How to Outfit Yourself for Paintball

Get a paintgun and mask, plus a few other items, to prepare for this intense action game.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Buy a paintball gun (see How to Choose a Paintball Gun).

2. Get a sturdy mask--the most important piece of equipment. For safety's sake, use a quality mask designed specifically for paintball.

3. Wear heavy-duty clothing. Camouflage is best. Sturdy boots or running shoes are a must. A head covering is definitely advisable. Try to cover every exposed area of skin. A paintball on bare flesh is very painful.

4. Buy paintballs and CO2. Buy extra. The amount you need depends on your style of play (single, accurate shooter versus sprayer), but you really don't want to run out midday when you still want to play.

5. Get containers to carry your paintballs in the field. Containers must be tightly sealed, easily accessible and able to pour into your type of loader.

6. Carry a squeegee in your pocket and a rag or handkerchief to wipe off your hits between games.

7. Doublecheck all your gear prior to each game. Reload everything and clean off all paint so nobody disputes any old paint marks.

Tips & Warnings

• Flip through a paintball magazine and stop by a shop to get an idea of the gear you'll need.
• Many paintball stores sell package deals of everything you need to get started.
• Always wear eye protection around paintball guns.
• Always observe safety rules around paintball guns.
• Barrel plugs should be in all paintball guns between games.

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[Divable]

on 1/22/2009 The author says to use a barrel plug, but I would recommend using a barrel bag. This is a heavy cloth tube that slides over your barrel and is attached by an elastic cord wrapped around the gun. Barrel bags are much safer.

on 7/3/2006 If you don't have any abs (like me) you should get a chest protector. If you get a chest protector, get one of the following:
Redz Chest Protector
Game Face Chest Protector
JT E-motion Chest Protector
Empire Chest Protector

Maybe there are more stylish chest protectors, but the chest protectors aren't all about the looks -- they're all about taking the sting out of the paintballs. But if you're one who must look good, the last chest protector that I listed (The Empire Chest Protector) looks and fits just like a T-shirt, so people won't know that it is a chest protector, but it still offers great protection.

on 3/2/2006 If you are going to play woods-ball you have to go with a coiled remote, it make it easier to Army crawl and it makes your gun lighter for those long scenario games.

on 11/22/2005 All your gear should be fitted for your style of play:
For woodsball use camouflage, longer range barrels, different pack styles, guillie suites for the hardcore woodsballer.
For tourney style, wear light clothes (not in color, in thickness), breathable gear, small masks, small guns, fast loaders, hpa tanks, cleats.

on 11/22/2005 Putting antiperspirant under your eyes (like the football players do with black face paint) helps stop your sweating a little bit. It worked for me, I suggest trying it if you have a single lens.