FAQ
Index
1. What is paintball?
2. Is it safe and how old do you need to be?
1. What is paintball?
2. Is it safe and how old do you need to be?
3.Doesn't it hurt when you get shot?
4.Do I have to be on a team?
5.How can I play?
6.What kind of paintball field should I look for?
7.How much does it cost?
4.Do I have to be on a team?
5.How can I play?
6.What kind of paintball field should I look for?
7.How much does it cost?
8. Should I tip the ref?
9.What do I need to bring?
10.What safety equipment do I need?
11.How can I play safe
12.Do I need to be physically fit?
13.Can I get the paint out of my clothes?
14.How can I find out more about paintball?
15.List of commonly used terms.
1.What is paintball?
It's a sport in which a bunch of adults (loosely defined) go out in the woods and relive our childhood by playing capture the flag. Only, in this game each player has a gun that fires gelatin capsules filled with a water-soluble marking dye. If you're shot and marked, you're out of the game and have to wait until the next one starts. The most common variation is two teams at opposite ends of a 5+ acre section of terrain, each with a flag hung at 'home base.' The object is to go get the other team's flag and bring it back to your base. When you encounter people on the other team, you try to tag them out before they get you. Pretty simple and lots of fun.
2.Is it safe and how old do you have to be?
Like all action sports (football, basket ball, etc.) paintball is very dangerous unless adequate protection is worn and safety rules understood and followed.
Most paintball guns shoot a 68 caliber paint pellet. The pellet is a thin plastic shell filled with a water soluble paint. Guns shoot the pellets at a speed of 200 to 300 feet per second. Since the paint pellets are fairly light (only weighing a few
grams each), they have little momentum while in flight, and thus are not lethal like the heavy lead projectiles fired from conventional firearms.
In addition to using a non-lethal projectile, paintball players *always* wear protective goggles to protect their eyes and usually wear masks covering the rest of their face as well.
Safety is highly stressed at most fields. Many fields require goggles be worn at all times unless in designated areas. Many fields also require that barrel plugs (plastic inserts that prevent projectiles from leaving your gun's barrel) be used while players are in certain areas. Ignoring safety is a good way to get yourself ejected from a field.
9.What do I need to bring?
10.What safety equipment do I need?
11.How can I play safe
12.Do I need to be physically fit?
13.Can I get the paint out of my clothes?
14.How can I find out more about paintball?
15.List of commonly used terms.
1.What is paintball?
It's a sport in which a bunch of adults (loosely defined) go out in the woods and relive our childhood by playing capture the flag. Only, in this game each player has a gun that fires gelatin capsules filled with a water-soluble marking dye. If you're shot and marked, you're out of the game and have to wait until the next one starts. The most common variation is two teams at opposite ends of a 5+ acre section of terrain, each with a flag hung at 'home base.' The object is to go get the other team's flag and bring it back to your base. When you encounter people on the other team, you try to tag them out before they get you. Pretty simple and lots of fun.
2.Is it safe and how old do you have to be?
Like all action sports (football, basket ball, etc.) paintball is very dangerous unless adequate protection is worn and safety rules understood and followed.
Most paintball guns shoot a 68 caliber paint pellet. The pellet is a thin plastic shell filled with a water soluble paint. Guns shoot the pellets at a speed of 200 to 300 feet per second. Since the paint pellets are fairly light (only weighing a few
grams each), they have little momentum while in flight, and thus are not lethal like the heavy lead projectiles fired from conventional firearms.
In addition to using a non-lethal projectile, paintball players *always* wear protective goggles to protect their eyes and usually wear masks covering the rest of their face as well.
Safety is highly stressed at most fields. Many fields require goggles be worn at all times unless in designated areas. Many fields also require that barrel plugs (plastic inserts that prevent projectiles from leaving your gun's barrel) be used while players are in certain areas. Ignoring safety is a good way to get yourself ejected from a field.
We recommend players be, at least, 9 years of age. We have had younger, but most do not do well under 9. At 9 we ask that a parent or relative accompany you during play. At 10 years of age we allow you to play unaccompanied.
3.Doesn't it hurt when you get shot?
The paint pellets break open upon impact, and generally cause very little pain. What pain is experienced is more of a stinging sensation from the pellet's impact against the skin or through clothing. In my experience, the stinging pain goes away after a few seconds. Of course, the closer you are to the muzzle of the gun, the higher the velocity of the pellet when it hits you. Thus, more pain may be experienced when shot at close range rather than farther away.
In general, one can count on coming off the field with a few welts from paintball impacts, but your most annoying injuries are more likely to be scrapes and bruises from the local terrain.
4.Do I have to be on a team?
You don't have to have an organized team or go to an organized field in order to play. If you have some paintball guns, paintball goggles, and a few friends, you can simply get together and shoot at each other.
Most commercial fields allow walk-on games, where anybody can show up and play.
5.How can I play?
Almost all paintball 'fields' rent guns and welcome new players. All walk ups are welcome during normal operating hours.
6.What kind of Paintball Field should I look for?
For the first few games you should play on a well organized field. Size is not the best way to judge the field. The things to watch for are the number of referees on the field for each game and the explanation of the rules. The rules of safety and specific rules for the field/game should be clearly stated by a referee before anyone steps foot on the field to play.
7.How much does it cost to play?
Check out our rates page
3.Doesn't it hurt when you get shot?
The paint pellets break open upon impact, and generally cause very little pain. What pain is experienced is more of a stinging sensation from the pellet's impact against the skin or through clothing. In my experience, the stinging pain goes away after a few seconds. Of course, the closer you are to the muzzle of the gun, the higher the velocity of the pellet when it hits you. Thus, more pain may be experienced when shot at close range rather than farther away.
In general, one can count on coming off the field with a few welts from paintball impacts, but your most annoying injuries are more likely to be scrapes and bruises from the local terrain.
4.Do I have to be on a team?
You don't have to have an organized team or go to an organized field in order to play. If you have some paintball guns, paintball goggles, and a few friends, you can simply get together and shoot at each other.
Most commercial fields allow walk-on games, where anybody can show up and play.
5.How can I play?
Almost all paintball 'fields' rent guns and welcome new players. All walk ups are welcome during normal operating hours.
6.What kind of Paintball Field should I look for?
For the first few games you should play on a well organized field. Size is not the best way to judge the field. The things to watch for are the number of referees on the field for each game and the explanation of the rules. The rules of safety and specific rules for the field/game should be clearly stated by a referee before anyone steps foot on the field to play.
7.How much does it cost to play?
Check out our rates page
Yes. Like most other service related jobs, it is customary to tip your ref. That is if he has earned it. The amount depends on how long you play. A rule of thumb is 7 to 10% of your bill for the day.
9.What do I need to bring?
Bring old, sturdy, dark clothes and shoes or boots with some sort of ankle support. The paint is non-toxic and will wash out, but sometimes the fields may be wet or muddy, and you do not want to get that or the paint in your car on the drive home. Jeans, paintball paints, or camo p[ants are recommended but not required. No flip flops or sandals.
10.What safety equipment do I need?
The minimum safety equipment necessary is goggles, facemask with ear and throat protection. Vests are sometimes available, but again, not required and usually do not offer much more protection than a heavy shirt will. A ball cap is also a good idea.
11.How can I play safe?
Do not shoot animals or wildlife.
Do not fire your paintgun anywhere except on the field during the game or in the designated chronograph area/shooting range.
Inspect the lens of your goggles for cracks or signs of weakness.
Make sure your mask is well seated and will not come off during the game.
Make sure the velocity of your paintgun is below 280 feet per second.
Always assume the gun is loaded; even if you know otherwise.
Always assume safety devices won't work.
Unload the gun when not in use.
Upon receiving or retrieving a gun check if it's loaded.
Anytime you are carrying a paintgun in a 'safe zone' such as the parking lot or staging area where people are not wearing goggles, you MUST have a barrel sock over the barrel.
Know the rules of the game and abide by them.
Never remove facemasks or goggles while on the field.
Do not play when very tired or hungry. Bring food or money to buy food from field. Most injuries occur at the end of the day when players are exhausted.
NEVER look down the barrel. Not even with protection. If barrel needs checking remove from the gun and check.
If the barrel cannot be removed, disconnect all CO2/HPA equipment, test fire the gun downrange until no more gas is left in the gun, clear the breech or ball loading area, and then, carefully and while wearing goggles, glance down the barrel.
Notify the field owner or manager of any medical conditions, allergies etc.
12.Do I need to be physically fit to play?
Not really, but it will help. As with all strenuous exercise participants should stretch and warm up before playing.
Since typical games require quick sprints followed by a rest having good aerobic fitness is beneficial.
Players should gauge their play to their level of fitness.
All players in poor physical condition or with physically limiting conditions should consult a physician before playing.
Proper footwear is very important. Some players find that lightweight canvas topped army boots or leather workboots protect feet and ankles in the woods.
Other players prefer the support that sneakers or cleats give as paintball does involve running. Personal preferences vary, but footwear should not be overlooked.
13.Can I get the paint out of my clothes?
Paint is water soluble and should wash out as normal.
14.How can I find out more about paintball?
Play.
9.What do I need to bring?
Bring old, sturdy, dark clothes and shoes or boots with some sort of ankle support. The paint is non-toxic and will wash out, but sometimes the fields may be wet or muddy, and you do not want to get that or the paint in your car on the drive home. Jeans, paintball paints, or camo p[ants are recommended but not required. No flip flops or sandals.
10.What safety equipment do I need?
The minimum safety equipment necessary is goggles, facemask with ear and throat protection. Vests are sometimes available, but again, not required and usually do not offer much more protection than a heavy shirt will. A ball cap is also a good idea.
11.How can I play safe?
Do not shoot animals or wildlife.
Do not fire your paintgun anywhere except on the field during the game or in the designated chronograph area/shooting range.
Inspect the lens of your goggles for cracks or signs of weakness.
Make sure your mask is well seated and will not come off during the game.
Make sure the velocity of your paintgun is below 280 feet per second.
Always assume the gun is loaded; even if you know otherwise.
Always assume safety devices won't work.
Unload the gun when not in use.
Upon receiving or retrieving a gun check if it's loaded.
Anytime you are carrying a paintgun in a 'safe zone' such as the parking lot or staging area where people are not wearing goggles, you MUST have a barrel sock over the barrel.
Know the rules of the game and abide by them.
Never remove facemasks or goggles while on the field.
Do not play when very tired or hungry. Bring food or money to buy food from field. Most injuries occur at the end of the day when players are exhausted.
NEVER look down the barrel. Not even with protection. If barrel needs checking remove from the gun and check.
If the barrel cannot be removed, disconnect all CO2/HPA equipment, test fire the gun downrange until no more gas is left in the gun, clear the breech or ball loading area, and then, carefully and while wearing goggles, glance down the barrel.
Notify the field owner or manager of any medical conditions, allergies etc.
12.Do I need to be physically fit to play?
Not really, but it will help. As with all strenuous exercise participants should stretch and warm up before playing.
Since typical games require quick sprints followed by a rest having good aerobic fitness is beneficial.
Players should gauge their play to their level of fitness.
All players in poor physical condition or with physically limiting conditions should consult a physician before playing.
Proper footwear is very important. Some players find that lightweight canvas topped army boots or leather workboots protect feet and ankles in the woods.
Other players prefer the support that sneakers or cleats give as paintball does involve running. Personal preferences vary, but footwear should not be overlooked.
13.Can I get the paint out of my clothes?
Paint is water soluble and should wash out as normal.
14.How can I find out more about paintball?
Play.
Ask your friends.
Call the field and speak with them.
Read the rec.sport.paintball newsgroup. Read one of the paintball publications:
Action Pursuit Games
Paintball Sports Intl.
Paintball is a good magazine for beginners, especially the first issue. APG somewhat resembles a mail order catalog.
15.List of commonly used terms in paintball
Read the rec.sport.paintball newsgroup. Read one of the paintball publications:
Action Pursuit Games
Paintball Sports Intl.
Paintball is a good magazine for beginners, especially the first issue. APG somewhat resembles a mail order catalog.
15.List of commonly used terms in paintball
| Term | Definition |
| 12g. | 12 gram CO2 "powerlets" used for many years in pellet rifles. Powered the early paintball guns. |
| APG | |
| A special bulk CO2 tank designed to prevent the gun from sucking liquid. | |
| Barrel Plug | A plug that goes in the business end of the marker's muzzle. It prevents projectiles from accidentally leaving the gun. |
| Bottom Line | Usually refers to the localation of the CO2 tank on the bottom rear portion of the marker's pistol grip.Desired since it makes siting the gun with a mask on much easier. |
| An object or embankment on the field that a player uses for cover. | |
| To charge a bunker and eliminate, a close range, any players hiding behind it. | |
| CA | Constant Air--allows marker to use bulk CO2 tanks rather than 12 gram. |
| A device used to measure the velocity (speed) of a paintball coming out of a barrel. The safe maximum speed of a paintball is 300 feet per second. | |
| CO2 | |
| Feeder | A larger "hopper" which holds paintball pellets, feeding them into the gun through its bottom. |
| An electronic device which is located at the base of the feeder. The agitator insures that balls feed through the bottom of the feeder and do not "clog" up. Often used on very smooth firing guns like the AutoMag or AutoCocker since these guns "shake" very little. Can also obsolete a Power Feeder since it insures that a pellet will always be available to the gun. |
|
| fps | Feet per second. The measurement of speed at which the paintball travels. 300 fps is the maximum velocity a paintball may travel safely. |
| Harness | Belt/harness system for carrying loaders of paint so that a player may reload their feeder/hopper on the field during play. |
| HPA or Compressed Air |
High pressure compressed air (3000 to 4500 psi) is usually used instead of CO2 in tournament paintball. The use of HPA requires specialized high pressure tanks and regulators which lower the output pressure to what the paintguns can handle. |
| IPPA | International Paintball Players Association Although this organization has disbanded. |
| PSI | PSI stands for Pounds Per Square Inch and is a measurement of pressure. |
| Remote | Hoses and fittings which allow the bulk CO2 tank to be detached from the manufacture's intended location on the gun, then located elsewhere (e.g. on the player's hip). |
| A special CO2 talk designed to suck liquid into the gun. | |
| Speedball | Speedball is a game played on small fields with little natural cover. Bunkers usually consist of wooden pallets, tires or other man-made barricades. Speedball fields are designed to allow spectators to see the action. |
| Squeegie | A device used to clean paint from the barrel of a marker |
| A semi-experienced player who plays very agressively against new players to the point of ruining their first game. |