Types of Paintball Equipment

Are you considering trying paintball for the first time? If you've never participated in this sport before, you're in for a lot of fun! Paintball, when done right, is safe and exciting. The sport is played at locations called fields, by teams of players. There are a wide variety of different games that can be played, with the classic type being similar to the children's game Capture the Flag. In order to play, you will need some paintball equipment.

The first thing you'll need is a paintball marker, also referred to as a gun or paintgun. There are a staggering variety of markers available these days. Some cost as little as $50 while others can cost over $1000. For a hobbyist paintballer, an inexpensive or moderately priced marker should do just fine. The most popular materials for markers are heavy duty plastic and metal. Markers come in lots of different configurations and sizes. Some are pump style, others semi-automatic. The newest markers out there are electronic and powered by computer chip. Markers use compressed CO2 or air in cartridges or tanks to propel the paintballs out of the barrel.

Paintballs are also crucial to the sport. These paint-filled capsules are designed to burst upon impact, leaving a splatter of color behind. Most of the time, the brighter color you choose, the better. There are even paintballs designed for night play that glow in the dark. The most common size of paintball is .68 caliber, although some markers use other sizes.

You'll also need the proper safety gear. This includes goggles, a face mask, chest and throat protection, gloves, and the right clothing. Arms and legs should be covered to protect skin from the paintballs. A barrel plug is another piece of safety gear that is important, and prevents paintballs from escaping the barrel upon accidental discharge or marker malfunction. If there are paintballs loaded in your marker, the barrel plug should always be used when you're not in active play.

Other paintball equipment you may need fall into the category of accessories. There are ball loaders, barrel cleaners, ball haulers, scopes, and much more. Many players start off with the basics then upgrade once they become more experienced with the sport. Equipment and accessories can be purchased at a variety of places, or rented from most any paintball field.

Copyright 2006 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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