Paintball Safety Tips- Gear, Speed and Sportsmanship
kevin asked:
Paintball safety is an important consideration to anyone involved in the sport. According to statistics comparing serious injuries sustained across a number of sports, paintball is one of the safest sports you can play. This is probably a surprise to most people. As there is no direct contact between players, you are 19 times less likely to be injured playing paintball than American Football, for example. Another reason for the encouraging paintball safety statistics is that there is an important emphasis on wearing the right safety gear.
The number of injuries may well be low in comparison with other sports, but they can be severe. It is not much fun to be struck on any unprotected part of the body by a paintball travelling at 300 feet per second. We must always keep in mind the paintball safety precautions that we need to take to ensure an injury free session.
1. Wear the Right Gear
You must always wear your goggles or mask; you need to protect your eyes and ears from paintball damage.It is sensible to invest in a mask customized with ear flaps, and visor to give protection from sunlight. Ideally, the mask should cover the whole head to avoid being struck on any sensitive area.
Padded paintball suits give extra built in protection to vulnerable areas such as the neck and chest. It’s a good idea to invest in extra protective equipment like boxes and collars to increase your paintball safety.
2. Watch Your Speed
The regulated paintball speed to be observed by all players is 300 feet per second in outdoor play. All protective gear is tested up to this limit. Any ball striking the skin above this speed will greatly increase the chance of serious injury. Chronographs are worth the investment if you are playing in private fields. In indoor play, 200 feet per second is adequate for paintball safety.
Blind firing is when you shoot randomly without seeing a target. This is dangerous as you can’t see what you’re firing at so you risk shooting someone at point blank. Have an awareness of where you’re shooting before you fire.
You should be cautious when it comes to overshooting, although there are no rules against it. It is unnecessary to fire 10-20 consecutive shots at a person after you’ve already made a successful hit. If the rules don’t call for you to overshoot to win, avoid it as a courtesy to other players.
You can offer your opponent a chance to surrender if he is within 10-15 feet away by shouting, “Surrender.” He can walk away with his arms raised or refuse to surrender, in which case you can shoot him. It shows sportsmanship to allow your opponent the chance to walk away and improves their safety.
Paintball safety is of paramount importance to enjoying the sport. The majority of injuries happen in private fields where there is often a lower level of investment in paintball safety equipment. To avoid serious injury, you would be wise to play in regulated paintball centers and observe the pointers above.
Paintball Safety Tips
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Paintball safety is an important consideration to anyone involved in the sport. According to statistics comparing serious injuries sustained across a number of sports, paintball is one of the safest sports you can play. This is probably a surprise to most people. As there is no direct contact between players, you are 19 times less likely to be injured playing paintball than American Football, for example. Another reason for the encouraging paintball safety statistics is that there is an important emphasis on wearing the right safety gear.
The number of injuries may well be low in comparison with other sports, but they can be severe. It is not much fun to be struck on any unprotected part of the body by a paintball travelling at 300 feet per second. We must always keep in mind the paintball safety precautions that we need to take to ensure an injury free session.
1. Wear the Right Gear
You must always wear your goggles or mask; you need to protect your eyes and ears from paintball damage.It is sensible to invest in a mask customized with ear flaps, and visor to give protection from sunlight. Ideally, the mask should cover the whole head to avoid being struck on any sensitive area.
Padded paintball suits give extra built in protection to vulnerable areas such as the neck and chest. It’s a good idea to invest in extra protective equipment like boxes and collars to increase your paintball safety.
2. Watch Your Speed
The regulated paintball speed to be observed by all players is 300 feet per second in outdoor play. All protective gear is tested up to this limit. Any ball striking the skin above this speed will greatly increase the chance of serious injury. Chronographs are worth the investment if you are playing in private fields. In indoor play, 200 feet per second is adequate for paintball safety.
Blind firing is when you shoot randomly without seeing a target. This is dangerous as you can’t see what you’re firing at so you risk shooting someone at point blank. Have an awareness of where you’re shooting before you fire.
You should be cautious when it comes to overshooting, although there are no rules against it. It is unnecessary to fire 10-20 consecutive shots at a person after you’ve already made a successful hit. If the rules don’t call for you to overshoot to win, avoid it as a courtesy to other players.
You can offer your opponent a chance to surrender if he is within 10-15 feet away by shouting, “Surrender.” He can walk away with his arms raised or refuse to surrender, in which case you can shoot him. It shows sportsmanship to allow your opponent the chance to walk away and improves their safety.
Paintball safety is of paramount importance to enjoying the sport. The majority of injuries happen in private fields where there is often a lower level of investment in paintball safety equipment. To avoid serious injury, you would be wise to play in regulated paintball centers and observe the pointers above.
Paintball Safety Tips
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10 Things You Should Have In Your Paintball Kit
Lee Dobbins asked:
All set and ready to go? Got your gun, balls and hoppers with you? Then you are ready to play…But wait, you are going to a fight and you do not go out there without the necessary precautions and tools. You don’t want to be caught in a war zone with your pants down, do you?
So here are 10 things you should go without when playing paintball:
1. Paintball mask
Not safety goggles, sun glasses or shooting glasses, you need a paintball mask. You just can’t play without this safety gear. A thermal mask is recommended but it you want to save some money get the single lens with an anti-fog coating.
Make sure the mask fits perfectly on your face and that you are comfortable wearing them on. Remember that you will be running and shooting with the mask on so make sure it does not get in the way. A mask that covers your ears is also a good idea, but make sure that your hearing is not impaired by the ear flaps.
2. Barrel cover
Sometimes called as barrel plug or barrel sock, this is simply a blocking device that prevents a misfire from your gun. Remember injuries can result from accidents such as a misfire. No organized field will let you play without one.
3. Spare tank
Your gun is powered by carbon dioxide or nitrogen. For pumps and pistols, a 12 gram cartridge is used. This is good for 15 to30 shots. So it is a good idea to have a spare tank with you just in case you run out of air. A 20oz cylinder or tank is usually good for 1000 shots or more. Get a refillable tank to save money.
4. Squeegee
A barrel break can ruin your momentum and your game. Make sure you are prepared and have a squeegee in hand to clean your gun barrel to get yourself back in the game. It is also a good idea to have a spare squeegee with you on the field.
5. Gun oil
Not just any gun oil, but a paintball gun oil. Before buying one consult your gun’s manual and see if it requires a specific kind of oil. Remember that your gun’s performance depends on its parts. Put a few drops of gun oil in the o-rings and other parts of the gun as recommended in the manual to keep your gun in good running condition.
6. O-rings and cup seals
These tiny parts are crucial to your gun’s performance, but they tend to break easily. Have a few spares in your kit just in case they give in during the game. You will find that most gun problems can be solved by simply replacing these small parts.
7. Safety equipment (neck and shin, elbow and knee pads, gloves)
Remember that Paintball is an aggressive game. You need to be constantly on the move when you are in the field. Safety precautions like neck and shin guards protect your body from unnecessary injuries. Make sure that they are lightweight and anatomical tailored for comfort.
8. Batteries
If your gun or hopper runs on batteries, make sure you have spare ones when you are on the field. You don’t want to be left in a situation where your gun is dead and you have no where to hide. Not a pretty picture.
9. Miscellaneous tools
These tools can simplify your life in and out of the field. Allen wrenches, tweezers, ***** drivers even Teflon and cotton swabs can be useful things in your kit. These are your gun’s first aid tools. Remember, this is a game and usually the winners are those who often come prepared.
10. First aid kit
Although relatively safer than golf, tennis, jogging or swimming (according to insurance statistics), paintball is still an active game. Have a first aid kit in your gear, it pays to be ready in unexpected circumstances.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert on the field, your success will greatly depend on the kind of gears you have and how equipped you are from unexpected situations like mechanical glitches in your gun or some paint on your face. Be prepared so you can enjoy your game to the fullest.
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All set and ready to go? Got your gun, balls and hoppers with you? Then you are ready to play…But wait, you are going to a fight and you do not go out there without the necessary precautions and tools. You don’t want to be caught in a war zone with your pants down, do you?
So here are 10 things you should go without when playing paintball:
1. Paintball mask
Not safety goggles, sun glasses or shooting glasses, you need a paintball mask. You just can’t play without this safety gear. A thermal mask is recommended but it you want to save some money get the single lens with an anti-fog coating.
Make sure the mask fits perfectly on your face and that you are comfortable wearing them on. Remember that you will be running and shooting with the mask on so make sure it does not get in the way. A mask that covers your ears is also a good idea, but make sure that your hearing is not impaired by the ear flaps.
2. Barrel cover
Sometimes called as barrel plug or barrel sock, this is simply a blocking device that prevents a misfire from your gun. Remember injuries can result from accidents such as a misfire. No organized field will let you play without one.
3. Spare tank
Your gun is powered by carbon dioxide or nitrogen. For pumps and pistols, a 12 gram cartridge is used. This is good for 15 to30 shots. So it is a good idea to have a spare tank with you just in case you run out of air. A 20oz cylinder or tank is usually good for 1000 shots or more. Get a refillable tank to save money.
4. Squeegee
A barrel break can ruin your momentum and your game. Make sure you are prepared and have a squeegee in hand to clean your gun barrel to get yourself back in the game. It is also a good idea to have a spare squeegee with you on the field.
5. Gun oil
Not just any gun oil, but a paintball gun oil. Before buying one consult your gun’s manual and see if it requires a specific kind of oil. Remember that your gun’s performance depends on its parts. Put a few drops of gun oil in the o-rings and other parts of the gun as recommended in the manual to keep your gun in good running condition.
6. O-rings and cup seals
These tiny parts are crucial to your gun’s performance, but they tend to break easily. Have a few spares in your kit just in case they give in during the game. You will find that most gun problems can be solved by simply replacing these small parts.
7. Safety equipment (neck and shin, elbow and knee pads, gloves)
Remember that Paintball is an aggressive game. You need to be constantly on the move when you are in the field. Safety precautions like neck and shin guards protect your body from unnecessary injuries. Make sure that they are lightweight and anatomical tailored for comfort.
8. Batteries
If your gun or hopper runs on batteries, make sure you have spare ones when you are on the field. You don’t want to be left in a situation where your gun is dead and you have no where to hide. Not a pretty picture.
9. Miscellaneous tools
These tools can simplify your life in and out of the field. Allen wrenches, tweezers, ***** drivers even Teflon and cotton swabs can be useful things in your kit. These are your gun’s first aid tools. Remember, this is a game and usually the winners are those who often come prepared.
10. First aid kit
Although relatively safer than golf, tennis, jogging or swimming (according to insurance statistics), paintball is still an active game. Have a first aid kit in your gear, it pays to be ready in unexpected circumstances.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert on the field, your success will greatly depend on the kind of gears you have and how equipped you are from unexpected situations like mechanical glitches in your gun or some paint on your face. Be prepared so you can enjoy your game to the fullest.
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Paintball Gear: Kit Yourself Out
kevin asked:
Paintball Gear is a broad term covering all the paraphernalia you need to set you up in paintball. This might include: a gun, ammo, mask, clothing, safety equipment and carrying belt. For the purpose of this article, I will disregard the paintball gun and all of its attachments. Whilst it is the most important piece of “gear”, it requires a whole article to itself ( if not many). Apart from the gun, what else do you need to kit yourself out for paintball?
After the gun, the most important piece of paintball gear is the mask. The number of serious injuries may well be lower in paintball than numerous other sports, but they can be severe. It is not pleasant to be struck on the head by a paintball travelling at 300 feet per second. It is essential that you protect your eyes and ears from paintball damage.
It is sensible to wear a mask with ear flaps, and a visor to give protection from the sun. The mask should cover the whole head to avoid being struck on a sensitive area. They come in an assortment of colours and styles, but as cool as they look, safety must be your first concern with this type of paintball gear. The mask must fit securely and be comfortable.
Alternatively, You could opt for protective glasses or goggles. These do not give as much protection as the full mask, but they are better than nothing. Protective eye-wear must provide full coverage of the eye area. Regular glasses or sunglasses are not sufficient. The glasses must have side blinders to protect you from fast flying projectiles.
Keeping to the safety aspect of paintball gear, you may also want to consider a padded paintball suit. This gives extra built-in protection to vulnerable areas, such as the chest and neck. Or you may favour hard plastic body armour that can help protect your back, chest, arms and legs. Gloves, vests, boxes and collars also increase your protection on the field. Many players feel happier about playing if they know they are fully protected and can, therefore, enjoy the game more.
One of the reasons for the encouraging paintball safety statistics is that there is a strong emphasis on wearing the correct protective gear and you may not be allowed to play without it.
Although there is no requirement to dress in a certain way, your clothing choices are important. You need to wear thick clothing for added protection; short sleeves or pants do not give sufficient coverage, whatever the weather. Your clothes should be reasonably close fitting; baggy clothes increase your chance of getting hit and eliminated. You can buy clothing designed specifically for paintball, which can be effective, but whatever you choose, you need to feel comfortable and be able to move freely.
Paintballs fall loosely into the category of paintball gear. They too, like markers, merit an article to themselves (see Paintballs: Your Questions Answered ). They vary a great deal in quality, and as you would expect, they give different levels of performance. You should expect to pay more for ammo of a higher quality.
Another useful item of paintball gear is a special carrying belt for holding your paintballs. The carrying belt holds tubes that can hold 200 paintballs each.
You can find a wide variety of appropriate paintball gear in sporting goods stores, discount retailers and paintball speciality stores. There are also many different online stores offering an impressive selection of guns, ammo and protective kit for reasonable prices. Aside from the gun and ammo, your most important items of paintball gear will be concerned with safety and comfort. You must take your time to purchase wisely.
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 and a great selection of paintball gear,
Caffeinated Content
Paintball Gear is a broad term covering all the paraphernalia you need to set you up in paintball. This might include: a gun, ammo, mask, clothing, safety equipment and carrying belt. For the purpose of this article, I will disregard the paintball gun and all of its attachments. Whilst it is the most important piece of “gear”, it requires a whole article to itself ( if not many). Apart from the gun, what else do you need to kit yourself out for paintball?
After the gun, the most important piece of paintball gear is the mask. The number of serious injuries may well be lower in paintball than numerous other sports, but they can be severe. It is not pleasant to be struck on the head by a paintball travelling at 300 feet per second. It is essential that you protect your eyes and ears from paintball damage.
It is sensible to wear a mask with ear flaps, and a visor to give protection from the sun. The mask should cover the whole head to avoid being struck on a sensitive area. They come in an assortment of colours and styles, but as cool as they look, safety must be your first concern with this type of paintball gear. The mask must fit securely and be comfortable.
Alternatively, You could opt for protective glasses or goggles. These do not give as much protection as the full mask, but they are better than nothing. Protective eye-wear must provide full coverage of the eye area. Regular glasses or sunglasses are not sufficient. The glasses must have side blinders to protect you from fast flying projectiles.
Keeping to the safety aspect of paintball gear, you may also want to consider a padded paintball suit. This gives extra built-in protection to vulnerable areas, such as the chest and neck. Or you may favour hard plastic body armour that can help protect your back, chest, arms and legs. Gloves, vests, boxes and collars also increase your protection on the field. Many players feel happier about playing if they know they are fully protected and can, therefore, enjoy the game more.
One of the reasons for the encouraging paintball safety statistics is that there is a strong emphasis on wearing the correct protective gear and you may not be allowed to play without it.
Although there is no requirement to dress in a certain way, your clothing choices are important. You need to wear thick clothing for added protection; short sleeves or pants do not give sufficient coverage, whatever the weather. Your clothes should be reasonably close fitting; baggy clothes increase your chance of getting hit and eliminated. You can buy clothing designed specifically for paintball, which can be effective, but whatever you choose, you need to feel comfortable and be able to move freely.
Paintballs fall loosely into the category of paintball gear. They too, like markers, merit an article to themselves (see Paintballs: Your Questions Answered ). They vary a great deal in quality, and as you would expect, they give different levels of performance. You should expect to pay more for ammo of a higher quality.
Another useful item of paintball gear is a special carrying belt for holding your paintballs. The carrying belt holds tubes that can hold 200 paintballs each.
You can find a wide variety of appropriate paintball gear in sporting goods stores, discount retailers and paintball speciality stores. There are also many different online stores offering an impressive selection of guns, ammo and protective kit for reasonable prices. Aside from the gun and ammo, your most important items of paintball gear will be concerned with safety and comfort. You must take your time to purchase wisely.
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 and a great selection of paintball gear,
Caffeinated Content