For the N00bs
What is Paintball?
How safe is it?
I'm not sure
What equipment do I need?
Where can I play?
Here you will find Q&A for the new players. If
you would additional answers please post on the forum.
What is Paintball?
First - paintball is a sport. There are many variables to
how paintball is played, such as recreational or tournament. There are paintball
teams around the world, and it is televised. It's only been around for a short
time, but it is growing quickly in popularity.
The goal of paintball, ultimately, is to win by slinging
paint at the opponents with your paintball marker (gun). The paintballs are
shells filled with an oil which are easily broken, thus 'marking' the unfortunate
player. The paintball markers use compressed gas/CO2/N2 to propel the balls.
Each marker should be chronographed (speed rated) before playing to make sure
the balls are not travelling at too high of a rate of speed. The speed requirements
vary from field to field, but the typical speed setting is around 280 feet
per second (fps).
How safe is paintball?
It is very safe, as long as you follow rules and use common
sense. The primary rules that MUST be adhered to are:
- Always wear goggles while on the field. Do not raise
or remove them.
- Always use a barrel plug/bag when off of the field.
- Know specific field rules and abide by them.
If rules are followed the most you will walk away with is a bruise or two,
but you probably won't notice. Usually your adrenaline is too high to feel the
initial sting.
Sounds cool, but I'm not sure yet...
Well, paintball can be quite an investment. There are a few options here:
- Go out to a paintball field and rent the equipment. It's not cheap, but
it is less than buying and you will be able to decide whether or not is' right
for you.
- Buy a cheap marker. In this case you're not blowing a lot of money, but
you may be disappointed with the marker.
- Borrow from a friend. This is not ideal, because if you break it...
Obviously the first option is probably the best option for someone that's new
to the sport. Most fields rent equipment. It's a good way to 'try before you
buy'.
Okay, what equipment do I need?
- Goggles
- A barrel plug
- A marker w/ a hopper
- Paintballs
- Air (usually CO2) tank or cartridge
Anything else is optional. You will decide what you need as you play. Some
stuff looks cool, but just gets in your way. Some items are more important based
on what and how you play. Example: field pods are important if you play with
an automatic/electric marker.
If you're just starting out buying a kit can be the easiest thing to do. Usually
they come with all of the requirements, except paintballs.
Where can I find people to play with?
NeoDawgs, of course! We currently play on three different fields in Northern
Indiana. Two of these fields are managed by NeoDawgs. Our fees (if any) are
cheap, plus you can buy and bring you own balls. That can save some money!
Outside of Indiana I recommend looking at Paintball
Review. You'll find that NeoDawgs is not listed there, in Indiana, because
it is a private group with private fields.
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