Paintball gear, for the most part, is readily available at local retailers like Big 5 Sporting Goods or Sports Authority. Both of these stores sell basic paintball masks (which will be discussed later) and hoppers (a portable magazine which holds paintballs), but do not sell guns; to buy one, you need to go online.
Most serious paintball players buy their guns online. This is because you can get more gun for your dollar, just use the Internet and type in “paintball gun” into any search engine.
There are many different types of markers (guns) available; below is a brief description of each marker type, along with some pros and cons associated with each one:
- Pump: A pump marker requires you to cock the gun after each shot. This is a very old design and one that isn’t used anymore. However, this design does have its advantages – they are easy to maintain and inexpensive. Unfortunately, because of their low efficiency rate (you can only fire 1 out of every 4 shots) players don’t enjoy using them.
- Mechanical: This type of gun fires every time you pull the trigger. Because this marker uses a mechanical firing system, it has virtually no break in period. Additionally, they don’t chop balls (a ball breaks inside the chamber which stops the marker from firing; more on chopping later). These guns are very reliable and inexpensive. The only real downside to this marker is that they have a low efficiency rate compared to electropneumatic markers.
- Electropneumatic: An electropneumatic gun operates off of pressure from gas (either CO 2 or N 2 ) which fires the paintball down the barrel and through the air via a regulator; some markers use an electronic solenoid to fire the paintball. This marker has a decent rate of fire, is very efficient, and puts up minimal recoil. The downside of this marker is that they are expensive compared to other types of markers; they also have a break in period which can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
- Batteries: Batteries are used by electronic markers which use an electronic solenoid to fire the paintball. Basically, when you pull the trigger in battery powered marker, a switch is depressed by your finger and sends power directly to the solenoid, which then ejects the paintball into flight. Because batteries are not subject to break in period, they are very efficient. Batteries also can be charged using a wall adapter which you plug into an AC outlet or by using a 12-volt car battery charger.
Another thing to consider when buying your paintball marker is the mask. Make sure that the mask fits securely on your face with minimal wiggle room. Since masks are the only thing protecting you from incoming paintballs, it is very important that they fit right. If your mask doesn’t fit correctly, it could fly off of your face during a game and leave you open to enemy fire.
Below are some things to consider when buying your first paintball marker:
- Price range: How much are you willing to spend?
- Efficiency: How many shots per ounce of gas does the gun get?
- Rate of Fire: How fast can you shoot?
- Maintenance: Does the marker require a break in period or is it good out of the box.
Table of Contents
What to wear to paintball?
Undershirt
Keep the cold air from rushing into your shirt.
Pants
Wear loose fitting pants with pockets or leg holsters for your paintballs.
Shoes
Sneakers are a good choice as they offer ankle support, cushioning and traction. Avoid wearing flip flops as there is a high risk of losing them during the game.
Gloves
Gloves are not required but can be helpful to keep your hands warm during cold weather play or for added grip on your marker.
Barrel Socks
These should be worn over the barrel of your gun to protect other players from being hit by flying paintballs as well as protect the barrel of your marker from scratches.
Splatmaster/NXL
This is a new division of paintball that is designed for players 10 and up to play in CFOA approved fields. The equipment used in this division is smaller than regular paintball and uses lower impact velocities. If your child is interested in playing paintball with you, check out the website for more information.
What to wear to paintballing in summer?
- Lightweight clothing: This should be made of a thin, lightweight fabric such as mesh. It is also helpful to wear clothing that matches the color of your team or environment (grass, dirt, etc.) for camouflage purposes.
- Gloves: Gloves are not required but can be helpful to keep your hands warm during cold weather play or for added grip on your marker.
- Paintball Mask: Make sure that the mask fits securely on your face with minimal wiggle room – the only thing protecting you from incoming paintballs should be a snug fit.
What to wear to play paintball in Winter?
- Jacket: The jacket should provide insulation and protection from cold temperatures and wind. Some players like to use a ski or snowboarding jacket as they are lightweight and can easily be used in conjunction with other clothing layers.
- Pants: The pants worn should be loose fitting, comfortable and warm. They should also have leg holsters for paintballs so that you can quickly access them during game play.
- Gloves/Mittens: Gloves or mittens are helpful to keep your fingers from going numb in cold weather. Avoid wearing gloves that have a lot of fingers as it tends to restrict trigger movement and grip on your marker.
- Thermal Underwear: This should be worn underneath the pants, shirt and jacket for added insulation and warmth.
- Scarf: A scarf can help to cover your neck area and protect it from the cold.
- Sunglasses/Goggles: It is helpful to wear sunglasses or goggles that are rated for paintball as they provide better eye protection against incoming projectiles compared to regular sunglasses. Regular glasses should not be worn due to risk of injury.
What paintball clothing brands are best?
Empire
This paintball company is one of the most well known in the world and provides a variety of gear including casual wear. Their clothing line features lightweight designs that provide breathability, ventilation and protection from impacts
GI Sports
One of the most popular brands for casual paintball apparel, GI sports utilizes moisture wicking technology to ensure that players stay cool and dry on the field.
Valken
This brand is known for their brightly colored camouflage clothing which provides added concealment during game play. Their new line features soft shell jackets with padding to provide comfort as well as protection from bumpers, branches etc.
Best shoes for paintball
Any type of athletic shoe will work for paintball, however make sure to choose a pair that has good grip. This is helpful for running around the field during game play. It is recommended to avoid wearing high top shoes as they can cause pain and discomfort when crouching down.
Skate shoes can be used instead of athletic shoes as they provide good grip and flexibility. They are also very lightweight compared to most running shoes which can be helpful if you end up walking around the field during game play.
What type of socks should I wear to play paintball?
Thin Socks
Make sure that the socks worn are not loose. This is helpful as it prevents your feet from sliding around inside your shoes, which can cause blisters or discomfort if they move too much.
Athletic Socks
Athletic socks come in different thicknesses and can be used instead of regular socks. They are more durable and tend to wick away sweat better than most types of socks.
What type of pants should I wear to play paintball?
Tactical Pants
These pants typically have lots of pockets for storing extra paintballs, tools and other equipment necessary for playing on the field. They also tend to be baggier around the legs so that they do not restrict movement.
Cargo Pants
Cargo pants are a variation of tactical pants as they have lots of pockets as well. In addition, cargo pants also have a flap located on the side of each leg which allows for quick access to paintballs during game play.
Paintball gear: Everything a beginner needs
All in One GI Paint ball Jumpsuit
This type of suit features padding for the torso, elbow and knees to help protect vital areas during game play. It is designed so that you only need to put it on once and not worry about getting pained multiple times as you move around the field.
All in One Tactical GI Paintball Jumpsuit
These are similar to the standard jumpsuit except for they feature padding in the shoulders, chest and back rather than the entire torso.
Under Armour
This paintball clothing line is designed with Cold Gear fabric which provides insulation and warmth even when it is wet. It has also been tested by professional paintball players to ensure that it performs effectively under strenuous circumstances.
What other items should I bring?
Marker
Your marker is going to be your paintball gun and it is important that you purchase a high quality one. The gun should feel comfortable in your hands, have an adjustable stock if necessary and shoot the ball accurately.
Barrel Cover
Barrel covers are essential for protecting yourself from being shot during game play. They ensure that you are not marked if you happen to step in front of another players marker.
Marker Oil
This is used to clean your paintball gun between game play. It removes any dirt or debris inside the barrel which can cause malfunctions during game play.
