History of Paintballs
michaelrussell asked:
Paintballing is a relatively new sport that has come into popularity since its creation almost 20 years ago. The core of the idea behind paintball was to recreate the thrill of hunting wild game in Africa without the expenses included in making such a trip. Inspired by Richard Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game and eager to recreate the adrenaline rush of the hunt, three friends–Hayes Noel, Bob Gurnsey, and Charles Gaines–eventually worked out the most important qualities that a hunter could possess, but what they lacked was the necessary tool to make such a game possible.
It wasn’t until a friend of theirs showed them a paintball gun manufactured by the Nelson Paint Company that they found that tool. The paintballs and guns produced by Nelson Paint Company were originally designed for agricultural purposes–tree marking, etc. However, this did not stop these men from developing a game designed along the lines of capture the flag based around them. The very first paintball game took place June 2, 1981, with a dozen players competing against one another. An article was published that same month in Sports Illustrated on that game. The first games were crude compared to today’s standards, with extremely limited ammunition per gun. Players would even resort to throwing paintballs at one another.
Interest in paintball climbed steadily, and Bob Gurnsey eventually founded National Survival Game and contracted with Nelson Paint Company to be the sole distributor of their guns and paintballs. This initial monopoly allowed Gurnsey to turn a profit in six months. Competitor manufacturers of paintballs quickly appeared in the early 1980s, spurring development in paintball technology. Nelson Paint Company would later split into two companies: Nelson Paint Company, which focused on traditional paint products, and Nelson Technologies, Inc. (better known as Nelson Paintballs), which still produces paintballs today.
Competitive tournaments have been going on nearly since the sport’s inception. The first major paintball tournament was held in 1983, with the Canadian-based team The Unknown Rebels from London, Ontario, winning. Originally played in the woods, tournaments shifted over to the speedball format in the late 1990s. Speedball is similar to the idea of indoor soccer, with an even, enclosed field with a set terrain that afforded neither team an unfair advantage over the other. Tournaments since then have largely been in this format. The world’s largest, the World Cup, takes place each October at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Kissimmee, Florida.
Paintballs themselves have evolved over time as well. When the game first began in the early 1980s, paintballs were oil-based. Turpentine parties were not common after a game to get the paint off. Today’s paintballs are a gelatin shell filled with vegetable oil and food coloring. A number of variations have been developed for paintballs, including glow in the dark, scented, and cold weather ones. Some teams in tournament play will put their paintballs in a freezer to cool them and make the paint more brittle to shatter easier on impact and reduce the odds of a ricochet.
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Paintballing is a relatively new sport that has come into popularity since its creation almost 20 years ago. The core of the idea behind paintball was to recreate the thrill of hunting wild game in Africa without the expenses included in making such a trip. Inspired by Richard Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game and eager to recreate the adrenaline rush of the hunt, three friends–Hayes Noel, Bob Gurnsey, and Charles Gaines–eventually worked out the most important qualities that a hunter could possess, but what they lacked was the necessary tool to make such a game possible.
It wasn’t until a friend of theirs showed them a paintball gun manufactured by the Nelson Paint Company that they found that tool. The paintballs and guns produced by Nelson Paint Company were originally designed for agricultural purposes–tree marking, etc. However, this did not stop these men from developing a game designed along the lines of capture the flag based around them. The very first paintball game took place June 2, 1981, with a dozen players competing against one another. An article was published that same month in Sports Illustrated on that game. The first games were crude compared to today’s standards, with extremely limited ammunition per gun. Players would even resort to throwing paintballs at one another.
Interest in paintball climbed steadily, and Bob Gurnsey eventually founded National Survival Game and contracted with Nelson Paint Company to be the sole distributor of their guns and paintballs. This initial monopoly allowed Gurnsey to turn a profit in six months. Competitor manufacturers of paintballs quickly appeared in the early 1980s, spurring development in paintball technology. Nelson Paint Company would later split into two companies: Nelson Paint Company, which focused on traditional paint products, and Nelson Technologies, Inc. (better known as Nelson Paintballs), which still produces paintballs today.
Competitive tournaments have been going on nearly since the sport’s inception. The first major paintball tournament was held in 1983, with the Canadian-based team The Unknown Rebels from London, Ontario, winning. Originally played in the woods, tournaments shifted over to the speedball format in the late 1990s. Speedball is similar to the idea of indoor soccer, with an even, enclosed field with a set terrain that afforded neither team an unfair advantage over the other. Tournaments since then have largely been in this format. The world’s largest, the World Cup, takes place each October at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Kissimmee, Florida.
Paintballs themselves have evolved over time as well. When the game first began in the early 1980s, paintballs were oil-based. Turpentine parties were not common after a game to get the paint off. Today’s paintballs are a gelatin shell filled with vegetable oil and food coloring. A number of variations have been developed for paintballs, including glow in the dark, scented, and cold weather ones. Some teams in tournament play will put their paintballs in a freezer to cool them and make the paint more brittle to shatter easier on impact and reduce the odds of a ricochet.
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Paintball Enthusiasts Have Different Paintball Fields From Which to Choose
Korbin Newlyn asked:
For those who are enthusiastic about paintball they have two primary selections when planning an excursion in paintball. Number one is the Commercial paintball type of field and the second one is the “outlaw” type of paintball field. These two unique variations of paintball fields differ to a great degree and have to be compared before you make a decision as how either one best fits your personal needs and the needs of the other participants.
The Commercial Paintball Field Is An Excellent Method To Try Some of the Paintball Competitions
One of the best ways for a beginner to experience paintball would be the commercial type of paintball field and then come to a conclusion if this type of sport is one that they would be interested in spending time as well as money in playing.
One of the benefits of a commercial paintball field is that you can rent all of the necessary equipment, for instance a marker (paintball gun), mask as well as protection for the eyes, paintball ammunition as well as compressed air. This type of equipment are primary tools needed to play successfully as well as in a safe manner and by renting the equipment for the player who is doing this the first time is an excellent way to find out if this is the type of sport that is something they enjoy or not.
Additionally, the size of commercial fields are typically small and have many bunkers as well as forts so you can keep yourself hidden as well as evade your competition. You will also find that there are referees there to oversee the game and make sure that they rules are followed and everyone plays safely. For a person that has not played paintball, the commercial paintball field is a great way to get to experience the game while not having to make a big financial commitment in equipment.
The “Outlaw” Paintball Field Frequently Needs Teamwork To Defeat An Opponent
Paintball fields known as “Outlaw” are typically informal types of wooded areas where a bunch of friends and colleagues get together to play a game of paintball. There are numerous safety rules of thumb that should be adhered to whenever paintball is played. Some of the general rules to follow is to make sure that the entire group is calibrating and measuring the velocity of each paintball gun with a “chronograph”. Also putting on the needed safety regulated equipment as well as following the other general safety rules.
Paintball is a highly enjoyable game to play as long as everyone in your group realizes as well as follows the primary safety guidelines. These type of “Outlaw” games have been nicknamed “woodsball” amongst paintball enthusiasts. You will find in “woodball” that the terrain is frequently challenging, giving physical challenges such as valleys, trees, hills, shrubs etc. These external types of difficulties add to the total challenge of the game itself, hence making “woodsball” a highly popular field of choice for numerous people who are enthusiastic about paintball.
An Urban Paintball Delight, Tourney Ball Furnsihes Numerous Unique Challenges
There is a third kind of paintball field which is known as Tourney ball field. This smaller sized paintball field has numerous bunkers that are filled with air that are arranged in similar positions on two different sides of the field. What this accomplishes is that each team is faced with an identical mirror image of the competitive field, with each team holding their own side. The tourney ball fields are typically located in areas that are urban and are very well liked alternative to that is “Woodsball. Tourney all has different types of variations; one is that of “speedball” and “hyperball”, these are additionally located almost exclusively in urban areas.
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For those who are enthusiastic about paintball they have two primary selections when planning an excursion in paintball. Number one is the Commercial paintball type of field and the second one is the “outlaw” type of paintball field. These two unique variations of paintball fields differ to a great degree and have to be compared before you make a decision as how either one best fits your personal needs and the needs of the other participants.
The Commercial Paintball Field Is An Excellent Method To Try Some of the Paintball Competitions
One of the best ways for a beginner to experience paintball would be the commercial type of paintball field and then come to a conclusion if this type of sport is one that they would be interested in spending time as well as money in playing.
One of the benefits of a commercial paintball field is that you can rent all of the necessary equipment, for instance a marker (paintball gun), mask as well as protection for the eyes, paintball ammunition as well as compressed air. This type of equipment are primary tools needed to play successfully as well as in a safe manner and by renting the equipment for the player who is doing this the first time is an excellent way to find out if this is the type of sport that is something they enjoy or not.
Additionally, the size of commercial fields are typically small and have many bunkers as well as forts so you can keep yourself hidden as well as evade your competition. You will also find that there are referees there to oversee the game and make sure that they rules are followed and everyone plays safely. For a person that has not played paintball, the commercial paintball field is a great way to get to experience the game while not having to make a big financial commitment in equipment.
The “Outlaw” Paintball Field Frequently Needs Teamwork To Defeat An Opponent
Paintball fields known as “Outlaw” are typically informal types of wooded areas where a bunch of friends and colleagues get together to play a game of paintball. There are numerous safety rules of thumb that should be adhered to whenever paintball is played. Some of the general rules to follow is to make sure that the entire group is calibrating and measuring the velocity of each paintball gun with a “chronograph”. Also putting on the needed safety regulated equipment as well as following the other general safety rules.
Paintball is a highly enjoyable game to play as long as everyone in your group realizes as well as follows the primary safety guidelines. These type of “Outlaw” games have been nicknamed “woodsball” amongst paintball enthusiasts. You will find in “woodball” that the terrain is frequently challenging, giving physical challenges such as valleys, trees, hills, shrubs etc. These external types of difficulties add to the total challenge of the game itself, hence making “woodsball” a highly popular field of choice for numerous people who are enthusiastic about paintball.
An Urban Paintball Delight, Tourney Ball Furnsihes Numerous Unique Challenges
There is a third kind of paintball field which is known as Tourney ball field. This smaller sized paintball field has numerous bunkers that are filled with air that are arranged in similar positions on two different sides of the field. What this accomplishes is that each team is faced with an identical mirror image of the competitive field, with each team holding their own side. The tourney ball fields are typically located in areas that are urban and are very well liked alternative to that is “Woodsball. Tourney all has different types of variations; one is that of “speedball” and “hyperball”, these are additionally located almost exclusively in urban areas.
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Paintball – Cover Me, I Lost My Guppy!
Philip Schilling asked:
Backers, breaks and bunkers, oh my! Because of the distinct characteristics of paintball, enthusiasts across the globe have developed a very unique language that you will find only in the extreme sport of paintball. With the invention of paintball guns in the 1970’s as a tool for marking trees and livestock, this practice opened the door for gamers to create one of the most exciting, most popular of group extreme sports. Low and behold, in 1981, 12 friends got together and played the first officially recorded game of paintball on a 100-acre stretch of field. And they played without the use of any safety equipment whatsoever!
Today, the concept is the same, but the game is played quite differently with the use of advanced equipment. Tournaments are held throughout the world, with the first professional tournament held in 1983. Gaining recognition with the formation of the NPPL in 1992, the popularity of paintball has made leaps and bounds as an extreme sport with the progress of technology in the realm of paintball equipment such as guns, masks, suits, magazines, paintballs and pods. Advancements have been swiftly made in the area of paintball fields as well with the design of various props and layouts.
Once the referee yells, “Go, go, go!” to begin the game, the field is transformed into a battleground of strategy and warfare. A number of ways to play the game have been introduced, but the basic concept is to eliminate the opposing team by “killing” your enemy or capturing their flag. Avoid a direct hit from enemy forces and maneuver your way around the battlefield to victory. All you need is a marker, or paintball gun, plenty of ammunition, safety equipment to avoid serious injury, a battlefield and a good strategy. The sport of paintball can be as simple or as complex as you make it.
You don’t necessarily have to learn the jargon of paintball to play the sport. You don’t even have to purchase expensive equipment if you don’t want to. Many places offer rental equipment and although safety equipment is required, you can rent as many or as few accessories as you wish. The basic paintball gun is an air compressed or CO2 powered gun and you can upgrade with faster loaders, extra tanks, and an additional guppy (which is a pod to hold your extra ammo, by the way), depending on the rules of the game agreed upon between you and your opponent.
There are no particular special skills required to participate in the game of paintball, only a strategic mind and the bravery to be pummeled by balls sometimes sailing at you at speeds in excess of 200 mph. Ouch! That’s where that good safety equipment really comes in handy. Paintball courses can be found in many places all over the world. There is likely one in your area that caters to varying levels of play from the beginner to the expert. So, grab a fully and a guppy, hug a dorito, and Go, Go, Go!
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Backers, breaks and bunkers, oh my! Because of the distinct characteristics of paintball, enthusiasts across the globe have developed a very unique language that you will find only in the extreme sport of paintball. With the invention of paintball guns in the 1970’s as a tool for marking trees and livestock, this practice opened the door for gamers to create one of the most exciting, most popular of group extreme sports. Low and behold, in 1981, 12 friends got together and played the first officially recorded game of paintball on a 100-acre stretch of field. And they played without the use of any safety equipment whatsoever!
Today, the concept is the same, but the game is played quite differently with the use of advanced equipment. Tournaments are held throughout the world, with the first professional tournament held in 1983. Gaining recognition with the formation of the NPPL in 1992, the popularity of paintball has made leaps and bounds as an extreme sport with the progress of technology in the realm of paintball equipment such as guns, masks, suits, magazines, paintballs and pods. Advancements have been swiftly made in the area of paintball fields as well with the design of various props and layouts.
Once the referee yells, “Go, go, go!” to begin the game, the field is transformed into a battleground of strategy and warfare. A number of ways to play the game have been introduced, but the basic concept is to eliminate the opposing team by “killing” your enemy or capturing their flag. Avoid a direct hit from enemy forces and maneuver your way around the battlefield to victory. All you need is a marker, or paintball gun, plenty of ammunition, safety equipment to avoid serious injury, a battlefield and a good strategy. The sport of paintball can be as simple or as complex as you make it.
You don’t necessarily have to learn the jargon of paintball to play the sport. You don’t even have to purchase expensive equipment if you don’t want to. Many places offer rental equipment and although safety equipment is required, you can rent as many or as few accessories as you wish. The basic paintball gun is an air compressed or CO2 powered gun and you can upgrade with faster loaders, extra tanks, and an additional guppy (which is a pod to hold your extra ammo, by the way), depending on the rules of the game agreed upon between you and your opponent.
There are no particular special skills required to participate in the game of paintball, only a strategic mind and the bravery to be pummeled by balls sometimes sailing at you at speeds in excess of 200 mph. Ouch! That’s where that good safety equipment really comes in handy. Paintball courses can be found in many places all over the world. There is likely one in your area that caters to varying levels of play from the beginner to the expert. So, grab a fully and a guppy, hug a dorito, and Go, Go, Go!
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Paintball Pistols: Pros and Cons
kevin asked:
Paintball pistols are small pocket paintball guns loosely resembling pistols. They are either pump action or semi-automatic firing.They are usually .68 caliber and powered by a 12 gram co2 power let or cartridge. They are most successfully used as a sidearm or back-up gun to complement a main weapon of choice. There are pros and cons to carrying paintball pistols as compared to standard paintball guns.
PROS
Paintball pistols are extremely light and portable. They are very useful in woodsball because they are compact and can be kept in a pocket, harness or holster.
They are highly manoeuvrable enabling you to move around corners and across the field more easily. They are useful for those tight spots on the field that require quick responses and the ability to shoot fast and hit hard.
Pistol markers are ideal for bunker assaults and quick hit and run or intimidatory tactics. They make the perfect sidearm in a last resort situation.
Most paintball pistols are quick and easy to reload; Some take literally seconds to drop and reload a new magazine. This makes for much swifter action on the field. They are highly upgradeable and easy to disassemble and clean.
CONS
Because of their shorter barrels, paintball pistols lack the accuracy of a good rifle. Most pistols perform best within a 25-50 meter range. If you need to shoot further, a longer barreled gun is a better option. Shorter barrels give paintballs less time to stabilize before leaving the gun, which results in less accuracy over a greater distance.
Pistols have a smaller ammunition capacity than standard paintball guns. This leaves the player at a severe disadvantage against an opponent.
Paintball pistols have a smaller air capacity and are not as powerful as the longer barreled markers. They are usually powered by a 12 gram co2 cartridge. Depending on the weather conditions and how the pistol is chrono’d, you can only expect around 30 shots from one cartridge. This, again, puts you at a disadvantage against a player with a more powerful weapon.
Paintball pistols have their place in the game. They are light weight, easy to handle, highly manoeuvrable and quick loading. They are particularly handy in scenario ball or woodsball as an efficient sidearm. You must, however, be aware of their limitations and not expect the same performance from them as you would from a standard paintball marker.
Hawksbill Paintball Hawksbill Sports was established by players, for players. Our goal is to give you the products you need to enjoy the sport of paintball. We have low prices and fast shipping and promise the best customer service you can find anywhere. for more information about paintball gun, pistols and other accessories, go to Paintball pistols
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Paintball pistols are small pocket paintball guns loosely resembling pistols. They are either pump action or semi-automatic firing.They are usually .68 caliber and powered by a 12 gram co2 power let or cartridge. They are most successfully used as a sidearm or back-up gun to complement a main weapon of choice. There are pros and cons to carrying paintball pistols as compared to standard paintball guns.
PROS
Paintball pistols are extremely light and portable. They are very useful in woodsball because they are compact and can be kept in a pocket, harness or holster.
They are highly manoeuvrable enabling you to move around corners and across the field more easily. They are useful for those tight spots on the field that require quick responses and the ability to shoot fast and hit hard.
Pistol markers are ideal for bunker assaults and quick hit and run or intimidatory tactics. They make the perfect sidearm in a last resort situation.
Most paintball pistols are quick and easy to reload; Some take literally seconds to drop and reload a new magazine. This makes for much swifter action on the field. They are highly upgradeable and easy to disassemble and clean.
CONS
Because of their shorter barrels, paintball pistols lack the accuracy of a good rifle. Most pistols perform best within a 25-50 meter range. If you need to shoot further, a longer barreled gun is a better option. Shorter barrels give paintballs less time to stabilize before leaving the gun, which results in less accuracy over a greater distance.
Pistols have a smaller ammunition capacity than standard paintball guns. This leaves the player at a severe disadvantage against an opponent.
Paintball pistols have a smaller air capacity and are not as powerful as the longer barreled markers. They are usually powered by a 12 gram co2 cartridge. Depending on the weather conditions and how the pistol is chrono’d, you can only expect around 30 shots from one cartridge. This, again, puts you at a disadvantage against a player with a more powerful weapon.
Paintball pistols have their place in the game. They are light weight, easy to handle, highly manoeuvrable and quick loading. They are particularly handy in scenario ball or woodsball as an efficient sidearm. You must, however, be aware of their limitations and not expect the same performance from them as you would from a standard paintball marker.
Hawksbill Paintball Hawksbill Sports was established by players, for players. Our goal is to give you the products you need to enjoy the sport of paintball. We have low prices and fast shipping and promise the best customer service you can find anywhere. for more information about paintball gun, pistols and other accessories, go to Paintball pistols
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Airsoft Vs. Paintball
Justin Kander asked:
Airsoft and paintball are pretty similar sports, and they can be played exactly the same way. There are a few key differences, such as that airsoft is used more in military and law enforcement reenactments than paintball. In this sense, gameplay can differ, but people use paintball guns for reenactments as well (just not as often). If you look at the big picture, the games aren’t that different, but sometimes strategy and tactics must be changed depending on the specs of your and your opponent’s gun.
The guns used in airsoft and paintball differ greatly. Paintball guns have a hopper that you pour paintballs into, while airsoft guns use clips. Therefore, loading and unloading is usually easier in airsoft, as is carrying around extra clips. In paintball, you need to have a vest or belt to put large cylinders of paintballs into. That doesn’t mean that airsoft has paintball trumped in this category. Paintball guns can usually carry more ammo than an airsoft gun, and you can still reload relatively quickly.
Ammunition; paintballs in paintball, 6mm BBs in airsoft. This is an important thing to consider. In a forest, there are many tiny branches that can break paintballs, thus stopping them from reaching their target. You have to find a very open area without any obstructions. Airsoft pellets are very small and the likelihood of them hitting tiny obstacles is miniscule. Also, in many cases they can be more accurate than paintballs, so it may not take as much time for a game to end as it might with paintball. The speed, in FPS, of airsoft is also usually higher (between 300fps and 400fps). It can be as low as 120fps, but that isn’t very efficient in an airsoft game. Paintballs can also be dodged; it doesn’t happen often, but if you see one coming toward you in advance it is easy to move out of the way. Airsoft pellets are too small to see at a high-speed, and dodging is basically out of the question. Therefore, overall, in the case of ammunition, airsoft has the advantage.
The next item on the list is maneuverability. Airsoft guns are definitely easy to hold and run with, while with paintball there are big and bulky external CO2 and N2 (or compressed air) containers. Also, the hopper can sometimes get in the way. One gets used to how paintball guns are made, but shooting an airsoft gun is, well, somewhat of a relief. Some people have made advanced apparatuses where CO2 is on their backs, and a tube from the paintball gun coils around into the tank on their back. I personally saw a man with two paintball guns, each with two tubes extending from the guns to the back-CO2 tanks. It was pretty cool. Anyways, it is clear that airsoft beats paintball in maneuverability.
Another important thing is maintenance. Paintball guns you do need to oil, clean, and of course refill CO2 (depending on how much you play, frequently). If you have a gas airsoft gun, that will also needed to be refilled, but electric and spring airsoft guns require no gas at all. Both kinds of guns can break if not properly maintained. Paintball guns need the barrel regularly cleaned, although that is relatively simple. Most of the time, paintball guns have more parts than airsoft guns, and they may be more costly to repair, but crucial problems rarely occur in either gun type.
The thing about airsoft is people can cheat very easily. In paintball, the ball explodes and the paint is very visible on the person. Sure, one could wipe off the paint, but people rarely risk it because if they are caught, well, they are in trouble. However, somebody can get hit in airsoft and just shake it off. If there are two very competitive people playing, and they keep getting hit, one or the other can’t really prove it, unless they are close enough up to see the pellet hit the person. Airsoft relies on the honesty system, and sometimes that isn’t enough. 6mm paintballs are always an option, but they can break in the barrel, and that causes problems.
The superior product really is a matter of opinion, as there is no clear-cut winner. Each type of gun has its own advantages and disadvantages. Usually, if you start with paintball, you’ll stick with paintball, and likewise with airsoft.
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Airsoft and paintball are pretty similar sports, and they can be played exactly the same way. There are a few key differences, such as that airsoft is used more in military and law enforcement reenactments than paintball. In this sense, gameplay can differ, but people use paintball guns for reenactments as well (just not as often). If you look at the big picture, the games aren’t that different, but sometimes strategy and tactics must be changed depending on the specs of your and your opponent’s gun.
The guns used in airsoft and paintball differ greatly. Paintball guns have a hopper that you pour paintballs into, while airsoft guns use clips. Therefore, loading and unloading is usually easier in airsoft, as is carrying around extra clips. In paintball, you need to have a vest or belt to put large cylinders of paintballs into. That doesn’t mean that airsoft has paintball trumped in this category. Paintball guns can usually carry more ammo than an airsoft gun, and you can still reload relatively quickly.
Ammunition; paintballs in paintball, 6mm BBs in airsoft. This is an important thing to consider. In a forest, there are many tiny branches that can break paintballs, thus stopping them from reaching their target. You have to find a very open area without any obstructions. Airsoft pellets are very small and the likelihood of them hitting tiny obstacles is miniscule. Also, in many cases they can be more accurate than paintballs, so it may not take as much time for a game to end as it might with paintball. The speed, in FPS, of airsoft is also usually higher (between 300fps and 400fps). It can be as low as 120fps, but that isn’t very efficient in an airsoft game. Paintballs can also be dodged; it doesn’t happen often, but if you see one coming toward you in advance it is easy to move out of the way. Airsoft pellets are too small to see at a high-speed, and dodging is basically out of the question. Therefore, overall, in the case of ammunition, airsoft has the advantage.
The next item on the list is maneuverability. Airsoft guns are definitely easy to hold and run with, while with paintball there are big and bulky external CO2 and N2 (or compressed air) containers. Also, the hopper can sometimes get in the way. One gets used to how paintball guns are made, but shooting an airsoft gun is, well, somewhat of a relief. Some people have made advanced apparatuses where CO2 is on their backs, and a tube from the paintball gun coils around into the tank on their back. I personally saw a man with two paintball guns, each with two tubes extending from the guns to the back-CO2 tanks. It was pretty cool. Anyways, it is clear that airsoft beats paintball in maneuverability.
Another important thing is maintenance. Paintball guns you do need to oil, clean, and of course refill CO2 (depending on how much you play, frequently). If you have a gas airsoft gun, that will also needed to be refilled, but electric and spring airsoft guns require no gas at all. Both kinds of guns can break if not properly maintained. Paintball guns need the barrel regularly cleaned, although that is relatively simple. Most of the time, paintball guns have more parts than airsoft guns, and they may be more costly to repair, but crucial problems rarely occur in either gun type.
The thing about airsoft is people can cheat very easily. In paintball, the ball explodes and the paint is very visible on the person. Sure, one could wipe off the paint, but people rarely risk it because if they are caught, well, they are in trouble. However, somebody can get hit in airsoft and just shake it off. If there are two very competitive people playing, and they keep getting hit, one or the other can’t really prove it, unless they are close enough up to see the pellet hit the person. Airsoft relies on the honesty system, and sometimes that isn’t enough. 6mm paintballs are always an option, but they can break in the barrel, and that causes problems.
The superior product really is a matter of opinion, as there is no clear-cut winner. Each type of gun has its own advantages and disadvantages. Usually, if you start with paintball, you’ll stick with paintball, and likewise with airsoft.
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