New To Paintball?
Taylor J asked:
Don’t be ashamed of being new to paintball. We all had to start somewhere with no experience. I’ve seen a number of new players discouraged by more experienced players pestering and using the phrase “noob”. Rule 1, don’t listen to bastards like this. A good paintball player will help you learn about the sport. Don’t expect players to be nice to you if you are rude to them, but respect them and they will respect you.
The first question I am asked about paintball is “Does it hurt?”. Well, no, it doesn’t feel pleasant by any means. However, it is more than likely less painful than you would expect. Granted, unless you get shot at a short distance (which you’re not supposed to do) which can cause a nice bruise and OCCASIONALLY can cause VERY LIGHT bleeding. All the more reason why not to get shot.
The next question you’ll probably be asking yourself is what gun to use? Well, this varies on a number of things. Mainly, how often you play and how big your budget is. If you have NEVER played paintball before I would recommend borrowing a gun or renting a gun from a field. If it turns out that you don’t like paintball, your loss would be much less than if you purchased a $250 gun.
Your mask, however, is not the only thing that needs maintenance. A paintball gun does require maintenance after it has been played with and periodically when stored for long periods of time. Your CO2/HPA tank usually only needs its O-ring replaced if it is broken. After you’re done playing and you’ve removed your air and hopper, look at your gun. Inspect for any physical damage first. Look for anything out of the ordinary that looks like it could hurt the gun’s performance or safety. Next, REFER TO YOUR GUN’S DISASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS and remove the bolt mechanism. Clean out the breach and barrel with a squeegee until all the paint is gone. Examine your bolt mechanism, remove all paint and inspect the O-rings of the bolt (assuming your bolt has O-rings). As long as your bolt has no damage, you’re good. Oil the bolt with PAINTBALL OIL, as other oils can cause the O-rings to swell (I have, however, had luck with RemOil). Reassemble your gun and test it out with a dry fire or two. For your hopper, as long as it is gravity fed, you can generally just run water through it to clean it. If it is electric, use caution with water. Water and electronics don’t mix. Also, some people simply run water through their guns. While this may work, it can also damage your gun over time therefore I cannot recommend “drowning” your gun to clean it.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you getting into this fast growing sport.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Don’t be ashamed of being new to paintball. We all had to start somewhere with no experience. I’ve seen a number of new players discouraged by more experienced players pestering and using the phrase “noob”. Rule 1, don’t listen to bastards like this. A good paintball player will help you learn about the sport. Don’t expect players to be nice to you if you are rude to them, but respect them and they will respect you.
The first question I am asked about paintball is “Does it hurt?”. Well, no, it doesn’t feel pleasant by any means. However, it is more than likely less painful than you would expect. Granted, unless you get shot at a short distance (which you’re not supposed to do) which can cause a nice bruise and OCCASIONALLY can cause VERY LIGHT bleeding. All the more reason why not to get shot.
The next question you’ll probably be asking yourself is what gun to use? Well, this varies on a number of things. Mainly, how often you play and how big your budget is. If you have NEVER played paintball before I would recommend borrowing a gun or renting a gun from a field. If it turns out that you don’t like paintball, your loss would be much less than if you purchased a $250 gun.
Your mask, however, is not the only thing that needs maintenance. A paintball gun does require maintenance after it has been played with and periodically when stored for long periods of time. Your CO2/HPA tank usually only needs its O-ring replaced if it is broken. After you’re done playing and you’ve removed your air and hopper, look at your gun. Inspect for any physical damage first. Look for anything out of the ordinary that looks like it could hurt the gun’s performance or safety. Next, REFER TO YOUR GUN’S DISASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS and remove the bolt mechanism. Clean out the breach and barrel with a squeegee until all the paint is gone. Examine your bolt mechanism, remove all paint and inspect the O-rings of the bolt (assuming your bolt has O-rings). As long as your bolt has no damage, you’re good. Oil the bolt with PAINTBALL OIL, as other oils can cause the O-rings to swell (I have, however, had luck with RemOil). Reassemble your gun and test it out with a dry fire or two. For your hopper, as long as it is gravity fed, you can generally just run water through it to clean it. If it is electric, use caution with water. Water and electronics don’t mix. Also, some people simply run water through their guns. While this may work, it can also damage your gun over time therefore I cannot recommend “drowning” your gun to clean it.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you getting into this fast growing sport.
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What Really Is A Paintball Marker?
Riley Hendersen asked:
One of the terms you may run into early on while getting involved in the adrenaline pumping sport of paintball is “paintball marker.” So what is a paintball marker? To put it really simply, it’s the paintball guns. Many players refer to them as “markers” because the paint balls the guns shoots “marks” the target. A paintball marker might also be called a paintball gun or just a paint gun. After the safety mask, which is always the most important piece of equipment, the paintball marker is the next most important since there can not be a game without it.
The first paintball game was played in 1981 in Henniker, New Hampshire. Nine players took part, and the sport of paintball was born. The earliest models of paintball markers were uniform (after all, this was just the beginning of the sport). Now there are literally hundreds of choices between various makes and models of paintball markers. Some are very cheap, some are extremely expensive. No one could have imagined the huge variety in choices.
One of the first decisions you’ll want to make when using paintball markers is to decide what type of action you want from your paintball marker. By action, this refers to the way that an individual paintball marker fires. There are three types of actions that cover most of the cheaper and basic lines of paintball markers: pump action, semi-automatic blow back, and hybrid blow back. Each type of action makes a paintball gun work very differently, so think about how quickly you want your marker to shoot and how much work you want to do to make it fire. Obviously the pump action is the slowest, while the other methods offer better rates of fire.
The other factor to think about with paintball markers is performance. Performance is one word that covers many several factors including good rate of fire, accuracy, range, durability, and reliability. Some cheap paintball guns will perform like clockwork one day, but then not at all the next. This is why early homework is important: to learn first hand the reputation one model of paint marker has compared to another.
Buying the right paintball marker can be difficult. Do your homework ahead of time, and don’t rely on price alone. There are higher priced paintball markers that are extremely unpopular with players because of obvious deficiencies. A $500 paintball marker is not always guaranteed to be bigger and better than a cheaper $200 one.
Appearance is also a factor. Just because a gun “looks cool” means that it is a good buy. Do your research on paintball markers and buy the one that works for you and you’ll be much happier than you would have been otherwise.
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One of the terms you may run into early on while getting involved in the adrenaline pumping sport of paintball is “paintball marker.” So what is a paintball marker? To put it really simply, it’s the paintball guns. Many players refer to them as “markers” because the paint balls the guns shoots “marks” the target. A paintball marker might also be called a paintball gun or just a paint gun. After the safety mask, which is always the most important piece of equipment, the paintball marker is the next most important since there can not be a game without it.
The first paintball game was played in 1981 in Henniker, New Hampshire. Nine players took part, and the sport of paintball was born. The earliest models of paintball markers were uniform (after all, this was just the beginning of the sport). Now there are literally hundreds of choices between various makes and models of paintball markers. Some are very cheap, some are extremely expensive. No one could have imagined the huge variety in choices.
One of the first decisions you’ll want to make when using paintball markers is to decide what type of action you want from your paintball marker. By action, this refers to the way that an individual paintball marker fires. There are three types of actions that cover most of the cheaper and basic lines of paintball markers: pump action, semi-automatic blow back, and hybrid blow back. Each type of action makes a paintball gun work very differently, so think about how quickly you want your marker to shoot and how much work you want to do to make it fire. Obviously the pump action is the slowest, while the other methods offer better rates of fire.
The other factor to think about with paintball markers is performance. Performance is one word that covers many several factors including good rate of fire, accuracy, range, durability, and reliability. Some cheap paintball guns will perform like clockwork one day, but then not at all the next. This is why early homework is important: to learn first hand the reputation one model of paint marker has compared to another.
Buying the right paintball marker can be difficult. Do your homework ahead of time, and don’t rely on price alone. There are higher priced paintball markers that are extremely unpopular with players because of obvious deficiencies. A $500 paintball marker is not always guaranteed to be bigger and better than a cheaper $200 one.
Appearance is also a factor. Just because a gun “looks cool” means that it is a good buy. Do your research on paintball markers and buy the one that works for you and you’ll be much happier than you would have been otherwise.
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Used Paintball Guns – A Great Way To Get Started
Kevin Andersen asked:
For the person who loves the game of paintball being able to have a good quality paintball gun is essential. However this can sometimes be a bit of a problem as these guns are quite expensive. There are a few options that you can try out. One such option would be that of buying cheap paintball guns and the other option is that of getting used paintball guns.
Now this is probably the better option especially if you are new to the game and you have absolutely no idea what the game is all about. For a novice buying used equipment is probably the best way to get acquainted with all of the ins and outs of this fascinating game.
Once you have decided that you either like this game or you love this game, then you can think about getting various upgrades for your guns. There are various used equipment accessories that you can buy for a relatively inexpensive price. However even before you buy these goodies you should think about getting some of the more needed supplies to help you survive the rough and tumble of paintball.
You will need be able to buy all of these items and used paintball guns at paintball stores. Sometimes these paintball guns will be in a special section for used equipment and their various accessories. You will need to inspect the used paintball guns to make sure that all of their working parts are in good condition.
Any malfunctioning part of these used equipment means that you should not even think about getting this gun. Sometimes you could get backfiring paintball because of a faulty firing mechanism. Other times you might not be able to even get one round of paintballs out because the barrel has become jammed.
Whatever the reason may be for used guns not working properly the only thing that you can do is to leave these guns alone and see if you can find another one. Now even though this fact could turn you off buying used paintball guns you should consider the advantages that come with buying used paintball guns.
With used paintball guns the potential to customize your paintball gun arises. There are many parts that are also sold as used that while other paintball players may not want you can most certainly use. These used parts will give your used paintball guns an edge that many of the factory made guns never have. With this edge you can take your playing ability up to the next level with pure ease, and with a little practice with your newly upgraded toys you can win with ease as well.
Create a video blog…instantly.
For the person who loves the game of paintball being able to have a good quality paintball gun is essential. However this can sometimes be a bit of a problem as these guns are quite expensive. There are a few options that you can try out. One such option would be that of buying cheap paintball guns and the other option is that of getting used paintball guns.
Now this is probably the better option especially if you are new to the game and you have absolutely no idea what the game is all about. For a novice buying used equipment is probably the best way to get acquainted with all of the ins and outs of this fascinating game.
Once you have decided that you either like this game or you love this game, then you can think about getting various upgrades for your guns. There are various used equipment accessories that you can buy for a relatively inexpensive price. However even before you buy these goodies you should think about getting some of the more needed supplies to help you survive the rough and tumble of paintball.
You will need be able to buy all of these items and used paintball guns at paintball stores. Sometimes these paintball guns will be in a special section for used equipment and their various accessories. You will need to inspect the used paintball guns to make sure that all of their working parts are in good condition.
Any malfunctioning part of these used equipment means that you should not even think about getting this gun. Sometimes you could get backfiring paintball because of a faulty firing mechanism. Other times you might not be able to even get one round of paintballs out because the barrel has become jammed.
Whatever the reason may be for used guns not working properly the only thing that you can do is to leave these guns alone and see if you can find another one. Now even though this fact could turn you off buying used paintball guns you should consider the advantages that come with buying used paintball guns.
With used paintball guns the potential to customize your paintball gun arises. There are many parts that are also sold as used that while other paintball players may not want you can most certainly use. These used parts will give your used paintball guns an edge that many of the factory made guns never have. With this edge you can take your playing ability up to the next level with pure ease, and with a little practice with your newly upgraded toys you can win with ease as well.
Create a video blog…instantly.
How to Buy and Select Cheap Paintball Guns
matt q may, Sr. asked:
While one should never sacrifice value over the quality of paintball safety equipment, paintball guns are available today at reasonable prices and with a wide variety of interesting features.
When deciding which the best paintball gun is for you, be realistic and determine your “skill level”. When just beginning, and do not know the frequency of your play, begin with an inexpensive gun.
To decide which features you need in a paintball gun, you can borrow markers from your friends and try them on different paintball fields. After you have decided on the features you want then start shopping for your gun.
When playing for recreation, there is really no need to spend a great deal of money as there are many recreational guns of good quality that are not expensive. Note that there are also several poor quality markers on the market so you need to your research before you buy to make certain that the marker that you purchase is dependable and can be upgraded.
When you are making plans to play in tournaments, determine what type of tournament that you will be entering. If you are going to play in small tournaments you may use a less expensive marker or upgrade your old one.
However, in the larger tournaments, you will need an “electro-pneumatic” or a “blow-forward” gun, which costs a minimum of $350.
The cost of markers depends primarily on the gun’s pressure system as well as its accessories. The most popular system today is the “carbon dioxide pressure system” normally used in the less expensive markers.
The primary disadvantage is that usually the carbon dioxide’s performance is influenced by the temperature outside, and changes from its gas state to liquid resulting in velocity instability that affects its shooting accuracy.
Serious paintball players use the “high-pressure air and nitrogen system” markers that are much more accurate because the nitrogen will never liquefy. Having this characteristic, these markers are more expensive.
Extra accessories also increase the cost of your marker. A loader or hopper is a very popular accessory. It is a container that feeds paintballs into the gun. Hoppers are available in many varieties – some are powered and automated. Fast and lightweight hoppers are more expensive.
Just keep in mind that the any marker that you purchase will not be perfect and will ultimately have flaws. So when purchasing your marker, always double check the choices offered and purchase a gun only if you know what you really want.
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While one should never sacrifice value over the quality of paintball safety equipment, paintball guns are available today at reasonable prices and with a wide variety of interesting features.
When deciding which the best paintball gun is for you, be realistic and determine your “skill level”. When just beginning, and do not know the frequency of your play, begin with an inexpensive gun.
To decide which features you need in a paintball gun, you can borrow markers from your friends and try them on different paintball fields. After you have decided on the features you want then start shopping for your gun.
When playing for recreation, there is really no need to spend a great deal of money as there are many recreational guns of good quality that are not expensive. Note that there are also several poor quality markers on the market so you need to your research before you buy to make certain that the marker that you purchase is dependable and can be upgraded.
When you are making plans to play in tournaments, determine what type of tournament that you will be entering. If you are going to play in small tournaments you may use a less expensive marker or upgrade your old one.
However, in the larger tournaments, you will need an “electro-pneumatic” or a “blow-forward” gun, which costs a minimum of $350.
The cost of markers depends primarily on the gun’s pressure system as well as its accessories. The most popular system today is the “carbon dioxide pressure system” normally used in the less expensive markers.
The primary disadvantage is that usually the carbon dioxide’s performance is influenced by the temperature outside, and changes from its gas state to liquid resulting in velocity instability that affects its shooting accuracy.
Serious paintball players use the “high-pressure air and nitrogen system” markers that are much more accurate because the nitrogen will never liquefy. Having this characteristic, these markers are more expensive.
Extra accessories also increase the cost of your marker. A loader or hopper is a very popular accessory. It is a container that feeds paintballs into the gun. Hoppers are available in many varieties – some are powered and automated. Fast and lightweight hoppers are more expensive.
Just keep in mind that the any marker that you purchase will not be perfect and will ultimately have flaws. So when purchasing your marker, always double check the choices offered and purchase a gun only if you know what you really want.
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