Paintball - Frequently Asked Questions

Paintball - Frequently Asked Questions

by T. P. Schwartz

Publication Date: August 1999

Does it hurt when you get hit with a paintball?

When the referee blows the whistle signaling the start of a game, your adrenaline starts pumping and your entire mind and body go into another dimension. All players, from the meek and mild, to the bold and brave, are striving for the thrill of victory! Getting tagged by a paintball can smart a bit, but usually paintball players don't even stop to think about it. Getting tagged usually hurts the ego more than the body. Wearing lots of layers of clothing will greatly reduce the impact. If you wear enough layers, the padding will actually cause the balls to bounce off.

What should I wear to play paintball?

1. GOOD SHOES. Hiking boots are ideal. High top shoes (or boots) that provide ankle protection are also good. Look for shoes that will grip to all terrain unless you are going to play at an indoor facility.

2. LAYERING your clothes is the key to protection and comfort. Several light layers are much better than one heavy layer. Layering provides better absorption of the impact if you get tagged. Often paintballs will bounce off a well-padded player. Layering also allows for adjusting your comfort level to the temperature.

Playing paintball can be strenuous, and getting too hot can be a concern. Wear loose layers of cotton or natural fabric that "breathes." Avoid polyester, waterproof or tight clothes. Playing defense will not cause you to get as warm as playing "point" man or front flank (although it can be equally challenging and exciting).

3. Every part of your body should be covered. Murphys Law says that you will be hit in the only uncovered square inch you expose. Bring a muffler or scarf for your neck.

Bring a hat that covers your ears - knit ski caps work well (100% cotton or wool).

4. Camouflage is important! Clothing should be earth-tone, green, dark blue, brown or black. Camouflage clothing provides the most effective outer layer for protection and "invisibility." Camouflage clothing is rented at most paintball fields.

If you choose to play aggressively, you will be running up and down hills, diving into brush, crawling on your belly like a lizard, jumping into gullies, rolling down hills, and falling to your knees (or stomach) many times during the day. Any SPECIAL PROTECTION will help. Elbow pads and knee pads ARE excellent.

What about paintball strategy and tactics?

Like a game of chess, good players know that paintball is all about strategy - Offense vs. Defense:

Those in the best athletic condition, or the most aggressive, will usually play in the front flank, or "point" position. These players have to head out FAST at the beginning of the game, and usually have to run, climb, jump, dive, roll, and wallow for much of the game.

Defensive positions are better suited for players who are more into strategy and weaponry than "Rambo-like" tactics. The defensive positions are more "wait for the opponents," than "go get the opponents." But don't worry, the opposition WILL come to you! Defensive players see most of their action toward the end of the game, as the opposition approaches your flag station. The early part of the game (the first 5-10 minutes) is spent planning your location, and waiting in silent anxiety over when, and from where, the enemy will suddenly appear!

The excitement about playing defense is that you are the last line of defense! If they get past you, your team loses the game.

What does it cost to play paintball?

The cost varies depending on the type of airgun you rent, the number of paintballs you shoot, and the number of players in your party. If you have several players, you can pool your money and buy a case of paintballs (2,500 balls) which will save you some bucks. By the way, single players are always welcome. You do NOT have to bring your own team. You will be placed on a team by the referee when you sign-up. Usually there are two teams and the most popular game played is "Capture-The-Flag."