What Paintball Equipment Should I Buy?

Paintball is a fun sport that's played by over five million Americans every year. However, to have a good game of paintball, you'll need to invest in or rent some basic equipment. This includes a paintball marker, hopper, goggles or mask, barrel covers and protective clothing. While there are lots of expensive, high end types of paintball equipment on the market, you don't need to break the bank just to play. Get into things by buying a low end marker and hopper, and enough safety gear to keep you from getting hurt. Then, expand your collection of equipment later, once you know you enjoy playing the game.

The most obvious equipment required is a paintball marker and paintballs. Most paintballs are the same, once you've gotten past the discount varieties, which may break early. Paintball guns, on the other hand, come in many different types. Most are made from aluminum, but there are lots of shapes and sizes. Paintball makers are usually categorized by the propellant they use. Inexpensive markers are likely to use carbon dioxide to propel paintballs, while higher priced ones might use compressed air or nitrogen. These propellants are more expensive and require more durable containers than the carbon dioxide, but they're also more reliable. If you need a consistent velocity, it's best to choose the more expensive options. For those who aren't as concerned, CO2 gets the job done.

Paintball markers come with different hopper options, too. You can use a standard gravity fed hopper, where the paintballs simply slide down the tube when it's empty, or choose one of several varieties of powered hopper. Powered versions mean a faster feed rate and fewer jams, but they require batteries, making them heavier and more expensive. Shaking gravity fed hoppers can help reduce the chance of a paintball getting suck.

In addition to a marker, hopper, and paintballs, you'll also need to protect yourself. While paintball is a pretty safe sport, high speed paintballs can leave bruises. Wearing heavier clothing that covers most of your body can keep this from happening, as well as keeping you safe from brambles and other terrain hazards you might find on the paintball field. Goggles or a paintball mask are a requirement to play. Inexpensive models are adequate when you get started. Just be aware that cheaper masks can be a little less durable, and will need to be replaced earlier. Avoid wearing clothing with zippers, hooks, and other fasteners that stick out and can catch on underbrush or injure you when rolling on the ground. Safety equipment isn't just for you, either Many ranges will required you to get a barrel cover for your paintball marker. This prevents unintentional firing when you're not playing.

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A Beginner's Guide to Paintball Accessories
When playing paintball, you'll need a marker, mask, air tank, hopper, and other pieces of equipment before you even go on the field. These are the biggest and most important items required, and it can be a big investment...

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