Paintball FAQ
What is Paintball?
Paintball is basically an adult version of “Capture the Flag”. The object is to capture the opposing team’s flag while trying to protect your team’s flag. During all of this you must eliminate the opposing players by tagging them with a paintball. Paintballs are gelatin capsules filled with water soluble paint expelled from an air gun or paintball gun. If a player gets tagged they are out of the game. Most games are timed and last between 15-30 minutes and are played on commercial fields, though some games are played in the woods.
Is Paintball Safe?
Paintball, like all action sports can potentially become dangerous, unless you are playing with adequate protection and guidelines. Standard safety rules and proper use of approved safety equipment makes Paintball one of the safest sports. Players must always wear protective paintball goggles, which usually are a part of a special mask. Also, commercial paintball fields limit the speed of a fired paintball. Players who disregard safety regulations are usually removed from the game. Playing on commercial fields is safer than playing in the woods or anywhere that doesn’t enforce safety requirements.
Are there age limits in Paintball?
As long as you are over 12 years of age you can play Paintball. Usually commercial fields regulate players ages 12-18. In most cases, younger children are allowed to play when accompanied by an adult. As long as the younger players are wearing the proper paintball equipment and following the safety regulations then they will be safe.
Does Paintball cost money?
Yes, the average paintball field will usually charge for a 1 day rental of a paintball gun, paintballs, goggles and any other safety equipment. Most fields charge anywhere from $15 to $50, depending on what paintball equipment you need. Most die hard paintball players own their own gun and equipment. If you do not want to rent, you can buy your own paintball gun, which range from $100 and up, and goggles which start at $20.
Do I have to play Paintball on a team?
No, you don’t have to play Paintball on a team, but it is recommended. You can get together with a few friends and use your own equipment to play a game. But playing with an organized team on a commercial paintball field is much safer, due to set rules and regulations.
How can I play Paintball?
It is fairly easy to get started and play a game of Paintball. There are plenty of paintball websites, like PaintballMagazine.net, that offer a number of paintball fields and tournaments. You can also look in the yellow pages or actual Paintball magazines, which have plenty of Paintball ads. Most all paintball fields offer gun rental and welcome first time players. Just make sure you check out the paintball field before you play on it. A set of rules and regulations should be clearly stated before playing a paintball game. There should also be a sufficient number of referees, depending on the number of players. Make sure you scope out the paintball fields before playing.
What should I bring when playing Paintball?
Make sure you are dressed in dark or camouflage clothing and have shoes with good ankle support, preferably boots. You may want to bring a towel or cloth to clean your paintball gun and mask. And always remember to bring lots of water. Paintball is just as intense as other action sports and you must stay hydrated. Also, some commercial paintball fields do not provide food, so bring proper nourishment.
Are there rules for Paintball?
Yes, rules are very important when playing Paintball and should always be followed to ensure a safe game. The most important rule of the game is to wear goggles at all times. Paintballs are relatively harmless, but they can cause serious damage to your eyes. Also, inserting a barrel blocking device is necessary when you aren’t playing. This prevents accidental discharges. Check your guns velocity. Your gun must adhere to the limits of whatever field you are playing on. Also, recalibrate your gun after every cartridge change. And never forget to abide by the rules of the particular field you are playing on. You must follow the rules of the field for safety purposes and to make sure other players are on the same level as you.
Does it hurt when I get shot with a paintball?
In most cases, the answer is yes. Getting hit by a fast moving paintball is not a walk in the park, but it is part of the game. Though, paintballs break upon impact so the pain isn’t too bad. It is compared to a quick pinch or being snapped by a towel. The range of which you are shot also affects the level of pain. Being shot at close range will hurt more than from further away. You might end up with a few welts, but that’s just part of the paintball game.
Does the paint come out of clothes?
Yes, for the most part. Paintballs contain water soluble paint and should wash out of your clothes as normal. Some paintballs may differ, so make sure to wear paintball-specific clothes when playing a paintball game.