Paintball Gear: A Guide to Must-Have Equipment

Last Updated on March 13, 2024

Equipping yourself with proper paintball gear is crucial for both safety and unlocking your full potential in this dynamic sport. This guide will delve into the essential equipment every paintball enthusiast must have. Enjoy reading!

Table of Contents

Paintball Marker
Protective Gear
– Paintball Mask
– Body Protection
– Paintball Clothing
Paintballs
Hopper
Paintball Accessories
Final Words

Paintball Marker

A paintball gun (aka marker) is the heart and soul of your arsenal. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a marker that resonates with you – as doing so will empower you to develop your skills and enjoy every moment spent on the battlefield. To choose the right paintball gun, you need to consider your skill level, type of game, and budget.

Type of Game

Different types of paintball games require various styles of markers. The most popular game styles include woodsball, speedball, and mil-sim (military simulation).

• Woodsball: This form of paintball takes place in natural outdoor settings, such as wooded areas or forests. Players often utilize camouflage clothing and gear to blend in with their surroundings, making stealth and communication key components of the game. For woodsball, search for a robust and dependable marker that can endure harsh conditions. A long barrel is preferred as it increases the velocity of a paintball, making them fly farther downrange. Some players also suggest opting for a .50 marker as it shoots better through thick brush. Popular woodsball markers include the Tippmann A-5 and the Empire DFender.
• Speedball: It’s a fast-paced form of paintball that takes place on a smaller, symmetrical field with inflatable bunkers. The game emphasizes quick movement, teamwork, and rapid-fire shooting and demands a lightweight and sleek marker with an exceptional firing rate. Electronic markers are particularly suited for speedball, offering superior firing rates and enhanced precision. Top speedball markers include the Empire Mini GS, the Empire Axe 2.0, and the Planet Eclipse CS3.
• Milsim: Mimicking military-style combat, mil-sim games call for authentic-looking markers with tactical attributes, such as accessory rails. The Tippmann TMC and Valken M17.

Skill Level

Your proficiency in paintball significantly influences the most suitable marker for you.

If you’re just starting in paintball, opt for a mechanical marker. Renowned for their user-friendly nature, low maintenance requirements, and affordability, mechanical paintball guns, like the Tippmann 98 Custom, provide an excellent introduction to the sport.

For seasoned players or those willing to invest more for superior quality, electronic paintball guns deliver increased accuracy, faster firing speeds, and extensive customization options. Planet Eclipse and Empire paintball guns are among the top choices for experienced players.

Budget

Paintball markers can vary significantly in price, from budget-friendly entry-level models to premium, professional-grade options. Establish your budget in advance and seek a marker that delivers the most value for your investment. Keep in mind that selecting a durable, well-crafted marker will prevent potential maintenance complications and expenses in the future. The best affordable paintball guns are from Tippmann.

Calibers

Regarding paintball calibers, the .68 caliber marker remains the most widespread choice. This size strikes an optimal balance between range and impact, making it suitable for an array of game styles. However, if low-impact paintball interests you, a .50 caliber marker is necessary. These smaller, lighter paintballs generate less impact force, catering to younger players or those desiring a milder experience.

Protective Gear

Diving headfirst into the thrilling world of paintball, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of rapid-fire action and strategic gameplay. But before you unleash your inner warrior, it’s crucial to suit up with the armor – the protective gear that will shield you from the sting of paintballs.

Paintball Mask

A comfortable, well-fitting paintball mask is the cornerstone of your protective gear set – a good paintball mask provides essential protection for your eyes, ears, and face while offering optimum visibility. Let’s dive into the key features to consider when choosing the perfect mask for your needs:

1. Lens: Opt for a mask with a clear, fog-resistant lens (whether dual-pane thermal lenses or those with an anti-fog coating) to ensure maximum visibility during gameplay. Additionally, consider picking a mask with a quick-change lens system for easy replacements.
2. Foam Padding: You want a mask with soft, high-quality foam padding that conforms to your face.
3. Ventilation: Choose a mask with ample venting around the mouth and nose. Not only does it ensure proper airflow, but it also reduces the chances of fogging.
4. Coverage: Different masks offer varying levels of coverage. For the best protection, choose a full-face or full-head design.

Body Protection

Now, let’s explore the key pieces of body protection you should consider adding to your protective system:

1. Padded Jersey: They typically feature built-in padding in strategic areas like the shoulders, elbows, and forearms. Opt for a padded jersey made from moisture-wicking material to keep you cool and comfortable during intense gameplay.
2. Gloves: Protecting your hands is essential, as they’re often exposed and vulnerable during paintball matches. Choose gloves with reinforced palms and knuckle protection, focusing on designs that provide enough dexterity to manipulate the trigger.
3. Neck Protector: A neck protector, usually made from neoprene or padded material, wraps around your neck to provide cushioning and protection. When shopping, check whether the closure is secure and easy to adjust.
4. Slider Shorts: Designed to protect your hips, thighs, and groin, slider shorts are padded shorts worn under your paintball pants. They offer extra cushioning for those inevitable slides and dives, reducing the risk of injury. Look for slider shorts made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.
5. Knee and Elbow Pads: Frequent sliding and crawling can take a toll on your knees and elbows, so choose pads with ample cushioning for optimal shock absorption.

Paintball Clothing

Now, what about clothing? Dressing for success is about more than just looking sharp – it’s about staying comfortable on the battlefield. You already know about the jersey – what’s next? Durable paintball pants with reinforced knees and adjustable waistbands are crucial for guarding your legs against scrapes and bruises. Don’t forget about headwear, such as beanies, headbands, or bandanas – they offer extra cushioning and absorb sweat. Choose sturdy, supportive footwear with good traction and invest in moisture-wicking, cushioned socks for ample support and blister prevention.

Paintballs

You may be surprised, but paintballs aren’t made identical. That’s why you should consider the following factors when shopping:

• Pick the right size (caliber) for your marker.
• Shell thickness matters too – thicker shells are more resilient, making them suitable for woodsball, where they may encounter obstacles before reaching their target; thinner ones break easily upon impact providing a more satisfying “mark” on your opponents.
• Look for paintballs with a bright, non-toxic fill that’s easy to clean off and environmentally friendly.
• Quality, round paintballs with no dimples or uneven seams provide better accuracy and consistency.
• Store your paintballs in a cool, dry place.

Hopper

A hopper is a paintball loader, that oblong thing on top of a paintball gun. You’ll encounter two types: gravity-fed and electronic. Gravity-fed hoppers, obviously, rely on gravity to drop paintballs into your marker, making them simple and budget-friendly. However, they may not provide a consistent feed rate, which could lead to occasional jams. Electronic hoppers use battery-powered mechanisms to feed paintballs more consistently and at a faster rate, enhancing your firing speed and reducing the likelihood of jams.

Hoppers come in various capacities, typically ranging from 50 to over 200 paintballs. To choose what’s right for you, you need to consider your playing style and how often you’re willing to reload during a game. Smaller hoppers are lighter and more compact, while larger hoppers allow for extended gameplay without frequent reloading.

You should also consider the feed rate of a hopper, which refers to the number of paintballs it can feed into your marker per second. Higher feed rates are crucial for players using markers with quick-shot capabilities.

Finally, ensure that the hopper you select is compatible with your paintball marker. Some markers may require specific hopper types or attachment systems, so consult your marker’s manual or manufacturer for guidance.

Paintball Accessories

While the core components of your paintball setup are crucial, there’s a world of additional accessories that can significantly improve your gameplay and comfort.

1. Pod Packs & Harnesses: These handy accessories allow you to carry extra paintballs in pods, ensuring you’re always ready for a reload during intense battles. Look for comfortable, adjustable harnesses with enough pod slots to match your preferred carrying capacity.
2. Squeegees & Barrel Swabs: A clean barrel is essential for accurate shooting. Squeegees and barrel swabs help you quickly clean out any paint or debris from your marker’s barrel.
3. Tactical Vests & Pouches: For woodsball players, tactical vests provide extra storage for paintball gear, such as spare air tanks, tools, and even snacks.
4. Grenades & Smoke Grenades: Add some excitement and strategy to your game with paintball and smoke grenades. Paintball grenades release a burst of paint upon impact, while smoke grenades create a temporary smokescreen, allowing for stealthy movements and surprise attacks.
5. Marker Upgrades & Customization: Personalize your paintball marker with various upgrades and customization options like new barrels, grips, or triggers. These enhancements can improve your marker’s performance, increase its effective range, or make you a more accurate shooter.
6. Maintenance & Cleaning Supplies: If you want your paintball gear to last and deliver, you should care for it.

Final Words

Now that you know what paintball gear you need, head to GRITR Sports and explore our selection of markers, protection gear, and upgrades. Happy shopping!

FAQ

What type of paintball marker should I choose?

For beginners, a reliable and easy-to-maintain mechanical marker is recommended. As you gain experience, consider upgrading to an electronic or pump marker, depending on your playing style and preferences.

What kind of paintballs should I buy?

Choose high-quality, fresh paintballs that are compatible with your marker’s caliber (usually .68). Avoid using old or damaged paintballs, as they can cause jams and affect your accuracy.

Is a mask necessary for paintball?

Absolutely! A high-quality, ASTM-approved mask with full face and eye protection is essential for your safety on the field.

How do I prevent my mask from fogging up?

Invest in a mask with thermal lenses and proper ventilation. Anti-fog sprays and wipes can also help reduce fogging during gameplay.

What type of clothing should I wear for paintball?

Wear comfortable, durable clothes that cover your skin, such as long sleeves and pants. Camouflage or dark colors are recommended. Additional padding or protective gear, like gloves and chest protectors, can provide extra comfort and safety.