An Introduction to Paintball and Understanding How Painful It Is

Paintball is a fun and exciting way to enjoy competition with friends, whether it be for a birthday party, corporate team building or a weekend away with the gang. But, one thing is often asked before getting involved- how painful is paintball? For anyone who is new to the sport, the thought of hurling hard spherical balls of paint seems a bit disconcerting. The truth is, paintball can be painful, but it can also be managed for a fun and safe experience. This article aims to uncover the reality of paintball, from an exploration of the gear used and how to ensure good safety protocols to the history and evolution of the sport.

What Gear is Used in Paintball?

When we think of Paintball, two pieces of equipment come to mind first: the gun and the ammo. Bunkers, masks, and other protective gear are also essential to the sport.

The Guns

Paintball guns are also called markers. They come in a variety of mechanisms, including spring-fed, gravity fed, refurbished, and even electronic markers. No matter which marker is used, they all follow the same principle. The gun loads paintballs, then works with air pressure to launch a paintball up to 250 fps (feet per second).

Spring-fed markers are powered by a spring that is usually wound with an Allen wrench. Gravity fed markers are self-explanatory. Instead of using air pressure, these markers rely on gravity to feed paintballs into the chamber and then shoot them forward. Refurbished markers are pre-assembled markers that are easily reconfigured for specific styles of play. Electronic markers are also known as E-markers and are powered by a rechargeable battery.

The Ammo

The ammo for paintball guns can vary depending on the type of marker used. Spring-fed markers usually require round paintballs, while gravity fed markers can handle any type of paintballs. Paintballs themselves are made from a number of materials depending on the brand. These materials could include a string of dyed gelatin, vegetable oil, or even soap.

Paintballs vary in size. They usually range from .67 to 2.2 grams. Generally, beginners should use smaller paintballs to reduce the chance of injury.

Bunkers and Mask

A bunker is a barricade made of rubber, foam, or plastic. Its purpose is to provide a degree of protection from the impact of paintballs. Bunkers also serve as cover for players to hide behind.

The mask is the most important part of the safety gear associated with paintball. A mask needs to fit properly and be made of durable material. The goggle part of it should be designed to protect the face and eyes. Straps should be adjustable and adjustable lenses should also be considered.

What are the Safety Protocols?

It goes without saying that safety should always be the number one priority during a game of paintball.

1. Must Wear a Mask

All players must wear a mask at all times during the game. The mask should fit properly and there must be no room between it and the face.

2. Must Follow the Referee

The ref will call the game and oversee it to make sure all players are following the rules.

3. No Blind Firing

Players should never fire at an opponent that they can't clearly see.

4. Don't Aim For People's Heads

Players should always aim for the body of their opponents, not the head or neck.

5. No Alcohol or Drugs

Nobody should be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while playing. This can be dangerous and puts other players lives in danger.

History and Evolution of Paintball

Paintball itself is a relatively recent sport, first appearing in the 1970s. It was developed as a way for people to enjoy real-life combat without the risk of firing real weapons.

From its inception, the sport has remained relatively the same. The only major changes have been the introduction of some new rules, such as the banning of blind firing and players only being allowed to shoot people they can clearly see.

While paintball has its detractors, it is still very popular as a hobby and a sport. The combination of physical activity, strategy, and skill makes it appealing to a wide range of people.

Final Thoughts on How Painful Is Paintball

Paintball can be painful, no doubt about it. But, by understanding the gear and safety protocols associated with paintball, it can be enjoyed safely and with minimal pain. Understanding the history and evolution of the sport helps to appreciate the spirit of the activity. Ultimately, the experience of paintball depends largely on the players themselves. If everyone follows the rules and plays safely, then it can be a fun and exciting way to spend time with friends.

References:

[1] "Types of Paintball Guns Explained", Paintball Reviewed, 2017, https://paintballreviewed.com/types-of-paintball-guns-explained/

[2] "Paintball Security Protocols", Paintball Security, 2018, https://paintball-security.com/paintball-security-protocols/

[3] "The History of Paintball", 1st Strike Paintball, 2020, https://www.1st-strike.com/the-history-of-paintball/