We’re reviewing the best paintball accessories for amateur and professional paintballers. Learn about the very best sunglasses, armbands, gloves, helmets, goggles, and other paintball accessories on needs to practice this sport.
So, you’re trying to figure out how to make a paintball gun?
It’s quite simple if you know how it works and know where to look for parts. Since paintball guns work by forcing paintballs out a barrel with a burst of air pressure, it’s a quite simple mechanism.
Great paintball gun components exist in abundance, and they’re generally easy to put together because manufacturers make them that way. Also, working some DIY magic can go a long way.
So, how exactly do you make a paintball gun?
Since people can have different ideas of what “how to make a paintball gun” means, let’s begin with clearing this up. To some, it simply means building your ideal marker out of personally selected components.
Others may involuntarily begin to hum the McGyver theme song as they scramble for duct tape and gas canisters. Fortunately, we can give you the information on how to make a paintball gun in both these ways.
That leaves us with one unanswered question before we begin: How does a paintball gun work?
Image via: Pixabay
Paintball guns, also known as markers, consist of a handful of components. For example, there’s the barrel where the balls come out and the loader that feeds them into the barrel.
You may be wondering: What propels the paintballs out through the barrel?
In commercial paintball markers, canisters of compressed air or carbon dioxide cause a buildup of pressure when you pull the trigger. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, a valve opens and releases the force out the barrel, taking the paintball with it.
Markers achieve this in a few different ways. The original designs, known these days as stock-class markers, operate like simple pump or bolt-action guns.
Just like in the world of firearms, modern semi-automatic paintball guns vary in how they achieve the semi-auto result. Blowbacks and double-action designs are only two of the various designs.
Additionally, there are electronic (or electro-pneumatic) markers that use electric signals to trigger a simpler and faster firing mechanism without any big moving parts. These offer various firing modes, higher rates of fire, and other special features.
However, they cost significantly more, and they don’t work with CO2 tanks. Also, they don’t have the same near-universal compatibility found in most mechanical marker components. And there are greater risks of malfunction.
Still, electronic ones tend to be more gas-efficient, and they’re quieter. Since both have their strength and weaknesses, hybrid guns are also a viable option.
Due to these various differences, the general price range is vast. High-end markers cost a lot. Learning how to make a paintball gun means you can replace and modify components to achieve better results affordably.
Image via: Pixabay
While proper paintball markers are rather elaborate machines, a simple paintball gun is a surprisingly simple build you can make at home. However, there’s always a risk when playing with high-pressure mechanisms, so proceed at your own risk.
So, we’ve established that a paintball gun works by propelling the balls with a pressure tank. With this understanding, we can look at how to make a paintball gun using cheap and common materials.
What all guns and gun-like objects have in common is a barrel where the projectile emerges. For a DIY paintball gun, you can either buy or reuse a proper paintball barrel, or you can improvise with cheap options.
PVC piping is a good candidate, as are other pipes. However, the internal diameter is a crucial factor. Paintballs are 0.68 caliber, which means they’re 0.68 inches or 1.72 centimeters across.
A good barrel will be ever-so-slightly wider so that the ball can shoot out but won’t roll on its own. If it’s too wide, the pressure will disperse around the ball. As a result, the shot will be weaker and less accurate.
Since cheap paintballs can be somewhat uneven in size and shape, too wide is better than too narrow. Otherwise, paintballs may jam the barrel or burst inside it.
To test a barrel’s width, drop a paintball into it. If it rolls out, there’s too much space. You should be able to blow it out of the pipe easily, though. Otherwise, it’s too tight.
You can also get some thicker pipe to use as a handle. Also, you can fashion such piping into stocks and various accessories.
The main part of a homemade paintball gun is its pressure chamber. You can make one out of a plastic water bottle, or any similar item made out of plastic or metal. What matters is that it’s airtight. Otherwise, pressure won’t increase.
Accumulating this pressure and controlling its release is the main challenge of how to make a paintball gun from scratch. Let’s look at two simple methods.
The first one’s safe and easy and doesn’t require any external fuel. Think bottle rocket.
For this, you’ll need a pump like the ones used for bike tires or soccer balls. You can either add a proper nozzle to your McGyver paintball gun or attach the pump itself.
Now, you’ll also need a PVC valve between the barrel and pressure chamber. Otherwise, the pressure would dissipate before reaching the required levels. Keep in mind that pumping too much air into the chamber can make it explode.
Since pumping up the gun takes time and releasing the valve isn’t as elegant as pulling a trigger, let’s look at a more powerful build. If you’re familiar with potato cannons, you’ll recognize this concept.
Although this design does involve internal combustion of gas, it’s safe if you do it right. The basic idea is that you spray aerosol into the tank, seal it, and then give it a spark.
Since the pressure burst is almost instantaneous, you won’t need a proper valve. Instead, you can make the start of the barrel narrower so that the ball itself seals it.
What you will need is a BBQ lighter. Ones with bendy barrels are the most practical.
An important question related to how to make a paintball gun is what tools you’ll need. Thankfully, you won’t need much.
A drill with bits of different diameters is useful but not essential. A knife is a must, but the exact kind isn’t important as long as it’s sharp and reliable. To hold things together, hot glue and strong tape are ideal.
Let’s begin with the pressure tank. First, you need to make a hole in the cap for the barrel or valve. Next, insert the barrel system and fasten it with your glue or tape.
You’ll also need a hole for your pressure source. For the hand-pumped design, you can place the hole wherever the pump will allow for comfortable use.
For the lighter-based solution, you’ll want the hole in a spot where the lighter’s body and button can serve as a comfortable trigger. This video will help you with how to make a paintball gun.
Now, this is a rudimentary design that’s not suitable for actual paintball games. Of course, you can add more features like a hopper and paintball detents to improve the rate of fire and general functionality.
Remember to wear suitable protective gear. And never point your paintball gun at anyone who isn’t wearing it.
Image via: Pixabay
If you want to learn how to make a paintball gun with that does all the things you need for intense games, it’s best to go with proper gear. First of all, it’s much safer, and you’ll get better results.
If you want full functionality, you need all the features. And they must be up to par, although you can sometimes incorporate some affordable alternative solutions with the right know-how
The main problem with the primitive paintball gun we described earlier is that it’s slow to load, and the paintballs can roll out of the barrel. Let’s look at all the features that make paintball markers work how you expect.
The main component is the body. This is the central, gun-like structure that holds the trigger. Since everything else connects to the body, it determines which parts are compatible. So, choose carefully.
Then, there’s the barrel, which can greatly affect your accuracy. Also, you’ll need detents. These simple structures prevent the balls from rolling out the pipe when you’re not firing.
Next up is the hopper or loader. This is the equivalent of a gun’s magazine, and it feeds paintballs into the barrel.
You’ll need gas or air tanks too. If you’re serious about paintball, a remote kit is worth looking into. These let you carry gas tanks on your body, making the marker lighter and more mobile.
For good accuracy, you’ll also want a regulator. This component helps to ensure that each shot has the same force. Make sure its pressure rating matches that of your marker.
Sights are very helpful when you take aim. However, scopes are a redundant gimmick. No legal paintball marker shoots straight or far enough to benefit from a scope.
Since this is the core of your marker, this decisions is the most crucial step of how to make a paintball gun. While there are too many varieties to delve into, they all fall under a few basic categories.
First of all, there are mechanical and electronic designs. Electronic ones generally have higher rates of fire.
Also, you have a choice between semi-automatic fire or bolt/pump action. There’s a variety of mechanisms, so you’ll want to do your research before deciding.
While stock options are the most convenient, you can also assemble your ideal marker with slight modifications. Trigger frames, bolts, and valves are examples of pieces you may want to customize.
The length of your barrel has an effect on your range and accuracy. So does its material. Plus, your own preferences regarding weight and general feel play a significant role.
Since paintballs do vary slightly, you’ll want to carefully match your barrel and paintballs of choice. It’s wise to ask around among enthusiasts first. Also, getting the right threading will affect your range and consistency.
The easiest way to get this right is to get a barrel kit. These make your marker more versatile and help future-proof it. You can simply match your barrel to the current need.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the traditional fuel of mechanical paintball guns. It’s convenient because a small tank of liquid CO2 will expand into lots of gas and provide plenty of pressure.
However, this reaction has a cooling effect, which slows down the evaporation. That translates to pressure loss with rapid fire. This is fine with mechanical markers on warm days, but it may pose problems in other conditions.
Therefore, people started using compressed air. You may also know it as HPA or Nitro. Air doesn’t have pressure loss problems, so it’s more consistent. Moreover, some modern markers only accept air.
On the other hand, air tanks are bulkier and more expensive than CO2 tanks. However, they may be cheaper in the long run since you can often get unlimited refills.
When choosing a hopper, it may be tempting to get the largest one available. Keep in mind that this will make your marker heavier and may affect your aim. Find a good balance of weight and ball count.
Hopper types can affect performance significantly. For stock-class markers, you need a stick-fed loader. Other types allow for various modern designs.
Gravity-fed hoppers are a simple and cheap solution. They usually work well with mechanical markers, but less so with electronic ones. Sometimes, paintballs jam in the tube. Also, they limit your rate of fire.
If you’re serious about paintball, you’ll want a force-feed or agitating hopper. These designs have mechanisms that provide a faster, more consistent feed.
You can get very high rates of fire with these. However, they require electricity or sometimes a gas feed. Since they all vary, you’ll want to read up on specific models.
Although there are several parts, assembling a paintball gun is quick and easy. As long as you get compatible parts, that is.
The barrel screws into the front of the body with the hopper just above it. Next, your gas tank or tube plugs into a socket that’s usually on the bottom of the stock.
Now you know how to make a paintball gun both with high-end components and from scrap materials. Your dream paintball marker build is within reach.
Please be safe and use this knowledge responsibly. And enjoy your new paintball gun.
Have you ever made a paintball gun? Let us know in the comment section below!
Featured Image Source: Pixabay
One of the favorite past-times amongst many people is paintball. Some have taken it to the next level and made it a sport.
The popularity of paintball has spread across the world so much that some organizations have established several national and regional leagues.
What evolved from being a concept to use a marker for trees has evolved out of the woods and made a home on playing grounds.
The popularity of paintball has established an industry of more than 10 million participants and dubbed the second biggest Extreme Sport - skateboarding being the first. (1)
The three forms of paintball are woodsball, speedball, and scenario paintball. To ensure optimal fun and safety, the right gear is essential for paintballers to participate. Our list contains the essential items to play paintball.
Commonly referred to as a paintball gun, the marker propels the paintballs toward the target. One of the key features of a paintball marker is the compressed air tank. Some markers have a Co2 tank.
Without the compressed air or Co2 tank, the bolt will not cycle, making the marker useless.
High-quality markers can propel paintballs at 300 feet per second, though the paintball cannot retain that speed for a long period. (1)
Most marker manufacturers make the bodies from aluminum to reduce the gun’s weight and feature custom milling and color anodizing. The most common markers feature a body, compressed air tank, barrel, and hopper. (2)
The three types of markers that exist are pump, mechanically operated, and electro-pneumatic. (2)
Unless you want a paintball to splatter in your eyes, then you should wear a mask while playing.
Paintball masks protect your face. A paintball hitting your body might cause a bruise, but hitting your eyes can blind you. Numerous paintball masks exist on the market, but paintballers need to ensure that theirs contains a few essential features.
Although masks are meant to protect your face, it’s also supposed to provide you with good vision. Ensure that your mask comes with an anti-fog feature, as well as thermal design lenses.
Some masks cover only your face, and others cover your entire head. Being able to hear is essential while playing paintball, so make sure that you can hear properly since different models provide different hearing levels. One of the things that affect the player’s hearing is the extra padding near the ear on the mask to protect it from injury by the paintball. (3)
Most masks contain foam padding to increase the player’s comfort on their face and helps with protection from the paintball. Some masks allow you to replace the foam since it gets blighted and disfigures due to constant absorption of sweat.
Visors on a mask are an additional feature but help to keep the sun out of your eyes, as well as prevent rain from dripping into the vents of the mask.
Other features that paintballers should look at to optimize their experience are scratch resistance, sturdiness and fog resistance.
Although a paintballer can play in a t-shirt and shorts, getting the proper attire to play is essential for several reasons.
The most recommended attire for paintball is to wear a camouflage jumpsuit. Since most paintball terrains are dusty and situated in forests, a paintballer will benefit the most from a suit that blends into the environment.
Apart from enabling the paintballer to disguise him or herself, high-quality overalls provide layers of protection. The overall contains padding that alleviates the impact when the paintballs hit the player.
A proper overall covers the entire body of the player but is also big enough for the player to wear their regular clothing as the first layer.
Besides protecting your body, a good overall is also easy to wash. Having a paintball splatter on your regular clothes might be difficult to clean with some fabrics, whereas a paintball overall is much easier to clean when stained.
After you’ve selected a proper marker, mask, and overalls, the crucial ingredient that remains is the paintballs. Players have a choice between various ammo, allowing the player to select the quality and size. Choosing the wrong ammo could lead to players losing the game.
Each marker is best suited with unique paintballs. Getting the optimal experience from the ammo means choosing the ones that are best suited to the type of game that you’re going to play.
A paintball’s gelatin shell should break upon impact, though ricochet may occur.
Most regular competitors will settle for standard ammo, but professionals will consider the cost, durability, caliber, quality, color, and efficiency.
High-quality paintballs cost more than regular ones. The standard caliber of a paintball is 0.63 while others are 0.43 and 0.71. (4) The durability of the paintball is important since the outer shell should be thick and tough to ensure that it doesn’t break on the impact of the bolt.
The type of game that you play will determine the color of the paintball. Playing woodsball amongst green trees would require bright neon shades of paint. The efficiency determines how far the paintball can go and its accuracy.
Some of the best paintballs are Valkan Infinity, Vasken, RPS Empire Marbalizer, May Vary, and JT GI Splatmaster. (4)
One of the final components is the vest. Mostly, professionals make use of a vest. A paintball vest provides the player with additional padding and enables convenient storage of ammo and other items such as radios and maps.
Players who choose to wear vests should ensure that they can easily breathe with it on, that it has adjustable shoulders and side straps, a mesh hydration bladder pouch, and several pockets.
Without the essential gear mentioned above, paintball won’t be a fun experience and could result in injury. Rather be safe than sorry by ensuring that you have all the necessary gear. After all, paintball is supposed to be a fun experience, not a risky task.
The better you’re prepared, the more fun you’ll have.
If you’re searching for a Piranha paintball gun review, it’s probably because you’re looking for a good paintball gun for beginners. Maybe you’d like to give paintball a try, but you don’t quite feel ready for a Tippman just yet.
Piranha is known for making paintball guns that are quite a bit cheaper than some of the higher-end brands on the market.
But of course, we all know you get what you pay for. Can Piranha stand toe to toe with some of the bigger paintball brands? Or do they fail to meet expectations? And who exactly is Piranha as a brand anyway?
Image via: Flickr
Piranha is a brand that’s been making paintball guns since 1981. They’re well-known for making affordable alternatives to some of the more expensive guns you’ll find on the market. Almost every Piranha paintball gun review you read will agree that these are among the best paintball guns you can find in this price range.
Along with their affordability, they’re also highly upgradeable. You can easily add sights, barrels, grips, and whatever else you need to suit your play style. Additionally, these guns can run on either CO2 or high-pressure air.
Piranha has a few different models to choose from. These include the Pirhana R6, the Piranha Enforce EXT, and the ever-popular Piranha GTI.
In truth, all of these models are very similar outside of a few minor upgrades and variations. One thing they all have in common is their reliability. For the most part, you can trust these guns to do exactly what you want them to do.
Please note that these products are currently unavailable on Amazon. Alternatively, you can find the Piranha R6, the Piranha Enforce EXT, and Piranha GTI on eBay.
Image via: Flickr
Obviously, there are a few other things you need to know in a Piranha paintball gun review. Here are some other useful facts that will help you make a decision.
Of course, this is what you really want to know. In terms of performance, Piranha gets the job done. It has decent range and accuracy. The rate of fire isn’t bad either. In general, you can get 15 to 20 shots in about 5 seconds. You can expect a Piranha paintball gun to be very lightweight and durable as well. Overall, it’s a very dependable gun.
The most common word you’ll see in any Piranha paintball gun review is “average.” It’s a very solid product that does what you need it to do. However, it doesn’t necessarily excel in any particular area. Overall, this is its one major downfall.
A Piranha paintball gun doesn’t require too much maintenance to use.
In fact, it’s pretty easy. Cleaning it is a very simple task, and it doesn’t need too much oil either. A person could easily access every component of the gun in less than five minutes. Nearly every Piranha paintball gun review we researched mentions how easy it is to maintain.
However, there is one big drawback. Many reviewers report this gun chewing through O-rings. More than likely, you’ll have to replace them on a fairly regular basis. You might also have to oil the O-rings after each game to prevent them from scratching the inside of the gun. In terms of maintenance, this is its only real flaw.
This gun can be used by virtually anyone, regardless of their skill level. That said, almost every Piranha paintball gun review will agree that it’s best suited for beginners.
It’s a very basic gun that doesn’t require a ton of maintenance. That makes it a good place to start for new paintball players. It’s also very affordable compared to most of the top paintball guns on the market.
But once again, Piranha doesn’t shine in any particular area. Because of this, more experienced paintball enthusiasts might want to look elsewhere. That being said, there are still many intermediate to advanced paintballers who were perfectly happy with this gun.
Most customers were very happy with these guns. In fact, nearly every Piranha paintball gun review mentioned that these are excellent products for the price. Almost everyone agrees that these are some of the best paintball guns you can find for this price.
More specifically, customers loved how lightweight and durable they are. It’s often described as a reliable gun that’s great for beginners.
Nonetheless, there were a few complaints. Several people had issues with the gun staying cocked. They often had to recock the gun in the middle of shooting. Some customers also dealt with technical issues on rare occasions.
That said, most customers were satisfied with their purchase. The Piranha GTI currently has 4.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Image via: Flickr
For these reviews, we used Amazon as our main source of information. The products’ official websites were also used when available. Also, our opinions were mostly informed by customer reviews from Amazon.
When reviewing these products, we chose to focus on a few different things. These include features, durability, ease of maintenance, accuracy, power, and rate of fire. Price was also a major factor in these reviews.
Image via: Flickr
Of course, no Piranha paintball gun review would be complete without looking at the competition. Let’s see how they measure up against some of the top paintball guns on the market.
The Tippman Cronus is among the most popular paintball guns in the world today. This gun is well-known for combining high durability with a MilSim body. It features an internal gas line and a high-impact composite body.
It also has a vertical grip, a ported barrel, and several Picatinny rails. That makes it simple to modify, and a person could easily customize it however they wish. On top of all this, the Mega Set also comes with an anti-fog paintball mask and 200 round gravity fed loader.
Generally speaking, customers have absolutely loved this gun. They said it’s very powerful and highly accurate. It’s also durable and doesn’t require too much maintenance.
Unfortunately, a few people weren’t impressed with the CO2 tank. Several customers complained about it leaking. Others also said the mask that comes with it is uncomfortable. On top of that, the gun was a bit too heavy for some customers.
This gun does cost quite a bit more than the Piranha paintball gun. However, this is a case of getting what you pay for.
In this case, your decision will be based on your budget. Technically speaking, the Tippman Cronus is a better gun. But you have to ask yourself if you can really afford it. Customers gave this gun 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Please note that this gun is in low stock on Amazon, but it is available on eBay.
The Kingman Spyder Victor is another affordable alternative to some of the higher priced paintball guns out there. It uses an air-efficient EKO valve system that can shoot up to 1,500 shots from a 20-ounce CO2 tank. They claim this is the best air source efficiency on the paintball market today.
This gun also has a high-impact polymer clamping feed neck and a tool-free striker plug design. Additionally, it features a no-slip rubber grip panel.
Many customers were pleasantly surprised by how good this gun is considering the price. Several of them described it as one of the best paintball guns for beginners. They loved how light it is, and they said it’s deceptively fast and powerful.
However, there is one very big complaint about this gun. Lots of customers had problems with the screws coming loose. Of course, this naturally leads to the rest of the gun falling apart. More than a few people had this happen the very first time they tried to use it.
The Kingman Spyder Victor is more or less comparable to a Piranha paintball gun in terms of price. It might even be a little cheaper.
Unfortunately, this gun simply doesn’t have the same level of quality. Even if you’re a beginner that wants to save some cash, you’re better off sticking with a Piranha. The Kingman Spyder Victor has 3.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The Empire Mini GS is an updated version of the excellent Empire Mini. It only requires two hex wrenches for all the screws, which makes it very easy to put together. This gun also features a pressure-controlled poppet engine and integrated break-beam anti-chop eyes.
Additionally, you can choose between multiple firing modes, including PSP and MILL. Other features include a wrap-around foregrip, a venting ASA regulator with an on/off switch, and a micro-honed, ported aluminum barrel.
Most customers were very happy with this gun. In particular, they loved how small and lightweight it is. It’s an especially appropriate gun for people with smaller hands. Customers also appreciated how fast and powerful it is.
Complaints were few and far between. However, some people did have trouble with it leaking air from the solenoid. Also, some customers said they received defective products that stopped working within a very short amount of time.
While this is a very good gun, it’s also much more expensive than a Piranha paintball gun. You’ll be spending some serious cash with this one.
Once again, price will be the main deciding factor. The Empire Mini GS Marker is a great paintball gun, but many people simply won’t be able to afford it. By contrast, the Piranha paintball gun is much cheaper and a better choice for beginners. It has 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Again, this item is in low stock on Amazon. You can find it on eBay instead.
The Tippman 98 Custom Ultra Basic is another excellent paintball gun from Tippman. This gun is a semi-automatic marker. One thing that makes it stand out is how easy it is to upgrade. It features a Picatinny rail on the top that makes it easy to add a scope or a carry handle.
It also has a split receiver design that allows you to access its internal components for further customization. On top of all this, it features anti-chop technology that helps prevent paint breakage.
Customers loved how easy it is to customize this gun. They also thought it was a great all-around product in general. Many described it as fast, powerful, and accurate. Overall, it’s very reliable.
The only major problem is its durability. Several customers had problems with it breaking while they were using it. That isn’t something you want to happen after spending this much money.
Speaking of price, the Tippman 98 Custom is, once again, quite a bit more expensive than a Piranha paintball gun. By now, you see where this is going.
The Tippman 98 Custom is a good choice if you want something you can easily customize. But if you want a good gun without spending a lot of money, stick with a Piranha paintball gun instead. This gun has 3.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Now that you’ve read this Piranha paintball gun review, you have an idea of what to expect from this brand. Piranha makes good guns that are very affordable.
In fact, one could say these are some of the best paintball guns you’ll find in this price range. They’re accurate, they’re lightweight, and they’re easy to maintain.
That said, there’s nothing especially spectacular about these guns. In truth, you might consider getting something that’s higher quality if you can afford it.
But if you’re a beginner that’s looking for a good gun to introduce you to the sport of paintball, then a Piranha paintball might be exactly what you need.
What kind of paintball gun do you use during your game? Have you consulted another Piranha paintball gun review that led to different results? Let us know in the comments!
If you are new to the world of paintball, you may have heard that you'll need a paintball marker. But what is a paintball marker and why do you need it?
Like all sports, players have to wear protective gear and use the right equipment to play. Players use various equipment in a paintball game. And each piece of gear is necessary, but the essential part of this equipment will be your paintball marker.
Image via Pixabay
To put it simply, a paintball marker is the gun you use in the game of paintball. The terms “paintball gun” and “paintball marker” are interchangeable.
So now you know: What is a paintball marker? But why is a paintball gun called a paintball marker? If you find yourself asking this question, then you've come to the right place!
There's a reason behind the name.
When asking what is a paintball marker, we look to the mid-sixties. In that time, a man named Charles Nelson was asked to design a device that would help foresters. What he invented was the paintball marker.
The original design of the paintball marker was initially used to mark trees or livestock rather than people. It would save foresters and ranchers time by giving them the ability to mark from a distance.
Years later, Nelson decided that he might have more success if he sold his paintball marker as a toy. At the time, BB guns were popular, so he contacted the air-soft company, Daisy, to construct the first paintball marker.
After seeing the paintball marker in a catalog, a man named Bob Gurnsey and his friends set out to settle an arguement — could a novice survive in combat against a trained hunter?
Testing their theory, they invited six woodsmen to compete in a game of capture the flag against six untrained players. All players were equipped with maps, whistles, and paintball markers.
The first paintball game occurred on June 7, 1981, in the New Hampshire woods. Incidentally, the winner of this first-ever game didn't fire a single shot. Instead, he stealthily collected all the flags to win.
One of the other participants wrote an article about the experience for Sports Illustrated. This instantly made the game famous and brought paintball to a whole new generation of players, and they subsequently shaped the sport into the paintball we know and play today.
What is a paintball marker? It's the beginning of the paintball game itself.
Now that we've answered your question of "What is a paintball marker?" let's learn about the different types.
Paintball markers come in many styles, and the type of gun can influence your game. Whether you are buying your gun or renting one from the field, there are a few things to consider.
The first and most important thing for you to know is what type of marker to use.
With so many options on the market, there is a paintball gun for every type of gameplay and skill level. However, every kind of marker comes with its unique pros and cons.
Even though there are dozens of models, paintball markers can be broken down into three defining types.
Easy to maintain, mechanical paintball guns are the most common marker in recreational games. They are available at most sporting stores and the best choice for those just getting started in the sport.
Mechanical markers are typically semi-automatic, which means they fire one shot per trigger pull. The pulled trigger releases a bolt which propels forward, pushing the paintball into the barrel. Once the ball is in place, the valve opens, allowing air to go through to fire the gun.
These guns require little maintenance beyond regular usage cleaning. However, mechanical markers may not be as accurate as a pump-action gun. The amount of air propelling the paintball varies and sometimes makes the speed of the ball inconsistent.
The best thing about mechanical guns is that they are usually significantly cheaper than other types of markers, which makes them readily available for most players.
A great example of a top-quality mechanical paintball marker is the Tippmann 98 Custom Ultra Basic. The credibility of this gun shows with an impressive rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars at Dick's Sporting Goods.
Accurate and fast to operate, electronic markers are lightweight and can generate very high rates of fire.
Unlike mechanical, a circuit board controls power this type of marker with a 9-volt battery. The trigger pull communicates with the circuit board telling the gun to fire.
Electronic guns also use regulators to assure consistent firing. With the circuit boards programmable, it's easy to maintain and customize the marker's firing modes.
One downside is that electronic markers cost considerably more than mechanical markers and are not as readily available.
Besides price, another drawback to using an electronic marker is that they require more maintenance. This makes regular cleaning more complicated than that of a mechanical gun.
They're also more difficult to disassemble. Any significant repair should always be done by a professional, which is why electronic paintball markers are typically for seasoned players more than new players.
If the idea of using an electronic marker has caught your interest then check out the Empire Paintball Mini GS Marker. Its reliability and accuracy have rewarded it with an excellent 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
A pump marker is one of the oldest paintball styles in existence. They are the most basic and the most reliable.
It is also the only type of marker with a pump trigger. You have to manually pull the pump backward and forward to set the next paintball between each shot.
The biggest drawback can be the rate of fire because it entirely relies on you.
Players who choose to play pump must learn how to use tactics over speed since they have to make every shot count. Many seasoned players like returning to pump markers for this reason.
Pumps are often the most accurate markers available and offer a fun alternative to the game.
A legendary example model of the sport is the Empire Sniper. The marker's reliability and optimal performance are apparent, with a high rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Now that we've gone over "What is a paintball marker?" and the different types of markers available, what paintball is right for you?
Your choice of paintball marker can make or break your game.
First, you must choose which type of game you want to play. Like your equipment, there are many different paintball fields, and there is a marker best suited for each game. So you will want to choose a marker that complements your skills and helps your gameplay.
All paintball games are categorized into two unique styles: woodsball and speedball.
Photo by Muhammad Taufik via Unsplash
Woodsball is the original form of the sport and is usually played outdoors. These games depend on the terrain, and the pace of the game is moderately slow. They can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to hours, to even days, depending on the style of game.
There is a wide range of playing styles in woodsball, which allows you room to choose and customize your marker. You can play aggressively, or you may find that you prefer the more tactical way to defeat your opponents more appealing.
Either way, you want to focus on choosing a marker that can fire long distances. The wooded fields are large, and players get spaced out, so you are typically far from your target. Accuracy is also essential in this style due to all the trees, bunkers, and brush you have to shoot around.
And what is a paintball marker good for if it can't hit your mark?
The most common markers for woodsball are typically the semi-automatic mechanical or the classic pump-action guns. Both of these markers have a long firing range and excellent accuracy.
Image via Pixabay
As the name suggests, speedball is all about speed. Unlike woodsball, this type of game is extremely fast-paced and usually lasts around three to four minutes at a time.
Yes, it's that fast!
In speedball, you'll have to move very quickly to get the perfect angle on your opponents as they take cover behind specially designed bunkers. The fields are usually smaller, and the play style more aggressive.
If you plan on playing speedball, you must have a gun that will respond quickly. Electronic markers are for speed. They are efficient and much faster than mechanical or pump-action guns.
Therefore, electronic markers are an excellent choice and best suited in games of speedball.
via Giphy
Your first paintball marker is a significant investment. And while these devices are all paintball guns, the term paintball marker comes from the early history of paintball. Additionally, the term "marker" might be less controversial than saying "gun" when describing the game of paintball to those who don't play.
So the next time someone asks the question: "What is a paintball marker," you can tell them it's the most essential piece of equipment in the game.
Which term do you prefer using when referring to paintball? Please let us know by leaving a comment below!
Airsoft sniper rifles are popular because of their ability to hit targets over long distances. Their mechanics allow for amazing accuracy over great lengths. In most cases, their distance is just over 100 yards, which is incredible regarding airsoft weaponry.
There are many advantages when looking for airsoft guns, including the massive distance they can fire across. These types of guns feature long barrels that enable them to have excellent precision compared to small airsoft guns. For a gun to qualify as a viable sniper, it has to be effective at about a hundred yards. A proper sniper rifle can change the dynamic of play completely, as long as the area is sufficient.
Any good rifle can be used with an optic scope, but sniper rifles are in a class of their own. Many are designed to resemble a real rifle to give you a realistic experience. However, it can take some time getting used to airsoft sniper rifles if you’ve never operated a real gun before.
Primarily, you’ll want to look for wide, open spaces where you can pick off opponents. It’s important to remember to stay out of the middle of these spaces yourself, so you can get out the gunfire while avoid getting hit.
Similar to your regular airsoft rifle, airsoft snipers are made up of three different types of weaponry. You’ll find that many regular airsoft guns are gas blowback or an automatic electric gun. Beneath we’ve listed the main types of airsoft sniper rifles, factors you can expect to find, and the differences between each kind.
Airsoft guns powered by springs use energy stored within the spring to compress air before launching a pellet to the target. To operate this type of rifle, you must cock a spring gun before each shot. Doing this requires some physical effort where you pull back the pistols or the shotgun’s gun to ensure the gun is ready to fire. As spring sniper rifles are mainly used for gaming, they generally offer ultra high-powered precision.
Bear in mind that this type of rifle is usually weaker than gas or electric models, although that doesn’t mean they lack power altogether. Most rifles can attain a firing speed of 500 fps, but operating the gun requires cocking the gun prior to every shot. As a result, this can actually make the difference between shooting someone else or you getting shot. But, other types of sniper rifles don’t require this action.
There’s also a consideration that cocking the gun each time doesn’t have a realistic approach, and spring-powered guns generally shoot at low speeds. This can less accuracy, and the gun doesn’t perform at its best when it's raining or windy outside. On the plus side, these guns can fire endlessly as you don’t need to use ammunition.
Gas blowback rifles are the most popular types of rifles on the market probably because they’re the most realistic airsoft guns. They’re a semi-automatic type of gun that uses green gas or CO2 for its power source. This compressed air is then used to release the BB from the chamber without having to cock the slide every time. There are several models of gas blowback rifles that can all be fired at the same time that you release the trigger.
Gas-powered rifles are an improvement from spring guns because they have better power and speeds of around 300 fps. With this increased power, it means you can accurately shoot your target and reach a much farther distance too. Made from full metal, they’re durable and look realistic, but they don’t perform well in cold conditions. Also, once the gas runs out, the game is over as you can’t pause the game to refill with gas.
Electric rifles are mainly powered by an 8.4v battery and manly feature a full metal body and reinforced metal internals which makes these types of rifles the most expensive. Most AEG rifles are designed for high performance and intense power, so many of the brands can cost twice as much as the two options above.
There are many advantages to choosing an electric rifle. You can recharge their batteries, which can save you a huge amount of money, and they generally perform well in an array of temperatures. By shooting at speeds of 500 fps, they’re durable and great for intense games. You can also increase the amount of time playing by carrying an extra battery pack, though if you’re forgetful, this could be a major disadvantage for you.
Before you choose what rifle is best for you. It's important to take all of the variables of these types of weapons into consideration.
The various factors are especially important. And can affect how you make your decision quite a lot when picking the best airsoft sniper rifle.
Depending on the situations you prefer during games, you’ll want to pick certain weapons for their strengths. For example, a gas blowback rifle is good for large open spaces. But you can use an AEG for shorter distances if you still prefer to snipe.
For an airsoft sniper, you’ll require a rifle with a long barrel, high FPS and excellent accuracy. The best types are usually non-electric and feature a single-shot design. For airsoft support gunners, you’ll generally require an automatic airsoft gun with a high rate of fire and large capacity. Gunners tend to spray hundreds of pellets in one hot, so it’s important that your weapon can fire bursts that are accurate.
An airsoft rifleman makes up the majority of the squad and will require an airsoft sniper that can target over 100 feet while still targeting close subjects. The best type of gun for this player are semi-automatic as they can target many ranges. Finally, an airsoft team leader will need one of the highest-quality rifles you can purchase. This should have a rapid-fire system and be either semi or fully automatic.
FPS or ‘feet per second’ is another important variable when making your decision.
Sniper rifles should have at least 400 FPS to be able to be used for this position. This is especially important, as you’ll be using heavier pellets because of your position as a sniper. If you intend on sniping, then the higher this bigger, the better.
If your rifle doesn’t have this amount of power it’s unlikely you’ll be able to pick off opponents at long-distance.
You can also opt for lighter pellets if conditions are calm, allowing you to shoot farther. If a gust of wind does whip up, however, any shots you make will be sent off-track.
Optics are essential to fulfill your role as a sniper. The best guns can’t help you hit a target without the aid of a scope. It’s best to get a rifle that allows you to remove your scope so that you can replace it with one that you prefer if you don’t like the original.
It’s always important to dial in your scope before you start a match! Trying to do this in the thick of combat will give your position away as you’ll most likely have to practice multiple shots before you find the right settings. When shooting, it’s much better to aim for the center of the target’s body. When shopping for scopes, you should aim for products that give you a range of 150-200 yards.
For close distances, consider a 1x red dot sight, but for longer distances, a 4x or 3-9x scope would be perfect. When you’re playing outdoors, your targets will be much farther away compared to indoors, so you should consider the amount of wind and elevation needed.
As well as the normal itinerary that helps you in your duties as a marksman, there are also certain accessories that you can use to assist your gameplay.
The most notable of these is a sling, which gives you quick access to your sidearm without having to drop your rifle. This is useful in circumstances where someone gets the jump on you and you have to deal with the situation as quickly as possible.
Bipods are another great addition, allowing you to stabilize your shooting (as long as you have something to rest it on). Consider what type of accessories come with your airsoft rifle, and which ones you can buy to enhance your game.
A budget should definitely come into the equation since there’s a range of prices for all airsoft snipers. Spending a lot of money doesn’t necessarily mean you’re purchasing the best airsoft sniper rifle as this unit might not be great for your skills. With that being said, we don’t suggest purchasing the cheapest rifle you can find, but there are many high-quality versions you can purchase, even if you’re on a budget.
We want you to be as comfortable as possible while holding your airsoft rifle which is why you should consider the unit’s weight. Although it might seem more fun and realistic to run with a heavy gun, these can become too heavy to handle for most airsoft players. But if you’re a beginner, we suggest opting for a versatile lightweight model so that it’s comfortable and reliable for you to use.
Here we are going to look at three of the best airsoft rifles available. We have chosen these for their immediate appeal and great features that we think you’ll love.
Product | Image | Details | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Airsoft Sniper Rifle |
| a fantastic spring action rifle with a realistic bolt-action design | ||
UTG Accushot Competition Shadow Ops Best Airsoft Sniper Rifle |
| a unique, designed to use in the cold | ||
H&K HK Sl9 AEG Best Airsoft Sniper Rifle |  | a perfect rifle for short fields and light to boot |
The Bbtac Bt-96 is a fantastic spring action rifle with a realistic bolt-action design.
As long as you’re able to stay on top of the spring. The Bbtac bt-96 is good to go and it comes with some great accessories out of the box, including a bipod and an optic scope.
The Bbtac bt-96 has an FPS rating of 400 with .20 ammunition which is considered to be on the low side. But it's good for someone who is undecided on their role as a sniper. Consider that this high-quality unit is constructed from heavy-duty materials to provide a solid weight and feel, and create a realistic look. By featuring a lengthy tight-bore barrel, adjustable hop-up, and high-quality bolt action spring system, this sniper provides excellent accuracy and power.
The magazines for this rifle can take some getting used. But this is easily overlooked with some practice. All in all, we consider the Bbtac bt-96 a brilliant entry-level rifle.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Good | $$$ |
UTG's Accushot is perfect if you’ve decided to take up sniping seriously.
This brilliant rifle also comes with a bipod and extra magazines, which can be a lifesaver if you get caught in the thick of it.
Unfortunately, the Accushot does not come with a scope. But this is a small concession to make for such a great gun (many players will prefer to find their scopes anyway). The Accushot is also unique, and designed to be used in the cold, which is apparent in its oversized bolt. This is easily operable regardless of whether you wear heavy gloves or not.
The magazines that come with the rifle are equipped with a spring-loaded assist, making them easy to load. The Accushot is a good pick for the budding sniper, and the only real issue we can see is the need to buy a scope.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Good | $ |
If you’re planning to take on opponents at a shorter distance, then the h&k HK sl9 AEG works beautifully. It has a monstrous FPS of 430-440, which means it has some serious kick to it, and the fully automatic mode is great for saturating play areas with gunfire.
However, this model has no battery, bipod or scope. While this might seem disadvantageous, finding all the right pieces for the perfect marker is what most players cherish.
The noise the h&k HK makes can be compensated for by its sheer power. With an inner barrel that runs along the outer barrel, it’s hard not only super accurate but brutal to be on the other end of. This is a perfect rifle for short fields and light to boot.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Great Choice | $$$ |
We hope you enjoyed reading our selection of the best airsoft snipers and have found a unit that is right for you. Never rush your decision, as this should be a thought-out process, and sometimes buying the cheapest rifle can cost you more in the long run.
If you have any recommendations to products that we haven’t listed above, please share your thoughts in the comments, as we’d love to hear from you.
Many paintball players will agree that your gun is considered to be a sacred item.
As you continue playing each round of the sport, there’s a good chance that you’ll develop some sort of connection with your primary paintball marker. It’s silly but I know many paintball enthusiasts can relate.
That’s right, eventually, you’ll get attached to your paintball gun. Well, it helps that paintball guns and gear can be very expensive. Thus, it only makes sense that you protect your investment like your marker, tank, masks, etc.
If you are still using your old gym bag to store and transport your paintball guns and equipment, then you are doing it wrong. Gym bags and backpacks are simply not optimized to properly store and protect your paintball equipment. This improper way of storing and transporting your gear may end up damaging them in the long run.
In this case, you will need to invest in the best paintball gun case.
If you frequently play paintball, you will need frequently carry your gear from one place to another. Sure, you can use a standard bag for packing your paintball gear but as I’ve said, they’re not optimized to carry such hardware.
It’s either you end up damaging or scuffing your gear or the bag will eventually just give in because it’s not designed to store paintball guns and gear.
One of the main reasons why you should get a paintball gun case is for protection. Gun cases and bags for paintball are designed to properly store and transport your precious paintball weapon and gear.
The best paintball gun case will also have the appropriate features and storage compartments so you will only need a single bag or case to transport your things. As opposed to using multiple bags to secure your gear.
In case you will need a good gun case or bag, we have rounded up some of the best products we believe to be worthy of your investment.
For this review, we have taken a look at most of the paintball gun cases and bags that you can buy in the market. Based on certain factors (i.e. materials, construction, features, etc.), we have rated each of our selection with a 10-point rating system.
We also checked the available user reviews for each product to ensure that we are recommending the ones that will likely receive a positive response from our readers.
You can trust that these cases and bags are worth checking out for any hardcore paintball enthusiast.
We know that shopping for a paintball gun case is a daunting task, especially when there’s so many products and brands out there. Lucky for you, we have rounded up the best cases out there and each of them is worth our recommendation.
The Exalt Paintball Marker Bag / Gun Case is a good quality marker bag / gun case with just the right size. Exalt is known for its excellent paintball products, so it’s hard to go wrong with this one.
It can hold a 2-piece barrel or multiple backs or fronts. There’s also a neat internal storage compartment that can store extra batteries, tools, lubes, swabs, parts, and more. There’s an extra zippered pocket that you can use for storing some papers or cash.
The compartments are padded so your markers will be protected. The pockets and loops are also lined with microfiber which is a nice touch.
If you love camo, the Tippmann Paintball Marker Case - Digi Camo might just be your next gun case.
This case has the signature quality that you can expect from Tippmann. The case itself is well-constructed and feels durable. It’s a 12 x 26 inches case, so it should fit most markers just fine. There’s also an 11-inch tank pocket that accommodates up to 68 c.i. HPA.
The interior is lined and padded, so it should offer good protection for your expensive gear. It’s also worth noting that the case expands which comes in handy when you are storing folding stock. All contents are secured with wide Velcro straps.
Here’s another marker case from Exalt and is yet another quality product. The Exalt Paintball Carbon Series Marker Case / Gun Bag is a feature-packed case that warrants the higher price tag.
One particular feature that many will likely appreciate is the integrated flex-zone which allows you to access the contents without completely unzipping the case. There are also plenty of pockets and compartments to keep your tools and accessories.
In terms of protection, the interior is lined with microfiber that will absorb moisture and prevent unwanted scratches. The rigid protective outer shell is good for preventing dings, dents, and scratches on your gun and accessories.
The modular design also opens up the case for some serious customization. Overall, this is a great case that caters to the more serious paintball players.
As you can see from the price, the Platinum Paintball Marker Case is more of a budget-friendly option. However, being inexpensive doesn’t mean that it’s not good.
It’s not the biggest case but it should fit a standard marker with a removable barrel. The interior is foam-padded and should provide enough protection for your marker and accessories. There are enough pockets for storage of screws, tools, and other small items.
It’s a perfectly capable case but it only has room for one gun, a barrel, and some tools. You will not be able to fit your tank or hopper in this case. Despite that, the case still offers a good value for the price.
If you have multiple markers with lots of attachments and accessories, the Exalt Paintball Carbon Series XL Marker Case / Gun Bag is a must.
This case is exactly like the Exalt Carbon Series case that we have featured earlier but with a new design and is much larger. The case dimensions are 16-inch length x 10.5-inch height. Since it’s a much larger model, you should have no problem fitting full-size markers with autocockers or pumps with beavertail.
This is a fairly high-end case recommended for the most hardcore paintball fans.
The Planet Eclipse Paintball GX Marker Pack is just a cool looking case. My favorite color is the green digital camo and really works for the overall look of the bag.
It is available in two sizes: standard and XL. The standard size should accommodate most needs, especially if you only have one marker. Otherwise, you should consider getting the XL model. You should be able to fit a Tippmann Cronus even with the excess plastic.
The case is available in six different colors which is definitely a nice touch.
If you don’t want to spend much for a case, the GXG Standard Square Gun Case for Paintball or Airsoft is a good case to consider.
The inside dimensions of the case are 10 x 20 x 1.5 inches which are good enough to accommodate a newer marker. However, other larger models will struggle fit inside the case. Technically, you can fit two markers inside but that would beat the purpose of protecting your gear. Plus, it doesn’t come with a marker divider, so it’s too much of a risk to stuff it with two guns.
The interior is lined with a fleece-like fabric which provides ample protection. Just don’t shake it up too much while carrying. There are internal straps that will hold your markers in place.
As you can see, the Exalt Paintball Marker Sleeve is more of a dedicated protection for the marker than a full case or bag.
The form-fitting is specially designed to protect your marker from scratches and dings. Thanks to a number of high-end features like shock-absorbing neoprene exterior and thick microfiber lining, this sleeve is one of the best ways to keep your marker in pristine condition. The dual zipper design is also pretty neat as it allows you to store your marker even when the tank and loader are still attached.
The sleeve is available in two sizes, Classic (for older pumps and autocockers), and Modern (for current standard markers).
If the previous offering of GXG didn’t grab you, this one should (although it’s a lot more expensive). The GXG Paintball Deluxe Tactical Marker Gun Case is a thing of beauty with the functionality to go along with it.
This is specifically designed to house larger guns and components like the Project Salvo and an M16 QCB, and even some snipers. It is large enough to fit it three markers, depending on their individual sizes. Apart from markers, it should be big enough to hold hoppers, barrels, a 72 ci tank, wrenches, screwdrivers, and various small items.
The case is made of denier materials so it’s durable. It comes with backpack straps so you can conveniently carry this bag, even when it’s loaded with markers.
A great case that’s worthy of a professional paintball player.
No products found.
Your tanks and regulators need some love too.
The Exalt Paintball Tank Case is perfect for storing your marker tank. It is compatible with 45, 48, 50, 56, 68, 70, 72 and 77ci cylinders, so it’s a fairly versatile tank case. The rigid exterior will protect the tank from dings and scratches. The exterior is also made from water-resistant carbon fiber which effectively protects your barrel components from elements.
It’s a fantastic looking tank case and it’s not too bulky.
Want a bag that will hold all your paintball gear? Check out the Planet Eclipse Paintball HoldAll Gear Bags.
At first look, it looks like your standard gym bag but it has bells and whistles that make it a universal storage for all your paintball gear. The large opening in the main compartment makes it easy to store and retrieve items from the bag. Inside, there’s a zip pocket where you can store your tools, parts and other small items.
Clearly, this bag is designed to carry not just your markers and its accessories but also your other gear like masks, clothes, tanks, and more.
Last but certainly not the least, we present the Inception Designs Paintball Marker Bag / Gun Case.
As you might notice from the price, this is another high-quality case to protect your marker and other accessories. The dimensions are 17 X 10 X 2.5 inches which are spacious enough to fit a pump gun with beavertail and a 16-inch long barrel.
There’s a crush-resistant "pick and pluck" foam which can be used to customize the fitting of your markers and accessories. It also comes with a red cloth divider to keep your things from touching each other.
There you go! These are some of the best paintball gun and tank cases that money can buy.
Hopefully, we have helped you with your quest for a case that will protect your paintball markers and other gear.
So which paintball gun case is your favorite? Do you have something else in mind that should have made this list? We’d love to hear from you, so please sound off in the comments.
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.
Image via bragaphotography
Paintball focuses on three main things:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Paintball fields will also have paintball pellets that you must purchase to load up your gun for play.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Some fields also offer privacy games for specific events such as bachelor and birthday parties, team building, or corporate outings.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
Paintball CO2 tanks have developed a lot in only the last couple of years. 10 years ago, you would have to buy air tanks costing $200 or more; they were also mounted right to the base of the paintball gun.
Because of the need to change paintball air tanks both prior to a game and afterward (or fix any damaged tanks quickly), new manufacturers have consistently worked on making tanks better so that more options are available.
Compressed air and CO2 are both pressure sources for markers that are used to launch the paintball out of the barrel. The choice between these is entirely dependent on the marker that you are using.
CO2 is considered the more affordable choice and is much easier, however, it's all down to what your marker requires and what you are willing to spend.
The biggest question you can probably ask apart from ‘what paintball gun is best to buy’, would be ‘what's the difference between using a CO2 and compressed air tank to power a paintball marker?’
Both are viable pressure sources and will eject a paintball out of the barrel, but this is where any similarities end. Depending on your marker, sometimes you can only use one or the other without damaging your marker.
Carbon dioxide tanks maintain the gas in CO2 liquid form. These come in a variety of sizes like 4oz, 12oz, and 20oz (Oz). These tanks are built to maintain weight as ounces rather than volume.
This can be confusing but what really matters is how heavy the liquid is. Your tank can only be filled according to its specific rating. CO2 aren’t found as often on a paintball site, in addition, it costs more to fill, with a typical spend of around $10.
The first paintball guns like the Nelspot 007, PGP and NSG Splatmasters utilized liquid CO2 and thus set the benchmark for several years.
As it turns from a liquid state to a gas it expands and creates pressure; this is what fires the paintball. This pressure fluctuates because of altitude, temperature, and other factors. Paintball uses two different types of vessels: disposable CO2 cartridges or reusable CO2 tanks also called CO2 bottles.
A lot of disposables are 12-gram CO2 cartridges commonly found on stock markers and certain paintball handguns such as the Tiberius T8.1. The refillable CO2 tanks are constructed from aluminum vessels using a valve and are full to the brim.
There are certain benefits to CO2 bottles. The main reason for CO2 was popular for so long was its price. Paintball CO2 tanks are inexpensive and allow players to purchase several in order to last the whole day of shooting.
Filling up is fairly low-cost, and if there isn’t a professional paintball store where you live then you can visit a welding and flame extinguisher supply store to have them filled.
CO2 tanks are streamlined and yield a good deal of shots due to their size and weight compared to compressed air.
The fact remains that compressed air tanks have to be shipped when empty due to regulations by the Department of Transportation. With these kinds of tank, you have to have them filled somewhere locally.
The only exception to this rule is the 12-gram cartridges or the one-time use disposable CO2 cylinders, although they can be sent by ground service only.
A hydro date is the month and year that the tank has been formally safety tested. Typically the hydro date is good for 5 years (some market fiber wrapped tanks are 3 decades, as indicated on the label).
The tank has to be retested five years following the month on the tank.
One handy feature of this is that you don't have to take the tank off the mark to fill it and you can top off between games rather than having to empty and completely refill like CO2.
Shot counts change between markers, but the majority of spool valve markers get about ten shots per cubic inch in 3000psi and 15 shots per ci in 4500psi. More efficient designs like Spyders and Egos can give far more shots.
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The Tippman Aluminum CO2 is only really notable for the fact that it won’t set you back much and it is fairly simple and cheap to refill. It probably won’t satisfy veteran shooters, but if you are new to paintball and just getting into the sport, it makes for a good start.
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The Guerrilla first strike hero is a great paintball marker, and perfect for you if you like your guns sleek and low profile. The factory settings allow the Guerilla to produce a high-pressure output as standard and also has a mini gauge, so you can quickly tell how much CO2 is left in the tank.
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This tank is a fantastic upgrade option for any player new to paintball who is apprehensive about spending a lot on carbon fiber but would still like something that is more serious than their default tank. It includes extra burst discs, as well as a plastic cap that serves to protect the threads.
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Whilst the Ninja Air is not particularly light or high capacity, it is an economically viable alternative to more expensive systems. It is a consistent marker with long-lasting functionality, which also makes it great for those who need multiple tanks (like field owners).
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This tank comes with an industry standard pin valve included, so regardless of what gun you decide to get, you can rest assured that you’ll be good to go. Its performance won't make you gasp, but it won't leave your pockets hurting, either.
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The Empire Ultra Carbon will help take your game to another level and is ready for use right from the box. It is impressively lightweight, includes a Reactor II regulator that does a fantastic job of keeping airflow and pressure, and does not cost much to refill, either.
Have a Look at any busy paintball field and you will notice one thing - that the players are constantly kitted out in full strategic apparel.
It not only looks great but also gives them a lot of useful features that you can not find on regular coveralls.
These attributes are imperative for gamers really trying to up their game -- they comprise utilities like additional capacity for ammunition and magazines tubes, in addition to reinforcement against hits, and much, much more.
For anybody really getting into playing frequently, we recommend a mask be among the first things to be bought.
You can also think about getting a paintball vest too - we would probably suggest some strategic trousers as well!
However, for now, we are going to stick what you should look for in a vest.
Tactical vests are definitely one of the most useful pieces of kit you can have when playing aggressive shooting games. A paintball vest usually includes hard plating to protect your upper body and protect against injury, in addition to having sewn on pockets, clips to carry water and ammo (amongst other things). There are tons of vests in the marketplace, from many different manufacturers - offering a host of different choices. This can make purchasing one quite complicated; however, below we have listed some of the items you're most likely to see when searching for one.
The 3 main types of vests that you can get are strategic Vests, chest rigs, and plate carrier pliers. The first strategic cross-draw vests, of them, are laid out in a way that can't be altered. Plate carrier vests can be configured in numerous ways. Chest rigs are noticeably smaller and lighter, allowing for more speed in exchange for storage.
When searching for the Ideal vest to buy, there are several factors you will want to consider. These include how the vest will fit, its structure and the level of durability it's made with. Needless to say, your particular requirements will vary depending on your play style and what you consider important on the field.
The vest you select should be very comfortable and fit snugly around your torso and upper body without restricting the motion you have. This is extremely important, as any constraints can seriously impair how you play on the field. They should also be suitable both with and without your equipment. Vests can be adjusted to match the size of the participant.
In addition to being durable, you have to be able to be able to breathe with these vests, as moving up and down the playing fields can be sweaty, tiring work. A great deal of pockets is needed, in addition to adequate storage for markers and magazines.
Whether you want to play constantly, or just here and there, it's essential that the vest you select remains in one piece.
You might need to go for the hardiest of vests if you in the event you are playing games very often. They should be able to handle rough situations, and they should be water-resistant as well.
Depending on what kind of gas you are using, you’ll be able to power different types of guns. So when thinking about purchasing a paintball CO2 tank, you may also want to consider what kind of gun you will use with it.
This is good to think about, for example, if you are buying a gun for paintball but may also be interested in joining an airsoft team in the future.
Paintball guns are either mechanical or electronic. Both included a barrel, a hopper and of course, the air tank. The CO2 is used to power a system that forces the air out of the tank.
Airsoft guns, on the other hand, can be powered in various ways, including spring-loaded systems or electric. CO2 is also an option. Airsoft guns are notable for their realistic appearance.
The development of paintball tanks has meant that there are not only more options - but that they have become cheaper and more easily accessible. There are countless options to match the many types of paintball guns you will find. The most important thing to do is research properly the type of tank you will need prior to buying. As long as you do this, you should have no problem picking the correct paintball CO2 tank.
The Dye DM14 is representative of more than a decade of constant paintball progression. Clients and athletes alike have been looking for perfection, so that is what Dye have aimed for in their design choices.
Upgraded and rebooted, the DM-14 is smaller, yet has a greater air efficiency compared to previous versions, with a sleek design that is shorter than the DM-13. It’s also the easiest DM to keep clean by far.
When you choose the DM, you can be certain DYE has left no stone unturned in making sure this marker performs incredibly well.
These rings make it easy to quickly work out the proper replacement O-ring you should use when doing maintenance of your marker.
The Eye Pipe, with its inner design, houses a polycarbonate pipe, protecting the self-cleaning system from dirt as well as broken paint. This makes sure that the eyes constantly monitor the ball drop. This system does away with double feeding too.
DYE's one-piece Fuze bolt system works at a very low 145PSI. This low working pressure generates a smooth spool cycle, minimal recoil, and extreme precision.
Imagine individually customized ergonomic comfort, in addition to optimal trigger speed. With the Reach Trigger, it's possible to adjust the angle and reach of your trigger.
The new angle adjustment together with the Spring and Travel Tension lets you create a personalized fit to attain your optimal shooting capabilities.
The Complete wrap around Sticky Grip allows for easy access to the battery and circuit board for programming without using tools. The Sticky Grip comprises a front rubber contact pad and back rubber contact grip, for maximum comfort and stability.
The Dye DM14 marks Dye’s first GasThru tournament marker. The macro line was taken away to improve gameplay ergonomics and toughness. Changing hands in important situations hasn’t been faster or simpler.
The DM14’s profile is the lowest of any marker in Dye’s DM series. Being almost half an inch shorter, it is truly compact for a seriously aggressive profile. To achieve this, the LPR was transferred to the front and redesigned into a self-contained cartridge for effortless maintenance.
The all-new Quick Release Bolt Assembly is the quickest, easiest and most dependable bolt removal system on the market. An easy, one-touch spring loaded button enables the user to remove and reinstall the bolt kit in seconds.
Standard care has never been easier or more accessible.
The ASA keeps the cam lever system on & off switch. Having the knob locked in position, air can be delivered into the marker for premium comfort and a compact design.
When discharged, trapped air is let out, making tank removal easy, and lessening wear on regulator threads and O-rings.
The Hyper 4, the most recent creation of Dye's trusted regulator line, is the most dependable and consistent regulator Dye has ever produced, with the quickest disassembly accessible.
Standard maintenance is doable in less than a minute, enabling the best performance for your marker every single day.
The UL 45 framework is the culmination of high pro player Influence and innovative engineering. The hourglass UL framework was designed to give the player total control of the marker. Additionally, it enables gamers to quickly and easily pull the trigger.
Here is what some of Dye’s trusted fan base is saying about the Dye DM14. Needless to say, they were mostly as impressed as us, although some of them had a few issues here and there.
For the most part, the DM24 seems to be a very responsive, powerful marker.
This is a truly lovely gun, quick and very accurate out of the box. It’s easy to take apart and looks very durable. The gun has been elite from the first time I used it, and it hasn’t required any updates to perform at a high level.
My only real qualm with the gun itself is that it's fairly heavy and bulky in comparison to others in the purchase price range.
The lack of an OLED plank is a drawback from a luxury feature standpoint but has no actual influence on the firearms performance.
Having the ability to see board settings, shot count and other information available with different firearms via an OLED would be cool, especially in this price range, but it isn't that important.
The shortage of these additional ‘gimmick’ attributes is signature Dye in my opinion.
IMO Dye is all about creating a blue-collar marker - elite performance with a durable design and no unnecessarily flashy features that will make the gun delicate. This is a gun built to continue at the highest level of functionality – thank you, Dye!’
I was always jealous of the people I would see around that had a Dye Matrix series marker. So this last July when I was in the market for a new gun, I decided to take a leap of faith and grab the DM14. Here is my take on the marker:
The DYE has an ultra-light frame with all the sticky grips. Extremely quiet, and yes, maintenance is quick and effortless.
The general appearance of the gun is also wonderful! I quite like the adjustable ASA, particularly being a shorter player.
The gun has performed with no malfunction, thus far. The DYE customer support is also amazing!
Reach Trigger is fantastic, and the DYE eye pipe is simple to wash. Taking it from the marker is simple, as soon as you get the hang of how to do it.
The Feed-Neck is fine but in my opinion, should have been milled a little bit more nicely.
Not a significant complaint, but the general design of this DYE matrix case could be a little better. It doesn't match the DM14 quite as well as I’d hoped and leaves marks on the grips. However, I do really like it.
There are a few things I’m not too ecstatic about of, but I’m sure that if I purchased any other marker, there are a few things I would love to change also.
The gun is extremely silent; anyone who says differently doesn’t know what they’re talking about. The UL barrel is good.
In spite of the gun having a stretched out texture because I am 5'6," I think the length is ideal. I would recommend this gun every day, and I believe that DYE has converted yet another paintball player to a DYE faithful.’
I’d like to start this off by saying this is among the best-looking markers of the year, and definitely the best-looking DM yet.
They are experts about making these guns, and there are a long list lot of things DYE have added to their marker by now to make them as good as they are.
The tool-less removal of the bolt is perhaps among the best tool-less removals yet. The first time getting the bolt out the gun is rather hard, but after that (as well as re-lubing the bolt assembly) it's fairly easy to remove.
The ‘less-is-more’ macro layout is great. I do know that there are people that do not like it for some reason, but it really does make it that much better.
Another good thing about this version is the adjustable ASA. Being 6'2," I have a tendency to hit myself in the face a lot, but the adjustable ASA helped me to solve this problem - this feature alone should be a reason for marketing this gun to tall men!
Another thing I commend is the moving of the LPR down to the front of the marker. In doing so, they cut down on the total height of the marker; it kind of reminds me of when I had my own DM12. The marker is also very smooth and quiet; it's at least as easy as a Luxe but has more of a poppy feel.
I will say that for the price it really should include an OLED board or LCD display. They’ve placed just about everything they could on this marker, but I truly feel like dye wants to place the LED on this marker too.
Something else I should mention - this could be user error but I find it quite tough to get the front grips off to clean. If you’re a little bit obsessive like me, you like to make sure your marker is spotless.
My last thing is that the LPR. In moving it to the front, Dye managed to decrease the size, which is great, but it was simpler to adjust it if it was right in front of you – I do kind of just miss having it right there.
Overall I really do love this marker, it's the most comfortable marker currently on the marketplace; the flexible ASA on a macro line less gun is awesome, and I believe that the level of quality that Dye is achieving nowadays is phenomenal.
I'd say its one of the best valves on the market and I would recommend this marker to anyone who's prepared to spend the cash.’
Although shopping for a Dye DM14 marker can be quite thrilling, it’s also important to remember that to play paintball, you also have to have a mask for protective purposes.
Paintball masks, or paintball goggles, are there to serve a protective purpose, and it’s because of this, you can’t play a single paintball game without one.
If you are just beginning to enjoy paintball as an interest, we would recommend you purchase some paintball goggles as one of the first items along with your marker.
All paintball masks come in a single universal size with straps to adjust how they fit your face, though some do provide greater protection and vision than others. Various brands and models of paintball masks have different fits, so it’s a worthwhile idea to try some on prior to buying.
What fits one individual well may not match another person, and a badly fitted goggle can cause even the most expensive masks to steam - look out for models with thermal lenses, as these are double paned and less likely to steam up.
It’s quite clear that Dye has done a wonderful job of crafting a powerful, responsive marker that performs well in the toughest situations. Its feature list is not to be sneered at, and response from customers shows that it’s not only well built, but any shortcomings are more likely due to personal preference.
The Dye DM14 is a wonderful marker with wonderful potential – a great choice that you can truly grow with. You won’t be disappointed!
The nature of paintball means that although it is an exciting shooting sport, it can be painful for those not expecting it. This is especially the case for younger individuals, who may find it a little more difficult to stomach than the older person.
For this purpose, the invention of Low Impact Paintball was created. The primary difference is the power of the markers used when playing.
Low effect markers are special paintball guns for kids that generally hurt less than conventional markers.
As well as having lower power guns, real low impact paintball games also need special game oversight and security rules.
Although many gaming fields promote ‘Low Impact Paintball,’ kids and parents who play some of these games are surprised by how painful they can still be.
If ‘Low Impact’ matches aren't set up correctly, players may be deterred from returning, so it is essential game organizers make the best impression (and are not falsely advertising for the sake of business, which does happen).
Game organizers who understand how to run exceptional games, and use the very best low impact markers and highest quality paintballs, will always be rewarded with return customers time after time.
Of course, a lot of the experience of low impact paintball is in the markers. The best marker for this purpose is the GOG .50 caliber eNMEy.
Alternately, the GOG .68 caliber eNMEy HI/LO mark offers reductive impact using a typical .68 caliber paintball size, and is easily adjustable up to 300 FPS to be used in conventional games.
Either GoG eNMEy marker can be ideal for use as effective rental paintball guns – the specifics themselves are more of a personal determining factor.
Anyone can arrange and manage paintball games, but reduced impact paintball using paintball guns for kids may provide some surprising advantages if you do a few things differently.
The purpose of this article is to assist with product selection, business models, and a few other important details so that you can be assured your first game goes smoothly without a hitch.
Reduced Impact Paintball is also maybe the best way to play paintball games with a company apart from conventional paintball games.
Many Company outings enjoy Reduced Impact Paintball. Private groups often welcome the chance to play a paintball game where the pain is considerably less, and other stipulations, such as game conditions, can also help to reduce players being scared.
If the matches are conducted correctly, and the right equipment is used, the players may enjoy their games much more - impacts in these types of settings may sting less than one third as much as paintball impacts in conventional games, this goes to show the obvious advantages of .68 caliber paintballs.
Low Impact Paintball business models and can provide you with suggestions specific to your required gameplay experience.
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The Paintball Training Institute (PTI) selected the .50 grade GOG eNMEy paintball guns as the reigning low impact markers.
When compared to other .50 quality markers, the eNMEy is the most cost-effective, easiest for kids to manage, and has the feel and performance of a lightweight tournament marker.
It also tolerates delicate paint better than any other .50 caliber marker we looked at.
We’ve tested many paintball guns for kids with several different paint manufacturers and batches, and it seems to be the case that the GOG .50 grade eNMEy shot the most problematic paint without a hitch (other markers chopped and splattered the paint).
Overall, it had the best performance and the best value from the .50 grade category.
When looking for greater control over variables such as shooting speed and shooting proximity (10-foot minimum), you should look to find game areas and organizers who specialize in facilitating a safe and careful experience – this may cost a premium, but it is worth it.
Children's birthday parties, church youth groups, company groups, and others that are worried about paintball impacts are also usually at the top of these events organizers’ lists.
These .50 quality markers, together with miniature 13 cubic inch high-pressure propellant gas storage containers, provide maximum utility and will quickly pay for themselves.
You should be able to find several business models that make it possible for these tiny systems to last for a whole rental session, without having to refill them back up again before the end.
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Without a doubt, .50 Caliber Low Impact Paintball is an opportunity ideal for youngsters and apprehensive adults.
However, it has to be said, it does come with compromised performance.
While this might be a perfect introduction to paintball, the .68 provides a middle ground that appeals to clients who feel intimidated by extreme action and are scared of the pain related to traditional paintball games.
They may wish to kick it up a notch - there's also a chance for parents and kids alike to pick a good marker that can then be utilized in low impact games but is still flexible for use in conventional games as the kids grow.
The .68 grade GoG HI/LO eNMEy marker is the perfect gun to grow with and is also a perfect surprise birthday present to be presented at a paintball birthday party – set up it up beforehand for reduced impact, and have it waiting to go as soon as the presents are opened!
There are plenty of fields that will buy the marker for you and look after them if you request this in advance.
Fields can eliminate the need for stocking additional markers and other paintball sizes when they opt to utilize .68 caliber GoG eNMEy HI-LO markers for all their field rentals.
Fields with the ability to supply reduced impact matches and will just have to stock one caliber of paintball marker (.68 caliber).
You'll have the ability to utilize one rental marker for each of your games, with a fast velocity adjustment before matches.
This is a high definition and low volume type of business, perfect for smaller paintball fields, along with the GOG .68 Caliber HI/LO eNMEy marker, which is perfectly suited to it.
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Have a group of kids or employees? Need a place to play safe games that are well organized, and have paintball impacts that do not hurt as much?
A quick Web search will show many commercial Paintball fields advertising ‘Low Impact Paintball Games,’ but the particular equipment they supply and the game security rules they apply may be quite different.
You need to know what to ask, and what to look for, before assuming that minimal impact paintball games are exactly what you’re looking for.
Impact location in addition to individual pain tolerance may vary greatly. Proper goggles are an absolute necessity, and paintball marker shooting speed has to be corrected to less than 150 FPS, as stated in the Low Impact Paintball standard protocol.
If the matches are conducted correctly, and the correct Equipment is used, you can have a game experience that stings less than a third as much as paintball impacts in conventional games.
Low Impact Paintball is the perfect family adventure, and maybe a great first encounter for future hard-core traditional paintballers!
Anyone can arrange and manage paintball games. However, to successfully pull off a paintball outing, you must first learn some complete security rules and procedures. Also, low impact Paintball games have additional requirements beyond conventional paintball.
Working with kids and inexperienced gamers, enforcing minimum shooting distances, and sometimes setting up close proximity to land boundaries, can require additional knowledge and training.
It's crucial you get hands-on experience running games and/or special training before you begin organizing Low Impact Paintball games.
Low impact paintball areas should comply with ASTM - standard Adults who buy paintball gear should certainly understand the basic security requirements in order to reliably recognize games that are dangerous.
Low Impact Paintball Safety rules require controlled shooting distances, diminished velocity, and also at times require smaller paintballs.
If your low impact paintball marker is gas-powered you may require a chronograph to understand how to correct the paintball marker, so the paintballs are traveling less than 175 feet per minute.
Appropriate field setup is important and might need more work than you realize, and low impact paintball games can tend to need continuous supervision.
Parents wishing to learn the requirements of safe paintball should spend some time observing and assisting at a nearby area where safe games are conducted and seeing how paintball guns for kids work, amongst other things.
Whoever might instruct you needs to have a thorough comprehension of the new ASTM standard for individuals who wish to know how to set up secure low impact paintball fields.
Although paintballing is a thrilling activity for both kids and adults alike, the fact that it can be painful may be off-putting. And while low-impact paintball goes some way to remedy this, there will be certain individuals that may not be able to be convinced to give it a go.
So where do you go from there?
The next best alternative to paintballing is outdoor laser tag. Outdoor laser tag includes many of the same features as paintballing but of course, is less visceral. Below we’ve listed some of the main differences of playing outdoor laser tag.
Outdoor laser tag is an excellent way of playing in the woods without being struck by a projectile. You can shoot and shoot as much as you like.
You have 5 lives in one game (snipers usually have three). Based on the assignment, your team may have infinite respawns or just a certain number.
If you can see your opponent, you can shoot them! The range of laser sniper rifles far surpasses anything in paintball and airsoft.
There will also be no disputes about if you were hit or not - when your laser gun detectors are struck by the beam, your laser gun lets out a loud sound, letting you and everyone around know that you've been shot.
Because you don't need a mask and mask for security, you can hear and see more than paintball players can – good for detecting enemies and staying aware.
Outdoor laser tag is a thrilling option for kids (or adults) who are apprehensive about the pitfalls of paintball. It is a great, if not completely fulfilling alternative.
Paintballing is a thrilling sport, loved by many the world over. Although its nature may seem boisterous, it is a sport that should be open to all ages.
Low Impact paintballing is a fantastic way to allow younger games to enjoy the sport, while at the same time not receiving the full severity of more powerful paintball markers.
Find your nearest paintball field and enjoy the thrill today!
