Hey all, after playing a 'punters' day at campaign a few weeks ago I've decided to get back into paintball. I popped down to DYE the other day to see what new gear was out and was quite surprised about all of the padded protective gear there is now. Is this all pretty standard for those that play Sup air to wear padded tops, slide shorts etc?
I'm not a tournament style player but vary what I wear as 'protective gear' depending on what I am playing:
I play scenario so most often have a MOLLE vest though occasionaly use a pod belt.
The MOLLE vest means I certainly don't need any body padding, if using the pod belt then usualy I'll stick to my top which may be a t-shirt. (If using a pod belt then I'm probably playing 'light' so would have on a t-shirt)
Other than that depending on weather conditions I could have a couple of layers on.
Its a matter of your pain threshold and bounce preference. If you have loose clothing it gives a fair amount of bounce protection. If you get up close and personal you may want more then a t-shirt.
For elbow common sense should prevail and elbow pads ought to be worn.
If you have sleeves then they will afford some kind of protection when crawling, however last year I had a very nasty case of Olecranoon Bursiitis - Students / Plumbers / Paintballers elbow. (Search it on google images and my arm was just like the first picture that comes up!) Not only swolen but infected and pretty nasty. I never wore elbow pads in the past, I do now, and even if I dont wear pads and go to t-shirt I have 'basket ball' type sleeves for a minimal level of protection.
Knee pads depend on choice and playing style. Also what you do on your knees. If you are going to crawl then the most common army style knee pads are no good, you need something that will stay in place and not drag - so the dedicated style of knee pads that go on under your trousers are better.
If you are going to dive around then slide shorts are a very good idea.
For 'man protection' slide shorts may help.
I dont wear slide shorts, and usually just depend on good supportive trunk shorts with loose trousers. But if playing an indoor games up close I wear cricket shorts with a cup.
I have had a few nasty man area hits, so if playing up close I'd rather not be hit there.
In general I would say man up and take the hits, only the first hit tends to hurt. When the adrenaline starts then anything but a close or high velocity shot should not hurt.
But you should also take the advice of an older guy and take care of your body
Thanks guys
