Paintball is a relatively young sport, with roots in the USA in 1940. A tactical team sport developed from the need to safely mark trees or animals from a greater distance. The basic idea of paintball is to mark as many opposing players as possible with paintballs. The hit and marked player usually has to leave the field. Usually two or more teams compete against each other.
After further development of the material around 1960, it took until 1981 to give this game a name and a set of rules. Around 1992, with the founding of the National Professional Paintball League (NPPL), paintball slowly began to establish itself internationally as a sport and paintball tournaments were shown on TV. In 1996 the first paintball world championships took place and introduced this sport to a wider audience.
Internationally, paintball is also the common umbrella term for all forms of this game. In Germany, the term “Gotcha” also occurs, a short form for “I got you!” (I got you!). The tournaments in Germany are the DPL and the Xseries, internationally the European Millennium Series or NXL Europe, the Pro Shar Cup and the CPS are known.
BYO and FPO Paintball
In paintball, several subdivisions can be made in terms of motivation and location of the activity. So-called “fun players” or “rec players” (rec as an abbreviation of recreational) differ from the tournament players (tournament players). The former mostly use forest pitches, while tournament players play almost exclusively on SupAir pitches.
Another distinction concerns the material. Depending on the sports league, organizer or field operator, BYO (Bring your Own) or FPO (Field Paint Only) applies. The BYO system allows the player the freedom to buy and bring the necessary material themselves. At FPO, everything must be purchased from the organizer or pitch operator. In some cases you can use your own material for an extra charge on top of the game fee.
Equipment and materials
Marker
The principle of the so-called paintball markers is based on that of an air pressure gun. The shot rate can be up to 28 balls per second. However, technically it is not possible to introduce so many paintballs into the shot channel so quickly. The color balls burst far too easily and can block the shot channel. In addition, the tournament regulations regulate the frequency of shots. In Germany, paintball markers are subject to the Weapons Act and may only be freely purchased from the age of 18.
There are two classes of paintball markers:
- Pump-action markers must be repeated for each shot of the marker
- Semi-automatic releases a shot with every trigger and reloads automatically. As a subgroup, a distinction is made between ePneumats with an electronic trigger and markers with a mechanical trigger.
Marker types
In addition to the technical requirements, markers can also be distinguished based on the following criteria:
- Real action markers look very much like a real gun and are often used by recreational gamers. They are available in .43 and .68 calibers. In tournament sports, however, these markers are not welcomed because they do not correspond to the desired image of the sport.
- The high-pressure compressed air bottle, or HP bottle for short, stores the compressed air required to accelerate the paintballs. 200 and 300 bar with capacities of 0.8 to 1.5 liters are common. The working pressure is 30 to 60 bar, generated by a regulator at the top of the bottle. The HP bottles are subject to strict safety controls and must be checked every five years by a state-appointed and state-monitored private testing agency. The previously used CO2 bottles no longer exist because they brought technical disadvantages (temperature dependency) with them.
Hoppers
A so-called hopper is the ammunition container, which is also referred to as an ammo box, ball container, feed container or loader. This hopper is usually located above the marker.
There are several models:
- Shaking hoppers reload by gravity or by shaking
electric hoppers have an internal, electrically powered agitator that prevents clogging - Force feeders push the paintballs into the marker with force (force) and enable 50 and more balls per second (bps). In addition to the electric, there are also mechanical variants (Q-Loader) with a spring that has to be wound up like a watch.
Color balls
The paintball used as ammunition gives the game its name. These color balls consist of a gelatine shell, usually filled with food coloring. They burst easily as soon as the ball hits an obstacle, leaving splashes of paint. However, red color is prohibited due to its association with blood. The most commonly used caliber in Europe is .68 (17.3 millimeters), but there are also .43, .50, .55 and .62 calibres.
The filling of the color balls can contain a mixture of potato starch, vegetable oil and food coloring. Today, colored polyethylene glycol is mostly used. This so-called paint is environmentally friendly and is biologically degraded outdoors within two weeks without leaving any residue.
Protective clothing
In paintball, it is strictly forbidden for players to play without the prescribed protective clothing. Although the paintballs are small and light, the speed at which they fire can still cause injury. The face and eyes are particularly at risk.
- protective mask
A paintball protective mask is similar to a motorcycle helmet and protects the face and usually the ears. The safety glass viewing window is usually made of polycarbonate. The sight glass can also be changed and replaced with smoked glass, amber glass or mirrored glass. - protective clothing
Apart from the goggles or protective mask, all other equipment is optional. So they can be adapted to the game, the environment and the player’s preferences. However, it is advisable to wear protective clothing to prevent bruising. Neoprene bandages or simple scarves as neck or larynx protection, genital protection, gloves and knee and elbow protectors are common. The latter are popular with SupAir players as these tournaments take place on hard floors. There are also special pants and jerseys made of breathable fabric with sewn-in padding.
Running sock
The so-called running sock or barrel sock is not worn by the player. This is a fuse on the barrel of the marker to prevent an unintentional firing of a shot. As an alternative to the running sock, there is the barrel plug or barrel plug. Outside of a playing field, it is usually mandatory to secure the marker with running socks.
Game types
There are numerous paintball game variants, but with the same basic rules as a basis. Recreational paintball, RecBall or leisure paintball is the umbrella term for games outside of a league or tournament. In these fun games, fun and less the competitive situation is in the foreground. The Fun or Recreational games have the main variant Woodland. Tournament paintball is known as speedball or x-ball.
Woodland, Scenario and Big Games
Woodland is the umbrella term for all types of play on uneven or unclear terrain outside of tournament fields. A field game in the forest contains little or no artificial cover. In Germany, such fields are difficult to find due to legal regulations. Therefore, specially designed fields or halls are mainly used.
Scenario uses scenic or themed backgrounds from films, books, or historical sources. In addition, there is the fulfillment of a certain task, whereby shots do not necessarily have to be fired.
Big Games is a special feature of scenario games with an exceptionally large number of players. The world record is 4320 players in a single event. In Europe there is the North vs. South with over 1800 participants on 200 hectares of playing surface at a British Army training ground in England. The Veckring Big Game takes place in France, the EuroBigGame (EBG) in Mahlwinkel in Germany for about 1500 players.
Speedball, SupAir and X-Ball
Speedball is an umbrella term for paintball games on relatively small, clear and level fields with artificial covers. Due to the short distances and the mostly symmetrically arranged covers, the games take place very quickly. The vast majority of tournaments are played on such fields.
SupAir is the variant where the covers are made of inflatable geometric figures.
X-Ball is a younger form of paintball sport with five-man timed teams in a SupAir field. There is one point each for tearing or hanging a flag or activating a buzzer. The game is then not over, but interrupted for two minutes, the players receive instructions from the coach, are substituted and prepare for the next round of the game. Then the next game round starts from the start. As in ice hockey, there are several lines and the team in the pit box is between 5 and 12 strong.
Game variants
Game types in RecPaintball differ in terms of the number of participants and the equipment used, but it is usually played on a SupAir or Woodland field. Popular game variants are:
- Capture the flag with two teams of equal size. Each group starts from its own starting point, marked by its own flag. The goal is to steal the opponent’s flag and bring it to your starting point.
- In Hit the Base, two teams of the same size play, starting from their starting point (“Base”). The aim is to reach the opponent’s base and press a buzzer there or hit the base.
- Two-Team Elimination or Deathmatch continues until all members of a team are tagged.
- Last Man Standing is a free-for-all game, with the participating players starting in different places. Each marked player must leave the field, the last player wins.
- VIP (or President) is played with two teams, which do not have to be of the same size. A team has a designated player, the VIP, and is protected by the team. The VIP must reach an agreed point on the field without being marked by the other team.
- In Civil War or Gettisburgh, two teams consisting of the same number of players face each other in rows next to each other at a certain distance. The aim is to mark all opponents. Each player may only shoot one marker before the other team’s turn. After each round, the untagged players step forward and have their turn to tag. This continues until one last player stands as the winner or representative of the winning team.
Do paintballs hurt?
Most people state that paintball doesn’t hurt too much; it usually feels like a firm flick. But this will depend on how fast the ball is going, the distance it travels and where on the body it hits you. Paintball injuries won’t be too extensive, but you should expect a few minor bruises and bumps after playing.
Is paintball a sport?
Paintball is considered an extreme sport and shares many similarities with others in this category. But despite its combat format and use of weapons, it’s much safer than many “extreme” alternatives. When “extreme sports” comes to mind, you tend to think of skateboarding, BMXing, surfing and sports of a similar nature.
How to fill co2 paintball tank
Can you fill up a paintball tank with an air compressor?
Don’t even try to use your tire pump or a standard air compressor—it won’t work. Most of these compressors max out at 180 psi, and your paintball tanks require a minimum of 3,000 psi to fill.
What to wear to paintball?
- Long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
- Sweatshirt, sweatpants, and multiple layers if weather permits.
- Dark or camouflage colors.
- Loose fitting attire that allows activity and movement.
- Clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Athletic sneakers or combat boots.
- Bring a change of clothes.
What do I need for paintball?
- Gun or Marker. Paintball guns (also referred to as markers) are the very basis for the sport of paintball.
- Mask. Paintball masks exist for the simple reason of protecting your face.
- Hopper.
- Paintballs.
- Clothing That Matches the Environment.
- Water/Snacks.
- Screwdriver/Allen Wrenches.
When was paintball invented?
The game was invented in May 1981 in New Hampshire by Hayes Noel, a Wall Street stock trader, and Charles Gaines, an outdoorsman and writer. A debate arose between them about whether a city-dweller had the instinct to survive in the woods against a man who had spent his youth hunting, fishing, and building cabins.
Does paint from paintballs wash out?
If you’re wondering ‘Does paintball paint wash out? ‘ the answer is ‘Yes! ‘ – paintballs are water-soluble, non-toxic and will wash out of your clothing on a normal wash cycle.
What are paintballs made of?
Paintballs, also simply called “paint”, are spherical gelatin capsules containing primarily polyethylene glycol, other non-toxic and water-soluble substances, and dye. Paintballs are made of materials found in food items, and are edible but taste disagreeable as they tend to dry up the mouth.
How a paintball gun works?
Does airsoft hurt more than paintball?
As there is a considerable difference in the sizes of ammunition Airsoft strikes hurt less than paintball hits. Due to the higher impact rate of paintballs, you will often see professional paintballers wear lightweight armor similar to motorcross armor and always sporting full-face protection.
Is paintball dying?
Paintball is not a dying sport, but the interest is at a steady decline. Few people get into the game, but many dedicated players continue to promote it whenever possible. So, paintball won’t run out of players anytime soon, but several factors continue to make it less appealing for some people.
Where to hydrotest paintball tank?
The best place to hydrotest your paintball tank is at a paintball field! Paintball fields have the equipment to properly hydrotest your paintball tank and will do it for a small fee.
How bad does a paintball hurt?
Most people state that paintball doesn’t hurt too much; it usually feels like a firm flick. But this will depend on how fast the ball is going, the distance it travels and where on the body it hits you. Paintball injuries won’t be too extensive, but you should expect a few minor bruises and bumps after playing.
How to hold a paintball gun
How to disassemble a revelation paintball gun
Is paintball dangerous?
In reality, paintball is relatively safe and most injuries come from falling or running into obstacles on the field. The most serious injuries, though very rare, come from players taking off their masks and other safety equipment. In general, if you follow the safety rules of paintball, it’s a very safe sport.
How to remove paintball tank regulator
Do paintballs stain?
In short, paintballs won’t stain your clothes permanently. You’d be shocked to know that they are not made from actual paint (oh! The scandal!). Paintballs are actually made from non-toxic, water-soluble and bio-degradable products.
Are paintballs edible?
Paintball ingredients themselves, are not toxic. However, they draw fluid away from the body and into the intestinal tract, which leads to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, and most concerning a severe elevation in the blood sodium level.
How to dress for paintball
- Paintball mask/goggles to cover your full face
- Baseball cap, sandana or scarf for hair and head protection
- Long pants – blue jeans or cargo pants
- Long sleeve t-shirts with a sweatshirt or jersey over
- Running shoes, hiking boots or cleats depending on the playing surface
- Gloves – fingerless for trigger control
- Layers for more protection
Where to buy zombie paintball masks?
Amazon.com
How to create a paintball club at a university
Look on your university’s website, post in your school’s Facebook groups, or ask around to find out if your school has a paintball team or club.
Can felons play paintball?
Generally, NOPE…. no bb guns, airsoft guns, paintball markers, etc may be owned or possessed by a known felon…. You can play paintball on a legal field, but you cannot possess or own any type of firearm, air/c02 propelled or gun powder propelled. not in your house, or outside of your house.
How to find paintball tournaments
How expensive is paintball in New Mexico?
$20 for pre-registration and $25 for walk-up all day play and air if you need it.
Are pump paintball guns more accurate?
These types of paintball guns are very simple in design and are typically more reliable than most other paintball guns. Pump paintball guns still require an air source, like a small 10ci HPA tank or 12 gram CO2 cartridges, and can usually be seen with either a small 50 round hopper or 10 round feed tube.
Do people still play paintball?
Although there’s a steady decline in people’s interest in paintball, there are still millions of enthusiasts who are playing the sport. In fact, if you look at paintball forums, most of them are still as active as ever.
Is it legal to ship paintball guns?
With this, paintball guns are completely legal and safe to ship in the USPS mail in the domestic United States. According to USPS policies: “c. Air guns that do not fall within the definition of firearm under 12.1.
Has anyone died playing paintball?
Paintball is a very safe sport, but the short answer is yes, there are several confirmed cases of people who have been killed while playing paintball and some anecdotal stories. Overall, there have been very few deaths from paintball and most of those have been related to carelessness or indirect causes.