Kit purchases should be in this order by what you can afford.
Mask> loader> knee pads/padded pants> Decent shoes> Marker> Playing gear outside of previous
Make sure to try a few masks before committing to a purchase as they are entirely user preference.
Loaders at the top end are very similar but with a few unique quirks between them.
Knee pads or padded pants are just sensible for comfort and safety even when you are not sliding, taking a knee can be uncortable/painful and extra support on a vital joint is never bad.
Your footwear is important but is usually already covered with what you already own, you would want something with a degree of ankle support for woodland playing sites or Astro/turf cleats (the ones with micro studs) for a speedball site.
Markers are absolute try before buy along with masks and the best way for both is at local walkons or pro shops, don't be scared of asking to try a players marker as 99% of players are absolutely happy to spread the gospel of paintball to new players getting their first kit. Just bear in mind to keep a balanced head when they explain why their marker is the best and only real choice
Last of all is any other kit not mentioned above such as hpa tanks which most fields supply with your ticket (one exception is if your marker of choice requires a specific tank output which is uncommon) and jersey/pants which while nice are not essential.
Bit of a wall but should be an enlightening read.
Mask> loader> knee pads/padded pants> Decent shoes> Marker> Playing gear outside of previous
Make sure to try a few masks before committing to a purchase as they are entirely user preference.
Loaders at the top end are very similar but with a few unique quirks between them.
Knee pads or padded pants are just sensible for comfort and safety even when you are not sliding, taking a knee can be uncortable/painful and extra support on a vital joint is never bad.
Your footwear is important but is usually already covered with what you already own, you would want something with a degree of ankle support for woodland playing sites or Astro/turf cleats (the ones with micro studs) for a speedball site.
Markers are absolute try before buy along with masks and the best way for both is at local walkons or pro shops, don't be scared of asking to try a players marker as 99% of players are absolutely happy to spread the gospel of paintball to new players getting their first kit. Just bear in mind to keep a balanced head when they explain why their marker is the best and only real choice
Last of all is any other kit not mentioned above such as hpa tanks which most fields supply with your ticket (one exception is if your marker of choice requires a specific tank output which is uncommon) and jersey/pants which while nice are not essential.
Bit of a wall but should be an enlightening read.
