| It goes almost without say, that paintball players need | | | | a mask's number one just is to protect the face and |
| paintball gear. With the variety of gear on the market | | | | especially the eyes. Safety is the first concern of this |
| today, a player can easily pick the gear that best suits | | | | type of paintball gear. |
| personal style of play. | | | | To buy a mask correctly, it is important to make sure it |
| The first piece of paintball gear any player will need is | | | | fits securely. It doesn't matter what it looks like, don't |
| a marker or gun. The type of game that will be played | | | | forget that! If a mask doesn't fit right, it is not the right |
| will most likely determine the weapon chosen. | | | | piece of gear. |
| Depending on what type of game you play will most | | | | Other paintball gear some players purchase includes |
| likely determine the weapon you choose, such as if | | | | optional safety equipment. If the sting of being hit by a |
| you're a wood ball player you might be more inclined | | | | ball is too much, there are hard plastic pieces of body |
| go with a Tippman these markers are known for their | | | | armor that can help protected the back, chest, arms |
| durability and reliability. | | | | and legs. These aren't required to play, but many |
| Those that plan to play mostly on air ball or speedball | | | | players use them. |
| fields will need a marker that fires at least 15 balls a | | | | Beyond safety and the gun, another piece of paintball |
| second. Any number of guns fit this description. | | | | gear that is a must-have is a device for actually |
| Examples include the Ego made by Planet Eclipse, a | | | | carrying the balls. Most players purchase a special |
| Dmc or a Dm6 made by Dye perhaps even a | | | | carrying belt that holds tubes that can be filled with |
| Karnivor made by Worrgames. Some of these guns | | | | paintballs. The tubes generally hold 200 paint balls each. |
| are what might be considered by some to be "top of | | | | Style of play will determine how many balls need to be |
| the line." | | | | carried. |
| All of the markers mentioned above do carry a hefty | | | | Clothing is also something to think about. What might |
| price tag, but there are alternatives, including the Ion by | | | | be needed will depend on several factors, including the |
| Smart Parts. This gun costs about half the price of the | | | | climate a game is taking place in and personal choice. |
| others and can hold its own when used by a good | | | | The clothing designed for play can be very effective, |
| player. | | | | but it is important for players to wear whatever |
| After a marker is chosen, the next piece of paintball | | | | makes them the most comfortable. |
| gear that will be needed is a mask. There are all kinds | | | | Aside from the marker and balls, the most important |
| of makes to choose from. They come in all sorts of | | | | purchases on the paintball gear market fall in the |
| colors and some even have tinted, or colored, lenses. | | | | safety category. Remember, safety and comfort are |
| But as cool as some may look, always remember that | | | | far more important on the field of play than looks. |