Hi & Walk-On?

[Ghost Karate]

Hey, I'm new to paintball and after a read of the forum I decided to register.
Sorry this might be a long post but I have a few questions.

I went to one of my local sites today with my brothers and loved every minute of it. I have been a few times before when I was younger but this time I really got a taste for it.

After doing some digging into the sport online I thought I might give it a go. I read that walk-on days are the place to start, is this true?

Also I will be going on my own, is this done in paint-balling? I don't want to look like a loser with no friends. If it is OK to go it alone what are the people generally like to newbies? I'm not the most confident person when I'm alone around a bunch of I don't know.

There are 2 sites in my town.

http://www.weekend-warriors.co.uk

and

http://www.paintballgames.co.uk

I have just come back from Weekend Warriors and they would be the easiest for me to get too. They advertised on there web page that they have walk-on day.

The other place Delta Force from what I can see are boasting better equipment and games but I don't really know much about that. From what I could see also they don't have a walk-on day.

Could someone maybe have a look at the two and give me someone advice?

I was also debating getting a mask so I look like I know a little and made an effort. There is no way I can get to a shop to try them out so are then any masks you would recommend? I could spend up to £80.

 

[shootinropez]

Hi There mate!
Firstly, welcome to the world's greatest sport Really good to hear that people who have played with their friends for a day out, are getting a bit more into it as an actual sport.
Secondly, yes walk-on's are a good place to start. Now, the only thing about some walk-ons is that you're required to have all your own equipment. It would be best to ring your site (btw weekend warriors would be better, delta force aren't a big fan of walk ons) and ask them if they will hire out equipment on a walk on day, and then prices etc.
Finally, the mask. £80 is good funding for a mask, second hand you can get any mask on the market. Personally, if you're going to get used, I love the Empire E-Flex, they're comfy, breathable, and they just work really well. If you're going for brand new, E-flex's run at about £95, so if you're looking for something a little cheaper but brand new, I'm a big advocate of the V-Force Grillz or JT Pro-flex, both of which will serve the purpose very well.
HOWEVER, these are just MY PERSONAL preferences. I would recommend trying them all on and seeing which is best for you. If you can't do this, read reviews on them and see which fits you the best according to the reviews. For example, if you like tonnes of protection, don't get the Pro-flex, or if you have a bigger head, don't get the Dye i4.

Any more questions feel free to ask

 

[strafingrun]

you'll have a much better time at weekend warriors than any DF site. in regards to a walk on, you might be expected to have all your own gear to take part - something to ring em up check on before you start spending.

masks a must buy as your first piece of equipment, again spend some time reading reviews to get an idea of the pro's and con's - if you turn up to a walkon, even if your not playing it'll be a great chance to meet some more serious players and they'll probable be more than happy to let you try on a few of their masks, see whats comfy.

dont worry about turning up on your own, i and lots of others do it all the time and you make friends pretty quick in the dead zone.

 

[Bolter]

Hi and welcome to the site

 

[BubbleGumBob]

Weekend warriors is we're I started guys are really helpfull there take in your from the reading area then

 

[Ghost Karate]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys.
I will give Weekend Warriors a ring on Monday and ask if I can rent some gear, I cant see why they wouldn't.

BubbleGumBob: Yes I'm from Reading, I live right in the town center. Do you still live around the area? Also do you know what times the Walk-On day start and finish?

 

[BubbleGumBob]

Havent been in a while but it use to be the first Sunday of the month starting round 9-10, yeah I live more towards Newbury but only like 20 mins for WW

 

[Ghost Karate]

Cool maybe I will see you there sometime.

 

[MorphMann]

Welcome bud.

As said above bud try before you buy. Our game is not the cheapest so make sure your 100% as to what mask etc you want and IMO 2nd hand from anybody on here with a high message count will get you a bargain compared with brand new.

Also as already said, don't worry about going to a walk-on on your own, after your first game with the addrenaline you will talk no matter what.

As a whole we are a decent bunch, and all remember our first ever game, and that for the sport to progress we need to help the newer players.

Post a new thread in this area called something like "Looking for players near Reading", so you can at least get to know a few people on here in your area, so the ice is already broken before your first walk-on. A lad near me did this and as its snowballed we now have a team of 25 local 'ballers. Thats local to me.... lol

One last thing, can you please keep us all updated as to your progress, and remember we are all here to help.

The only stupid question is the question not asked

 

[M4rk]

Welcome buddy!
As everyones said the mask is the first and probably most important purchase. I started with a second hand Empire E-Vents with a spare tinted lense. bought 6 years ago for £45, i only replaced it recently with a Dye i4. So £80 will get you a good qualty second hand mask.
For coverage, durability, and a quality brand i would certainly recommend an Empire E-Vent mask to anyone, let alone someone new to the sport.

I started walk-ons last year and i have met a lot of new people, they are a friendly bunch.