My Equipment
Fighting Gear
I haven’t as yet bought any paintball markers (or guns). I haven’t got around to it and at the time when I was doing it most frequently, I didn’t have enough money. For the weekend warriors amongst us, the rental ones will often suffice. However, your own will definitely give you better accuracy and a rate-of-fire. Plus it’s nice to have. If I get more into it, and if airsoft hasn’t replaced paintball, I’ll post my recommendations.
Protective Gear
Protective gear for Paintballing and I suspect Airsoft, is usually limited to a face mask. I must stress how important it is to keep your protective gear on at all times and makes sure it is properly cared for, serviced and replaced when needed. This sport has the potential to damage you for life and even kill you. Bring back “war scars” that are great to talk about in the pub, not ones you’ll feel for the rest of your life.
Scott USA Defender – I think this is what mine is called. Getting your own mask is often preferrable as the rental ones (from the venue) aren’t likely to be too hygenic. The mask that you buy yourself will inevitably have better ventilation and the goggles are less likely to fog up. Mine has neoplex (?) that covers most of the neck and the forehead, lessening the pain when you get hit in these areas. Remember to care for your mask according to the manufacturers instructions and also to replace the goggles if they have repeatedly taken hits..
A Box – These are what cricketers use to protect their nether regions. Not essential, but unless you’ve been hit there (it’s happened to me and a few others), you’ll soon appreciate them.
Clothing
I recommend you to wear DPM clothing, i.e. camoflauge clothing. (The DPM stands for Disruptive Pattern Mechanism). It gives a certain edge to moving around steathily and when you make dashes, it confuses the enemy somewhat. Additionally, when you’re firing from a hidden vantage point, it makes it harder for the enemy to locate you.
However, clothing is not a big priority as most places will provide you with DPM overalls that you can wear over your existing clothing. If you’re not into this sport big time, then it saves on the hassle of having to wash your own clothes afterwards…and remember, if you’re not getting dirty, you aren’t playing right.
US BDU Black Trousers – Okay, so I stick out like sore thumb in black trousers but at least I’m recogniseable to my own team mates. It’s important that cause in the thick of fighting, which often is compounded by lack of visibility, quick recognition helps distinguish friend and foe.
Dutch Army Olive Top – I’m upgrading this as soon as I can be bothered to getting a British Army ‘95 DPM Jacket. The reason for this is that while trousers need not be DPM material, your upper body is more exposed and visible to the enemy.
Scarf/Shemagh – This is a good addition to your attire. It saves you having to use camo cream on your neck. Make sure it’s think enough and it will also protect you against stray paintballs and BB’s that manage to find your expose neck. Trust me, its painful when they hit unprotected flesh.
Shoes – I haven’t pinned this down yet. I used to use my army issue boots for this but have preferred more recently to use trainers or boots. I think I will go for commercial hiking boots but haven’t decided which pair yet. Also, good trainers that are designed with grip in mind will probably give you a good advantage in that you will be able to run faster and more effectively. Remember…war is 98% boredom, 2% perspiration. Paintball and airsoft is the 2% perspiration, so you don’t need boots that you can survive all weathers in.
Gloves – I use this half-fingered gloves with metal studs that I bought when I was into my heavy metal phase. They aren’t that great but they look mean and aggressive. It also protects hands from paintballs, which again, stops the stinging feeling when you get hit there. Oddly enough, this seems to be a common location to get hit. I recommend you to get padded ones. Half-fingers are ideal but not necessary.
Additional Equipment
Paintball Pots – Get some paintball pots. These will hold additional paintballs outside of the hopper on your paintgun. Most games are short enough for you to refill on paintballs (dependant on venue), but in a hard fought fight, do you really want to run out? Additionally, it’s great to have a supply of spare paintballs that you can just hand to your team mates without having to dispense from your own hopper. While you’re reloading, you aren’t shooting are you?
Pot Holders – Some venues supply these themselves, but most don’t or don’t have many available. Getting your own is worth the money. I would recommend for those who aren’t hardcore to get ones that can hold two or three pots maximum. At the level most people and games play, if you aren’t a pro, then you aren’t going to need more. Traditional army webbing is overkill and often doesn’t accommodate the size of these pots. Also, pot holders designed for paintball put them at the back for easy access in a fight and within reach for team mates.
Bandana – A visible bandana is very useful to help your team mates recognize you. Okay, it will make you a little more visible to the enemy but it helps in co-ordinating your own teams efforts. Very useful if you are the team leader or if you are working with a small group. Most places will colour code you using coloured elephant tape so as an alternative, you can request that your team puts one on both arms rather than the usual one.
Stop-Watch – it’s best to wear a watch that has a timer or stop-watch. Timings are often an important part of each game given that you usually have 15 mins to complete your objective. Don’t go out with your most expensive watch. Paintballs can damage your watch at the speed they travel and the force of their impact. Save the fashion strutting for when you’re back in civilization.
