Great Paintball Setups for Beginner Players

28 02 2011

Gryphon Semi Automatic Paintball MarkerSo you think you’re ready to get your own paintball gear and step up your game?  There are definitely some general rules to follow for your first set of gear and we’re here to help!

Hopefully, you already know that the essential parts of a good set-up are a decent marker, an air tank, a helmet, and maybe a hopper for faster loading. There are lots of places that sell ready-made kits like this, so you’ll want to check out some paintball gun reviews to try and narrow down which kit is right for you.

Lots of beginners like Tippmann paintball guns because they are high quality paintball guns and relatively affordable, which is a great place to start. There are a number of great kits that include Tippmann paintball guns, helmets, and air tanks. You can even check out more paintball gun reviews to check out which Tippmann paintball gun sets would be best for you.

You’ll also want to make sure you get some equipment to use to take the best care of your new gear as possible. Depending on which paintball gun you decide to go with, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintaining your gun. You should probably get yourself a compatible barrel cover and squeegee too, since the barrel cover is typically required on playing fields, and the squeegee will help you play better.

Start with good quality basic equipment that you know how to use and how to take good care of; then you can purchase or invest in upgraded, more expensive gear, like a  paintball sniper rifle, as you become more familiar with what you need to take your game to the next level!





Woodsball Tips and Tactics

26 01 2011

Woodsball FunIn case you don’t already know, woodsball is a paintball game played out in a natural, wooded setting. The playing field is typically large and provides lots of natural cover. If you’re getting ready to venture out for your first woodsball game, there are a few tips and tricks you’ll want to have beforehand.

First, check out some paintball gun reviews and make sure you have a marker that’s designed for woodsball play. There are specific types of markers made especially for woodsball games, including many varieties of Tippmann paintball guns. Tippmann markers are typically military replica styles and have tons of modifications available, so you can customize your gun with items such as an electronic loader or a scope; both very helpful. Tippmann paintball guns are also known to be extremely reliable, durable, and comparatively low cost. Again, find some paintball gun reviews, and you’ll see this is true!

With your woodsball marker in tow, be sure to bring along your camouflage gear. Dark colors can be extremely helpful in the outdoor arena. You might not need a full ghillie suit right off the bat, but do prepare by selecting dark colors, lightweight clothing (to help you move more easily), and a good pair of boots. Don’t wear boots that are too heavy, because you want to be able to move quickly and quietly around the field. And of course, don’t forget your protective mask.

Once you reach the field (or even before) meet up with your teammates and get organized. You’ll want to come up with a plan to cover the playing field and each other. It’s important to determine who will be positioned where and who will be providing cover for the team runners. You should also discuss hand signals to use so you don’t have to make any extra noise.

Lastly, try to come up with a few methods for keeping yourself calm and alert while you anxiously wait for your opponents to cross your path, or while you’re cruising through the woods looking for your targets. Be prepared for the surprise and keep your paintball marker ready at all times!

[photo: West Point Public Affairs]





Compressed Air vs. Co2: Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Type of Paintball Air

21 12 2010

Guerilla Air from Paintball-Online.comWhen you are shopping for new paintball guns, make sure you check out paintball gun reviews for user feedback and advice, and bear in mind that you will also have to consider the propulsion system of the guns you like.  Some guns are only compatible with specific types of air systems, and you will want to make sure you are aware of the pros and cons of each.  The two most common types are CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) and Compressed Air (also known as High Pressure Air or HPA).

CO2 was has been around the paintball world for a while and thus, it is typically less expensive and more readily available than Compressed Air.  You can purchase individual cartridges of CO2 or you can get a refillable tank.  CO2 tanks usually are smaller and lighter than HPA tanks.  However, unless you are playing in a consistently warm climate, you will have to consider that low temperatures cause the CO2 system’s performance to fluctuate and eventually freeze up.  Even if it’s warm outside, CO2 does not perform spectacularly in rapid-fire conditions.

This is a big part of why paintballers started looking for alternatives and found Compressed Air.  Most paintball gun reviews will tell you that Compressed Air is a better choice than CO2.  Compressed Air keeps a much more consistent pressure than CO2 , translating to improved accuracy and overall performance. However, it can be difficult to find places to refill Compressed Air tanks.  Additionally, Compressed Air systems are usually more expensive than their CO2 counterparts, and Compressed Air isn’t typically recommended for someone brand new to paintball.  Once you are ready to invest your time and money into being the best player you can be, then Compressed Air is an excellent option!








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