Where Can I Find Out More About Paintball?
Once you’ve got a taste for the high excitement and non-stop action of a paintball match, you’ll definitely want to come back for more! The basic concept of paintball is simple enough, but with a variety of different formats and types of gear, you might want to do a little more research before you fully commit.
Visit an arena
The simplest way to find out more about paintball is to give it a try! Paintball isn't a prohibitively expensive sport, although there are a few upfront costs. It has a deep tactical dynamic, but the basic rules are easy enough for beginners to grasp. The more you play, the more you’ll learn about the setup, teamwork and community aspect of the sport. Paintball is widely popular as a purely recreational activity, so you don’t even need to worry about competing - just have fun and you’ll learn as you go!
Practice is the best experience, but there are a few things to bear in mind before you take to the field for the first time. Paintballs aren’t hugely painful, but you’ll still feel a slight sting on impact. Chest protectors like the Maddog Airsoft will cushion the blows and make for a more comfortable experience. You’ll need a robust mask like the Empire Helix to protect your face and eyes, too.
Watch a tournament
Paintball is played competitively by teams around the world. These competitions often use the speedball variant of the game, and they feature the best athletes fighting for prestige, trophies and prize money. Tournaments represent the pinnacle of paintball. They attract hordes of fans as well as sponsorship deals and fierce competition. Although the skill of the players might seem out of reach, a tournament will undoubtedly give you a greater understanding of the game and even something to aim for if you take the sport seriously and work hard.
You’ll be learning from the best, and you'll also get a chance to meet enthusiasts in person. Paintball has a thriving community, and there’s no better way to learn about the sport than by talking to people who play regularly. You might even meet a few potential opponents or find a team that you can join to hone your skills. By attending a tournament, you’ll also get a first-hand look at some of the highest-spec gear available, including guns like the Empire Syx.
Browse gear
It might seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to find out more about paintball doesn’t even involve taking part in a match. Simply browsing through paintball gear will give you a feel for what you need and also some of the finer points of a typical match. For example, the range of different guns on offer, their ammo capacities and rates of fire give a good indication of how varied matches can be. Choosing the right gun is a deeply personal choice, but taking a look at what’s on offer will give you a good idea of what kind of competitor you will be.
Not all the paintball equipment you see is essential for beginners, but looking through the different types of goggles, protective attire and footwear will do wonders for your knowledge of the sport. For example, there are many different types of paintball footwear available depending on format and setting. Nimble cleats like the Exalt TRX are ideal for the quick-fire environment of a speedball match, but you’ll want boots (possibly with toe guards) for woodsball competitions where exposed roots and undergrowth can be trip hazards. Getting a feel for what’s on offer will undoubtedly help you gain a better understanding of the finer points of paintball.
Consult a guide
Last but not least, there are loads of free guides to paintball available online. These will tell you everything you need to know about how paintball guns work, the type of equipment you’ll need, and the different formats. They’ll also give you more specific information about paintball centers near you, how to book a match and even how to find teammates. Paintball is unique in it that it’s a simple sport with nearly endless depth, so background reading will help.
Moreover, most paintball centers will give you more information about their rules, safety protocols and the types of matches they offer. Finding a center is easy, and from there, you’ll be able to enjoy all the high-octane thrills of paintball while continuing to learn match by match.