Using Sniper Paintball Guns to Excel in the Game
paintballsniper asked:
Paintball is a recreational game that has really taken off in popularity. People of all ages play on paintball courts that are designed for sharp shooting and skill. Sniper paintball guns are one type of paintball gun used in paintball. These guns feature a scope and are a simulation of a real sniper gun.
A sniper paintball gun or paintball sniper rifle is for the serious paintball player. They are great for someone who is looking to become very competitive in the sport. These guns shoot with great accuracy and allow for good control. There is even the choice of a custom sniper paintball gun that can be made especially for the player. Additionally, there are special sniper paintball markers that make the game play even more exciting.
For the player interested in sniper paintball action, they may want to learn about different paintball sniper tactics. They will need to look into sniper paintball gear and if they are getting a custom rifle, sniper paintball barrels. Playing paintball with a sniper rifle takes the game to a whole new level. If a player is looking to excel then this may be a good option for them.
The use of sniper paintball guns is just an example of how serious players take the sport. They want to be the best and they use their skills and specialized equipment to help them be the best. These specially designed guns take a player up a notch over those players using simple generic paintball guns. It gives them a sense of seniority and makes them the player to beat.
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Paintball is a recreational game that has really taken off in popularity. People of all ages play on paintball courts that are designed for sharp shooting and skill. Sniper paintball guns are one type of paintball gun used in paintball. These guns feature a scope and are a simulation of a real sniper gun.
A sniper paintball gun or paintball sniper rifle is for the serious paintball player. They are great for someone who is looking to become very competitive in the sport. These guns shoot with great accuracy and allow for good control. There is even the choice of a custom sniper paintball gun that can be made especially for the player. Additionally, there are special sniper paintball markers that make the game play even more exciting.
The use of sniper paintball guns is just an example of how serious players take the sport. They want to be the best and they use their skills and specialized equipment to help them be the best. These specially designed guns take a player up a notch over those players using simple generic paintball guns. It gives them a sense of seniority and makes them the player to beat.
Create a video blog…instantly.
Get The Right Paintball Gear To Win
Riley Hendersen asked:
Paintball is a sport that’s taken the country by storm, with over a million players participating in the exciting, action packed game of player elimination. If you or anyone you know wants to play the game, there are several things to consider, and that includes the issue of paintball gear. While the main component of the game is a paintball ‘gun’ or ‘marker’, paintball gear may also include headgear, special clothing and accessories for both participant and their equipment.
Paintball gear will most likely be determined by player skill. Beginners often make due with basic rented equipment and old clothes and a pair of goggles. For those who really get into the game, paintball gear and equipment becomes serious business that involves purchasing equipment and accessories that may cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. In addition to the paintball gear that’s considered basic, such as paintball markers and pressure systems for propelling paintballs to their intended targets, paintball gear also includes protective headgear, goggles, gloves, and protective vests and pads. Depending on whether game play is causal or tournament, the amount of protective gear is solely up to the discretion of each individual player. Keep in mind, however, that it’s not dangerous to play the sport, and paintballs don’t exceed certain speed velocity, that while painful when hit, are nothing to cause alarm. The exception is if a person is hit in the eye or ear with a paintball, which is why protective headgear and goggles are a requirement to play. Paintball gear masks are designed to withstand a direct hit by a paintball that travels over 300 feet per second.
The paintball ‘gun’ or marker, requires a loader or hopper, in addition to some kind of propellant to work. Most paintball gear guns or markers work on compressed carbon dioxide (C02) or high-pressure air tanks that are worn in a back harness. Several different kinds of paintball gear guns or markers are available depending on skill level. A Rec-Ball player marker like the Tippmann 98 Custom costs around $140 and is good for beginners. For Scenario players, try something like the Tippmann A-5. This model will cost about $200, and for Tournament play, many participants choose the marker that best suits the field position they usually play, which may include, front, mid or rear positioning. Front players like to use a marker that allows for mounting of an air supply bottle that can also serve as a ‘gun’ stock. Middle field players shoot hundreds of rounds, so a high-pressure air system is best. For those who play rear field positions, paint streamers are popular, so a dye marker is your best bet.
No matter what your skill level or what your field position is, paintball gear is available to suit your needs. Shop around and compare prices and always make sure you know what you need before you start shopping. Good buys can be found, so take your time. Finding the correct paintball gear isn’t difficult if you know what you’re looking for.
Kansieo.com
Paintball is a sport that’s taken the country by storm, with over a million players participating in the exciting, action packed game of player elimination. If you or anyone you know wants to play the game, there are several things to consider, and that includes the issue of paintball gear. While the main component of the game is a paintball ‘gun’ or ‘marker’, paintball gear may also include headgear, special clothing and accessories for both participant and their equipment.
Paintball gear will most likely be determined by player skill. Beginners often make due with basic rented equipment and old clothes and a pair of goggles. For those who really get into the game, paintball gear and equipment becomes serious business that involves purchasing equipment and accessories that may cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. In addition to the paintball gear that’s considered basic, such as paintball markers and pressure systems for propelling paintballs to their intended targets, paintball gear also includes protective headgear, goggles, gloves, and protective vests and pads. Depending on whether game play is causal or tournament, the amount of protective gear is solely up to the discretion of each individual player. Keep in mind, however, that it’s not dangerous to play the sport, and paintballs don’t exceed certain speed velocity, that while painful when hit, are nothing to cause alarm. The exception is if a person is hit in the eye or ear with a paintball, which is why protective headgear and goggles are a requirement to play. Paintball gear masks are designed to withstand a direct hit by a paintball that travels over 300 feet per second.
The paintball ‘gun’ or marker, requires a loader or hopper, in addition to some kind of propellant to work. Most paintball gear guns or markers work on compressed carbon dioxide (C02) or high-pressure air tanks that are worn in a back harness. Several different kinds of paintball gear guns or markers are available depending on skill level. A Rec-Ball player marker like the Tippmann 98 Custom costs around $140 and is good for beginners. For Scenario players, try something like the Tippmann A-5. This model will cost about $200, and for Tournament play, many participants choose the marker that best suits the field position they usually play, which may include, front, mid or rear positioning. Front players like to use a marker that allows for mounting of an air supply bottle that can also serve as a ‘gun’ stock. Middle field players shoot hundreds of rounds, so a high-pressure air system is best. For those who play rear field positions, paint streamers are popular, so a dye marker is your best bet.
No matter what your skill level or what your field position is, paintball gear is available to suit your needs. Shop around and compare prices and always make sure you know what you need before you start shopping. Good buys can be found, so take your time. Finding the correct paintball gear isn’t difficult if you know what you’re looking for.
Kansieo.com
Troubleshooting The Spyder Imagine Paintball Marker
Amy Wells asked:
In spite of the fact that the Spyder Imagine paintball marker is extremely popular, there are some minor problems that most Spyder markers and paintball guns tend to have. For the most part these problems are easily fixed. In many cases you can even fix the problem while still on the playing field.
If your Spyder Imagine paintball marker locks up on you during play, you have probably broken a paintball in the chamber. You can easily fix this by laying the paintball marker on a flat surface with the barrel hanging off and pointing downward. Give the barrel a good whack and it should come loose. If you are on the field and do not have a good surface to use, you can try jarring the **** of the paintball marker against the ground or other surface to loosen the broken paintball.
If you are playing on the field and find that your paintballs keep breaking, there may be some adjustments needed to your paintball gun. Some of these adjustments may be done on the field, while others will need to be done somewhere comfortable and where tools are accessible.
First, the velocity may be set too high on your gun. Check the velocity settings to make sure something didn’t get bumped. Next, check your power feed plug, because if it is not straight up and down it is probably your reason for breaking paintballs.
Finally, a leak down the barrel is one of the most common problems with Spyder paintball guns of any style. There are a few things that you can do to fix this problem both on and off the field. You should keep some tools in your paintball gear bag to make sure that you are prepared for these types of repairs on the field.
A couple of easy possible fixes for a leaky barrel will be to clean or tighten up the cup seal. Another possible fix is to check the valve guide for bending. If it is bent, bend it back for the time being and plan on buying a new one in the near future. For these repairs you will need to take apart the valve assembly, which is fairly easy but can be time consuming. If you are doing this on the field you will need to have someone cover you while you disassemble and reassemble your paintball marker for these repairs.
Create a video blog…instantly.
In spite of the fact that the Spyder Imagine paintball marker is extremely popular, there are some minor problems that most Spyder markers and paintball guns tend to have. For the most part these problems are easily fixed. In many cases you can even fix the problem while still on the playing field.
If your Spyder Imagine paintball marker locks up on you during play, you have probably broken a paintball in the chamber. You can easily fix this by laying the paintball marker on a flat surface with the barrel hanging off and pointing downward. Give the barrel a good whack and it should come loose. If you are on the field and do not have a good surface to use, you can try jarring the **** of the paintball marker against the ground or other surface to loosen the broken paintball.
If you are playing on the field and find that your paintballs keep breaking, there may be some adjustments needed to your paintball gun. Some of these adjustments may be done on the field, while others will need to be done somewhere comfortable and where tools are accessible.
First, the velocity may be set too high on your gun. Check the velocity settings to make sure something didn’t get bumped. Next, check your power feed plug, because if it is not straight up and down it is probably your reason for breaking paintballs.
Finally, a leak down the barrel is one of the most common problems with Spyder paintball guns of any style. There are a few things that you can do to fix this problem both on and off the field. You should keep some tools in your paintball gear bag to make sure that you are prepared for these types of repairs on the field.
A couple of easy possible fixes for a leaky barrel will be to clean or tighten up the cup seal. Another possible fix is to check the valve guide for bending. If it is bent, bend it back for the time being and plan on buying a new one in the near future. For these repairs you will need to take apart the valve assembly, which is fairly easy but can be time consuming. If you are doing this on the field you will need to have someone cover you while you disassemble and reassemble your paintball marker for these repairs.
Create a video blog…instantly.
The Essential Paintball Gear For A Great Game
Riley Hendersen asked:
Paintball is an exciting sport that has a large legion of fans and devoted players. One thing that every paintball player needs to know, from the beginner to the semi-pro, is the essential paintball gear that every player needs to have before any game.
When talking about paintball gear, the first thing that should come to mind is eye protection. Eye protection is the most important piece of equipment you could possibly invest in. Safety is always the primary concern, and eye protection takes care of the one major worry involved with paintball. It doesn’t matter whether you are playing at a field or in your backyard be sure to have your face protection on.
The second most important piece of paintball gear is your paintball gun. Obviously without this, there is no game to play. The paintball gun is also commonly referred to as the “marker” because it “marks” other players. While it is very important to be familiar with your paintball gun, don’t be intimidated. These are made simply and are easy to figure out and maintain. Along with the paintball gun is the hopper. This is a plastic bottle that holds your paintballs and allows them to feed into the chamber. Basically, this is your ammo supply. Some are actually motorized to insure that another paintball will fall into place after one is shot. If you like to spray and pray, these are the ones for you. Some can hold up to 300 balls, others hold as few as 40. All depends on style and preference.
The air tank is also a critical part of paintball gear and can be attached to most models of paintball guns several different locations. On most guns it hangs horizontally off the back, and they are just screwed in. Some players prefer a vertical mount to keep the liquid (bad) CO2 on the bottom and out of the gun. Most rental places can provide the right equipment to keep the games going.
There is an array of other pieces of paintball gear you will want. One is called a remote. A remote is a long tube that allows you to carry your air tank on a back pack or belt. A light tube is attached to the gun. This is useful because it takes weight off the actual gun and makes it lighter, which makes it easier to lift, aim, and use. It is a cheap, but effective addition that usually runs only around $30-$40.
Another piece of paintball gear is the belt pack. A belt pack is usually worn around the belt and can hold extra supplies like extra air and paint. Experienced players know how useful this can be. Also, you will always want a protective mask. As a side note: if you have prescription glasses you need to wear underneath the helmet, find a “Scott mask.” These fit much better and will allow you to be much more comfortable and more effective during the game. As for clothing, anything dark is acceptable.
Paintball is a great game, but you need the appropriate paintball gear to make the most of any afternoon or weekend excursion.
Caffeinated Content
Paintball is an exciting sport that has a large legion of fans and devoted players. One thing that every paintball player needs to know, from the beginner to the semi-pro, is the essential paintball gear that every player needs to have before any game.
When talking about paintball gear, the first thing that should come to mind is eye protection. Eye protection is the most important piece of equipment you could possibly invest in. Safety is always the primary concern, and eye protection takes care of the one major worry involved with paintball. It doesn’t matter whether you are playing at a field or in your backyard be sure to have your face protection on.
The second most important piece of paintball gear is your paintball gun. Obviously without this, there is no game to play. The paintball gun is also commonly referred to as the “marker” because it “marks” other players. While it is very important to be familiar with your paintball gun, don’t be intimidated. These are made simply and are easy to figure out and maintain. Along with the paintball gun is the hopper. This is a plastic bottle that holds your paintballs and allows them to feed into the chamber. Basically, this is your ammo supply. Some are actually motorized to insure that another paintball will fall into place after one is shot. If you like to spray and pray, these are the ones for you. Some can hold up to 300 balls, others hold as few as 40. All depends on style and preference.
The air tank is also a critical part of paintball gear and can be attached to most models of paintball guns several different locations. On most guns it hangs horizontally off the back, and they are just screwed in. Some players prefer a vertical mount to keep the liquid (bad) CO2 on the bottom and out of the gun. Most rental places can provide the right equipment to keep the games going.
There is an array of other pieces of paintball gear you will want. One is called a remote. A remote is a long tube that allows you to carry your air tank on a back pack or belt. A light tube is attached to the gun. This is useful because it takes weight off the actual gun and makes it lighter, which makes it easier to lift, aim, and use. It is a cheap, but effective addition that usually runs only around $30-$40.
Another piece of paintball gear is the belt pack. A belt pack is usually worn around the belt and can hold extra supplies like extra air and paint. Experienced players know how useful this can be. Also, you will always want a protective mask. As a side note: if you have prescription glasses you need to wear underneath the helmet, find a “Scott mask.” These fit much better and will allow you to be much more comfortable and more effective during the game. As for clothing, anything dark is acceptable.
Paintball is a great game, but you need the appropriate paintball gear to make the most of any afternoon or weekend excursion.
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The Important Aspect of Paintball Gear
paintballguns asked:
An important and necessary part of paintball is the gear. Paintball gear is mandatory for play and is meant to offer protection for the players. Safety is always a concern with paintball, so having the right gear is essential.
Paintball gear can be found at sporting stores and some paintball facilities also sell or rent gear. In general a person is going to spend a minimum of $100 for the gear they need. Cheap paintball gear can be gotten by buying second hand or renting if the player does not play too often. The gear every player must have includes a mask, gun and paintballs. There are a wide variety of choices in gear, though. Form tactical paintball gear to gear designed to improve the game or just to look good.
When a person is serious about playing paintball they will likely buy their paintball gear. It can be helpful in addition to buy a paintball gear bag. They may also consider branching out form typical or beginner gear to things like dye paintball gear or sniper paintball gear.
Paintball gear is usually bought for protection. In additional to a paintball mask a player may want such protective paintball gear as paintball gloves and a paintball vest. These things can really add extra protection and make the game play more comfortable.
Paintball gear is something that every player must look into before playing. The choices in gear can be overwhelming and can get expensive. A player may choose to start out with the basics and build form there to save on cost.
Caffeinated Content
An important and necessary part of paintball is the gear. Paintball gear is mandatory for play and is meant to offer protection for the players. Safety is always a concern with paintball, so having the right gear is essential.
Paintball gear can be found at sporting stores and some paintball facilities also sell or rent gear. In general a person is going to spend a minimum of $100 for the gear they need. Cheap paintball gear can be gotten by buying second hand or renting if the player does not play too often. The gear every player must have includes a mask, gun and paintballs. There are a wide variety of choices in gear, though. Form tactical paintball gear to gear designed to improve the game or just to look good.
When a person is serious about playing paintball they will likely buy their paintball gear. It can be helpful in addition to buy a paintball gear bag. They may also consider branching out form typical or beginner gear to things like dye paintball gear or sniper paintball gear.
Paintball gear is usually bought for protection. In additional to a paintball mask a player may want such protective paintball gear as paintball gloves and a paintball vest. These things can really add extra protection and make the game play more comfortable.
Paintball gear is something that every player must look into before playing. The choices in gear can be overwhelming and can get expensive. A player may choose to start out with the basics and build form there to save on cost.
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Be Prepared – Top 10 Things to Have in Your Paintball Gear Bag
Johnathan Brandon asked:
I can’t count the number of times that I’ve seen someone arrive at a field or paintball outing only to discover that they left their hopper at home… or how many times I’ve seen a gun break only to find that the owner doesn’t have a tool kit or spare parts available. Luckily in most cases, there are others around who did remember, and are happy to help out, but sometimes being unprepared means you may get to sit and watch others play.
That being said, I’ve compiled a list below of the top 10 things to make sure you always have in your bag before you head out to the field. We’ll assume for the sake of this article, that you haven’t forgotten your gun.
1. Paintball Mask – This should probably be number 1, 2 and 3 on the list. You should never play paintball without a mask that is designed for paintball. Let me say that again. You should never play paintball without a mask that is designed for paintball. Your eyes are much to important to take any chance losing them. Safety goggles or sunglasses don’t offer the protection you need when a paintball is heading at your face going 285 feet per second.
Paintball masks come in many varieties. All masks that are intended for paintball should meet the minimum safety requirements, so after that your choice is going to be focused more on comfort, visibility, and style. More expensive masks tend to excel in all three areas but something like the entry level vForce Armor Goggles are fine for beginners. For more experienced players you may find them wearing the vForce Profilers or the vForce Grill vision systems.
2. Safety Gear – Even though a mask is considered safety gear, I felt it was important to list it separately. There are a number of other safety items which should be considered as well such as paintball gloves, neck protectors, and knee and elbow pads. These will make you more likely to dive when necessary to avoid being shot, and will make you less likely to get hurt doing so. You can also wear a chest and back protector. These come in different varieties and will help minimize the number of bumps and bruises you go home with. The Spyder Body Shield is a very popular version because it looks more like a Jersey than a catcher’s chest protector.
strong>3. First Aid Kit – I keep a small first aid kit in my bag in the event that I get a cut or scrape. You can typically find a general all purpose kit at your local drug store. I’d typically make sure that it includes band-aids, triple-antibiotic ointment, gauze pads and tape. If it doesn’t include them, I’ll throw in a small bottle of pain-reliever in the event I get a headache, or as I get older, for some of the related aches and pains.
4. Barrel Cover – I keep my barrel cover on my gun when it’s stored away. This helps me avoid forgetting it. All reputable and insured fields will require that you have a barrel cover on your marker at all times except during play. Most will not accept a barrel plug, so if your marker came with a plug as most Spyder Paintball Guns did until last year, you will want to get a barrel cover before heading to the field. If you forget, most fields will gladly sell you one.
5. Squeegee – Squeegees come in a few different formats. The “battle swab” consists of two soft ends, which can be inserted into the barrel to soak up any residual paint. They typically fold in half and are pretty easy to keep in your back pocket or cargo pants for easy cleaning on the field if you have a ball break in the barrel. Jerk squeegees consist of a wire or plastic lead with rubber washers and fabric on one end. They are pulled through the barrel to pull out most of the paint. Straight shot squeegees are similar but do not have much flexibility in them. Both the jerk and the straight shot squeegees require that you remove your barrel or disassemble your gun to use them, so they are not ideal for on the field cleaning. I would recommend having both a battle swab and a jerk or straight shot squeegee in your bag. It’s frustrating to have your balls going every way except straight because you have a dirty barrel.
6. CO2 or Nitro Tank – It seems obvious but it’s worth mentioning that you shouldn’t forget your tank. There are two main varieties of tanks… CO2 tanks are typically measured in ounces, which describe how much liquid CO2 the tank will hold. 20oz CO2 tanks seem to be the most popular and a full tank will typically give you 900 – 1000 shots. Keep in mind that some guns (typically more expensive guns) do not recommend using CO2 and instead recommend Nitrogen tanks, which in most cases use normal compressed air. These are typically measured by the size of the tanks (in ci or cubic centimeters) and pressure (in psi or pounds per square inch). The larger the tank and the higher the PSI, the more shots you will get. It’s worth noting that not all fields can fill the higher PSI tanks, so you may end up getting 3000psi fills on a 4500psi tank.
If you play a lot, or don’t play on a formal field, then you may want to consider having two tanks. This will allow you to get both filled and allow you to keep playing if one breaks or is empty. DO NOT attempt to repair a malfunctioning tank on your own. Paintball tanks are under very high pressure and you may be injured or killed if you are not properly trained to service and repair tanks. Your local paintball shop or dive shop are good places to start when looking for someone to repair a tank.
7. Tools and Spare Parts – Most markers come with a few spare parts and tools needed to performance maintenance on the marker. Make sure these stay in your bag. In addition, most manufacturers sell parts kits which include more of the same parts, and in many cases other parts which you will want to have on hand in the event that they break. O-rings and cup seals are obvious items to have. An o-ring pick will help with removing damaged or broken o-rings that need replacing. You will also want to have gun oil in your kit, which should be applied to the o-rings as well when you are replacing them or cleaning your marker. Be sure to check if your marker requires or recommends a particular type of oil.
8. Batteries – If your marker is electronic, as more and more are these days, you will want to make sure you have spare batteries and a charger in your bag. If your hopper requires batteries (many require 2), then you’ll want to account for those as well. I like to keep a fully charged set of batteries in my gun and hopper and another charged spare set as well. A rapid car charger can come in handy if your batteries die. You’ll be out of play for a bit, but at least the whole day won’t be wasted.
Important: Be sure to check your markers guidelines to make sure you are using the right type of battery. Some are pretty specific about whether standard batteries should be used or the types of rechargeable batteries available.
9. Food and Water – If you are playing at a field, chances are that they will have snacks and drinks available for sale, and will probably offer some sort of lunch as well. The key here is to be sure that you stay well hydrated. Because many players choose to dress in layers to reduce the sting of being hit and are normally wearing masks, it’s easy to become overheated or dehydrated. This will bring and end to what would otherwise be a great day. If you are playing with friends in the woods, be sure to take drinks and snacks with you. Take the opportunity to grab a drink in between games and I guarantee you will last longer and feel better as the day progresses.
10. A Towel – It sounds minor, but I’ve found that a small towel comes in handy for wiping my face or my gun off between games. It gives you something to lay your gun on if you want to avoid getting it scuffed up (though if you’re playing hard, it’s going to get scuffed up), and it’s good for wiping your hands off.
Having fun on the paintball field has a lot to do with how prepared you are to play. A great paintball gun is nice, but if you don’t have everything you need to keep it and you in good working order, you’ll spend more time on the sidelines than the field. Having these items in your bag will go a long way toward keeping you safe and on the field. Play hard!
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I can’t count the number of times that I’ve seen someone arrive at a field or paintball outing only to discover that they left their hopper at home… or how many times I’ve seen a gun break only to find that the owner doesn’t have a tool kit or spare parts available. Luckily in most cases, there are others around who did remember, and are happy to help out, but sometimes being unprepared means you may get to sit and watch others play.
That being said, I’ve compiled a list below of the top 10 things to make sure you always have in your bag before you head out to the field. We’ll assume for the sake of this article, that you haven’t forgotten your gun.
1. Paintball Mask – This should probably be number 1, 2 and 3 on the list. You should never play paintball without a mask that is designed for paintball. Let me say that again. You should never play paintball without a mask that is designed for paintball. Your eyes are much to important to take any chance losing them. Safety goggles or sunglasses don’t offer the protection you need when a paintball is heading at your face going 285 feet per second.
Paintball masks come in many varieties. All masks that are intended for paintball should meet the minimum safety requirements, so after that your choice is going to be focused more on comfort, visibility, and style. More expensive masks tend to excel in all three areas but something like the entry level vForce Armor Goggles are fine for beginners. For more experienced players you may find them wearing the vForce Profilers or the vForce Grill vision systems.
2. Safety Gear – Even though a mask is considered safety gear, I felt it was important to list it separately. There are a number of other safety items which should be considered as well such as paintball gloves, neck protectors, and knee and elbow pads. These will make you more likely to dive when necessary to avoid being shot, and will make you less likely to get hurt doing so. You can also wear a chest and back protector. These come in different varieties and will help minimize the number of bumps and bruises you go home with. The Spyder Body Shield is a very popular version because it looks more like a Jersey than a catcher’s chest protector.
strong>3. First Aid Kit – I keep a small first aid kit in my bag in the event that I get a cut or scrape. You can typically find a general all purpose kit at your local drug store. I’d typically make sure that it includes band-aids, triple-antibiotic ointment, gauze pads and tape. If it doesn’t include them, I’ll throw in a small bottle of pain-reliever in the event I get a headache, or as I get older, for some of the related aches and pains.
4. Barrel Cover – I keep my barrel cover on my gun when it’s stored away. This helps me avoid forgetting it. All reputable and insured fields will require that you have a barrel cover on your marker at all times except during play. Most will not accept a barrel plug, so if your marker came with a plug as most Spyder Paintball Guns did until last year, you will want to get a barrel cover before heading to the field. If you forget, most fields will gladly sell you one.
5. Squeegee – Squeegees come in a few different formats. The “battle swab” consists of two soft ends, which can be inserted into the barrel to soak up any residual paint. They typically fold in half and are pretty easy to keep in your back pocket or cargo pants for easy cleaning on the field if you have a ball break in the barrel. Jerk squeegees consist of a wire or plastic lead with rubber washers and fabric on one end. They are pulled through the barrel to pull out most of the paint. Straight shot squeegees are similar but do not have much flexibility in them. Both the jerk and the straight shot squeegees require that you remove your barrel or disassemble your gun to use them, so they are not ideal for on the field cleaning. I would recommend having both a battle swab and a jerk or straight shot squeegee in your bag. It’s frustrating to have your balls going every way except straight because you have a dirty barrel.
6. CO2 or Nitro Tank – It seems obvious but it’s worth mentioning that you shouldn’t forget your tank. There are two main varieties of tanks… CO2 tanks are typically measured in ounces, which describe how much liquid CO2 the tank will hold. 20oz CO2 tanks seem to be the most popular and a full tank will typically give you 900 – 1000 shots. Keep in mind that some guns (typically more expensive guns) do not recommend using CO2 and instead recommend Nitrogen tanks, which in most cases use normal compressed air. These are typically measured by the size of the tanks (in ci or cubic centimeters) and pressure (in psi or pounds per square inch). The larger the tank and the higher the PSI, the more shots you will get. It’s worth noting that not all fields can fill the higher PSI tanks, so you may end up getting 3000psi fills on a 4500psi tank.
If you play a lot, or don’t play on a formal field, then you may want to consider having two tanks. This will allow you to get both filled and allow you to keep playing if one breaks or is empty. DO NOT attempt to repair a malfunctioning tank on your own. Paintball tanks are under very high pressure and you may be injured or killed if you are not properly trained to service and repair tanks. Your local paintball shop or dive shop are good places to start when looking for someone to repair a tank.
7. Tools and Spare Parts – Most markers come with a few spare parts and tools needed to performance maintenance on the marker. Make sure these stay in your bag. In addition, most manufacturers sell parts kits which include more of the same parts, and in many cases other parts which you will want to have on hand in the event that they break. O-rings and cup seals are obvious items to have. An o-ring pick will help with removing damaged or broken o-rings that need replacing. You will also want to have gun oil in your kit, which should be applied to the o-rings as well when you are replacing them or cleaning your marker. Be sure to check if your marker requires or recommends a particular type of oil.
8. Batteries – If your marker is electronic, as more and more are these days, you will want to make sure you have spare batteries and a charger in your bag. If your hopper requires batteries (many require 2), then you’ll want to account for those as well. I like to keep a fully charged set of batteries in my gun and hopper and another charged spare set as well. A rapid car charger can come in handy if your batteries die. You’ll be out of play for a bit, but at least the whole day won’t be wasted.
Important: Be sure to check your markers guidelines to make sure you are using the right type of battery. Some are pretty specific about whether standard batteries should be used or the types of rechargeable batteries available.
9. Food and Water – If you are playing at a field, chances are that they will have snacks and drinks available for sale, and will probably offer some sort of lunch as well. The key here is to be sure that you stay well hydrated. Because many players choose to dress in layers to reduce the sting of being hit and are normally wearing masks, it’s easy to become overheated or dehydrated. This will bring and end to what would otherwise be a great day. If you are playing with friends in the woods, be sure to take drinks and snacks with you. Take the opportunity to grab a drink in between games and I guarantee you will last longer and feel better as the day progresses.
10. A Towel – It sounds minor, but I’ve found that a small towel comes in handy for wiping my face or my gun off between games. It gives you something to lay your gun on if you want to avoid getting it scuffed up (though if you’re playing hard, it’s going to get scuffed up), and it’s good for wiping your hands off.
Having fun on the paintball field has a lot to do with how prepared you are to play. A great paintball gun is nice, but if you don’t have everything you need to keep it and you in good working order, you’ll spend more time on the sidelines than the field. Having these items in your bag will go a long way toward keeping you safe and on the field. Play hard!
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