If you decide to start playing paintball there are certain things you will need to begin. If you haven't played before, do not break the bank on something you don't even know if you like yet. It would be best to find someone who has some extra gear to see if you like it and if you don't mind getting shot. It does hurt a little and that is what often scares away people before they even start.
In this section we'll talk of the essential equiptment needed to start (i.e. bare minimum). To start you will need a gun and a tank. DO NOT waste your money on a plastic P.O.S. As a general rule anything less than $100 isn't worth buying. Remember some guns do not come with a hopper and barrel (a hopper holds paint.) You may need to buy these seperate. Also gun oil is a good investment to maintain your gun. Next buy a CO2 tank. If you want to go the extra distance and buy a compressed air tank, but remember those will run well over a $100 themselves. A good size CO2 tank is either a 12oz. or a 20oz. Next you'll want a goggle system/mask that offers good face and ear protection. It doesn't have to be expensive it just has to protect you. I also suggest wearing an old ballcap backward under the mask to protect the top of your head. Finally you will need an ammo pack that will carry tubes that hold your spare ammo. Anything will do, even if it is ugly, and the tubes themselves.In review, you will need the following items.
The first time you play against someone who has played before you will get "lit up" like a Christmas Tree. It will take some getting used to as you aquire new skills. And the better you get the less you'll get shot, trust me. After a while you may find yourself only getting shot in the gun. This means you are keeping a low profile, essential to success. Stay low, aim down your barrel, and you'll start having fun. See our collection of other articles for more great training tips and ideas.