Get ready to enjoy one of the most fast-paced, exciting innovations in recreation. Paintball is loads of fun, a little messy, and much less dangerous than most other popular forms of recreation. All that's required is a paintball marker, also referred to as a paintball gun. Different markers are available, based on the skill level of the participant.
Beginners should opt for a marker package. Beginner paintball markers work well enough for those just trying out the sport, and are usually easily available for purchase from more advanced players who've moved on to more expensive markers. More skilled amateurs who are regularly participating in the sport may want to invest in an automatic mark er.
Those playing in tournaments should choose a paintball marker that is equipped with a remote air hose. These are much less heavier, and offer greater speed and mobility. Team players who function as cover players usually prefer a quick-loading market that includes a sizable bottle for air supply as well as a remote line hose. In comparison, utility players prefer a paintball marker that also has a large air system as well as a mounted yank that features both added mobility and paintball capacity.
Which Paintball Air System is Superior?
Paintball experts can choose from two different types of paintball air systems. Both carbon dioxide, or CO2 systems, and high-pressure air, or HPA systems, provide the air pressure that is required to propel the paintball from the marker. Carbon dioxide (CO2) systems are widely preferred by the vast majority of recreational players. Shooting volume depends on air tank capacity, and these tanks can usually be filled at most paintball fields.
High-pressure air (HPA) systems are sometimes preferred by more serious players. These systems are sometimes referred to as nitrogen systems, and can deliver a shot with greater accuracy. These markers weigh less, and can shoot more paintballs before requiring a refill. Only certain fields, however, are capable of filling HPA tanks, so choose a system that is compatible with your preferred playing field.
Protective paintball gear is an important investment for both serious and recreational players. Paintball vests cover the torso and protect vulnerable vital organs, while paintball goggles and masks are designed to provide valuable protection to the face and eyes. Paintball goggles protect players from shots from all angles, and some masks also offer face shields, which offer protection for the head, ears, and jaw. Full paintball masks are also available for added head protection.
Other protective coverings are available as well. Gloves, elbow pads, and knee pads are a must for even recreational players, while both amateurs and serious players may feel safer wearing chest protectors and neck pads as well. Remember: Safe use of protective equipment is nearly as essential as the equipment itself!
Different accessory options will help players improve their game. For instance, some opt for an upgraded marker barrel, usually between ten and eighteen inches in length. Be sure to choose a bore size that is compatible with the preferred paintball size. The majority of paintball barrels are sized to shoot a standard 0.68-caliber paintball.
Storage bins for paintballs, typically called hoppers, can be mounted atop a manual marker, or an electric marker with a lower or mid-range firing rate. Serious players will want to spend their money on a loader, which is a battery-operated, motorized hopper. These loaders will work faster than a hopper.
Some players prefer other paintball accessories, including strap-on paintball accessories like tubes or paintball pods, which are designed for storing extra paintballs. Another storing option is a paintball belt pack. Others prefer to carry an extra backup tank, secured by a harness, while they are playing.
Opt for the ultimate in portability and convenience with a remote air hose, designed to remotely control the air supply. A remote air hose is designed to connect the air supply to the marker and lighten the player's load.
Markers that are cleaned regularly will function more effectively than those that are not cleaned often. To clean a paintball marker, use a squeegee. Both stick forms and pull-through forms are available for purchase. Carry the squeegee around for use during play with a squeegee holder.
Paintball Selection
Paintballs are made of a paint that is water-based and covered with a coat of gelatin. These are propelled by a paintball marker and designed to burst on impact. Many different sizes of paintballs are available. The most popular size is the 0.68-caliber, but paintballs may be as small as 0.50-caliber or as larger as 0.72 caliber. Choose the caliber of paintball that fits the barrel diameter of your marker.
Paintballs are manufactured in various colors. A brightly colored paintball will make recognizing and calling a hit quite easy. The best colors for use in forests or areas with many trees are red and orange. Green is not a good color for these areas. After play, store the paintballs in a place that is cool and dry. This will prevent humidity from ruining the paintballs or making them less effective.
Now that you know the basics, it's time to choose a good marker and a field. Find some friends and get started. Be quick, and be careful in this fast and furious, but fun recreational sport!