Let’s be clear - you will notice when you get hit by a paintball. It is not an insignificant feeling. However, it certainly can hurt. Many experienced players tell beginner paintball players that its like a pinch or a flick on the arm or leg or wherever you get hit. Safe fields and smart players typically require a 10-15 ft dead zone where you are allowed to shoot someone within that range
How can I make paintball less painful?
There is a great way to make paintball less painful for beginner paintball players - wear thicker clothes and make sure you have enough safety equipment. It should be the course’s responsibility to give you some safety equipment, but bringing your own means you know it fits and is comfortable.
Another great way, which is sometimes lost on first time paintball players. Don’t get hit by a paintball. Remember if you can see an opponent, they can see you and they can see you, they can shoot you! Stay in cover, figure out where you are going to move to, move quickly and make your shots count. Eliminating your opponent means you shouldn’t take a hit all day.
Do paintballs really hurt?
Don’t worry. Everybody that has never been hit by a paintball asks the same question. ‘Does it hurt?’. You are not alone. The answer is not a simple yes or no. If you are wearing the correct safety equipment then it is unlikely you will experience pain. However, it is not a game you can play wrapped entirely in cotton wool, so getting hit in those areas at short distance might leave a small bruise.
It’s certainly a game meant for those people who are not afraid to get down and dirty in the mud, ducking when required and who are not afraid coming home with a few marks and scuffs, but it is not a painful experience on the whole and certainly nothing to worry about for beginner paintball players. That’s why it is loved by millions every year, all over the world.
How do you prepare for paintball?
First time paintball players always experience nerves, usually because of the anticipation of the game day. In fact, the anticipation is far worse than actually getting hit. Some key things for first time paintball players to remembers is that parts of the day might be tough.
There will likely be occasions where you’re pinned down by enemy fire or you might take a shot at close range. You’ll get muddy and you might sting for a few minutes, but the comradery you will experience with your friends and team mates after is like nothing else. Although it will be tough, it will also be thoroughly enjoyable. Have fun!
Making sure you have the right equipment to keep you focused and prepared on game day is crucial. Stocking up on any additional safety or protective equipment can help you in the heat of battle and bottles of water to stay hydrated between rounds is absolutely essential.
Can paintballs kill you?
Safety equipment is absolutely paramount in paintball, but the chance of being killed by a regulation paintball is nearly impossible. Beginner paintball players might ask this question because they are launched out of guns. The nature of a paintball means it has to break apart when it hits a target. A bullet from a gun is designed to penetrate a target, causing internal and explosive damage, so they are two totally separate things. Incomparable. Paintballs at close range might leave a small bruise and sting for a few minutes, but that’s it.
What should I wear to paintball the first time?
A good rule of thumb for clothing on your first day of paintball is to leave no skin exposed. Don’t turn up in a vest and shorts. Wear clothes that cover you, protect you, while maintaining mobility and freedom of movement. However, thick clothes are warm and paintball involves movement, running and generally working up a sweat. So put the arctic winter coat back, that’s too much.
paintballs don’t really hurt, but you know when you’ve been hit by one. If you can minimize this distraction by knowing you’re protected by comfortable, thick clothing, you have a better chance of winning.
What do I wear to paintball so it doesn't hurt?
Safety equipment is paramount in paintball. The paintball centre will issue you with overalls and a mask to protect you, but by the nature of the game, you must expect to come away with a couple of sore ones that sneak through the creases in the padding.
How do you play paintball for the first time?
The best thing to remember on your first day of paintball is - be calm and calculated. That immediately gives you an edge over other beginner paintball players. Get a good look at the arena before you enter (if you can) and figure out where the best spots for cover are.
Fools rush in. The first one over the threshold is the first one the opponents see and, inevitably, shoot.
How much is a cheap paintball gun?
You can buy a cheap paintball gun from Amazon, or from a multitude of online retailers and spend upwards of $1000 if you wish. For a beginner paintball player, there are also many cheaper options. For example, a pretty standard .50 cal paintball gun by Tippman might set you back between $100-$150. If you are taking up paintball as a serious hobby, this will pay for itself because of the savings you will make on rental costs.
Can you wear jeans to paintball?
The answer to this is entirely up to you. Thick jeans might give a bit more protection than sweatpants because of the denim, but most courses will provide overalls to go over the top of these anyway. One thing to think about is mobility. Make sure you have enough freedom of movement to move quickly, comfortably and unrestricted.
How bad does a paintball hurt on bare skin?
A paintball on bare skin hurts. Depending on the range, it can feel like anything from a pinch on the arm from somebody or a bee sting. Pinch yourself quickly and lightly on the arm - that’s what a paintball hit at a safe distance feels like. During a standard paintball game, you will hopefully never get close enough to someone for them to shoot you at point-blank range. If you or an opponent does this, that will surely mean instant disqualification.
Remember you will have plenty of safety equipment to protect you from paintballs as well. This is super important to remember - safety comes first and the course management will also do their utmost to protect you with goggles, padding and overalls etc.
How do you play paintball for beginners?
The beauty of paintball is that every course is different, offering different props, buildings and layouts/ On top of that, different teams can take different strategies. Then there are many types of paintball games formats like capture the flag, elimination or king of the hill.
For a beginner paintball player, the best way to play is to get to know your team mates and set out a game plan beforehand. Upon arrival, do your best to understand the layout of the course and figure out where you need to start, move to and finish. Communication is key to paintball, because in the heat of battle, many people are running, shouting and firing.
And make sure you set yourself apart from the pack of beginners that will huddle together, cowering in fear because they have not done their research. Spread-out, stay in cover when you need to, identify your targets, fire and move. Easy.
