How to Play Paintball - Guns and Gear

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By: Tim Hoss

This article is an introduction to paintball. Within a few short minutes you should understand what to expect at your first paintball game. You should also know what is required and what to wear when playing paintball.

Is Paintball Safe?

Like any sport, there is risk of injury. Paintball fields will ask you to sign a waiver of liability for their insurance purposes. Check to see if you can download their form from their website ahead of time so that you can have it completed prior to arrival. Children under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian's signature and some fields may ask that the signature of the parent or guardian is notarized. Once signed and on file, most fields will keep them on file for a period of time before asking you to update or renew the waiver.

Now that we have your attention, we return to the original question. Yes, paintball is safe provided you follow instructions, play by the rules and be aware of your own and others safety at all times. Be sure to receive your field orientation before playing on any field for the first time. Not all fields have the same rules.

The Main Safety Concerns.

Wear your paintball goggles at all times in designated areas. Simply stated, a paintball can take your eyes. Do not push this safety concern! Always perform the speed or velocity check for your paintball guns. The paintball gun should be firing at the stated maximum feet per second (fps) or less as per the field's rules. Typical guidelines are 280 fps. That is right, 280 feet per second is how fast your paintball will travel.

If changing barrels or the weather changes, you change air supplies (CO2 or High Pressure Air), check your velocity again before the next game. Remember the players you are shooting at want safety too! Your paintball gun always needs a barrel blocking device or a barrel cover (condom) to protect from misfiring when not on the field. These devices must be used at all times when not on the actual playing area.

What Do I Need?

To start, you can rent everything you need. Generally this includes your paintball gun or paintball marker (the terms are interchangeable), paintball goggles, a CO2 or compressed air tank, a barrel blocking device or barrel condom and paintballs. This item should be thought of as your guns safety. It should always be on unless you are about to play a game or test your marker for velocity. After learning your individual desire and style of play, you will want to purchase your paintball guns and equipment to avoid the rental fees. The investment will soon pay for itself.

What Should I Wear?

This is an individual preference question. Personally, I don't like welts and I don't find anything cool or macho about playing in a t-shirt or shorts. I grew up playing sports and quickly learned that playing sports are a lot more fun when wearing proper protection and paintball gear. Wear some heavy clothing like sweatshirts and sweat pants. Bring a change of clothes and an old sheet or towels to protect your car after playing.

For your kids, we recommend buying or renting a chest and back protector which will ensure their comfort and safety. After playing a few games, consider upgrading to proper paintball gloves, paintball jerseys and pants. These items will also enhance your comfort, protection during play and cleanup.

Prepare to Have Fun!

The last thing is have fun! You will have a great time with this fast action, adrenaline pumping paintball games. Our bet is you will return to play again and again.

When playing paintball, follow the rules, play safe and enjoy your experience to the fullest. Keep researching the sport and learn about paintball guns and paintball gear for purchasing after you have played a few games. Follow these simple guidelines and you will be prepared for your first outing playing paintball.

Information about the Author:

The author is the owner of RedDotPaintball.com where you'll find a wide selection of Paintball guns and paintball supplies. Shop online at www.reddotpaintball.com.

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