This forum is mainly a UK base of players mate, making it smaller in terms of number of people in here than the likes of PBNation, but on here you will find many like minded individuals who will go out of their way to provide advice, support and help.
In terms of gear there may be some price discrepancies due to the different markets but in terms of masks look at:
JT proflex
Empire E-flex
Dye i4
HK KLR
Markers:
Anything by the big players, Planet Eclipse, Dye, Empire but also look at the dmaller manufacturers such as DLX/Smart Parts and Macdev
Hoppers:
Virtue Spire
Dye Rotor
HK TFX
Empire Z2
Markers will really depend on what type of paintball you want to play and the budget you have to spend.