PAINTBALL

Paintball started in the 80s by two guys in a logging firm in Canada. It has since become hugely popular, if a little hidden from mainstream coverage.

TYPES OF PAINTBALL

• Recball. A days playing with mates, stag-dos, birthdays.
• Walk-ons. A stage up from Recball. Members and amateur players at their local venues.
• Scenario Big Games. Usually in the woods, run for 6+ hours continuous play.

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COMPETITIVE PAINTBALL

• “Tourney” is the term for paintball played using the “millennium” , “X-Ball”, or “PSP” rulesets.
• Usually 5-man teams, but can vary
• Format is a “race to” score limit in a timeframe.
• Draws are settled with “one-on-one” sudden death.

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BASIC RULES

• Safety is paramount. Never take your mask off. Ever.
• Seriously, just don’t.
• You are responsible for making sure your kit is legal and serviceable.
• No arguing with the Marshals. Your team can (and usually do) get penalised.
• Honestly, keep your mask on. Trust me.
• Be honest with your hits. Don’t wipe. Penalties vary depending on seriousness of offence.

KIT AND EQUIPMENT

MARKERS

• Paintball “guns” are called markers. Because that is what they do.
• “Guns” create a stigma which we actively try to avoid.
• Have 2 basic types. Mechanical and Electro.
• Can be gravity fed, mag fed, or force-fed for higher rates of fire.
• Mechanical have lots of different valve and firing systems.
• Electro has 2 main operating systems. Spool and poppet valves.

MASKS

**SPEND YOUR MONEY HERE**

• Wide variety of styles, looks, and protection.
• Thermal lenses to prevent fogging.
• Polarised lenses for added “flair”.
• A good mask will allow you to project your voice, without echoing back at you.
• Stay the hell away from Amazon “paintball/airsoft/milsim masks” like these....

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BENEFITS OF THE SPORT

The sport has many good aspects. It builds good communication skills, all around fitness, adaptability under pressure, trust and resilience. Sure, you may catch a ball in the neck from time to time, but it really doesn’t hurt that much. Trust me.

PRICES

• A days paintball as a civvy = £60-£80 (1000 balls + kit hire)
• As a member = £45 (2000 balls)
• As a tourney player = £180 (40,000 balls, full weekend)
• A decent load-out can cost between £250-£4000...

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MY BALLS