Paintball Protective GearThe game of paintball wouldn’t have to cost a pretty penny if you weren’t too worried about safety. Most paintball gear is built around the idea of safety, and the market is geared toward this. Yes, there are certain styles and certain colors that all of us like to have; as matching gear is as important as it is stylish. Here, however, the gear that will be discussed centers around the more important factors of the game, functionality and safety. No certified course will allow you to step foot onto their playing grounds (battle grounds, in some cases) without the proper gear. They’ll tell you to either buy it, borrow it or rent it. How you and your friends play is up to you on your land, but if you ever want to join a club or group that really gets you fired up to play paintball, then start on the right foot and buy the proper paintball accessories that will doubly keep you safe and playing at the top of your game. One of the first pieces of paintball accessories you’ll need to buy is protective goggles (glasses). Whether tinted, dyed or full of stickers and decals, you’ll have to have a protective pair of shatterproof and certified paintball goggles. The styles include the ones with just simple lenses to full-face and ear protection. Depending on the style of play will determine the kind you should wear during your next paintball competition. The full-face models come with vented ear and mouth coverings. Some, but not all, include sun visors and removable face plates (face protection). Some use hinged face plates while others require you to buy the face plate separately and use a goggle strap.
In addition to face and head protection, you’ll need to think about protecting your knees, elbows, groin and shins. Depending on whether you’ll be running amok in the woods or careening through a pull barn or fair grounds, you’ll have to decide what kind and how much protection to wear. If you will be playing under the former conditions, be sure to go all out so you can jump, dive, squat and roll. If playing under the latter environment, then you could likely get away with wearing knee and groin padding. Even if you won’t be rolling around on the ground, paintball markers can shoot quite hard and fast—the protection protects you in all circumstances.
Other pieces of accessories that goes with the sport don’t have to be centered on safety but focuses on functionality. That is, the equipment you purchase gives you a tactical advantage in one way or another over your opponent(s). Some gear, such as night goggles or certain paintball magazines will have to be Okayed beforehand. Some pieces of paintball accessories and gear that you should have certified before playing can and do include ghillie outfits, certain automatic weapons, super tubes, grenades, handheld pistols or gats, and auto-cocking mechanisms. Moreover, be sure to get your ammo looked over and sniper sites authorized before playing in any competition. The worst scenario means that after you and your team has worked so hard for a victory, you’re forced to forfeit due to improper equipment registration. Be sure your gear meets certain standards and does not exceed others. Even if you don’t mean to cheat, you’ll be liable for the forced loss. |
