Starting paintball can be a bit overwhelming with all the gear options available, but with the right equipment, you’ll be able to enjoy the game and stay safe. Here’s a guide to the essential beginner paintball equipment you’ll need to get started.
1. Paintball Marker (Gun)
- What It Does: The paintball marker is the primary tool used to shoot paintballs. As a beginner, you want something reliable, easy to maintain, and budget-friendly.
- Recommendations:
- Tippmann 98 Custom: A popular choice for beginners, known for its durability and ease of use.
- Spyder Victor: Another good entry-level marker, offering a simple, effective design.
- Planet Eclipse EMEK 100: If you have a slightly higher budget, this electro-mechanical marker provides excellent performance and can grow with your skills.
2. Paintball Mask/Goggles
- What It Does: Protects your face, eyes, and ears from paintball impacts. This is the most crucial piece of equipment for safety.
- Features to Look For:
- Full Coverage: Ensures protection for your eyes, face, and neck.
- Anti-Fog Lens: Prevents the lens from fogging up, which can obscure your vision.
- Comfort: Look for a mask with adjustable straps and padding for comfort.
- Recommendations:
- VForce Grill: Known for comfort, clarity, and a solid fit.
- Empire EVS: Offers great visibility and protection with a wider field of view.
- Tippmann X7: A more affordable option but still offers good protection and comfort.
3. Paintballs
- What They Do: The projectiles fired from your marker. Choosing the right paintballs is important for accuracy and performance.
- Tips for Beginners:
- Quality: Higher-quality paintballs will break on target more reliably. Avoid cheap ones that may break in your barrel or fail to break on impact.
- Field-Specific Paint: Some paintball fields may require you to use their paint, so check their rules before purchasing.
- Recommendations:
- Valken Graffiti: A reliable option for beginners, offering good performance at a reasonable price.
- Draxxus Paintballs: Known for their consistency and breakability.
4. Air System (CO2 or HPA)
- What It Does: Provides the air pressure needed to fire the paintballs from the marker.
- Options:
- CO2 Tanks: More affordable but less consistent, especially in cold weather. They’re common for beginners.
- HPA (High-Pressure Air) Tanks: More consistent and efficient than CO2, but they cost a bit more.
- Recommendations:
- CO2: A 20 oz. CO2 tank is a common choice for beginners and will give you enough air for a few hours of play.
- HPA: A 48/3000 HPA tank is a good entry-level option for better consistency.
- Tank Covers: Protect your tank and help prevent damage during play.
5. Paintball Hopper
- What It Does: Holds and feeds paintballs into your marker.
- Types:
- Gravity-Fed Hopper: The most common type, simple, and affordable. It uses gravity to feed paintballs into the marker.
- Electronic Hopper: More expensive but feeds paintballs faster and is great for high-rate-of-fire markers.
- Recommendations:
- Empire Halo Too: A reliable, affordable electronic hopper for beginners.
- Tippmann Standard Hopper: A durable and budget-friendly gravity-fed hopper for entry-level players.
6. Protective Gear (Optional, but Recommended)
- What It Does: Adds extra protection to prevent injuries during gameplay.
- Essential Items:
- Gloves: Protect your hands from paintball hits and provide extra grip on your marker.
- Knee and Elbow Pads: Helpful for reducing bruising and providing comfort when kneeling or crawling.
- Chest Protector: Can help soften the impact of paintballs to your torso.
- Recommendations:
- Valken Tactical Gloves: Good protection and flexibility for a beginner.
- Exalt Carbon Knee Pads: Durable and comfortable, ideal for staying protected during movement.
7. Paintball Clothing
- What It Does: Protects your body and keeps you comfortable. Loose-fitting, durable clothing is essential.
- Recommendations:
- Old Jogging Pants or Camo Pants: Anything that’s thick and long enough to protect from the sting of paintballs.
- Long-Sleeve Shirt or Hoodie: A long-sleeve shirt will protect your arms, while a hoodie can add extra cushioning.
- Camo Clothing (Optional): While not required, camo clothing can help you blend in during woodsball or outdoor play.
- Consider layers for added protection: More layers will help cushion the impact of paintballs, reducing the sting.
8. Bag/Case for Transport
- What It Does: Helps you transport your equipment safely and conveniently.
- Recommendations:
- Planet Eclipse Gear Bag: Spacious and durable, with compartments for all your gear.
- Tippmann Marker Bag: A simple and affordable option to carry your marker and accessories.
9. Cleaning and Maintenance Kit
- What It Does: Keeps your equipment in good condition and ensures reliable performance.
- Must-Have Items:
- Barrel Swab: To clean the barrel and prevent paintballs from breaking inside.
- Lube: Keeps your marker running smoothly and prevents wear on internal parts.
- Allen Wrenches: Used for disassembling your marker for cleaning and maintenance.
Conclusion:
For a beginner, the essential paintball equipment includes a marker, mask, air system, paintballs, and hopper. You can start with basic gear and then gradually upgrade as you become more experienced. Make sure to prioritize safety and comfort, and don’t forget to check your local field’s rules regarding equipment. With the right gear, you’ll be ready for your first game and have a great time on the field!