Welcome to All new folk, If your reading this thread your probably looking for advice on what kit to get, how to get into the game etc. Hopefully this thread will be a good start off point for you.
1st, Assuming you have already played on a day out with your friends/family at a local site, you would perhaps like to have a look at other types of Paintball are out there.
There is Tournament balling which takes on a variety of formats. This is generally played on an open field with inflatable bunkers set about the place, general rule is eliminate opposing team players and hang their flag at your start gate. games can last from a few seconds to a few rounds within a time period.
Then there is Rec balling which is similar to what you'd get at a site if you paid £50 for a days game at various themed games, difference is usually price and most players have their own gear.
finally there is scenario paintball which tends to take place in woodlands and will follow a script or a theme and can take place over a weekend.
All of the above games have different styles of play/kit so what you you want to play is up to you entirely so just go out and have fun.
now kit wise
Before diving straight in and buying the most expensive, shiniest paintball gun you want.think about budget. not everyone has money to buy the best straight out, but a little pointer to get you started.
Mask
Hopper/Loader
Air tank
then marker
Reason being is... Most sites, tournaments, teams etc have spare markers that they're normally happy to loan out (may cost a small deposit or something) so based on that.
If you get a mask first you can protect your eyesight, and it becomes personal and comfortable to you, rather than being worn by many people before you.
Again try before you buy, what is comfortable to one person may not be comfortable for you. Most shops have a range you can try on. dont scrimp on the mask as you only get one pair of eyes.
regards to air tank and loader/hopper, these again depend on preferences and budgets, in the classifieds on this forum there is usually some bargains to be had, or even check out the stores listed on the sponsors bar. these items can be transferred over from marker to marker wherever you play.
most walk on players or tournament players dont seem to mind if you borrow kit (with permission obviously)
doing this gets you into the field quickly, gets you playing and having fun without a huge start up cost.
Markers are dependant on type of game you play and again budget, but if you do the above, by the time you come to buying a marker you may have tried out a few different models etc and may have formed a liking to a particular maker/model etc.
*Quick addition* Playing Gear
If your planning to join a Team they may have their own sponsors, and uniforms so once your on their roster get yourself kitted out same as them.
however for training and regular playing. a decent pair of Playing trousers (pants) with padding should last you a while. Jerseys, whatever you can afford and like the look of.
there are now playing clothes for Scenario and tournament formats.
Padding, should be comfortable and not move around too much, slide shorts, knee pads, elbow pads or even bounce vests offer that little extra protection thats always handy if you plan to throw yourself around like action man.
rest of it's down to how much you can afford, though 2nd hand is a good way to start.
I'm sure I've missed out some advice etc, but you can get the gist from above, and I'm sure other users will add their advice as well.
1st, Assuming you have already played on a day out with your friends/family at a local site, you would perhaps like to have a look at other types of Paintball are out there.
There is Tournament balling which takes on a variety of formats. This is generally played on an open field with inflatable bunkers set about the place, general rule is eliminate opposing team players and hang their flag at your start gate. games can last from a few seconds to a few rounds within a time period.
Then there is Rec balling which is similar to what you'd get at a site if you paid £50 for a days game at various themed games, difference is usually price and most players have their own gear.
finally there is scenario paintball which tends to take place in woodlands and will follow a script or a theme and can take place over a weekend.
All of the above games have different styles of play/kit so what you you want to play is up to you entirely so just go out and have fun.
now kit wise
Before diving straight in and buying the most expensive, shiniest paintball gun you want.think about budget. not everyone has money to buy the best straight out, but a little pointer to get you started.
Mask
Hopper/Loader
Air tank
then marker
Reason being is... Most sites, tournaments, teams etc have spare markers that they're normally happy to loan out (may cost a small deposit or something) so based on that.
If you get a mask first you can protect your eyesight, and it becomes personal and comfortable to you, rather than being worn by many people before you.
Again try before you buy, what is comfortable to one person may not be comfortable for you. Most shops have a range you can try on. dont scrimp on the mask as you only get one pair of eyes.
regards to air tank and loader/hopper, these again depend on preferences and budgets, in the classifieds on this forum there is usually some bargains to be had, or even check out the stores listed on the sponsors bar. these items can be transferred over from marker to marker wherever you play.
most walk on players or tournament players dont seem to mind if you borrow kit (with permission obviously)
doing this gets you into the field quickly, gets you playing and having fun without a huge start up cost.
Markers are dependant on type of game you play and again budget, but if you do the above, by the time you come to buying a marker you may have tried out a few different models etc and may have formed a liking to a particular maker/model etc.
*Quick addition* Playing Gear
If your planning to join a Team they may have their own sponsors, and uniforms so once your on their roster get yourself kitted out same as them.
however for training and regular playing. a decent pair of Playing trousers (pants) with padding should last you a while. Jerseys, whatever you can afford and like the look of.
there are now playing clothes for Scenario and tournament formats.
Padding, should be comfortable and not move around too much, slide shorts, knee pads, elbow pads or even bounce vests offer that little extra protection thats always handy if you plan to throw yourself around like action man.
rest of it's down to how much you can afford, though 2nd hand is a good way to start.
I'm sure I've missed out some advice etc, but you can get the gist from above, and I'm sure other users will add their advice as well.
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