.
This exercise can aid in weight loss and has even been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression.
Some people even prefer to play a few sessions of paintball instead of working out at the gym.
But that's not all:
Apart from the physical exercise the game can provide, paintball also offers mental health benefits by relieving the stress of the player and promoting strong social interactions and leadership skills.
A game of paintball often brings out the best in many players and boosts their self-confidence.
Before You Start The Game
Image via Balukcic
It is always important to research the field where you are planning to play because specific locations may have slightly different requirements that they expect of their players.
Finding a local paintball field is easy:
All you have to do is search online using Google. Most fields have websites that list their rules and regulations along with their contact information.
Specific rules might apply per paintball field, but typically every field will stick to the same dress code.
What To Wear To Paintball
Image via gjbmiller
As stated, your attire may change depending on the field where you decide to play.
Some fields are strict with their dress code and won’t allow any bare skin to show. Others won’t even require the men to wear shirts.
But:
It is never a good idea to go shirtless into an active paintball field for obvious reasons.
Most first time players of the game will feel more secure while wearing jeans and a thick sweatshirt.
Thicker clothing will help to absorb the impact of the paintballs, but there are many options of clothing that you might want to consider wearing.
Tops and sweatshirts
When you choose what to wear for your upper body, it is always best to go with long-sleeves to ensure that you expose as little skin as necessary.
It is usually not advisable to wear a short-sleeved t-shirt even on the hottest of game days.
With that in mind:
Baggy sweatshirts with hoodies are also an excellent choice for paintball.
In some cases, the player might want to wear more layers for extra protection.
This statement also applies to women who should always wear a supportive sports bra or some other means of protecting the upper areas of their body.
Pants
The game of paintball is a dirty one, so make sure you wear something that can withstand getting exposed to the various elements.
That said:
Never wear shorts to a game of paintball.
Loose sweatpants, jumpsuits, jeans, cargo pants or paintball-specific pants are your best options. These types of bottoms will be able to handle the roughness of the game.
Make sure that the pants you choose are comfortable because you will be wearing them for a while. Your goal is to give your lower body as much cover as possible without restricting any movement.
It is important that your pants are thick and sturdy enough to handle activities such as crawling, kneeling, and sliding on the ground.
Gloves
Having a good sturdy pair of gloves is also a good and cheap investment and will help protect your hands while playing paintball.
Your hands are one of the most common places to get shot because you must continuously expose them while handling and pointing your gun at your targets.
Some of the ideal choices of gloves you can use are typical golfers and gardening gloves. You may also use leather bikers gloves and paintball-specific gloves
Avoid using gloves that are too thick or are made out of latex because they can impair the sensitivity of your trigger finger.
Other things to consider
Whatever you decide to wear, make sure your footwear covers your entire foot.
Old sneakers or combat boots are ideal.
You should also avoid wearing any loose jewelry such as necklaces or earrings to prevent getting snagged or pulled out.
Choose comfortable and basic clothing that you won’t mind getting dirty.
Although most paintballs will not stain, it can still happen. So it is best to wear something that you wouldn’t mind having a permanent paint mark on.
It is also highly recommended to bring a change of clothes just in case your clothes get too dirty to wear home.
What Other Equipment Do You Need?
Fortunately, public paintball fields do not require you to purchase or bring your own equipment.
Everything that you need to play the game will be provided to you by the field in the form of a rental package.
All personal supplies are optional, and it is up to you on what you want to do. However, if you are playing the game for the first time, buying your own equipment is not recommended.
You will do much better using the rental gear offered to you by the field.
Using the rental equipment will give you time to get a feel for the game before you decide that you want to invest money into getting your own supplies.
A typical field rental package should include the following items:
- Face mask
- Hopper (paintball container that attaches to the gun)
- CO2 or compressed-air tank to power the gun
- Paintball gun or marker
Paintball fields will also have paintball pellets that you must purchase to load up your gun for play.
Know your different types of guns
There are many different makes of paintball guns or markers.
Each type has their pros and cons depending on the player but they are all broken down into three basic types.
Pump paintball markers
This gun is simple but reliable and the most basic.
It is also the only type with a pump trigger. You have to pull the pump backward and forward to set the next paintball after you make a shot.
Players who choose to play pump must learn how to use tactics over speed since they have to make every shot count.
Mechanical paintball markers
Easy to maintain, mechanical paintball guns are the most common marker used in recreational play.
They are typically semi-automatic, which means that they fire one shot per trigger pull.
Electronic paintball markers
Popular and fast to operate, a circuit board controls the electronic paintball gun. And they are powered by a 9-volt battery instead of a long and heavy trigger.
Pulling the trigger of this type of marker is as simple as clicking a button on a computer mouse, resulting in very high rates of fire.
Safety Rules On The Field
As a whole, playing paintball is a relatively safe sport, but as it goes with all sports, accidents can happen. So it is crucial for all players to know the rules and use common sense.
You can avoid most paintball accidents when you follow the rules.
Wear your headgear
The number one required rule of playing paintball is that all players must wear their specifically designed protective headgear, such as goggles or face masks for the sport of paintball when out on the field of play.
This rule also applies to a player who has been shot and eliminated from the current game.
Remember:
Players may not remove their headgear while an active game is in play under any circumstances.
There are no exceptions to the rule, and if you are caught violating it, you will likely be asked to sit out the next game.
In the case where a player continues to disobey this important rule, they might even get ejected from the day’s play without getting a refund.
You may only remove your headgear once you are in a safe zone away from the paintball field and the barrel covers and plugs are back onto all the loaded guns or markers.
The cause of the most severe paintball accidents is because of someone removing their mask, which makes this rule the most essential to follow.
Image via Torben1234
Use barrel plugs
Image via schuetz-mediendesign
All paintball guns or markers come with a barrel blocking device and should be blocked with a barrel plug or sock when not in use during a live game.
Players may never remove their barrel cover unless at the target area or when told to do so by a referee.
Safeties are allowed along with the plugs, but they often fail if not used properly and are not as safe as the barrel blocking devices.
The barrel blocking device should remain inserted whenever protective gear is not being worn, before and after the paintball game, and in any location away from the specified paintball field of play.
For very good reason, actually.
Do not blind fire
Players must always have a target in their sight while shooting.
Many players want to stick out their guns and fire wildly into the field hoping to get a lucky shot without the risk of getting hit.
This action is known as blind fire.
You must always avoid firing in a direction without looking.
Players are never to fire a paintball gun or marker unless they are firing at a player target.
Blind firing can lead to the accidental shooting of bystanders, referees, or other players who are leaving the field.
Never play when impaired
Drugs and alcohol are not permitted.
If you are under the influence of alcohol or any type of drug, including prescription medications that can impair your judgment or make you drowsy, they will not let you play paintball.
It is never safe to play a game of paintball if you are not entirely coherent.
Additionally:
If caught under the influence, the referee will immediately remove you from the premises without a refund.
300
FPS
Always shoot less than 300 FPS (feet per second)
Players must ensure that the velocity of their guns or markers is under 300 FPS.
Checking this isn’t a major concern unless you bring your own equipment since in most cases you will be renting from the field.
If you are unsure, call for a referee to look over your gun before starting a match.
Keep in mind:
They may randomly check players throughout the day to ensure full compliance of this rule.
The surrender rule
It is customary to offer a player the chance to surrender before taking a shot at close range.
Most paintball fields use the standard rule against shooting an enemy player that is within 20 feet or less from you and has no idea that you are there.
You should call out for the enemy player to surrender, but if they refuse or don’t respond fast enough, you can still shoot them.
And one more thing to remember:
You may not aim for the head or shoot a player multiple times when in close range.
If the player chooses to surrender they may call back out to you that they are, “out,” they have been “hit,” or they could just say that they surrender to you in order to convey a positive response.
If you are caught in a hopeless situation and are asked to surrender but refuse to respond or attempt to bluff your way out of it, you will most likely end up getting hit.
Just keep in mind that close range paintball hits feel much worse than shots taken from a long distance away.
Don't say that we didn't warn you!
But Do Paintballs Really Hurt?
via Instagram
Now, let us be serious for a moment.
One thing you must know is that no matter your experience in the game, you're going to get shot.
Whether you are a paintballing expert or just a beginner at the sport, when you play paintball, you will get hit.
And yes, it will hurt.
Although it is not going to hurt as bad as one would think. You will come to a new understanding of the game when a paintball hits you.
You will reach that moment of clarity when you realize that the anticipation of the hit is far worse than the actual pain itself.
Your mood can also play a significant role in how strong the impact of a paintball will feel.
If you are actively out there in the field running around with your adrenaline pumping the hit will seem less intense compared to someone nervously hiding behind a bunker.
So how does it feel to get hit by a paintball?
Although getting hit for the first time will undoubtedly be a shock, it won’t hurt much more than getting stung by the snap of a rubber band.
On the other hand:
If you disregard the rules and refuse to wear the proper clothing and protective gear, it’s going to hurt far worse.
You do not want to experience getting shot by a paintball on your bare skin.
But you don’t need to worry about that, right?
Of course, you don’t!
What are the risks of playing paintball?
The most common injuries you will see while playing paintball usually are the result of simple mistakes people make.
Players may hurt themselves by falling or running into the obstacles on the field. They may even accidentally twist their ankle or slam into another player.
Via Instagram
Anything can happen, and minor injuries are just a part of playing the game.
Fortunately, severe injuries are extremely rare in paintball, but they do happen.
And the majority of these come from players removing their masks or other safety gear, which leaves their body open to exposure.
But:
As long as players follow the rules and play safe, they won't need to worry any more than say, crossing a busy street or going running, about getting severely injured when they play paintball.
Let The Game Begin!
Right before you are about to start, the referees will go over and explain the rules of the specific game mode you are about to play.
The game of paintball will begin once the objective is established and all teams are in position.
The different game types
Some fields also offer privacy games for specific events such as bachelor and birthday parties, team building, or corporate outings.
Elimination
Image via Pixabay
In the game of elimination, it is all about knocking out the enemy players so that you are the last one standing on the field.
This game mode also gets played in teams, where the goal is to eliminate all players of the opposing team in order to win.
Capture the flag
The goal of this team orientated game is to cross over into the opposite teams’ territory to seize control of their flag and bring it back to your base.
The first team who controls both flags or succeeds in eliminating all members of the enemy team wins.
Speedball
Speedball is a less specific form of gameplay and covers any game played on a uniquely designed speedball field.
Compared to a typical paintball field of play, a speedball field is much smaller and flatter.
It rewards players for their teamwork and aggressive tactical plays over the usual stealth and patience aspects.
Scenario game
This category of gameplay covers a wide variety of games.
Scenario games involve setting up a specific situation, with certain rules to complete different goals such as a team having to escort and protect a given player across the field.
The scenarios are often recreations of real world or video game situations.
Just have a look at this fun paintball level scenario of “Nuketown” from the popular game of Call of Duty.
After the game
Image via techguy1130
On average, a typical game of paintball can usually last around 15 to 20 minutes per session. But it isn’t uncommon for the more intense and competitive games to last much longer.
In fact:
Some games can even last up days!
But no matter how long a round takes, following each game, the referees expect all players to stop what they are doing and place their barrel cover on or the plug back over and onto their gun.
Plugging it back up prevents the paintball gun or marker from accidentally triggering when the game is not in session.
Although you are probably going to be sweaty and you may feel like getting out of all that hot gear, you can't remove any of your equipment, especially your headgear, until after you entirely leave the field.
The removal of your face mask while still on the field of play is the most dangerous and risky thing a player could ever do.
If you do happen to forget and remove your headgear while still in the field, even after the game has ended, a referee may tell you to sit out the next game.
Or they may keep you out even longer.
There will usually be a short period before the next round begins to give the players a chance to rest.
It is essential to keep yourself hydrated so make sure that you get some water between games, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Typically, players can continue playing as many games as they want until they run out of paintballs or until the field decides it's time to close down for the day.
So What Are You Waiting For? Get Out There And See It For Yourself!
Playing paintball is one of the most exciting and heart-pounding experiences that you will ever get to have.
It is all about the thrill of the game, the rush of adrenaline in the field of glory. The possibility of getting shot and eliminated from play at any given moment, and the courage you show.
Paintball is the true immersion, a survival game brought to life.
Whether you are young or old, trying to take it to the next level or just starting out in the sport, paintball is an entertaining experience for nearly anyone to enjoy.
Although every person on the field will have their own moments, their own goals, and their own wins and losses, in the end, a game of paintball is all about fun and laughter.
At the end of the day, the only thing that really matters is for everyone to have a fun, safe, and exciting experience.
What is your favorite piece of paintball gear? Let us know down in the comments!
Featured image CC0, via Pixhere
The Planet Eclipse CS1 And CS1.5 Review – The Revolutionary Marker
When it comes to paintball, there 2 major factors that determine whether you will emerge victorious or come out of the game with your head in shame – your skills and your equipment. Thus, it is very important that you practice as much as possible to develop and refine your skills and also equip yourself with the best marker and kit possible.
That is why you should consider arming yourself with Planet Eclipse’s CS1 or CS1.5 marker kit.
Planet Eclipse - Innovative Paintball Equipment for inspired Combat
When it comes to paintball equipment, no other name rings louder than Planet Eclipse. From innovative designs to reliable functionality, they eclipse other players in the equipment field.
Planet Eclipse was born in a small paintball shop located in Manchester, England, called Paintball Planet in 1991. The staff of this small outfit all had one common passion – supplying “ballers” with the best technologically advanced paintball equipment on the market. And that passion drove them to shift gears from being just suppliers to being creators – creators of the top quality paintball equipment they were passionate about.
Today, Planet Eclipse is a renowned manufacturer of reliable, quality, and advanced paintball equipment and accessories.
Enter the Planet Eclipse CS1 and CS1.5
A few years ago, choosing a paintball marker was very easy. All you had to do was enter a shop and browse through the 2 or 3 brands available. Fast forward to today and things are completely different. Picking a paintball marker can be a nightmare, what with the thousands of options to pick from. Don’t get me wrong, having lots of choices is good, but when the choices become virtually limitless, then having choice becomes a burdensome headache. To reduce that headache, we’ll review one of the top contenders in the paintball marker kit department – the Planet Eclipse CS1.
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Planet Eclipse CS1 and CS1.5 Review – More than a Facelift, it’s a Revolution
The Planet Eclipse CS1 is built on Planet Eclipse’s Geo platform, a wildly popular line among paintball enthusiasts. When it comes to equipment receiving improvements, the upgrades are usually subtle and oftentimes more of cosmetic improvements than functional and performance-based ones. This is where the Planet Eclipse CS1 deviates from the norm. Instead of a simple facelift, Planet Eclipse revolutionized not only their Geo line of markers but the entire paintball marker industry. Let’s join the revolution and take a look at the changes. Perhaps the Planet Eclipse CS1 is the marker you’ve been waiting for.
Hoseless, But Definitely Not Powerless
One of the biggest changes that come with the CS1 is the internalization of all hoses and pipes. Planet Eclipse redesigned the positioning of the inline regulator, placing it inside the frame. This not only gives the Planet Eclipse a sleeker look but totally improves the marker’s performance. This upgrade ultimately translates into the CS1 being able to run on a wide range of outputs, from 250psi to 850psi to be exact. This means you can use any tank within that range – low, medium, or high.
The internalized hoses make the Planet Eclipse CS1 function at 120psi, unlike its predecessor that functioned at 130psi. Don’t let the drop in figures fool you though. The CS1 still packs a powerful punch that makes it one of the best markers available. In fact, pressure drops in the tank won’t affect performance as the new design allows the CS1 to shoot deep into the tank.
Ergonomic Redesign, for a More Efficient Grip
The rear grip frame of the Planet Eclipse CS1 has received a major facelift – nay, a complete re-design. More emphasis has been placed on ergonomics, grip, and fit of the marker. Gone are the soft lines and curves that were so familiar with previous models. They have been replaced by hard angular edges and notches for a more comfortable feel of the marker in your hands. The grips run harmoniously into the frame, body, and POPS, giving the CS1 a more appealing look. The new grips have microtexture to give you a firmer grip despite the worst conditions, be it a wet rainy day or any unfortunate contact with slime or oil. And at a mere 2 pounds, the Planet Eclipse will feel like a natural extension of your hand, increasing your accuracy.
Smaller Battery, Better Performance
Ask any marker manufacture and they will tell you that one of their biggest challenges is finding a reliable and efficient power source that is small enough to satisfy the markers needs and compact enough to fit in the marker. Well, Planet Eclipse solved that problem in the CS1. One of the revolutionary upgrades the Planet Eclipse CS1 received was a more efficient, advanced, industry leading electronics system. Running at a surprising 3V, the Planet Eclipse CS1 now runs on 2 AA batteries, unlike the previous Geo’s 9V batteries. Economically, this means less running costs, and on the field, a super surprising 500K shots. Now, that’s revolutionary efficiency to write home about. And when the 2 AA batteries run out, all you need to do is slide open the battery housing, replace them, and close it back again. Talk about super simple.
Advanced Technology for Advanced Performance and Durability
The Planet Eclipse CS1 uses an SL5 regulator – an updated version of the SL4 – one of the industry’s leading regulator models. But the SL5 regulator is not the only technological advancement in the Planet Eclipse CS1. After passing through the regulator, air is fed through the frame directly into an all-new ISCIS3 (Innovative Solenoid Controlled Isolation System) solenoid assembly. This set-up means air doesn’t travel through any bodywork first. This advanced technology utilizes enclosed and captured gaskets rather than cheap O-ring face seals for all gas transfer ports between components. This makes the Planet Eclipse CS1 more reliable, durable, and able to deal with very high pressures without of blowing out or leaking.
Planet Eclipse manufactured their own ultra-low power solenoid for the Planet Eclipse, a single spool assembly that serves the dual purpose of controlling the position of the bolt and the air supply into the firing chamber during the firing cycle. And because the solenoid is driven by a custom SMC pilot valve that is over-rated for this application, the solenoid is robust and durable enough to handle the worst conditions a paintball marker could go through.
Apart from the new ISCIS3 solenoid technology, the Planet Eclipse CS1 and CS1.5 feature the next generation IVCore drivetrain assembly. The Planet Eclipse’s IVCore is legendary in being the first commercial system to introduce true decoupled breech-sensing valve technology to a paintball marker system tuned for reliability and efficiency whilst also being completely dwell insensitive. And this latest generation drivetrain system sports increased volume for the firing chamber, a modified bolt port geometry, and a larger adjustment range for the SFR. These changes combined with the significant new changes to the marker layout mean that all aspects of the shooting experience have been dramatically improved. The results are a smoother and quieter experience.
These technological improvements ultimately mean the Planet Eclipse CS1 is more efficient, powerful, durable, and lightweight – giving you a marker that will tremendously improve your game.
Maintenance and Service – Easy as Pie
Planet Eclipse pride themselves on customer satisfaction. And one way they set about doing just that is by designing and creating a marker that is completely user serviceable. In other words, if ever needed, most of the maintenance and repair can be done at home by you the user. This is one of the major advantages of housing the hoses inside the frame, as opposed to having dangling tubes and places to plug them in – maintenance is greatly reduced. No one likes a high maintenance product, after all, high maintenance means extra costs.
With the Planet Eclipse CS1 and CS1.5, maintenance is kept to a bare minimum, meaning what you pay for is ultimately the only significant cost associated with the marker. In fact, the only maintenance you may need to carry out routinely is the battery replacement, and that is a simple tool-less procedure that takes a few seconds thanks to the new design.
The Planet Eclipse 1.5 – Evidence of Evolution
When Planet Eclipse released the CS1, it seemed as if they had reached the pinnacle of development on this line of markers – after all, perfection can’t be perfected can it. But it seems it can. Planet Eclipse decided to bring improvements to the already improved CS1, resulting in the CS1.5. I guess this is a true example of evolution, taking perfection and improving on it.
The Planet Eclipse CS1.5 came with a few slight improvements to the CS1. Slight in terms of sight, but drastic in terms of feel and efficiency.
One such improvement is the addition of the hugely popular Shaft FL carbon fiber barrel system for purposes of saving weight and enhancing the marker’s performance. The Shaft FL barrel resulted in the CS1 shedding over 10% of its weight – from 2.16lbs to 1.97lbs – a significant drop that really shows in long games.
On the cosmetic side, the Planet Eclipse CS1.5 has a new low-profile feed neck with self-locking sprocket thumbwheel that helps in streamlining the CS1.5’s profile. More notable design changes include the CSR Blade trigger, a CSR inspired frame, and a bespoke CS1.5 custom milled body among others.
The Planet Eclipse CS1 and CS1.5 – Revolutionary Marker for the Paintball Enthusiast
Empire Paintball Mini GS Marker
- Pressure controlled poppet engine for outstanding performance
- Integrated break-beam anti-chop eyes
- Wrap-around fore grip for protection from elements and increased grip
At the end of the day, when it comes to the Planet Eclipse CS1 and its improved CS1.5 counterpart, there is only one thing that can be said of the upgrades and improvements – revolutionary. Whether it’s the internal upgrades or the external cosmetic look, Planet Eclipse truly outdid themselves with this epic marker. Come game time, you’ll be glad this is your weapon of choice.
Best Sites To Play Paintball Games Online
Do you love the thrill of a good paintball game but get depressed when your weekend is a rainy washout, cancelling all of your plans? There’s good news! You can play paintball games online with a bunch of your friends! It might not be quite the same experience you were looking for out in the great outdoors, but you can still practice your skills and have fun with your friends. You may play paintball games online to pass the time, practice as a paintball enthusiast or simply as a way to relax and unwind after a long day at work. There’s a lot of paintball games online for you to play. It can be helpful to know a few of the best ones if you’re new to that world! Playing a 3D multiplayer paintball game for free is a dream come true for many gamers so here’s a few you can try!
Where To Play Paintball Games Online
Presidential Paintball
Presidential Paintball is pretty much exactly what the title is! The game was built on the premise of pure entertainment, and it brings up presidents and candidates who may be shot with paintballs during the game. When you play the game, you’re playing against previous American presidents, and you have to hit them before they hit you! It’s hilarious to see men who have led America running around the course, shooting paintballs in your direction. The game moves quickly, and you can play by yourself or you can play with multiple people if you’re hanging with friends.
Presidential Paintball is one of the few paintball games online that will give you a seamless experience with your friends. Get everyone to sign in at the same time, and you can head straight to an arena for your paintball match against the presidents. You’ll have a blast playing with your friends, hitting the players in the game as they pass you.
In Presidential Paintball, you use a traditional model paintball gun and run throughout the course, attempting to hide and escape the “enemies” who are pursuing you. This game is a light-hearted and fun way to relax with friends and give you that outdoor experience even if you might be cooped up inside on a rainy day.
To play the game, you can choose to create a user account to play in every time, or just play as a guest for free without an account.
2D Paintball
2D Paintball is a clever game that gives you the experience of playing a 2-D game in a 3-D environment. The game helps you feel as though you are playing on an ancient system, and it’s a lot of fun to play a game that feels like it came from an older era. You can easily get lost in this game and play for hours as you shoot at the “bad guys” who are popping up on the screen left and right.
The game has become quite popular recently because of how it’s designed. You’ll feel like you’re playing a game that you played when you were a kid. It taps into your nostalgia, while giving you the opportunity to play in a paintball world. Because of it’s simple, straight-forward design, you’ll find it fun and easy to play.
You can play the game here at any time. We’d recommend signing up for an account which gives you the ability to record and track your score. It’ll also save your game and allow you to return to it if you need to take a break or come back to it the next day.
Paintball
This game is an awesome way to spend a rainy afternoon with a couple of your friends. It doesn’t require any special downloads or logins. You can play as soon as you open the website in your browser. One of the best things about this game is its accuracy. The simple trigger system design in the game helps you to aim and hit your target with excellent precision. There’s no tricky graphics or annoying rules in this game, so you get a simple, straight-forward online paintball games experience.
The game has become popular as it offers a complete experience that begins with the shooter remaining in first-person. You will see everything you need to see as you shoot your way through the game, and it will not come at you too quickly. Paintball has been rated to ensure your enjoyment, and you may play any time you like while visiting the site.
Another plus to this game is that other gamers can enjoy the game with you or you can play on your own against the game or other players remotely. There’s no time limit, you can play as long as you want for free. If you opt for other gamers to join you whether in person or virtually, you’ll find a squad of players in the game to play against you.
Playing paintball games online is a really fun way to spend some time with friends doing one of your favorite pastimes, especially when you can’t be out on the course to play for real! There’s a lot of different platforms and game designs out there, so be sure to try a bunch of different ones to find the game you like best! Get a bunch of your friends together, order some pizza and enjoy an intense game of paintball from the comfort of your own couch!
What to Wear Paintballing
If you are new to paintball or have played only a few times, you are likely wondering exactly what you should be wearing while immersed in the thick of battle. Even veteran paintball players are always looking for gear and clothing suggestions that will provide additional protection and comfort. The aim of this article on what to wear paintballing is to explain your ideal gear selection and the reasoning behind it. This guide will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while of the paintball field. Players of all levels will benefit from perusing this piece.
General Rules about What to Wear Paintballing
Go for Thick Layers
Everyone knows that venturing out to the paintball playing field in shorts and a sleeveless shirt is a bad idea. However, many are not sure about what types of clothing and equipment will prevent pain while facilitating a free range of movement.
Paintballs are not as soft as actual paint. In some instances, they can be fired at velocities that create a rip or a hole in clothing. As a result, it is not recommended to wear garments that are especially thin. Opt for thick shirts and pants. These pieces can absorb the impact of a paintball that strikes your body at a high velocity.
Add as Many Layers as Possible
It is not enough to merely throw on some old clothes for your paintball session. Instead, put on multiple layers of old clothing to minimize the impact of the paintballs when they hit your body. The extra layers will add space between your skin and the outermost layer of clothing.
This “in-between” material will accept the brunt of the paintballs‘ impact. This way, you do not feel much of anything at all when you are hit.
However, if you are playing in extreme heat, it is not prudent to pile on the layers. If your group is enjoying a match beneath the hot summer sun, everyone should take care to not go overboard on the layers. This is an effort to prevent overheating. Also, do not head on out to the playing field with new clothing. You are going to get hit with paintballs and they will leave marks on your clothing and your gear.
Leave No Body Part Exposed
No matter what, it is critical that you do not leave any skin exposed. Paintballs sting when they come into contact with unprotected skin. If you are hit in an unprotected spot, a paintball can even leave a welt on exposed skin. Sometimes, they even sting when hitting skin that is protected. Your paintball experience will be as pain-free as possible if you put forth the effort to dress appropriately.
Upper Body Protection
Empire Paintball Prevail F6 Jersey
In terms of specific garments, wear a long sleeve t-shirt as the initial base layer. The Empire Paintball Prevail F6 Jersey in the image above will do a great job for you.
Add Layers
Add at least one more long sleeve shirt on top of that for extra padding. Top it off with a hoodie or a thick sweatshirt. Some players wear a specific paintball jersey on the exterior while others opt for a light rain-resistant jacket.
Padded shirts are also available. Some of these padded garments are similar to the compression style shirts made by companies like UnderArmour. The extra padding in these shirts offers great protection and can even take the place of an extra layer. While they are fairly costly, they are comfortable and available in both long sleeve and short sleeve varieties.
If you are concerned about this amount of clothing bogging you down and restricting your movements, opt for fewer garments. Nonetheless, be sure to bring more layers with you to the playing field. You can add them on you in between games if desired.
Warrior Ghillie Suit by Arcturus Camo
When Going with Ghillie Suits
Certain players opt to wear sniper suits or ghillie style suits. Ghillie suits are typically worn by hunters. Nonetheless, paintball players have adopted them as they are comfortable, provide camouflage, and can break up the head’s outline. Sniper suits are available at military supply stores while ghillie suits can be purchased at sporting goods stores or online. You can also purchase individual ghillie style pants, ponchos, and jackets if you desire.
When choosing what to wear paintballing, some players add vests to the outsides of their shirts. These are typically worn in scenario style paintball competitions. This where they are used to hold tubes for extra paintballs, pistols, grenade,s and other sundries. Paintball vests are available in a wide array of patterns and colors. Some are even sold with special themes like military, police or offbeat styles.
Lower Body Protection
Exalt Paintball Thrasher 4 Pants
Wear two pairs of baggy elastic sweatpants. On the other hand, you can opt for a pair of old baggy jeans on top of long johns. Some players choose to wear jump suits, cargo pants or pants made specifically for paintball.
Most paintball players roll around, crawl, kneel, and dive during play. Therefore, the baggier and thicker the pants, the better. They allow you to move more freely, reduce the chance of a bruise, and paintballs are less likely to break when coming into contact with them compared to tight garments.
If you tear a hole in your thin pants during play, you will have exposed flesh for the remainder of the competition. Keep in mind that outdoor paintball players are exposed to rough terrain, twigs, dirt, rocks, thorns, and other objects that can easily tear holes in pants. Therefore, only choose very durable layer of pants or double up for extra protection.
Aesthetics
In terms of clothing style, opt for dark colors or camouflaged pants, shirts, and jackets. This is the only way to make it difficult for your opponents to see you.
Think about the aesthetics of the environment that you will be playing in before choosing your garments’ colors. Choose hues that will blend in with the paintball fields that you play at most often.
Extra Padding
Many paintball players are not satisfied by the limited protection their long sleeve shirts and pants offer. Therefore, some opt to wear arm pads that protect the forearm from the elbow to the wrist. These are especially helpful for players who like to slide and dive throughout the paintball playing field. The pads will soften the blow when your arms come into contact with the ground.
Other players also opt to wear shin pads as well. On top of that, consider purchasing some “slider shorts” that are designed specifically for paintball players. They are perfectly padded to provide ample lower body protection.
Head Protection
Add on a winter hat, do-rag, backward fitted baseball cap or go ahead and flip up your hood if you wear a hoodie. It is imperative that you wear a helmet/mask that is designed specifically for paintball. The best paintball helmet has to have your back at any given moment.
Paintballs fly through the air at 280 feet per second. This equates to about 200 miles per hour. If a paintball hits you in the head and you are not wearing protection, it will definitely hurt. Consequently, strap on a paintball helmet/mask over your hoodie or winter hat for the ultimate protection.
All paintball helmets/masks cover the face. These items should be imperative for your list on what to wear paintballing. There are even some helmets that cover the entire head. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that covering your head will often cause your mask to fog up and decrease your vision.
When shopping for a mask, opt for one that fits you the most comfortable. It should stay firmly affixed to your head and never fall or slip off while you are running, rolling or performing any other evasive maneuver during the thick of battle.
Additional Head Protection: Goggles
V-Force Grill Paintball Mask/Goggles
Pick out a pair of paintball goggles as well. Goggles built with thermal style lenses are especially effective. That’s because they prevent your paintball mask from fogging up.
When choosing between thermal lens goggles and single lens goggles, always opt for the thermal option. Ideally, you will add on a goggle fan that functions to prevent fog from appearing in your lens during humid conditions. However, be sure to verify that your specific mask is compatible with the goggle fan before purchasing it.
Do not settle for goggles that are not intended for paintball use. Regular shop goggles will not suffice. Goggles designed specifically for paintball are exactly what to wear paintballing. If you are stricken in the eye with a paintball while wearing non-paintball goggles, you could lose sight in that eye. Never take the cheap or easy way out when it comes to your safety.
Hand Protection
Empire Paintball BT Sniper THT Gloves
Do not attempt to play a round of paintball without gloves. If you leave your bare hands exposed and they receive a hit, it will hurt. A lot. Do not lose sight of the fact that your hands are exposed throughout the match as you use them to point your gun down the range toward your opponents. The hands are especially tender compared to other body parts. Therefore, any impact will sting quite harshly.
Pick up a pair of paintball specific gloves for adequate protection. The best paintball gloves are going to offer you armor for your hands. This way, you are not going to feel the impact so excruciatingly.
If you do not want to spend the money on paintball specific gloves, opt for football gloves, gardening gloves or lite duty mechanic gloves. Ideally, your gloves will have extra padding or even a plastic protective component on the back section of the hand.
While some choose to wear fingerless weight lifting gloves, this is not the best option. The skin on the outsides of our fingers is especially sensitive. This area will hurt if struck with a paintball, especially if the shot is licked off at close range.
On top of that, refrain from wearing welding gloves, winter gloves or any type of latex gloves. These are all much too thick and can prevent you from pulling the trigger exactly when you desire.
Footwear
HK Army Shredder Paintball Cleats
In terms of footwear, high-quality sneakers are essential. Paintball players commonly experience harsh ankle injuries due to all of the running, pivoting, jumping, diving, and other rapid lower body movements.
Some choose to wear soccer or football cleats. Others opt for hiking sneakers or military style boots. Do not use your best pair of sneakers for paintball. Instead, go with durable old sneakers or low cut boots that you won’t mind getting dirty or wet. Never wear open-toed shoes or sandals.
Do Not Forget to Protect Your Neck and Groin
Finally, do not forget to add on a sturdy neck protector. It will guard your neck’s extremely sensitive skin. If you do not want to purchase a neck protector or find it to be uncomfortable, opt for a bandanna that you tie around your neck. Moreover, you can also simply choose a turtleneck sweater.
Many will argue that crotch shots in paintball are very rare. However, when they occur, they can be awfully painful. While a cup to protect the groin area is uncomfortable, it will provide additional protection in your most sensitive of places.
Final Word
Choosing what to wear paintballing might be a tedious process. However, this step will provide you hours of untainted fun under ideal conditions. You will experience almost no pain, just the sheer joy of playing your favorite hobby.
That’s it on guidance about paintball gear. If you find this article instructive, share it with your paintball pals on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat or other social media platform. We’d also love to hear your tips on this subject!
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Winter Paintball: 12 Gifts Every Paintballer Will Love
Paintball players have a lot on their plate: they have to be witty to be able to win this intense sport and courageous enough to face the danger while playing winter paintball. You’d often see their shirts filled with those dirty paintball marks. What you’ll also feel is their endless passion for winning the game.
If you have a friend or family member who is a hard-core paintball player, there are high chances that they need some paintball essentials. So, why not present them with something they’ll love?
You can go beyond spreading a smile on their face: your winter paintball gift will help them play comfortably even in cold weather. Having the right paintball gear will also help them move and warm up for their next game.
It’s natural to be confused as to what exactly to buy for that paintball fanatic. Fortunately, you can choose from a myriad of options.
12 Gifts for Winter Paintball Players That Will Make Them Happy
From apparel to gear, the following options will help you decide what exactly will be the ideal gift for that paintball aficionado in your life. You can choose one option or multiple of them and pack them together in a gift bag for a bigger surprise.
1. HK Army Hardline Paintball Pants
It’s worth knowing that paintballs might hurt. That’s why paintballers should dress in layers. HK Army Hardline Paintball Pants - 2018/2019 Styles (Fire, Large) pants come in handy not only as winter paintball apparel but also for protecting the player’s legs from those brutal paintballs.
The pants feature padding for the knees, crotch, and hips to keep the player safe from the dives and slides. Having an enhanced bounce potential, the pants also come with size adjusters so they can be fitted according to the wearer’s waist size. They trap the heat because of the pads and leg vents. Since the fabric over the knees is stretchable, this paintball gift will perfectly fit the wearer.
2. DYE Paintball Knee Pads
No matter how fearless your paintball friend is, you can show them some love by presenting them with the DYE knee pads that will protect them from a high-impact knee injury.
If you’re looking for extra padding, DYE has done it right. What we love about it is that you’ll see padding even around the sides of these knee pads. That will help out with the crawls and slides from several angles. Plus, the foam construction offers extraordinary protection for knees. The pre-shaped foam pad is flexible and enables the knee joint to bend naturally.
The wearer will maintain their confidence level while playing paintball as the adjustable straps will allow them to tighten up the knee pad. That way, there will be no chance of the knee pad slipping down the leg. You can use the size chart for ordering the correct size.
Recommended Read: Paintball Vests – Why Wear Them?
3. T-shirt by Paintball Accessories
What could be better than wearing something cool and funky to the paintball field? The “You Snooze You Bruise” t-shirt by Paintball Accessories is a must-have for someone who wants to show off their paintball skills. The light-weight shirt comprises solid colors while the fabric is a mix of cotton and polyester. It also promises durability because of its double-needle bottom hem and sleeves.
Though winter paintball requires dressing up in layers, this classic-fit t-shirt can still be worn while entering an indoor arena. The wearer can then pair it up with a paintball vest. The best thing about it is it’s available in three different sizes: men, women, and youth.
4. ATAIRSOFT Tactical Paintball Helmet
The ATAIRSOFT paintball helmet is a high-quality helmet that will help the paintballer play freely without the fear of bruising their head. Having durable construction, it comprises suspender straps along with a neck/chin pad that is adjustable for fitting. It also includes side rails and an option to fit safety lights.
It’s a good fit for the head circumference within the range between 22 and 24 inches. Since the fit might be a bit tight, you should have a clear idea if this helmet will fit the head of the receiver. If you’re not planning to surprise them with the gift, a good idea is to let them know what you’ve chosen for them beforehand. You can then ask them to measure their head circumference so you can place the order.
5. The Complete Guide to Paintball by Jerry Braun
Whether that paintball player is a newbie or a professional who has conquered the paintball arena with their tactical play, we’re sure The Complete Guide to Paintball by Jerry Braun will make a perfect gift for them. The book is a treasure for paintball players as it includes an entire history of paintball, the rules of paintball, tips and tricks to dominate the paintball field, and gaming strategies.
Just like other tactical sports, paintball players also need to up their game. That’s possible only if they’re equipped with relevant, updated information. This guide provides them exactly that: adequate knowledge about the latest paintball gadgets and gear as well as tips on choosing and maintaining paintball guns. It also includes exclusive interviews of paintball leaders that will inspire the receiver of this gift.
6. Planet Eclipse Paintball Gear Bags
Does your loved one dream to have an entire collection of paintball gear but doesn’t have the right bag to carry all that? If yes, it’s time to choose the Planet Eclipse paintball bag for them. The bag will be a perfect gift in more ways than one: the paintball player will easily be able to fit their mask, tank, paintballs, and paintball loader. The bag will accommodate even the clothes.
One downside is that the side pocket is suitable for keeping a wallet only instead of all other essentials such as gloves and headbands. However, the simple design and high-quality construction of the gear bag make it ideal for keeping various accessories and airsoft guns.
7. Valken Graffiti Paintballs
More color means more fun. So, why should paintballs have a single, boring color? Valken Graffiti Paintballs come with a cross-combination of two different colors. Since the color varies, you might get purple balls with brilliant blue stripes or brown balls with bright yellow stripes. That’s a great way to brighten up any day in the life of the paintball fan.
What’s so good about these paintballs is that the brand checks all boxes. The purple box comprises round shells with bright fill, provides consistent velocity, and gives reliable results. Besides, Valken Graffiti Paintballs are environmentally safe.
Compatible with mag-fed guns and hopper, the thick fill of the paintballs will help the player shoot from their gun exactly on target. The result will be bright marks on the opponent’s vest!
Recommended Read: When Was Paintball Invented? Celebrating the Origin of This Fun Hobby
8. Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker Gun Player Package
Is your friend a newbie and is still searching for a paintball gun, hopper, and even the mask? If yes, it’s an ideal opportunity to surprise them with the paintball equipment and gear. How about making their life easier by presenting to them an entire package? The Tippmann player package has everything they might be searching for right now.
The gift will be a whole package comprising the 0.68 caliber Tippmann Cronus, gold cup oil, a paintball harness, paintball tubes, an empty tank, a GXG mask, a squeegee, and a hopper.
Having lightweight yet high-impact construction, the Tippmann marker gun is designed for entry-level paintball players. Its rubber grips will provide maximum maneuverability and enhanced control to the player. High adjustability will also help them improve their game. Add to that the industry-standard accessories that come with it.
It makes an all-in-one and easy-to-carry paintball package.
9. GZ XINXING Airsoft Paintball Vest
If your loved one wears a long-sleeved shirt on the paintball field, you should present the GZ XINXING paintball vest to them as protective gear. Durable stitching, consistent color, solid padding, and comfortable fitting – what else to look for in a paintball vest? That isn’t enough though. Besides protecting the upper body, the vest carries three magazine pouches, a flashlight pouch, a medic pouch, two communication pouches, and a pouch for keeping a flashlight and map.
The adjustable size makes it easy for any paintball player to adjust the fitting up to the chest size of 50 inches. The vest is sturdy enough to not collapse if the wearer keeps it on the floor in an upright position.
Besides using it for shooting during the winter paintball tournaments, the receiver of this gift can also wear it for other activities including hunting and fishing. That makes the GZ XINXING paintball vest a great value for money.
10. HK Army Paintball Gloves
It’s not uncommon for paintball players to hurt their hands and get hit during a winter paintball tournament. But you can choose HK Army paintball gloves to protect your paintballer friend’s hands from those high-speed paintballs. Engineered for superior durability and high performance, the gloves ensure that the wearer’s thumb doesn’t get stiffened up.
HK Army gloves offer enhanced protection to the hands due to its thermoformed neoprene and lightweight construction. The screen-printed palm with silicon enables easy grip throughout the game. The material is durable enough for reducing the impact to hands while saving the knuckles as well.
Plus, the stitching holds up even after excessive use. The gloves are easy to break in which also means that they’ll be a perfect fit for the wearer’s hands.
11. Tippmann Paintball Neck Protector
If you want to choose a gift for a paintball player that serves as protective gear, you should go for the Tippmann paintball neck protector. It’s a winter paintball gift that doesn’t only protect the neck from the opponent’s paintballs but also provides comfort to the neck by keeping it warm – thus, serving a dual purpose.
Though the neck protector is a one-size-fits-all product, the loop and hook closure enables the wearer to easily adjust to the size. However, players need to be a bit careful if they have long hair as the hair might get stuck within the neck protector. But once it fits properly, they can use it even while driving.
Since it’s made of thick and soft neoprene, it provides ultimate comfort to the paintball players. It also comprises vents that have the moisture-releasing feature. These vents help the wearer prevent any sweating.
12. Wearable4U Rubber Balls for Paintball Guns
Training sounds amazing if the paintball player can also save a few bucks! That’s what Wearable4U rubber balls are for. These rubber balls are reusable, durable, and practical for any paintball fanatic. Designed for .68 caliber paintball guns, the Wearable4U rubber balls will help the player practice paintball. Besides, the balls can also be used for self-defense against animal attacks.
These softballs don’t need any lubrication or oil for target shooting. These paintballs are a great gift because of the cost-effectiveness as the player can use them countless times. Since the balls come without any paint fill, all a player has to do is to just wipe and reuse the balls.
Wearable4U rubber balls are available in three colors: bright yellow, bright blue, and black. The colors make it easier for the player to find and reuse them. You can choose a specific quantity of rubber balls: 100, 250, and 500 balls.
So, Which of the Gifts Will You Choose for Your Winter Paintball Adventure
Nothing can be more exciting than the feeling of giving a gift to a loved one that’s also relevant to their interests. Winter paintball gifts seem to be the best gifts for that paintballer in your life. If we had the option to choose from the above-mentioned gifts, we’d go for Tippmann paintball neck protector.
Though your loved one might dress up right for the winter paintball match, it’s still possible to forget buying a neck protector as protective gear. That’s what you can remind them of by giving it to them as a gift. The Tippman neck protector will help them focus on the fierce paintball competition while preventing their neck from injury.
What would you choose as the perfect paintball gift? Do share your thoughts with us.
Paintball Vests: Why Wear Them?
Paintballing is a popular hobby requiring protective gear such as paintball vests when participating. The sport has become a trendy way for work colleagues to bond during team-building exercises. Furthermore, such is the popularity of paintballing that the sport accounted for 1.2 billion dollars in the US market during 2020.
Perhaps paintballing is an activity you have considered for family recreation, and you need to understand if paintball vests are necessary to protect you. Alternatively, paintballing offers a fantastic way to keep fit while having fun. Whatever the reason, you need to know what protective gear to wear and understand the importance of paintball vests.
What Are Paintball Vests?
Paintball vests form part of the protective gear you wear over your chest when you participate in the sport. As such, paintball vests include one of the most critical tactical items you may wear while playing. However, the garment is so much more than just a protective article of clothing.
If you plan to participate in paintballing, you should wear protective gear, including a vest, because it will protect the upper body from harm. All participants should wear a paintball vest to protect their bodies, but children need to wear paintball vests as they remain susceptible to injury.
The Different Types of Paintball Vests
Protective paintball vests usually consist of hardened layers of plating fixed over a body-hugging garment. The primary purpose of the vest is to protect the upper body from harm and injury while playing the sport. However, the vest may contain handy pockets to carry spare clips, water, and ammo.
Styles of vests
Three main styles of vests exist, which include strategic vests, chest rigs, and plate carrier pliers.
Strategic vests
Strategic vests form the most popular type of paintball vests where the pockets and protective plates remain static. Consequently, a strategic vest is laid out in a way that can’t be altered.
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Plate carrier vests
You may configure a plate carrier vest in numerous ways. Rigid plates inside the vest cover vital organs to protect the body. Some vests allow the wearer to insert side and backplates. Consequently, plate carrier vests tend to feel heavier than strategic vests.
However, the use of plate carrier vests may prove a little overkill for the average paintballer.
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Chest rigs
Chest rigs allow for speed and storage during an exchange because they are noticeably smaller and lighter than other styles. The vest tends to have less protective plating and more storage capacity, although you may add more plates to its configuration.
The chest rig is adjustable and stable, which makes it a comfortable wear.
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Paintballing
Paintballing is a competitive team sport that consists of several players in different teams, with each team set to eliminate the other. An air-powered gun allows for projectiles made from colored gelatin capsules that explode upon contact. The resultant explosion looks like paint.
The type of gun used is a low-energy air weapon or paintball marker that uses compressed air to power them.
The sport remains a popular pastime and is played for recreational purposes. However, paintballing is used by companies as a way of team building. Additionally, the sport exists at a professional level with organized tournaments and competitions.
Health gains
As a form of exercise, paintballing provides an excellent activity as an alternative to the gym. The experience allows for a full range of movements such as running, climbing, ducking, and carrying weights in the form of the gun itself and paintball vests.
Full body workout
Such an active sport involves crawling, sprinting, dodging, and shooting, making it a superb form of a full-body workout. Furthermore, it provides an ideal type of cardiovascular exercise, which increases endurance.
Additionally, you will see health benefits in your arms and legs because the sport provides a good form of exercise for your limbs. Running and shooting will strengthen your arms and legs as well as aid with core stabilization.
Self-confidence
Due to the sport requiring teams of players to work together, it requires strategy and teamwork. Consequently, the sport encourages team spirit and leadership skills, which may improve a player’s self-confidence.
Weight loss
The intense exercise gained from paintballing may result in weight loss. Regular games will boost your metabolism and burn more calories. Furthermore, the release of endorphins into your body will improve your mood and may even lead to better sleep patterns. Consequently, the exercise gained while paintballing may reduce the risk of heart disease and blood pressure.
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Paintball for Stress Relief
What better way to vent your frustrations than playing an intensive game of paintball? The best part of that statement is that you may vent your pent-up frustrations without harming anyone.
The endorphins released during play help to eliminate mental stress and promote a calming influence, and this reduces stress levels.
It’s good to be outdoors
Such outdoor activities improve your mood, your outlook, and may help to boost your immunity. Outdoor activities enhance mental health and positivity and lower levels of depression and stress.
Does Paintballing Hurt?
There remains no clear answer to such a question because everyone has a different pain threshold. How much paintballing hurts will depend on several factors. However, paintball vests will undoubtedly help to negate injury or pain.
The gun, shot velocity, and the distance of the shot contributes to the pain level experienced during play. Furthermore, the quality of the paintball also contributes to the sensation.
The paintball
Lower quality paintballs have a harder shell and a less dense interior. Consequently, this makes the paintball harder to break on impact. Therefore, it is likely to hurt more.
Most manufactures make good quality paintballs. The idea is to ensure the paintballs don’ break in the gun but break apart easily on impact. Therefore, poor quality paintballs will hurt more on impact than good quality products. This alone makes the wearing of paintball vests essential to counteract injury and pain.
The gun’s velocity
The faster the paintball’s velocity, the more it is likely to hurt. To keep participants safe, most paintball organizations limit the velocity of the guns to prevent injury.
However, consider this. Someone is going to use an air-compressor gun to fire a paintball at you. It makes sense to assume that it may hurt, and that paintball vests prove an excellent idea to protect your body. Imagine how it would feel to have a capsule fired at your chest, and you don’t wear a protective vest? You don’t need a degree to understand that it will hurt.
Consider the distance
When you fire a paintball, it losses power as it travels over a distance. Therefore, the further away the opponent, the less likely the impact of the paintball will hurt.
Consequently, most paintball fields limit the shooting distance to 10 feet to reduce the potential for painful impacts.
However, even at a 10 feet distance, you may expect a high-velocity projectile to hit you. Wearing paintball vests in such a situation makes for common sense.
The point of impact counts
The pain of a paintball impact remains determined by the position on your body the paintball hits. A hit to the back where you find less muscle and fat may hurt more than a shot to the stomach where you will find natural padding.
Uncovered skin will hurt and sting far more than protected flesh. It remains sensible to cover up as much of your skin as possible, including masks, gloves, and paintball vests.
However, covering your skin may not prove as effective as wearing paintball vests. The padded apparel actively deflects the impact of the shot to decrease the painful effects of the sport.
X marks the spot
If a player continuously hits you in the same spot, it will hurt. Furthermore, it may result in injury. Try to vary your playing style and strategy to make it difficult for repeat shots in the same area. Wearing paintball vests will help to reduce the pain experienced from repeated shots in the same place.
Paintball May Hurt
The point of playing the sport is to avoid getting hit. However, it doesn’t matter how good you are because it remains inevitable that someone will get lucky and shoot you.
The impact of a paintball may feel similar to a sting from a bee. Imagine a rubber band firing at you. The pain experienced from a paintball impact should feel no different. The pain is fleeting, and while the effects may leave a bruise, sudden, brief pain is just that, nothing more than momentary discomfort.
Wearing paintball vests will protect your body from injury. Furthermore, the vest will absorb some of the painful stings. If you regularly practice the sport, you already understand the importance of wearing paintball vests. However, as a beginner, you may quickly understand the necessity of wearing such a protective garment.
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The correct clothing
Thick, long sleeve clothing remains the perfect apparel to wear because it will allow for some padding while covering a large amount of skin.
Wear paintball vests
Paintball vests provide extra padding specifically designed for impact sports. The vest will decrease your level of pain during a paintball impact.
Children
While children may participate in the sport, different states may have other age limits, so always check the legal age for minors in your jurisdiction. Many fields require the age limit for children to be 14 or 16 before they are allowed on the field.
Children should not take part in tournaments with adults. Adults may experience different tolerances and gameplay compared to younger members. Furthermore, the power of the guns used with paintballs will differ for children than adults.
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Understanding the rules
It is essential that children understand and follow the rules for game0play to reduce risk and injury. Safe play should always remain at the forefront of your mind.
Wearing paintball vests
The protection of children and their safety remains paramount. Therefore, children should always wear paintball vests when participating in the sport. The additional padding the garment provides will protect their bodies and reduce the risk of pain and injury.
While paintballing remains a safe adventure for children, by understanding the rules of combat and wearing the appropriate safety gear, children may attain a better experience. Above all, safety remains paramount, and that includes the wearing of paintball vests.
Paintball Vests Explored
Paintballing is a contact sport. Therefore, you may expect to experience a certain level of pain. However, like all contact sports, it remains sensible to take the appropriate precautions to reduce injury. Safety is the dominant factor, and the wearing of protective gear forms a vital element of your precautions.
Paintball vests protect the body against impact and help to reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, paintball vests provide pouches for storing ammo, water, and other vital supplies. Consequently, the padded vest remains an essential part of a player’s protective gear while participating in the sport.
Strategic vests, plate carrier vests, and chest rigs all provide valid types of paintball vests. The aim is the use of a vest that is both comfortable to wear and practical on the field while offering the best possible protection for your body.
The sport provides an excellent form of exercise and team building. Furthermore, paintballing constitutes an enjoyable sport experienced by adults and children alike. However, it remains the individual’s responsibility to play responsibly, and this includes the wearing of appropriate gear. As such, paintball vests form an integral part of a player’s equipment, be it, adult or child.
Do you have experience with paintball vests? Perhaps you have experience with the garments and can suggest the best types for gameplay. Why not leave a comment below and share your knowledge with us?
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sean Kerr lives in Cardiff, Wales and is a published author with over 10 novels to his name so far and still counting. As well as writing his next bestseller, Sean also runs a successful Jewelry making business and sells his creations online.
When Was Paintball Invented? Celebrating the Origin of This Fun Hobby
Paintball is an intense and competitive sport that offers a wide variety of playing fields. It consists of fast-paced strategies and tactics that can temporarily turn your closest friends into your focused enemy. But when was paintball invented?
It has become a popular game played on outdoor and indoor fields around the world. The sport reflects the unbelievable adrenaline rush that accompanies the hunt of each game.
So how did it all come to be?
When Was Paintball Invented?
The concept of the paintball marker was invented back during the mid-60s by a man named Charles Nelson. However, the sport of paintball is still relatively young, with the first paintball game played in May of 1981.
So now you know: When was paintball invented? But what happened between those years that transformed paintball into the popular game we love today?
To answer this, we have to dive deeper into some exciting paintball history.
History of the marker
When asking when was paintball invented, we must take a look back to the mid-60s.
During this time, Charles Nelson of the Nelson Paint Company was asked to create a device to assist foresters.
What he invented was the paintball marker.
The notion was to shoot a projectile of paint from the marker to mark trees or livestock. The device would save foresters and ranchers time by giving them the ability to mark from a distance.
Nelson approached the Crosman company to produce a marker gun that would shoot the paintballs. So the company developed the Crosman 707. However, after a few years of poor sales, Crosman halted production as a financial loss.
If only they knew how mistaken they were.
The Nel-Spot 007
Years later, Nelson decided that he might have more success if he sold his paintball marker as a toy. With BB guns so popular, he contacted an airsoft company, known as Daisy, to construct the first paintball marker.
In 1972, the Daisy Manufacturing Company patented and manufactured the "Splotchmarker," which Nelson marketed as the famous Nel-Spot 007. This marker became a milestone in paintball history for use in the first ever game of the sport.
The Nel-Spot 007 was a bolt action or pump action marker in the shape of a pistol. Its robust design, reliability, and simplicity still place it in the gear bags of many players today.
The First Game of Paintball
image source: pixabay.com
The first paintball game occurred on June 7, 1981, in the New Hampshire woods. However, the game didn't happen overnight. In fact, the discussion took place for the first time in 1977, between two friends, over drinks.
Years later, after seeing the Nel-Spot 007 in a catalog, the two friends set out to settle an ongoing argument — could a novice survive in combat against a trained hunter?
When looking into history to see when was paintball invented, you'll see it was nothing but a simple concept.
Testing their theory, Hayes Noel and Charles Gaines invited 12 friends to compete in a game of capture the flag. There were 4 flag stations, each with 12 flags matching each of the 12 people playing. The rules were simple: The first to capture all the flags without getting shot wins.
Half of the players comprised experienced avid hunters and the other half consisted of untrained city men.
Game-day took place on June 27, 1981. They armed 12 players with the Nel-Spot 007 paintball markers and set out into an 80-acre cross-country playing field.
Incidentally, the winner, Ritchie White, didn’t fire a single shot. Instead, he used strategic stealth tactics to collect all the flags, outsmarting his friends to win.
As the first 12 players stalked each other for eliminations and flags, they were not aware of the impact this simple experiment would have on extreme sports in the years to come.
Rise of the paintball industry
Shortly after the first game, one of the participants, Bob Jones, decided to write an article about the experience for Sports Illustrated Magazine. This instantly made the game of paintball famous and brought the sport to a whole new generation of players.
His article resulted in the unexpected flow of letters from people with requests asking how they could play the game.
The sudden popularity in the game proved to be a great business opportunity for the principal creators. Gurnsey, Gaines, and Noel started selling starter kits for what they called the National Survival Game (NSG).
The kit included a Nel-Spot marker, along with some paintballs and safety goggles. They also added an official rulebook for the game and a bonus compass as used by the first players.
Paintball as a Worldwide Sport
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Bob Gurnsey opened the world's first commercial paintball field in New Hampshire in March 1982. And as we learn more about when was paintball invented, this was only the beginning.
Gurnsey began licensing out the NSG franchise to others who wanted to start their own fields. The sport transitioned from NSG to the name of paintball and began to make its way overseas in 1994.
With all these new burgeoning industries, paintball was standardized and more streamlined for consumer play.
Speedball and the rise of the semi-automatic marker
While learning when was paintball invented, it's also good to know how it advanced over the years.
In 1988, a new variation to the game called "arena ball" made its debut at a paintball field in California. Also known as speedball, it was a revolutionary addition to the world of paintball and an instant success.
This type of game was extremely fast-paced and usually lasted only three to four minutes at a time. The game required higher speed, and because of this, the 1990s soon saw a rise in demand for semi-automatic markers.
It was Tippman Pneumatics to release the first fully-automatic paintball gun: the Tippman SMG-60. Tippman remains among the most respected and well-distributed companies in the world today.
Accurate and fast to operate, these semi-automatic markers could generate very high rates of fire. However, semi-automatic electronic markers were heavy to carry. They were also considerably more expensive, making them not readily available to most players at the time.
Originally part of Kingman, Spyder Paintball made a name for itself by introducing a more affordable semi-automatic to the public. Known as the Kingman Spyder marker, an aluminum body made it much lighter than other semi-auto markers on the market.
Famous for their reliability, simple design, and ease of maintenance, these mechanical markers had high performance at a low cost. By doing this, Spyder significantly evened the playing field for those players on a tight budget.
Over time, the markers became more affordable and available on the market. Other brands started to manufacture them, and today there are several great speedball markers from which to choose.
The Paintball Patent Wars
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As the passion for paintball began the spread, it started to gain a more positive and safe reputation. More companies began to appear and take the opportunity in the sport, offering cheaper markers or specialized parts and gear.
While looking into the question of when was paintball invented, another milestone hit with the entry of electro-pneumatically operated markers.
Unlike pump markers, a circuit board controls power to electronic or electro-pneumatic markers with a 9-volt battery. The consistency is more accurate with a faster firing ratio due to the electric components.
In 2003, a company known as Smart Parts got a patent for paintball markers using an electro-pneumatic valve. Unfortunately, this also initiated a series of lawsuits regarding markers built during the pending patent period.
It also created a massive backlash against Smart Parts by many players of the game.
The event sent a shockwave through the industry, and several smaller manufacturers immediately ceased production of electronic markers.
Most high-end companies were less affected
However, for those companies that continued to make the electronic markers, the competition would only rise. Some of the remaining top-quality companies included Luxe Paintball, Planet Express, DYE, and many others.
Founded in 1994, DYE is one of the oldest companies in the sport. It manufactures a wide range of paintball equipment, as well as the popular Dye Rize line of markers. The goal of the company was to deliver reliable and dependable paintball guns and gear to all players.
A small England-originated company known as Planet Express became popular after creating what they called the Eblade board. This was a complete chip kit with the ability to convert any typical auto-cocker marker into an electronic one.
Today the company is now a leading manufacturer in electronic paintball markers such as the CS2 and the Etha 2.
DLX Technologies, also known as Luxe Paintball, amazed the world with its exclusive Luxe ICE, one of the best high-end paintball markers on the market. DLX designed its marker to be as customizable as possible and continuously updates to meet the demands of the players.
The Game of Paintball Today
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So now that we've answered your question of "When was paintball invented," let's go over the facts one last time before you head out into the field!
The very first game of paintball occurred in 1981.
When the game was first played, it was merely 12 friends trying to test who had the best survival skills only to become a world-known official sport in a matter of 2 years later.
Paintball has grown over the years, from outdoor and indoor fields to elaborate obstacles including custom scenarios and tactical gameplay. It has evolved into a highly competitive sport that comes in many different forms, ranging from small groups of friends to professional tournaments.
The game is now getting the attention it deserves and is a favorite recreational past-time for many people.
Did you enjoy learning about the history of this exciting, adrenaline-driven sport? Please let us know what you think in the comments below!
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GOG eXTCy Review
The GOG eXTCy is a fantastic value, coming in at a low price (see lowest price). It fires accurate shots with excellent speed, has a unique feedneck position, feels perfect and flat out looks cool. This marker is available in a multitude of colors and each has a high quality finish.
When you open up your GOG eXTCy box, you’ll find more than just the marker itself. There’s a nice looking and highly functional GOG carrying case, an instructional CD, an allen key set, a barrel stock and a spare parts kit. The carrying case is especially nice because it is small enough to transport with ease and contains detachable eye covers.
NOTE TO READER: The GOG eXTCy paintball marker has been discontinued. However, for an even more affordable price, you can still find them on eBay, which has been reflected by an updated link below. Furthermore, the new line of GOG paintball marker is known as the GOG eNMEy, which performs just as well as the discontinued model and looks nearly identical, albeit with a higher price tag. If you are still interested in purchasing a used GOG eXTCy paintball marker because you are on a tight budget, feel free to read the following review to learn all about it. If you need further assistance, you can visit the GOG website, which offers manuals, support, accessories and replacement parts should you need them. You can even contact GOG if you have questions.
Nevertheless, this paintball marker is still a steal considering its capabilities, light weight and accuracy in the field of play. You can still get hours of enjoyment running and gunning with it, all while proving to your friends that new and expensive doesn’t mean victory. If you need a reliable paintball marker for a low price or even as a backup to your primary marker, you can’t go wrong with the GOG eXTCy.
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The GOG eXTCy Design
While the GOG eXTCy looks fairly diminutive at first glance, its performance outmatches its moderate size. The marker’s body is made of metallic aluminum and it feels quite durable. It is built with a Max-Flow R vertical regulator that modifies how much pressure goes into the marker. The regulator never fails to provide accurate and reliable chronograph readings. The GOG eXTCy also has standard Anti Chop eyes to prevent chopping paintballs. The result is less time spent cleaning the marker and more time having fun in the thick of battle.
The barrel fairly short yet the two long handles with fully clasped grips allow ballers to establish and maintain a firm control of the marker no matter what type of playing scenarios arise. It really feels naturally when it’s in your hands. When you feel right holding your marker, you tend to have fun and that’s why we all started playing paintball in the first place. While it sounds a bit cheesy, the GOG eXTCy marker embodies the spirit of the game. The marker has a Q-lock Clamping feedneck, operates with either HPA or CO2 and is incredibly light even when loaded up with a stocked 4500 PSI loader. The GOG eXTCy’s superior user experience design is enough to justify the $250.
The GOG eXTCy’s Shooting Performance
When you take your first shots with the GOG eXTCy, you’ll notice that the marker and stock barrel feel very light and balanced compared to other paintball guns. Their steadiness really helps you rattle off shots with excellent accuracy. The pin mounted wave trigger is made of plastic and adjustable to 3 points, a severe deviation from the marker’s sister gun in the GOG eNVy. The eNVy has a straight line trigger. Each of the eXTCy’s firing modes works without a hitch and you’ll pop off shots at 17-20+ bps. Adjustable modes include 3 shot burst, semi automatic, fully automatic, BillyBall and PSP. There’s enough room for three of your fingers to fit into the gap and caress the trigger.
A pet peeve of most paintball players is a marker’s kickback. You’ll be happy to know that the GOG eXTCy has almost none and sometimes you’ll actually experience no kick at all. Of particular note is the marker’s lack of noise. When you’re firing off shots at a rapid pace you’ll hardly make a peep. It really is a stealthy marker so it has that cool factor that plenty of competing guns lack. You can use the eXTCy in your backyard, during practices or even in long lasting competitive tournaments and it’ll deliver the same consistent performance with virtually no backlash after trigger pulls. There’s no doubt that you’ll be pleased with this marker’s overall shooting performance. You’ll be hard pressed to find a marker this affordable that fires with a similar efficiency, comfort and consistency.
GOG eXTCy Maintenance And Care
Paintball experts will testify that the GOG eXTCy really offers a lot for the few hundred dollars that it costs. It is very simple to assemble and operate. When you initially unlock the board and set it up, it takes less than 10 minutes to get it ready for action. When you need to disassemble the gun to apply lube or make other alterations, it will only take a couple of minutes thanks to its friendly Bolt Out Back Design. If you need to clean the eyes, don’t fret. The eXTCy’s covers can be quickly removed.
GOG eXTCy Add Ons
You can customize the GOG eXTCy in a number of ways so there’s room to grow as your interest in the sport blossoms and your skill level ramps upwards. Once the stock barrel wears out, you’ll have a myriad of compatible options to choose from. Consider adding on a firebolt/17 bolt and a QEV to boost the marker’s speed. These additions can nearly double its efficiency.
GOG eXTCy Criticisms
For the most part, the GOG eXTCY will appeal to intermediate players. While the marker doesn’t provide the most accurate shot in the world, many pros still use it. In terms of cons, there aren’t many to speak of. Some players have complained that the marker’s S trigger isn’t as comfortable as the GOG eNVy’s straight line style trigger. High level tournament players tend to favor the straight line trigger. It is quite difficult to come up with any other slights for this marker. Some might prefer a gun that is larger and a bit longer but most will be content with the eXTCy’s compact size.
Conclusion
The GOG eXTCy should last at least a million shots or 5 years without any breakdowns. It comes with a 9V battery that will likely endure through around 25,000 shots. It is well worth the bargain basement price. The bottom line is that this is a fun marker to shoot no matter what type of paintball environment you play in. You won’t be disappointed with the GOG eXTCy.
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