Paintball Gear for Safe Playing

Paintball is a very exciting and very challenging sport. Although the sports uses paint-filled plastic balls as ammunition, there is still a risk of injury. This article teaches you about paintball gear for safe playing.

Masks

The most important piece of paintball gear is the mask. A good paintball mask covers most of your face and the sides of your head, just past your ears. Some paintball fields allow you to play with only protective glasses, but this can be dangerous. When shopping for masks, look for one with an anti-fog coating.

Neck protectors

Paintballs are fired at speeds up to 300 feet per second. If you are wearing ordinary clothes, the impact usually leaves a small whelp, and causes a moderate amount of pain. Some areas of your body, however, are more sensitive than others. One of these areas is your neck. Neck protectors wrap around your neck, and provide protection to this sensitive area.

Cups

Another sensitive area is the groin. Just as with other sports, men are encouraged to invest in a good-quality athletic cup, just in case a stray shot ventures south.

Velocity meter

Paintball markers fire at different speeds. The maximum allowed speed of 300 feet per second ensures that hits do not cause injury. Depending on several factors, however, it is possible for your marker to fire at a speed over 300 feet per second. Velocity meters are radar guns for your markers, and they tell you exactly how fast your marker is firing. Always use a velocity meter to make certain you do not exceed the maximum safe speed.

Paintball is a fun and safe sport. Make sure you use the proper paintball gear, and enjoy this exhilarating activity for years to come.