| All set and ready to go? Got your gun, balls and | | | | specific kind of oil. Remember that your gun's |
| hoppers with you? Then you are ready to play...But | | | | performance depends on its parts. Put a few drops of |
| wait, you are going to a fight and you do not go out | | | | gun oil in the o-rings and other parts of the gun as |
| there without the necessary precautions and tools. | | | | recommended in the manual to keep your gun in good |
| You don't want to be caught in a war zone with your | | | | running condition. |
| pants down, do you? | | | | 6. O-rings and cup seals |
| So here are 10 things you should go without when | | | | These tiny parts are crucial to your gun's performance, |
| playing paintball: | | | | but they tend to break easily. Have a few spares in |
| 1. Paintball mask | | | | your kit just in case they give in during the game. You |
| Not safety goggles, sun glasses or shooting glasses, | | | | will find that most gun problems can be solved by |
| you need a paintball mask. You just can't play without | | | | simply replacing these small parts. |
| this safety gear. A thermal mask is recommended but | | | | 7. Safety equipment (neck and shin, elbow and knee |
| it you want to save some money get the single lens | | | | pads, gloves) |
| with an anti-fog coating. | | | | Remember that Paintball is an aggressive game. You |
| Make sure the mask fits perfectly on your face and | | | | need to be constantly on the move when you are in |
| that you are comfortable wearing them on. | | | | the field. Safety precautions like neck and shin guards |
| Remember that you will be running and shooting with | | | | protect your body from unnecessary injuries. Make |
| the mask on so make sure it does not get in the way. | | | | sure that they are lightweight and anatomical tailored |
| A mask that covers your ears is also a good idea, but | | | | for comfort. |
| make sure that your hearing is not impaired by the ear | | | | 8. Batteries |
| flaps. | | | | If your gun or hopper runs on batteries, make sure you |
| 2. Barrel cover | | | | have spare ones when you are on the field. You don't |
| Sometimes called as barrel plug or barrel sock, this is | | | | want to be left in a situation where your gun is dead |
| simply a blocking device that prevents a misfire from | | | | and you have no where to hide. Not a pretty picture. |
| your gun. Remember injuries can result from accidents | | | | 9. Miscellaneous tools |
| such as a misfire. No organized field will let you play | | | | These tools can simplify your life in and out of the field. |
| without one. | | | | Allen wrenches, tweezers, screw drivers even Teflon |
| 3. Spare tank | | | | and cotton swabs can be useful things in your kit. |
| Your gun is powered by carbon dioxide or nitrogen. | | | | These are your gun's first aid tools. Remember, this is |
| For pumps and pistols, a 12 gram cartridge is used. | | | | a game and usually the winners are those who often |
| This is good for 15 to30 shots. So it is a good idea to | | | | come prepared. |
| have a spare tank with you just in case you run out of | | | | 10. First aid kit |
| air. A 20oz cylinder or tank is usually good for 1000 | | | | Although relatively safer than golf, tennis, jogging or |
| shots or more. Get a refillable tank to save money. | | | | swimming (according to insurance statistics), paintball is |
| 4. Squeegee | | | | still an active game. Have a first aid kit in your gear, it |
| A barrel break can ruin your momentum and your | | | | pays to be ready in unexpected circumstances. |
| game. Make sure you are prepared and have a | | | | Whether you are a beginner or an expert on the field, |
| squeegee in hand to clean your gun barrel to get | | | | your success will greatly depend on the kind of gears |
| yourself back in the game. It is also a good idea to | | | | you have and how equipped you are from |
| have a spare squeegee with you on the field. | | | | unexpected situations like mechanical glitches in your |
| 5. Gun oil | | | | gun or some paint on your face. Be prepared so you |
| Not just any gun oil, but a paintball gun oil. Before buying | | | | can enjoy your game to the fullest. |
| one consult your gun's manual and see if it requires a | | | | |