About.com Paintball: Most Popular Articles

Free Online Paintball Games

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The best free paintball games available online.

How To Play Paintball

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The key to a fun game of paintball is to have everyone on the same page. It only takes a few minutes, but quickly going through the rules each time will help maximize your paintball experience.

Ten Tips

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Each of these ten tips can be used to improve your game without costing any more than you already spend. There are many tips that can improve your game of piantball that don't require massive amounts of money or new equipment.

Tippmann 98 Custom

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Tippmann Model 98 Custom is an update of the legendary Model 98 that is more easily upgraded but still retains the original's durability and reliability. The Model 98 Custom is a good choice for beginners who are interested in heavily customizing their own paintball gun or for players who want a decent gun that will last for years to come.

Where to Fill CO2 Tanks

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

One of the best places to fill a CO2 tank is at a paintball store or a paintball field. Most stores and fields stock CO2 and have all the appropriate equipment to adequately fill without over-filling your tanks.

Tippmann A-5

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Review of the Tippman A-5 Paintball Gun. Learn how accurate, upgradeable, consistent and durable the Tippmann A-5 Paintball Marker is.

Before You Buy a Paintball Gun

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

You've played paintball a few times with borrowed or rented equipment, and you've decided it's time to buy your first gun (marker). Now, though, you must decide which one to get. Before you start searching, ask yourself some basic questions which will direct your decision.

Guns Under \$150

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball guns that cost less than $150 are typically very capable paintball guns that are either the most basic version of higher-end guns or else pre-upgraded versions of lower-end guns. Either way, you'll find here an assortment of paintball guns that are very capable and will allow you to compete in a variety of competitions. Paintball guns that cost less than $100 are included on another list.

How to Move

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Whether it's woodsball or speedball, the key to victory in almost any paintball situation is to out maneuver your opponent. The best equipment in the world won't win you a game if you're out played with better timed movement and superior strategies.

CO2 or Compressed Air

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The differences between CO2 and compressed air.

Does It Hurt to Get Hit

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Is paintball painful? What are the chances of bruising and getting injured?

Spyder Sonix

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Spyder Sonix is one step up from Kingman's most basic paintball gun and is a good looking choice for the beginner player. Whether the upgrades that improve on the base Spyder model are worth the extra cost is entirely a question of preference.

How to be a Paintball Sniper

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball snipers don't require massive amounts of specialized equipment, just a good sense of where to hide and when to shoot.

Things Not To Do

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The competitive sport of paintball has countless facets that you can work on to improve, there are somethings you can simply avoid doing to become a better paintball player.

Piranha GTI

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Piranha GTI is a simple, blowback paintball gun that will make a reliable first gun for any aspiring paintball player.

Spyder Xtra

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Spyder Xtra is Kingman's nicest semi-auto, mechanical gun. It's very similar to the Spyder Sonix but comes with an expansion chamber and drop forward, making it a good option for the beginner.

Spyder Pilot

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Kingman's Sypder Pilot ACS is an electro-mechanical, blowback paintball gun that is ideal for the player who wants the speed of an electronic gun matched with the simplicity and ease of use of a mechanical gun. Its lower cost isn't bad, either. While it really doesn't compare to a high-end electro or more expensive mechanical paintball guns, it is one of the better entry-level blowbacks available.

US Army Alpha Black

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The US Army Alpha Black is a durable yet inexpensive gun that is perfectly suited for the beginning player or anyone who prizes durability and simplicity over lightness and speed.

US Army Alpha Black Tactical

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The US Army Alpha Black Tactical is a pre-upgraded version of the Alpha black that will appeal to the scenario or MilSim player. While it doesn't offer much in the way of performance upgrades, it is cosmetically and ergonomically superior to its little brother.

Where to Fill Compressed Air

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The first place to look is at paintball stores and fields. Most shops and fields have the equipment to safely fill compressed air tanks and some fill them for free.

Where to Buy Used Gear

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Used paintball guns and gear can save you lots of money, but be sure you know what you're getting into before you take the leap.

Electronic Versus Mechanical

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The differences between electronic and mechanical guns, the advantages and disadvantages of each.

How Much Paintball Costs

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball can cost as much or as little as you are reasonably willing to pay. Similar to many other action sports, it can be relatively inexpensive to begin, but the more involved you become, the more you can expect your costs to rise.

How To Buy From a Forum

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

When you're looking for a good deal, you just might wind up looking at classifieds on a forum. You can get a great deal from these sites, but make sure you know what you buy smart so you don't regret it later.

Guns Under \$100

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball guns can cost hundreds of dollars, but you don't need to spend that kind of money to find a reliable gun. Here are some of the best deals on cheap paintball guns you can commonly find for less than $100.

Spyder Victor Review

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Spyder Victor is Kingman's lowest-end, most-basic paintball gun on the market but it holds its own compared to similar guns. It is not particularly accurate, fast or consistent, but the Victor is cheap, easy to use, very upgradable and thus makes a great first gun for the beginner player.

Basic Equipment to Play

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Getting started in paintball is not difficult. You only need a few, basic items and you will be ready to play.

Basic Safety Rules

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Basic rules to keep paintball fun and safe.

How to Clean a Mask

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

To get a truly clean mask you must remove the lens and visor from the mask body. The way to remove lenses and visors from the mask varies from brand to brand - read your instructions and follow them carefully. Once the lens is removed, go over the edges of the lens clean the inside and outside of the mask.

Barrel Basics

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A brief description and important information about paintball barrels.

Angel 1

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Angel 1 comes with a high-end price but also packs high-end performance. For your playing style it may or may not be the best paintball gun, but it definitely can compete with any gun out there.

Strong Side Attack

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Step by step instructions on how to do a strong side attack.

Spyder Victor

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The new Spyder Victor is Kingman's update of its most-basic paintball gun and it holds its own compared to similar guns. It is not particularly accurate, fast or consistent, but the Victor is attractive, cheap, easy to use, very upgradable and thus makes a great first gun for the beginner player.

How Much Does a Good Gun Cost?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

While you could spend up to $2,000 on the most expensive paintball gun, in general, a new high-end paintball gun with an air tank and hopper will cost up to $1,000 dollars.

Smart Parts Ion

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Smart Parts Ion is a low-cost electropneumatic paintball gun designed for the player who wants a tournament-level paintball gun at a basement price. While you won't mistake it for a top of the line gun, it is a good performer and can compete in the same ballpark as any gun on the market.

Capture the Flag

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

How to play capture the flag in paintball.

Practice Paintball Alone

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Just as the best basketball players spend hours alone in the gym, to fully develop your technique at paintball you need to invest some time alone.

Phantom

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Phantom is the classic on which all other pump paintball guns are compared. It is a simple, compact, reliable pump paintball gun that is suitable for any player with any level of skill.

Upgrades for Beginner Guns

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Beginner guns can't be upgraded to be high-end, but a few basic upgrades can make them more consistent, more comfortable and more effective.

Stryker STR-1 Review

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Stryker STR-1 is a basic semi-automatic paintball gun that is better looking than similarly priced guns but only has average performance. It doesn't really shine in any area or have any major defects but it is quite inexpensive. If you are getting ready to purchase your first gun it's not a bad choice since it comes with all the accessories you need to play.

Woodsball Clothing

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

What clothing to wear when you go play a game of woodsball.

Keep Your Mask From Fogging

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Three ways to keep your mask from fogging.

Shooting Positions

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

In paintball you must be able to shoot accurately while running, standing, crouching, kneeling, sitting and laying. Each position requires a slightly different technique, but with practice you can become proficient from any position on the field.

Paintball Without a Gun

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

An underrated aspects of paintball is the element of playing without a gun. Sure, everyone loves to shoot paintballs and be the hero, but there are times when no paintball gun is necessary to enjoy the sport. Here are three ways you can be involved without relying on your gun.

Invert Mini

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Invert Mini packs lots of performance in a tiny package. It is a high-end paintball gun with a mid-range price tag and works great in the woods or on the speedball course.

Dangerous Power Fusion

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Dangerous Power Fusion is a tournament grade paintball gun that can easily compete with the best guns out there. While it is slightly heavier and has fewer firing modes than other high-end guns, it also only costs a fraction of the price.

How to Chrono

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

If you are shooting too fast, paintballs can leave massive welts and bruises. If you are shooting too slow, paintballs won't break on your target. Either way, it pays to properly chrono your gun and shoot at the right speed.

Smart Parts Vibe

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Smart Parts Vibe is a basic electropneumatic paintball gun that looks good and also performs solidly. It can't quite compete with more expensive electros, but it shines in its price range.

Spyder Victor II

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Spyder Victor II is a basic, beginner paintball gun and is very similar to the Spyder Victor but comes with a couple of up grades over the basic model. It's a solid beginner gun with lots of customizing potential but don't expect anything fancy out of the box.

Smart Parts SP-1

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Smart Parts SP-1 is a solid entry-level, electropneumatic paintball gun. It's not as nice as more expensive electros, but it shines in its price range.

Paintball Gun Consistency

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

If you want paintball after paintball to land on top of each other at a distance you must fire each ball exactly the same. A few tricks can make a gun shoot very consistently.

Basic Speedball Field Setup

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

How to build a basic speedball field.

What to Look for in a Mask

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball Mask Basics

O-Ring Replacement

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

O-rings are used in paintball guns to seal off spaces, ensuring that air does not leak from the gun. You typically find an o-ring wherever two pieces of metal connect and air passes through. O-rings are a vital part of the paintball gun but periodically need to be replaced. Fortunately there is a standard o-ring that almost all paintball guns use and it's the size you typically need to replace.

What is speedball?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Speedball is a variation of paintball that is played on small, flat fields, and as its name suggests, the pace of the game is very quick.

Performance of High-End Guns

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Despite what companies would like you to believe, most high-end guns all have similar performance and what actually differs is how the gun feels to the individual user.

Planet Eclipse Ego

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Planet Eclipse Ego is a high-end paintball gun that should satisfy any tournament player. It is extremely efficient, accurate and consistent, but that performance comes at a high sticker price.

Deathball

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

You have one minute to get as many bodies as possible to the other side of the field.

Tippmann Model 98

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Tippmann Model 98 is a legend in the paintball industry. While there have been updated versions of the gun (such as the ), the basic Model 98 is still a very reliable paintball gun that is a great choice for the beginning or intermediate paintball player.

Assassins

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A field full of players and you can only shoot one of them. At the same time, only one is hunting you. The problem is that you don't know who that person is.

Base Capture

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Base Capture is a simple variation of capture the flag that encourages quick games and mad dashes but requires significant amounts of strategy to successfully compete.

What Gear For Paintball?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

There are four basic pieces of paintball gear that you need to play paintball: a mask, a hopper, a tank, and a paintball gun. You will also need paintballs to play.

Does Paintball Stain Clothes?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintballs generally will not stain clothing or fabrics. I have found that certain brands of paintballs will stain certain light-colored fabrics. This is dependent upon the dye used in coloring the fill and the fabric. I have found that cheaper paints are more likely to stain white cotton or cotton/poly fabrics. I have never seen a paintball stain a dark-colored fabric. A good rule of thumb is to not play paintball with light clothing and you shouldn't have a problem.

Bounty Hunters

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

There are multiple bounty hunters all pursuing one fugitive. While the numbers are stacked against the fugitive, he does have some distinct advantages.

Paintball Gift Guide

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Looking outside is quick to remind us of the cold weather many of us enjoy around the end of December. While this inclement weather typically means that paintball guns are stored and air tanks are empty, it doesn't mean that a paintballer's heart isn't outside on the field. To help your paintballer pass the time to spring, here's About.com's Paintball Christmas Wish List.

What's An Expansion Chamber?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The conversion of liquid Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to gaseous CO2 is an endothermic reaction which means that it takes in heat from the surrounding area and leaves the gun much colder.

Who is Paintball For?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball is for anyone who likes competition, action, strategy and skill.

Differences Between Hoppers

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Gravity-fed hoppers are simply containers that hold paintballs while motorized hoppers physically help feed paintballs into a paintball gun.

Fill Compressed Air With Shop

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A basic shop compressor is not powerful enough to fill a compressed air tank. Most shop air compressors operate at under 200 psi and paintball compressed air tanks operate at 3000 psi or higher. A scuba compressor, though, is powerful enough to fill a paintball compressed air tank.

Equipment for Scenario Games

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Learn what equipment you need to bring to make the most of your time at a scenario game.

How to Leapfrog

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Leapfrogging is a basic team movement where two or more players take turns advancing while always being covered by another member of their team.

How Many BPS?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The simple answer is that it all depends on the situation. Generally, the rate of fire is ultimately limited only by how fast you can load paintballs into the chamber.

How Many MPH

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

How many miles per hour does a paintball shoot? A paintball gun that shoots a standard velocity will shoot about 200 miles per hour (mph). A paintball going 300 feet per second (fps) is moving at 204.5 mph (329 km/h) and a paintball going 280 fps is traveling at 191 mph (307 km/h). To convert feet per second to miles per hour, take the number of feet per second and multiply that number by 0.68.

Snipers

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Rather than speed and quickness, the focus of Snipers is stealth and stalking. Not only do you have a limited number of shots, if you don't conceal yourself well you're just a sitting duck.

The Run-Through

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

When you're down players late in a game, sometimes all you can do is risk victory and try to make a mad dash to glory.

What is Woodsball?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Woodsball (or Outlaw Paintball) is a title given to almost any variety of paintball that is not played on level, professional fields. It often consists of simply a group of friends who decide to play paintball in the trees or in the desert.

Smart Parts SP-8

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Smart Parts SP-8 is not the fastest or lightest gun around, but it's upgradeable, durable and well-designed for the woodsball or scenario player who wants to delve into the world of electronic paintball guns.

Where to Buy Paintball Gear

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

While paintball is a fast growing sport with millions of players worldwide, there are still just a few places you can buy new equipment: large retailers, specialty stores and online.

Basic Woodsball Field Setup

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

What to look for in a field and how to organize things so you're ready to play.

Paintball Girls

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball girls exist and are more common than you might think. While paintball is often viewed as a masculine sport with the bulk of the players being masculine, there are many paintball girls who play and are involved with the sport in other ways.

Barrel Socks and Barrel Plugs

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Proper paintball safety requires players to use a barrel plug or barrel sock whenever masks are off. It's not that hard - when the game is over, everyone needs to simply put on their barrel protection before masks are removed. If everyone did this and people didn't mess around with their guns in the staging area without any protection, basically all severe paintball injuries could be avoided.

Center Flag

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A variation of capture the flag that requires you to think, shoot and move quickly.

JT Spectra Flex 8 Mask Review

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

JT's newest top-end Flex mask is low-profile, comfortable and does a great job of not fogging with its thermal lens. While it might under protect if you have a longer face and the lens is extremely difficult to remove, if a comfortable, low-profile mask is what you are looking for, the Spectra Flex 8 is a solid choice.

Are My Paintballs Too Old?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The best way to test to see if paintballs are too old is to perform the drop test.

Paint to Barrel Match

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Something many players don't realize is that different brands of paintballs are different sizes. Matching your paint to your barrel will include your consistency.

VIP

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Rather than focusing on eliminating the other team, wouldn't it be easier to narrow your focus onto one opposing player? VIP places you with the responsibility of protecting your VIP while also attempting to eliminate your opponent's.

How Does CO2 Shoot a Paintball

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is in a compressed, liquid state inside a CO2 tank. When it is released from the tank it expands into gaseous CO2 which propels the paintball out of the chamber.

Cheap Guns

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

If you're going to spend some money on a paintball gun, at lest buy something that's going to serve you well. These are some of the best, cheap, entry-level paintball guns.

Necromancer

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The team with the most players left wins, but each team has the chance to raise their dead once.paintball game types paint ball game types paintball guns paintball rules how to play paintball

Woodsball

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A variation of paintball that is played outdoors, typically in natural settings such as the forests or mountains. Fields are based on the native terrain and players utilize trees, rocks, gullies, and other natural features to hide and move.

Monster Balls Review

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Review of Monster Balls Paintballs by Brass Eagle.

Empire Reloader II

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Empire Reloader II is a sound-activated agitated hopper that does a good job of getting paintballs where the need to be. It is not as fast as a force-fed hopper but it is a cheaper and easier to use.

Paintball in the Cold

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

It has been possible to play paintball in cold weather, though it usually takes a little more work and preparation than playing in warmer temperatures. Fragile paintballs, inconsistent gas expansion and mechanical problems all contribute to making it difficult to play paintball in cold weather.

Elimination

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A. When a player has been hit or marked by a paintball that breaks on their body or equipment. Once a player is eliminated, they must then leave the playing field.

B. A variation of paintball where opposing teams try to eliminate all the players on the opposite team.

Paintballer's Almanac

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Paintballer's Almanac is the largest and best collection of different paintball games available, though it does have a few problems. Not all games are really feasible but there are enough variations of classic paintball games to keep the adventurous paintballer experimenting for many days on the field.

Funtrak Panzer Tank

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Panzer Paintball tank by Funtrak is the first personal tracked battle tank that is designed specifically for the sport of paintball.

About - Paintball Buyer's Guide

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Find Guide reviews, top picks, and advice you can use before you buy.

Change an O-Ring

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A step by step tutorial to change a paintball o-ring complete with pictures and descriptions.

Is Paintball Fun?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball is a fun sport that just about anybody can play and enjoy. It's an exciting blend of action, strategy and adrenaline and comes in countless forms and variations.

Tippmann Guns

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Reviews of Tippmann paintball guns.

Can You Play Paintball Indoors

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

There are many indoor paintball facilities throughout the country where you can play paintball indoors, though it outdoor fields are much more common. These facilities typically charge an entrance fee and require you to use in-house paintballs (which typically cost more).

What is Scenario Paintball?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Scenario paintball is a genre of paintball games where large groups of players compete for specific objectives, often simulating famous battles from history or from movies

Paintball Tools

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball guns sometimes break and it's a good idea to go to the field with some tools so you can get yours shooting pretty if there's a problem. You don't need to bring you whole workshop, but a few tools will always come in handy.

Empire Reloader B

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Empire Reloader B is the big brother of the Halo B and is almost the same except it is sound activated rather than relying on a reflective eye. It is a good, reliable and very fast loader that will not let you down.

Help Paintball's Image

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Image matters and players need to do their part to improve the image.

Most Influential Guns

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

I have owned and shot many different guns that were made in different eras and I definitely have some favorites and some guns that I wouldn't recommend to anyone. But this isn't about favorites, it's about influence and what guns have most affected the paintball industry.

Well-Made Paintball Gun

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The difference between a good gun and a shoddy gun often comes down to how well it was built. Typically, the engineering in a mass-marketed paintball gun is sound, but the factory that built the gun, especially for lower-end guns, might have been less concerned with precision and more concerned with cost. After shooting countless paintball guns I have found a few things that are usually indicative of a well-made gun.

Online Paintball Magazines

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

As much fun as it is to thumb through a good magazine, an online version, especially when it's free, can often be just as enjoyable. Plus, many publishers are switching to online-only versions of their magazines with additional interactive content and videos, so enjoying these online might be the only way to stay up to date with the paintball industry.

Off-Handed

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

While few people are born ambidextrous, many wish they were. With a little practice, though, you can learn to competitively play with either hand. It also helps if everyone else is learning at the same time.

Pocket Full of Balls

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

While it's often exciting to shoot a stream of paintballs as fast as you can pull the trigger, sometimes it's nice to slow things down a little bit so the focus is on accuracy and positioning rather than the speed of your fingers. The simple way to slow things down is to remove all hoppers and play one shot at a time.

Air Pressure

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The amount of pressure exerted on the inside of a tank or gun by the air inside. It is typically measured in pounds per square inch (psi).

Scenario Paintball

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A variety of woodsball where many players come together and play long games (up to a week long) with specific objectives such as capturing and defending flags for certain periods of time or reenacting famous battles, and different themes such as Axis and Allies or Aliens and Marines.

Tippmann X7

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A woodsball gun designed to customized and built to last a lifetime.

Political Paintball

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Articles and blog posts discussing the politics of paintball.

How to Do the Drop Test

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Perform the drop test to determine if your paintballs are either too hard or too brittle.

Do Paintballs Biodegrade?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintballs are completely biodegradable and will wash away from most surfaces with water or will vanish after a rainstorm. Paintballs are gelatin capsules filled with an oil or polyethylene glycol (the base of cough syrups) and food-coloring dye mixture. Both the shells and the fill will naturally biodegrade and will not leave lasting marks on the environment.

Social Paintball Sites

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Seeing the success of social networking sites such as MySpace and FaceBook, web-savvy paintballers have created the concept of the Social Paintball Site (SPS). An SPS focuses on what's important to paintballers: finding new people to play paintball with, space to brag about exploits and a convenient way to share information about equipment, strategy, teams and events. If you need to network, meet people or simply want to spend some quality time reading about paintball, try out an SPS.

Numbers To Play Paintball

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

You can play paintball all by yourself or join in a group of a thousand to enjoy the sport. Match your variation to the numbers you have and you'll be sure to have a great time.

Is Paintball Legal?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

As far as I know, it is legal to play paintball in every state. Different communities, though, do have different requirements to play and individual communities can make playing paintball illegal.

Is Paintball Safe?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball is very safe as long as you follow the rules and use common sense.

Paintball Pistols

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A paintball pistol is a variation on the common paintball gun but is smaller and more compact.

Speedball

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball that is played on flat, small, enclosed fields with man-made barriers and obstacles. Games typically last less than ten minutes and emphasis is placed on quick movement and fast shooting.

Bunker

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Any stationary, man-made device that players are able to hide behind during a paintball game. Bunkers can be as complex as custom-designed, inflatable walls or as simple as a pile of sticks pushed up against a tree.

What Does Ounce Mean with CO2

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Ounces with CO2 tanks refer to how many weight ounces of liquid CO2 can fit in the tank.

Paintball - Articles

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

An index of articles for the Paintball guide site.

Halo B

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Halo B was one of the original high-speed, force-fed loaders on the market and it still performs very well. It is on the heavy side and a few upgrades might be warranted, but it is still a great choice. The Halo B is the little brother of the Empire B but, depending on your preference, might be better for your game.

Viewloader Revolution

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Viewloader Revolution is a basic, agitated hopper but it has been around for years and has earned its reputation for reliability and quality for the lower-priced, entry-level agitated hoppers.

Viewloader VLocity Jr.

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The VLocity Jr. is a high-speed, force-fed paintball loader that can keep up with the fastest paintball guns. It doesn't have quite as many features as its big brother the VLocity, but it also costs less.

Pocket Chronograph

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A chronograph is a small device used to measure how fast a paintball is shot from a paintball gun.

Off-Label Ways to Use Gear

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball gear is intended for the sport of paintball, but that doesn't mean there's nothing else it can be used for. Here are just a few of the legitimate things paintball equipment can be used for.

Expansion Chamber

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A device that sits between the ASA and the valve of the paintball gun that is filled with multiple cavities or "stages" that air must pass through. By forcing the air to fill up the expansion chamber before reaching the valve, there is less of a chance that liquid CO2 will reach the internals of the paintball gun. Expansion chambers are not necessary for guns that use compressed air.

Why Not Shoot Old Paintballs?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Reasons why old paintballs are not good to shoot.

Stryker Paintballs Review

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Review of Stryker Paintballs.

Paintball - FAQs

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

An index of FAQs for the Paintball guide site.

Ohio Paintball Fields

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Listing of paintball fields and parks in Ohio.

What's a Venturi Bolt?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A paintball bolt is the part of a paintball gun that moves the ball forward into the chamber, seals off the chamber and then releases compressed gas to propel the paintball down the barrel. With a classic bolt, the air comes out of the bolt through a large hole and propels the ball forward. Venturi bolts were designed to dissipate the air and allow lots of little blasts of air to hit the ball.

PMI Trracer

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

It's not available for sale at most stores and hasn't been for a decade, but the Trracer is a paintball classic. Since this pump was manufactured in such huge quantities (and was very common as a rental field) and it is so reliable, it is still common to find it used or see someone sneak it out of their gear bag at the local field.

Is Paintball a Sport?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball is a sport. It is composed of opposing teams, fixed objectives and requires physical activity and fast-paced movement. It's true that it is different from basketball and football, but so are tennis, javelin throwing and diving.

How To Meet Paintballers

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Meeting another paintball player is as easy as clicking on an SPS. Seeing the success of social networking sites, web-savvy paintballers have created the concept of the Social Paintball Site (SPS). An SPS focuses on what's important to paintballers: finding new people to play paintball with, space to brag about exploits and a convenient way to share information about equipment, strategy, teams and events.

Is a PB Gun Really a Gun?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Ever wondered if a paintball gun is really a gun? It all depends on how you define it.

Double Triggers

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A double trigger is an elongated trigger that allows two fingers to rest on the trigger and for either one to pull the trigger and fire the gun. They offer some advantages but whether to use one boils down to personal preference.

Spyder Clone

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Any of a variety of blow-back markers that are based on the design made famous by Kingman's Spyder line of markers. Spyder clones have interchangeable parts with other Spyder clones, and are an economical and fairly reliable entry-level marker.

Dye DM9 Info

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A high-end tournament gun with a high-end price.

Viewloader Quantum

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

While the low price might be tempting when you decide to try out an agitated hopper, be sure to pass on the Quantum and save up for anything that is not continuously agitated. Viewloader makes many great loaders but this is not one of them.

Burst Disk

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A small disk inside of a screw that is inserted into the side of a CO2 or compressed air tank. If the air pressure inside the tank exceeds a certain pressure, the burst disk will blow out, releasing all the pressure inside the tank. This safety device keeps over-filled tanks from exploding.

Spring

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A coiled metal device that is able to store mechanical energy. Springs are used in paintball guns to put tension on hammers so that when a paintball gun is fired the hammer will move forward and strike the valve. There are also valve springs which, after the hammer has displaced the valve stem will allow the valve to reseal and close the valve.

O-Ring Size

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball guns have many different size of o-rings, but size 015 is standard on almost all tanks and is used in many guns. The 015 o-ring has a 9/16th internal diameter and 11/16th external diameter and is commonly available at hardware stores and any store that sells paintball equipment.

Christmas Wish List 2007

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Dye Rhino Cover

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The Dye Rhino Cover is durable, effective and versatile protection for your air tanks. It is a battle-tested veteran of many battles and does an excellent job of keeping your tanks free from dings and scratches. It is not the cheapest tank cover available, but it is definitely one of the best.

Microfiber

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A microfiber cloth is a piece of fabric made of thousands of very tiny threads that is very adept at cleaning oil off of surfaces. In paintball, microfiber cloths are commonly used to clean paint and splatter off of goggles. The tiny threads are very good at removing the oily residue left by the paint and virtually eliminate the smears oily smears left after cleaning with cotton cloths.

Closed Bolt

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A paintball gun that closes the bolt while waiting for the trigger to be pulled. For a closed bolt paintball gun to fire, the paintball must already be loaded into the chamber with the bolt sealed behind it before the gun can be fired. Between firings its default setting is to have the bolt closed.

Dropforward

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A metal attachment that lowers the level of the ASA and moves it forward on the gun. It is installed by removing the ASA, attaching the drop forward to the bottom of the gun and then attaching the ASA to the bottom of the drop forward. By moving the ASA forward the air tank will be more centrally located and the gun will be better balanced.

Viewloader VLocity

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The VLocity is a high-speed, force-fed paintball loader that can keep up with the fastest paintball guns. Its light weight, auto reverse, select-force and reliability make it a great choice for any tournament player, though it's higher cost might put it out of some price ranges.

What to Look For In Paintballs

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A good paintball will be perfectly round, have no visible line between the halves of the shell and be free of dimples or any misshaping.

Wiping

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A method of cheating wherein a player tries to wipe off a legal hit to avoid elimination and continues to play.

Episode 1

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Alex Fraige is captain of San Diego Dynasty but has a surprisingly laid back lifestyle and a creative artistic streak.

Hopper

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A container that fits on the top of a paintball marker and feeds paintballs into the marker.

PSI

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Pounds per Square Inch. The pressure inside a compressed air or CO2 tank. Compressed air tanks typically fill to either 3000 psi or 4500 psi.

FPS

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Feet Per Second; used to clock the speed of a paintball as it leaves the barrel of a gun.

Diameter

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A. The width of a paintball at its thickest point.

B. The inside width of a barrel at its narrowest point.

Barrel Plug

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A protective device that fits in the end of a barrel and physically prohibits a paintball from leaving the barrel accidentally.

Deals on Paintball Guns

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Deals on paintball guns can be had, you just need to know where to look for them.

How To Protect a Tank

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball tanks can last for years and work with minimal upkeep, but unless you keep them protected, a simple bump can render them useless.

Accuracy - A Forgotten Art

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

When I play paintball, I rarely, if ever, get a one or two-shot kill. Whether it's the ease at firing off a quick 4-5 shots or if it's simply because I don't completely trust my accuracy, I'm really not sure. Either way, I no longer excel at the art of paintball accuracy. When I'm just messing around I can hit just about anything I aim at, but in a game, my first few shots all seem to be wasted.

How to Choose Teams

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

While it might seem basic, evenly matched teams are necessary for a competitive game of paintball.

Gun or Marker

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Paintball is simply a variation on the classic game of tag. What sets it apart is thing you shoot. What do you call it? Is it a paintball gun or a paintball marker?

Does a Paintball Gun Kick?

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

When a paintball gun is fired it typically does have a small kick. While most people think of a gun's kick as a large jolt that rocks your arms or your shoulder, a paintball gun's kick is more of a small vibration that is most evident by your barrel jumping slightly after you shoot. A gun that kicks less is typically more accurate.

Most Exciting Paintball

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Everyone seems to have their preference as to which form of paintball is the best, the most exciting or simply the most enjoyable to play. Here's your chance to share your views and explain why speedball is fast paced and exciting or why woodsball is more challenging and rewarding.

ASA

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Air Source Adapter. The threaded female adapter that allows you to screw your air tank into your paintball gun.

3-Shot Burst

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A setting on many electronic paintball guns that causes the gun to fire three times with a single pull of the trigger.

Barrel Sock

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A protective device that fits around the end of a barrel and physically prohibits a paintball from leaving the barrel accidentally.

BPS

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Balls Per Second; the number of paintballs that a marker can fire in one second.

Goggles

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Protective device that covers the face, mouth, and ears of a paintball player, designed to stop paintballs from damaging soft tissue on the head.

Xtreme Paintball 11

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The semifinals are in full swing and San Diego Dynasty, LA Infamous, Pittsburgh All Americans and Stockholm Joy Division all want a spot in the finals.

Xtreme Paintball 7

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

LB Fow lives in the Windy City but plays for the Los Angeles Infamous.

Xtreme Paintball 8

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

JC Whittington is a country boy from Maryland but now competes as the leader of Pasadena Bad Company.

XBall

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A paintball format where two teams compete in multiple games of center flag with one point earned for each victory. Games last for a set amount of time and whichever team has more points at the end of the time wins the match.A paintball format where two teams compete in multiple games of center flag with one point earned for each victory. Matches last for a set amount of time and whichever team has more points (by winning more games) at the end of the time wins the match.

Paintball - QuickTips

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

An index of QuickTips for the Paintball guide site.

Paintball - StepBySteps

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

An index of StepBySteps for the Paintball guide site.

BYOP

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

"Bring Your Own Paint"; an acronym meaning that a game will not have available paintballs for sale so you will have to bring what you plan to shoot.

Blowback

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A semi-automatic paintball gun that recocks after each shot by blowing the hammer back behind the trigger. Basic paintball guns such as most Tippmanns and Spyders use this technology.

Braided Hose

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A hose made of braided steel that transfers air from the ASA to the valve of a paintball gun.

Three For One

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A rule in speedball where a player who is caught cheating is eliminated from the game along with three teammates. This is a very serious penalty and is usually reserved for severe infractions such as wiping or playing on and shooting another player.

Two For One

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A rule in speedball where a player who is caught cheatingis eliminated from the game along with two teammates.

Velocity

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The rate that a paintball gun leaves the barrel. Paintball velocities are typically measured in Feet Per Second (FPS). For safety reasons, a paintball gun should never shoot faster than 300 FPS and should ideally shoot less than 280 FPS.

Welt

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

A round bruise resulting from being hit by a paintball. Welts typically last for a few days and are rarely very painful.

Eyes

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

Electronic devices that do not allow a paintball gun to fire until a paintball is completely loaded into the firing chamber. Ensuring that all paintballs are completely loaded before firing limits the number of chopped paintballs.

Grips

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

The plastic or rubber covers that are attached to the grip of a paintball gun. Grips are purely used for comfort and aesthetics and do not affect a gun's ability to function.

Solenoid

2009-11-25T10:46:00Z

An electropneumatic actuator that converts electronic energy into mechanical energy. Electrical impulses actuate the solenoid causing a mechanical valve to open which allows air to flow through. Solenoids are necessary for electropneumatic paintball guns to operate.