Paintball is the fascinating combination of playing cops and robbers and chess. It requires skill, agility and tactical finesse. This game started in the USA in the 1980s as a rather unorganized gotcha kind of game, where people simply ran around trying to hit each other with paint. It has since developed into a regular sport where two teams try to outdo each other. It has gained popularity all over the world. The fan base over more than 100 countries worldwide is growing steadily. Lawyers, doctors, workers, secretaries, men and women alike – once they have played a strategic game of paintball, they are usually hooked.

What paintball gear is needed?

These days, there is much more to a game of paintball than simply running around wildly shooting at people with paint. You need to be a good shot and an even better strategist in order to win this game. While it is not necessary to have the most expensive gear, there is certain equipment that is needed when playing. In the early days of this game nobody purchased specialized equipment or clothing. The only items that were available were the paintball markers, the paint and the safety mask. This is still pretty much all that is required in a game of paintball, however, with new technologies there are many more accessories available now that make the game safer and even more fun to play.

The right accessories add to the fun

From all the protective gear available the facemask is not only the most essential part but an absolute must. Paintballs travel at high speeds and injuries to the eyes are avoided as much as possible. Most masks are available in a variety of designs and styles, thermal or non-thermal. Some even allow room for eyeglasses.

Many of the players now also wear paintball jerseys and gloves, knee pads and vests to minimize the impact of the hit. Armbands and T-shirts identify members of a team or simply add style to the game.

At the heart of every game is, of course, the gun. There are dozens of brands available, from pump-action manual cocking guns to super powerful high-speed markers that can carry lots of ammunition. As players progress in the game and sharpen their skills, they usually upgrade their guns with some custom gear. The most common accessories seen in the field include binoculars, laser sight, scopes, silencers and extra magazines.

The style and amount of gear available is limited only by how much money the player wants to spend. But even with minimal use of accessories, paintball remains one of the most popular and fun games for any generation.