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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The Paintball Mask: the Essential Accessory

kevin asked:


 

 

Aside from the paintball gun, the paintball mask is the most important piece of kit you will invest in. Although the number of serious injuries in paintball is low compared with other sports, they can be severe. A paintball travelling at 300 feet per second can do a lot of damage, particularly to the sensitive head area. It is essential that you protect your eyes and ears from injury with a good quality mask.

Regular glasses, sun glasses, ski masks, safety goggles and shooting glasses are not sufficient to protect you from fast flying paintballs. You need an appropriate, purpose made paintball mask ,manufactured to strict industry regulations to withstand the speed of a paintball.

Your paintball mask needs to provide adequate protection whilst still feeling comfortable. If your mask is uncomfortable it will be a distraction and will impair your ability to play well. There should be cushioning around the outer edges of the mask to keep it in place and ensure a comfortable fit.

Your mask should fit well. Paintball is an extremely active sport. Your mask needs to fit securely to withstand many different manoeuvres. You will need to be able to run, twist, turn, dive and crawl without dislodging your mask. If you wear glasses, check that your mask will fit over them comfortably.

Another thing to consider when choosing a suitable paintball mask is your field of vision. Whilst safety must come first, You still need to have a wide, clear vision in order to play successfully. You need to have a good peripheral vision to protect you from surprise attacks from the side. You should also be able to see clearly through the gun sight without the mask getting in the way.

Ideally your mask should be anti-fog to avoid steaming up in the heat of battle. Some paintball masks have a film on them to prevent them misting over. Better still are thermal masks. These are layered masks with an air cushion between the layers to keep your vision crystal clear at all times.

Just as it is important to protect and enhance your vision, it is also crucial to protect your ears without impairing your hearing. Your paintball mask should cover the whole head to avoid you being struck on any sensitive spot. Some masks can be customized with ear flaps . Whichever mask you choose, check that you can still hear properly to prevent you being crept up on. You need to be alert and have all your senses sharp to play paintball well.

Paintball packages offer an ideal start up kit for players new to the sport and are ideal if you’re on a budget. All good packages will include a paintball mask. However, It is important not to compromise on the quality of the mask for the convenience and value of the package deal. The mask is an essential piece of equipment and must be selected wisely. If the mask is no good, it is a false economy to go for the package.

Paintball masks come in a variety of colours and styles. As cool as some look, safety must be your first concern. You would be well advised to invest in a top quality mask rather than having to continually replace cheaper versions.

 

 



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Get a Paintball Mask That Fits You

Jerald Shapiro asked:


The face mask is the most significant protective gear in playing the sport of paintball. It mainly shields the eyes from balls with a traveling speed of up to three hundred “feet per second”. Most completely cover the face and the ears, but there are those who prefer to wear goggles, protecting only the eyes.

Paintball masks are designed to absorb any direct shot, from any distance or range. An ordinary pair of goggles will supply only a false sense of security and put one at great risk since it they are not constructed to block a paintball. All paintball mask manufactures measure up to DOT safety criteria and safety standards.

The choice of the mask’s material is of significance. There are masks made of different material from rubber, plastic to foam. It is a wise idea to buy your own face mask rather then renting one. It should be the first equipment purchased before playing paintball. Be sure to properly test the fit of the mask to your face and make sure that you can see clearly so you can well and enjoy your game. The lens is the mask’s most significant quality, so check it carefully; then examine the foam and see if it is comfortable to wear and the design is attractive

1. Typically, paintball masks will have either non-thermal or thermal lens or be anti-fog for fog resistance: these do not need an anti for agent applied to the lens to perform their function. These thermal lenses will cost more but they are a good choice because they just won’t fog up.

2. The foam in a paint ball mask is an important factor to consider, as it can determine your level of comfort. For instance, a “Vforce Armor” is a neoprene type of foam – a type of foam that is considered a good foam, but it is uncomfortable. The “Vforce Shield” and “Vforce Profiler” is and open cell and two layer foam which is very comfortable to wear. The open cell foam can be compared to a memory foam that is used in pillows.

3. Style is another factor. There are masks that are more expensive even when the foam and lens are the same quality as cheaper models, but the difference is in the style of the mask.

Choose wisely and never sacrifice cost over quality; your safety should always come first!



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