How Do I Play Paintball?

There are many ways to play paintball. They can be broken down into either Speedball, Hyperball, Woodsball, Scenario, or Stock games.

[] Speedball and Hyperball games
Speedball and Hyperball take place on small fields making them fast paced. Speedball is usually played with inflatable structures in many shapes including cubes, pyramids, cylinders, etc. (usually called "bunkers") while Hyperball replaces these inflatable bunkers with large metallic tubes. Tournaments (professional and non-professional) will almost always be played on speedball fields.

[] Woodsball and Scenario games
Woodsball and Scenario are more for recreational players or players who are in pursuit of more realistic simulations. Woodsball is (obviously) played in the woods and is where most paintball players start out. Trees and foliage provide great natural cover, but field owners may add in even more cover with wooden structures, cars, and tires.

A scenario game, on the other hand, is distinguished for its rules and not its setting. These games will have different rules to simulate a different situation, usually with different objectives such as escorting a VIP from point A to point B, or even adding in special roles for certain players (such as medics, demolitions experts, etc.) Scenarios are commonly played in the woods, but can actually be played anywhere you can come up with a good scenario (and where nobody will get hurt by a stray paintball.) Some scenario games include VIP, sniper, terminator, and attack/defend.


The Brass Eagle 'Talon', a common stock marker[edit] Stock games
Stock games are slowly regaining popularity. They have the same rules as any other game, and can be played on any type of field. The difference? Everyone uses a cheap 20-dollar plastic pump marker!

Stock games are preferred by many players because it encourages teamwork, and it saves money. Pump markers (see 'Markers' section) greatly restrict the player's firing speed so they are forced to conserve ammunition. New players also tend to waste paint when using a mechanical or electronic marker, so stock games are usually the best place for new players to start their paintball experience so they learn the value of using strategy over firepower and technology.

Some high-end markers are also made and sold with stock paintball in mind.

[] What Do I Need To Play?
Every paintball player must be equipped with a marker, a mask, paint and a large area to play in. Optional equipment includes squeegies, pod packs/harnesses, and pods (filled with extra paintballs).

[] Money
First and foremost, you will need money if you want to do paintballing as a hobby. Paintball fanatics are known to have very little money for anything that doesn't involve shooting paint at things, living or nonliving. Good players who get enough attention can aquire financial support from a sponsor for them to play in tournaments.

[] Markers
This is obviously the most important piece of equipment for playing. Markers come in many shapes and sizes, and some operate in different ways than others as well as using different parts. The price of a marker can be as low as 20 and as high as several thousand dollars. A first-time player who is unsure if they want to play or not should not buy a marker, and should instead rent a marker for their first game to see if they enjoy it or not.

There are generally five types of markers: Pump, Mechanical, Electronic, Pistol, and Other.

[] Pump
Pumps are obviously identified as having a shotgun-like pump under the barrel. Using it takes a while to get used to, but the concept is simple: after a shot is fired, you pump it once so you can fire again.

It takes a while to fire another round, so most experienced players will recommend that new players start with using pump markers in regular games or by playing in stock games to develop good habits of paint usage. New players are known to develop the bad habit of wasting paint.

A variety of pumps are available to players but they are much harder to find than regular markers. Pumps aren't just for starting players though, there are also high-end markers that are pump-action. The prices of pumps can vary from $20 to hundreds of dollars.Alot of times you can rent a gun from a the place that you play at.

[] Mechanical
Mechanical markers are the traditional paintball gun. No pump and no batteries make them the popular choice for the general paintballing crowd. They fire as fast as most players need their markers to fire and come pretty cheap compared to many electronic markers. That's not to say that expensive markers are all electronic, though. Plenty of high-end markers are mechanical.

[] Electronic
Most professional players in paintball will be found using electronic markers, but even markers as cheap as 80 dollars can be found with electronic hardware. Electronic markers have much less trigger-pulling resistance than mechanical markers. They also don't require the player to pull the trigger as far, and can thus be fired exponentially faster than the mechanical markers as well.

Often, electronic markers have the option of using different firing modes. Usually these firing modes can be: safety, semi-automatic, reactive (one shot on pull, one shot on release), ramping (shoots in full-auto if the trigger is pulled often enough), 3-shot burst, 5-shot burst, and full-automatic. The experienced players usually use semi-automatic because many fields and tournaments don't allow full-auto, and because they can fire much faster than automatic using the semi-automatic setting.

Players almost always combine their electronic markers with motorized hoppers because of the fast firing speed. Normal gravity-fed hoppers can't feed paintballs into the gun fast enough

[] Pistol
A pistol marker is loosely-defined as a very compact marker. They will usually take small 12-gram CO2 cartridges and use mechanical or pump action.

A pistol is almost always intended to be a backup marker in case the first one jams or is out of air, etc. Some people, on the other hand, have decided that a pistol (or two) is all they need to win.

Keep in mind that a pistol has a very short range and has a small magazine. Holsters and extra magazines are almost always available from the manufacturer.

[] Other
Some markers aren't really markers at all, they just happen to launch paint. Specifically, wrist rockets and blowguns.

Some people use wrist rockets as cheap alternatives to spending any money at all on air and barely spend anything on paint because of the slow firing rate. Its simplicity of operation also guarantees no mechanical failure.

Blowguns are a rare sight, and they usually use small .38 paintballs as opposed to the normal .68 paintball. The .38 paintballs are somewhat easy to find online but finding them in stores is difficult, although blowguns save money on air and are very simple to use.

[] Masks
In paintball a mask is REQUIRED in order to be in the playing field because it provides protection for your face, ears, and eyes. As we all know, paintballs travel at fast speeds, and getting hit in the face without protection can result in painful and unnecessary injuries such as lost teeth, cataracts, and blindness. Every paintball field has a rule about keeping your mask on when in a paintball field, so you had best follow it. It is guaranteed that anybody who violates this rule will have a referee yelling in their face and banning them from the game for a few rounds, if not the rest of the day.

Some masks will add additional protection for your neck, or even the top and back of your head. A common problem with some masks is fog appearing on the lens. This is avoided by replacing them with a thermal lens, or just buying a mask with a thermal lens in the first place. These thermal lenses are made to prevent fogging and are highly recommended by all paintball players.

[] Tanks
A tank is a canister filled with either carbon dioxide (CO2), propane, compressed air, or nitrogen (N2). These are all compressed gases that are used to project paintballs out of your marker. Certain markers such as the Autococker can only fire compressed air and nitrogen because carbon dioxide has physical properties where it tends to expand even after it has exited the tank.

Tanks come in many capacities, shapes and materials. They will have screw threads on one end and are meant to be screwed into the bottom, backside, or sometimes front, of the marker.

Tanks are made to be safe and durable during a game, but high pressures inside the tank still mean you MUST treat it with care. Heed the warnings written on the tank. Leaving it in hot temperatures, dropping it on the pavement, hitting it with a tack hammer, etc. might ruin your day.

[] Hydro Testing
It's a fact, tanks don't last forever. When every tank is made, a date is stamped on it to identify its age. Once the tank has reached x number of years, no responsible airsmith (a person who fills up tanks) will fill it up, because the tank is nearing the age where it may be unsafe if filled with high-pressure gases.

If you have an expensive tank you don't want to trash, you can take it to a paintball store or field that does hydrotesting, and might determine that your tank is fit enough to be used for another year or two. You give the store/field around 20 dollars (whatever they may charge) and they will put it inside a highly-durable case and try to fill it remotely. If it's too weak, the tank will explode, and the airsmith is protected by the case isolating the explosion, and you don't get a refund or your tank back. However, if the tank passes the test then they will slap a new date on your tank and instead of buying a new tank you can go spend your money on something better, like a new barrel or a nice jersey!

If you have a tank that is past its date and you don't want to bother hydrotesting them, don't throw them away! Your local paintball store will most likely take them and dispose of them in a proper way, free of charge.


A simple gravity-fed hopper[edit] Hoppers
A hopper is a pod that usually fits on top of your marker, and it holds and dispenses paintballs to your marker as you fire them. Hoppers usually hold around 200 rounds (except for stock markers which hold between 10 and 20).

Hoppers usually feed paintballs to your marker just with gravity, but sometimes that's not fast enough to keep up with the rate you're shooting at. To keep up, there are motorized battery-powered hoppers that will force paintballs into your marker at a faster rate than normal gravity-fed hoppers can. Beware though, being able to fire faster tends to develop a bad habit of wasting paint.

[] Your A-game
Regardless of what type of game is being played, paintball presents its players with both physical and mental challenges. Games typically require speed and stamina from its players, as well as reflexes, strategy/tactics, and communication with your teammates.

Teamwork is the most important key to winning a paintball game. Never start a game without a strategy for you and your team.

Communication is the second-most important. If you observe a real team in action, they will be yelling the position of the enemy to the rest of their teammates, and someone may be issuing orders or telling their team what they're about to do. Codewords (made up by the team) are used so the enemy doesn't use a team's own yelling against themselves.

[] What to Wear
First-timers and uncommon players should wear old jeans, a old pair of shoes/boots with good traction in dirt, and a sweat shirt over a tshirt. Expect to get dirty. If it's your first time DO NOT wear a T shirt and shorts. I've seen a girl play in a tank top, bad idea. Keep in mind the more clothes you're wearing the more padding you're gonna have. If you have enough clothing on you're also more likely to get a paintball to bounce off of you instead of breaking.

More experienced or professional players tend to invest in jerseys, pants, and shoes made exclusively for paintball. Jerseys are usually made from quick-absorbing material and usually have padding in the shoulder/elbow area for going prone, and non-slipping areas in front of the shoulder that provide a good surface to brace their tank on for a steadier shot. Paintballing pants are also full of padding, and the shoes are made to provide traction. Buying paintball clothes isn't needed to play and isn't needed to have fun, and they cost quite a bit more than normal clothes so only buy it if you're becoming a serious player.

Testicle cups are important for the men for obvious reasons, but are often ignored. Although a shot to the nuts is a rare occurrance, an experienced paintballer will usually have either witnessed or experienced such a tragedy during a game.

Kneepads and elbow-pads are also made and sold for paintball so players can take hard dives without getting hurt.

[] Physical Conditions
Even if you are physically challenged or injured, the game of paintball may still have a place for you. Slower teammates are perfect for staying behind to provide covering fire and maintain defensive positions. Some people have been known to play paintball with the use of a wheelchair, and there are even entire paintball teams made up of people with disabilities.

[edit] Does it hurt?

Yes and no: Usually it stings for a second or two. It's comparable to being snapped by a rubber band. It also depends on how much clothing is on you, because more clothing provides padding for the impact, meaning less pain. To keep the sport fun, all good paintball fields regulate the speed of paintball guns. The speed is always 300 FPS (Feet Per Second) or lower, which has shown to be a safe standard speed.
After getting hit by a paintball, the spot of impact will usually form a ring-shaped welt although some places such as the thigh may form minor bruises

Isn't it dangerous?

Heck no! Paintball is statistically the safest of all extreme sports, as well as being safer than most (if not all) common sports! As Action Pursuit Games puts it, "the average player will suffer a Paintball injury about once every 500 years." The reason behind this may be because safety rules in Paintball are strictly enforced by referees.

What is paintball?

Paintball is an exhilarating sport where you get to play warrior without getting hurt. It basically involves using "markers" (politically correct for "paintball guns") to shoot at other people in games usually with a goal in mind, such as capturing a flag, or eliminating an entire team. The one rule that applies in every game is: if you get shot, you're out!

Popular Paintball Games

As paintball improved and became popular, many individuals tried their abilities at it; giving rise to the assortment and diversity of paintball tournaments and games.

Recreational or Capture the Flag

Played by two teams, where each team has a flag and the objective of both teams is to capture or seize the opponent flag and carry it to your team starting point. This is one way for your team to win and another way is by eliminating the opposing team entirely.

Each team has to defend their base and simultaneously dispatch team players to eliminate the opponent and capture their flag.

These games are usually played in the forest; bunkers and structures can be put up throughout the area.

Scenario Paintball

This is a paintball game with a theme set up behind it: there are an endless number of themes that can be created making the game feel and look very realistic. There are a number of players; in many cases as many as a hundred are involved in each team.

Each team gets the theme (storyline) a day before the start of the game. There are usually two teams participating, having the eneral?as a team leader.

Each player is given a role and they should work together as a team in order to carry out and win an assigned mission. Props in accordance with the theme are introduced and distributed throughout the field. There are questions asked in connection with the theme and points are awarded for correct answers.

These points are totaled at the conclusion of the game and the team having the most number of points wins.

Backyard

This can be played right at your own backyard, a friend empty property or at times any property but you must as you get permission first. You gather your friends to form a group and then conceptualize your own game which typically is apture the flag?

Speedball

Also called enter Flag? the speedball field is designed with many huge bunkers; usually nflatables?filled with air that are shaped similar to big snakes, soda cans, water tanks etc.

Here, a team can be composed of between three to ten players in a game. There is only one flag that is involved and it is located at the center of a field. The two teams start at each end of the field and attempt to gain possession of the flag at the center and carry it to their bunker. The team that does this successfully wins.

Paintball can surely challenge the oldier?in you. Give it a shot!

Why Paintball is Popular

Paintball is fast becoming one of the most popular games around. It has become an alternative past time from the usual athletic games being played; and it has become one of the most exciting outdoor sports in the world. Anybody can play paintball, regardless of race, sex, age and social status. It is a game for people who have taste for competition and adventure.

The game combines two of the most popular childhood past times: tag and hide-and-seek, the objective being to capture the flag of the enemy while protecting one's own.

There are several reasons for the popularity of paintball:

1. It is the team sport that enables one to remove an opponent from the game without being penalized for it. In fact, removing one's opponent is very much part of the game. It is the survival of the smartest and the quickest.

2. There is a strong sense of danger, not necessarily a physical one. The threat of being removed from the game makes it more exciting for the participants. But since it is only a game, the fear is not enough to make one mentally-incapacitated. With the right safety gear, no one is really in any real danger. It is all in the mind.

3. All players are equal. Experience is the only basis of one's edge over the other player. Factors such as race, gender and age do not put one ahead of the other.

4. There is a total absence of physical contact. There is no need for a player to manhandle his opponent so that he can be eliminated from the game. One only needs to shoot the opponent, which can be done from a relatively safe distance. Very few injuries and no deaths have resulted from playing paintball.

5. There is no need to be an athlete. Playing paintball does not require extreme physical strength. In fact, the game can be played with very few physical movements.

6.No one really needs to be experienced to enjoy the game. Though it matters, a lot of old-time players find themselves surprisingly eliminated by first-time participants. It is anybody's game.

7. It is gadget-crazy. Everybody likes gadgets. Paintball requires a lot of them.

Paintball is a very stimulating and exciting sport. Playing the game gives one the chance to renew the inner child in people. It enables one to maximize his sense of adventure, without risking life and limb for that sought-after rush.

Paintball: A Sport for Everyone

Paintball is one of the most popular outdoor participation sports around. The good thing about paintball is that everyone or anyone can play. There are no special requirements needed. Players can partake of the thrill paintball brings, regardless of race, age, gender and social status. The only requirement is a competitive spirit and the desire for adventure.

Paintball combines the elements of two childhood games, tag and hide-and-seek. Given the nature of those two games, paintball is for people who want to experience the unique rush that participation sports gives, minus physical contact. The objective of paintball is to capture the flag of the opponent while protecting his or her own. At the same time, players aim to eliminate their opponent from the game by shooting them and marking them with paintballs coming from paint guns. There are almost no limitations when it comes to the number of players, the limitation will only stem from the size of the playing
field.

The game can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life, whatever lifestyle or profession. There are no discriminations when it comes to paintball. It is a competition where the quickest and smartest survive. The chances of winning for each person are very fair, since old timers can find themselves being eliminated by neophytes. Men and women are equal in the game, and it is where the young do not necessarily have advantage over the old. To be an expert in paintball, a player must be able to think quickly, with precision. Victory is not at all dependent on strength and agility.

What can paintball bring to its players? Primarily, it builds character. Through paintball, one can garner skills on teamwork, leadership and self-confidence. The sport provides fun and relief from everyday stress, without the danger of injuries and death. This is a big plus for companies, and paintball is fast becoming a recommended activity for employees. Paintball gives the following benefits for the staff and management: morale boost, improved camaraderie, removal of the barrier between employer and employee, and enhanced group dynamics.

Paintball is available to everyone, and serves as an alternative activity for several events. Groups from college sororities, fraternities, athletic teams and company staff and management all grab at the chance of playing paintball. It is featured as a central theme during birthday bashes, bachelor parties, or just simple gatherings. It is an activity that everyone can truly enjoy.

Paintball: the art of retreat

In cases where you encounter a situation where you or your paintball team have to back down and retreat, the following are effective ways to make retreating more effective, if not successful.

Always have a plan b:

When you or your squad needs to move to another position, make sure that this area is far safer as this will be the place where you have to retreat to. Plan ahead so that you will know the ideal place for you and your team to be. Usually, good places to retreat are those that provide cover for the team or is a nearer to the other squad units of your team. It is essential that this area is known by everyone, and all know how to get there. It is also important that all go there together, when such a need arises.

Fight together, run together:

When it is time to retreat, retreat all together, retreat as one group. ll for one and one for all?is the best defense you can have. Your group combined strength is a force to reckon with when under attack.

Imagine if your team was to run off in various directions, you would be unable to watch and protect each other. It is difficult to battle the enemy if everyone is far apart, especially if you and your other team mates are safely nestled in their separate areas.

Fire, fire, fire and fire:

The most effective way to break from an attack is to fire back with an enormous amount of paintball ammunition as this will cause the opposing team to hide and protect themselves from your fire. When the leader of your squad decides to retreat, continue firing all together, hit everything that is moving for about three seconds and then, retreat! Do not forget to fire back and occasionally turn around to check on anyone who may be firing at you. Do this as a group.

Keep in mind that retreats are not an opportunity to duck and cover but to make moves that are strategically important to the group welfare. Therefore, it should be quick.

Exception to the rule

There is an exception to the ire when retreating rule.? The act of retreating and not returning any shots is when you or your squad is asked to help your fellow team members. On this occasion, moving as a unit with speed is still very important.

Retreating is not easy but it could be the best choice you or your group have to keep your team from losing.

Paintball 101: The Importance of Stealth

Paintball is a war game. Firepower and manpower do matter. Firepower is the ability of a paintball gun to inflict a lot of paint on your opponents and the ammunition it can carry. However firepower is useless in the wrong hands. It is still manpower that will win teams their games.

Manpower is the ability of a player not to only play harder but to also play smarter in the field. This article tackles about stealth and how it can win games for you.

Stealth is the ability to blend with your surroundings. Using different techniques to achieve this, stealth will usually indicate who the ewbie?is in a paintball environment.

Stealth is about moving the right way. When you have to make a quick dash, it is best to just stick to paths where there are no twigs. Twigs are the worst things to step on as they will snap, break, and make noise. It is recommended that you take your time (when you still have it) and move slowly when going through a cluttered area.

Stealth is best accomplished when using the proper equipment. Shoes and clothing will help tremendously in minimizing the sound you create when moving. Shoes with soft soles are recommended as they make less noise than army combat boots because they have a natural sound absorption property that helps limit the sounds made while stepping.

Soft clothing will also be an advantage as coarse fabrics will create a lot of noise when brushing against branches and the foliage. It is great for crawling quietly to go to a desired place with a minimal amount of noise created.

Other things must also fit snug or tightly on your body. This includes harnesses and holsters. You should also avoid putting anything in the leg area since walking and running will cause it to make noise - this includes your reloads and ammunition.

There are also several techniques such as using colors that match the foliage of the battlefield: this will hide you and makes you virtually unseen (when not moving) by your enemies.

When you have to move, it is recommended that you learn how to crawl the proper way (and with the ability to still fire when needed).

Stealth takes a lot of time to learn properly. Even experienced players will make mistakes and with these mistakes they learn how not to do it!

Paintball Anyone?

People who love to play war games will surely enjoy the game of Paintball. This game which has been around for more than 20 years involves a lot of running, crawling and shooting that makes a person feel as though it is the real thing.

The only thing difference is that instead of using live ammunition to kill the opponent, paint in the form of balls exits the weapon and hits the opponent. The bullet used for each shot is a .68 caliber gelatin capsule. It comes in various colors so both teams can distinguish the shots fired from the other.

Anyone who is hit in any part of the body is automatically out of the game. There are other ways that the team can win. Both teams are given one flag and the team who captures the enemy flag wins.

In another game, a single flag is positioned in the center of the field. Whoever is able to capture it wins the match. The other way of winning would be to eliminate all the players of the opposing team.

The game can be played either on a small scale or large scale. Small scale can be the size of a basketball court with barrels and other obstructions to give cover for the player. This is usually called recreational. Each team should have five to ten players in order to play.

When there is game that could involve more than a hundred participants, this is called a scenario. The largest ever recorded scenario was in 2005 on 700 acres of land and with 3000 participants.

This growing sport has a regulating body that sanctions such events. Competitions that are held by various leagues are called tournaments. Teams can comprise from 3 to 10 players each. Rules during such events vary so people should check before joining the match.

Since safety is the primary concern of this game, players are required to wear protective gear at all times. These consist of a helmet, chest pad, gloves, and knee and elbow pads. The guns maximum firing speed is 300 feet per second.

Paintball is ranked as the third most popular extreme game in the world. It is also considered a safe sport with only a few reported minor injuries. This will continue as long as the players abide by the rules. Those who are interested can sign up at their local club and join in the fun.

All about Paintball

War games have been around for a long time. These are used to prepare an army for battle or the beginning of a surprise attack. Since people are not able to use real guns in this game, Bob Gurnsey, Hayes Noel, Charles Gaines and nine others decided to play this game by using markers that were originally used to tag cattle and trees. This game originated in 1981.

Later on, markers were used to shoot paintballs at other players. The bullets used for each shot is a .68 caliber gelatin capsule which comes in various colors so that one team can distinguish the shots they fire from those of the opposition. Anyone that gets hit is out of the game.

Paintball has evolved and through the years and can be played in different ways. In one version of the game teams can one flag each and the other team must capture that flag in order to win. Another game has the same objective as the first will except there is only one flag that is situated in the center of the field and each team tries to be the first to capture the flag. The other way of winning (other than capturing the flag) would be to eliminate all of the players of the opposing team with paintball hits.

The game can be played on a small scale which is called recreational paintball. This is the original way it was played in a wooded area and can be played in an area the size of a basketball court.

If there are many people who want to play and the field is a large area the game is called a scenario. The largest scenario ever was in 2005 on a 700 acre parcel of land and with 3,000 participants.

When a player who participates in a competition sanctioned by a governing body, that competition is called a tournament. Teams can be comprised of 3 to 10 players each. Rules during such events vary so people should check before entering the tournament.

For the safety of those who participate in these events, protective gear is required for each player. It consists of a helmet, chest pad, gloves, and knee and elbow pads. The guns used are only allowed to fire a maximum of 300 feet per second.

Paintball is one game that is gaining ground in the sports world. According to a study done in 2005, it is ranked as the third most popular extreme game in the world. It is considered a safe sport as long as proper equipment is used and people comply with the rules. People who are interested can sign up at the local club and join in the fun.

Why Everyone Loves Paintball

Today, many people from all over the world are playing or at least have tried playing paintball. It is becoming one of the most popular outdoor sports in the world, an alternative to classic favorites such as basketball and football. It is the kind of game where everyone can play; a competition where things such as gender, social status, age or race does not bring about discrimination or disadvantage of any kind. All that matters is the ability to think and act quickly. Intelligence and decisiveness are the primary factors that can make a person a paintball expert.

The objective of the game is simple enough: To capture the flag of the enemy while protecting his or her own.

Here are several reasons why paintball is a sport well-loved by many people:

1. Physical contact is not really needed. People can dispense fears of being physically injured, or worse, death. Players do not need to hurt their opponents to have them ejected from the game. You only need to mark them with paintballs, and the deed is already done. No fuss, no lack eyes?.

2. Equality exists among the players. It is the game where a man has no edge over a woman, or the young can take advantage of the old. The only thing that can give a player have an advantage over the other is experience.

3. Even amateurs can enjoy the game. Chances are that a first time player can eliminate an experienced player.

4. One does not need to be an athlete, since the game can be played with minimal physical contact.

5. Paintball players use a lot of gadgets. Everyone loves the sense of childhood one gets when using intricate toys.

6. The fact that one can just eliminate players is a thrill in itself. Eliminating one's opponent is even encouraged, while protecting the team's flag.

7. There is a foreboding sense of danger. It stems from the awareness that one can be removed from the game in just one blink of the eye, and no one is invincible. The fear is enough to arouse a little bit of anxiety in a player, but not enough to make him so nervous he cannot perform his tasks.

There is no doubt that paintball is one of the most exciting sports ever conceived. It is the kind of game where people can experience the stimulation that other strenuous sports provide, and paintball can develop teamwork and camaraderie among its players.

Tips in Choosing a Paintball Gun

Today paintball is one of the most popular sports not only in the United States but around the world. It is a fun and exciting game that offers adventure to its players. When getting on the paintball field, it is very important to consider your one important friend - the paintball gun.

Paintball would not be paintball without the paintball gun. All paintball guns may look the same but it is important to remember that choosing the right paintball gun is not an easy task. Here are some tips that you may need to consider:

1. The very first thing that needs to be considered when buying a paintball gun is the price. It is important that the buyer determine his budget for the gun. There are many paintball guns in the market and prices may range from $100 to $900. The cost of the gun will depend on the brand and features that come with it.

2. It is recommended a person test all types of guns before buying one. He may want to try those that he has borrowed or rented which will give him the chance to choose which a gun that works for him. The paintball gun should provide ease of use and comfort for the user.

3. Before buying a paintball gun, it is important that he decide on the size of the gun, the paintball loader and the tank that he desires. Remember that the bigger the tanks and the paintball loaders the heavier the gun becomes. A good gun should be the right size for the user and should contain the amount of paintball needed to fire at the opponents.

4. The buyer should shop around first before deciding on a particular paintball gun. This will give him the chance to evaluate and compare prices. Some shops offer lower prices than other shops, so do some research and purchase the one that fits your needs and pocketbook.

5. Seek advice from friends who play paintball, instructors, and coaches of paintball games who will be able to provide some tips on what paintball guns they have used and have found effective. Paintball stores can also recommend some good paintball guns and/or those that they most often sell to their customers.

After choosing the right paintball gun, you must familiarize yourself with the machine. Practicing with the paintball gun will help you move with the gun as well as apply some strategies for using the gun.

What Is A Good Paintball Mask?

The face mask is the most significant protective gear in playing the sport of paintball. It mainly shields the eyes from balls with a traveling speed of up to three hundred eet per second? Most completely cover the face and the ears, but there are those who prefer to wear goggles, protecting only the eyes.

Paintball masks are designed to absorb any direct shot, from any distance or range. An ordinary pair of goggles will supply only a false sense of security and put one at great risk since it they are not constructed to block a paintball. All paintball mask manufactures measure up to DOT safety criteria and safety standards.

The choice of the mask material is of significance. There are masks made of different material from rubber, plastic to foam. It is a wise idea to buy your own face mask rather then renting one. It should be the first equipment purchased before playing paintball. Be sure to properly test the fit of the mask to your face and make sure that you can see clearly so you can well and enjoy your game. The lens is the mask most significant quality, so check it carefully; then examine the foam and see if it is comfortable to wear and the design is attractive

1. Typically, paintball masks will have either non-thermal or thermal lens or be anti-fog for fog resistance: these do not need an anti for agent applied to the lens to perform their function. These thermal lenses will cost more but they are a good choice because they just won fog up.

2. The foam in a paint ball mask is an important factor to consider, as it can determine your level of comfort. For instance, a force Armor?is a neoprene type of foam ?a type of foam that is considered a good foam, but it is uncomfortable. The force Shield?and force Profiler?is and open cell and two layer foam which is very comfortable to wear. The open cell foam can be compared to a memory foam that is used in pillows.

3. Style is another factor. There are masks that are more expensive even when the foam and lens are the same quality as cheaper models, but the difference is in the style of the mask.

Choose wisely and never sacrifice cost over quality; your safety should always come first!

Paintball Basics

Paintball is a safe, simple yet challenging and strategic sport that is played usually by two teams, each with at least two players. Adults and kids alike enjoy this sport as they often refer to it as an advanced or improvised game of tag.

Tournaments attract many spectators of all ages, as it is a very exciting game to watch.

Paintball games are of various types, however, the most popular game often played is called "capture the flag". The object or the goal of this game is for teams to advance to the opponent base, move the other team flag to its destined location, at the same time guarding your own flag.

The paintball field has many obstacles such as tires, forts, old cars, hay and the newest are nflatables?that are constructed as refuge for team players; making the game all the more exciting, as if participating in an actual game of war in videos.

When one is hit, it can hurt briefly and at times give players bruises. Players are typically required to be in long sleeves shirt and pants, making sure that the color is not be identical as that of the judge and complete paintball gear such as mask, helmet and goggles for safety.

The sport of paintball has a distinct and accurate set of rules that are strictly followed. The producer of the tournament is the absolute authority in regard to either an alteration or addition to the rules; marshals oversee the event, and their decision is always final. No dispute on the paintball field is accommodated or entertained.

A military approach to paintball is useless, as that knowledge is recognized and understood by the teams. A team tactic should be carefully planned; your team line of attack will not be known by the opposing team, and there should be a quick switch of plans in case something goes wrong.

There must be a lot of team work involved, as everyone moves through the field. As a team member moves, there should be others to guard and keep watch and give off covering shots when necessary. A team that moves together with a common objective will have a great chance of succeeding in this game.

Communication in the field is also very important. A team-mate can shout the position of the opponent. The moment that a player is seen, the game for that player is up; so there is no reason for you to keep quite; instead, inform the others the location of the enemy.

The excitement of this game concludes when you are seen and eliminated - a situation that all team players struggle to avoid.