Paintball Gear For Beginners

~ Guide: Choosing The Right Paintball Gear ~

Paintball Beginner Guides

In this article, you'll find everything you need to know about choosing your new paintball gear. Often times, this is the source of anxiety to a lot of newcomers because they really just don't know what to get. The best way to start is to start small. Yes, we all want grenades, pistols, night vision, laser pointers and a Panzer Tank (yep, you can get them from FunTrak) - realistically you don't need that stuff right now anyway.

~ Stick To The Basics ~

Basics first buddy, and then you can read:

• A guide on all the cool & fun paintball accessories - talks a lot about accessories, grenades, land mines - etc. Oh ya, you're drooling, wipe that up there boy!
• A guide to advanced gear & supplies for beginners - talks in more detail about the specific brands, and how to move from that 'beginning phase' of wearing your old clothes to upping it a notch with camouflage tactical vests and ghillie suits.

Paintball is exciting but, you need to realize that paintballs come at high speeds and the last thing you need is unnecessary damage to yourself. Paintball is one of the safest extreme sports out there, but a paintball in the eye would obviously not be a good thing. You can also get paintball gear packages, or if you're buying a gun for the first time, some of this gear will come with your gun.

Top Paintball Gear You'll Need Right Away

1. Mask

***Not Optional***

The most crucial one. For anyone, including newcomers, I always say to invest into a high end mask. Masks are your ally, you need them to function properly. Being in the cold, heat, rain, snow - whatever - you'll want a good mask that doesn't fog up or cut off your peripheral vision. Read more on the Guide To Paintball Masks For Beginners.

2. Pod Pack

This is a good friend to have. When you're in the heat of a barrage of paintballs, and you hear that 'click click click' sound of running out of paintballs - having extra paintballs at your side is handy. A pod simply holds your paintballs so you can fill up your hopper. Must have.

3. Tank

***Not Optional***

Whether you're using CO2 or HPA, you'll have to eventually get a new tank for your gun. You might just be thinking 'oh, it's just air, who cares' - but it does make a difference in your play. Even if you're new, you'll want to pay attention to this. Read more on the Guide to CO2 and HPA Tanks For Beginners.

4. Barrel sock

This should come in a package deal, but if not, grab one. It simply covers the end of your barrel. If you're casually walking with your gun and there's a misfire, you have a friend there for that too.

5. Batteries

Depending on your gun, you might need batteries if there's electronics involved. Always keep spares handy.

6. Squeegees

These make it so you can clean the inside of your gun. If paintball's 'chop' (break) inside the barrel, you'll need one of these to clean it out. This should also come included in a paintball gun package deal. If not, grab an extra.

7. Spare Parts Kit

There's a bunch of extra 'little stuff' you'll need in terms of keeping your gun clean and tuned up such as o-rings, Allen keys, Lube etc. Read the Guide To Paintball Maintenance and Clean-Up

8. Gear Bag/Backpack

Lastly, you'll want to get some sort of bag or backpack. This helps when you live in a small apartment/area and you need all your paintball gear in one spot. Plus packing your gear and gun around, etc.

Paintball Beginner Guides

***Not Optional***

~ Extra Stuff You'll Want ~

1. Neck Guard

I know, it seems like the 'wussy' thing to do - extra protection. But listen, if you get a paintball to your throat - what do you think you will be saying to yourself when that happens? You'll be thinking, hmm... maybe a neck guard will be handy. Believe me, I got hit in the neck from 6 feet away, wish I had one of these at the time!

2. Knee Pads

This is another "wussy" move to some. But, when it's raining, or you're rippin' through the woods at high speeds, you're always up and down. It's nice to just have something to absorb the impact. You'll notice other players wearing them too - and you can pick some up that look 'cool.'

3. Gloves

These are handy for when it's raining, cold, or to absorb a paintball to the hand. Getting hit in the fingers gives that 'stingy' feeling, so, this is a nice shock absorber.

4. Clothing

There's all types of clothing you can get. But, for you beginners get some cargo or track pants, old t-shirt or long sleeved shirt and top it off with a ratty raincoat or jacket. For shoes, some light hiking shoes, ratty running shoes or straight up military style boots work. Eventually you can upgrade your look to something more pro like military jackets (trust me, you'll get into it that much). Read the Guide To Choosing The Best Clothing For Beginners.

Recommendations

So, you're probably thinking "ok, gotta get all that stuff he just listed." If you're on a budget, go with the safety stuff first. You can rent a lot of things out from your local paintball field as well. Have a look around there.

Paintball Beginner Guides

Firing Blanks? No Worries, Try These Links...

• Do you already know what you want? Try our Paintball Stores page.
• Check out our extensive Paintball Gun Reviews!
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