Paintball FAQ

Paintball FAQ

Paintball is an exciting recreational game and organized sport played year round, outdoors and indoors. The most basic game is “Capture the Flag” where the object is to capture the other team’s flag and return it to your team’s home base “flag station” for the win, while defending your own flag from the other team!

Every player, and every person in or near authorized shooting areas, must wear eye protection designed for paintball, consisting of goggles that protect the eyes and face. Both teams start from their home base and wait for the referees to call “Game on!” At the signal they advance through the playing field in search of the flag. Games usually have a 20 minute or less time limit. The referees are in charge of starting and stopping the games, enforcing safety and supervising playing rules.

Each player uses a paintball marker, powered by CO2 or compressed air, which shoots the paintballs. Paintballs are colorful gelatin capsules like big round vitamins filled with a bright-colored, biodegradable (washable) liquid. Upon contact, the paintballs split open to leave a “splat” mark that “marks” a player out of that game. The more opponents that are marked out, the easier it is to capture their flag.

What is needed to play paintball?

The field makes available all the equipment and supplies needed to play paintball, including markers, goggles and paintballs. It’s advisable to wear loose-fitting, dark clothing (shorts and short sleeves are not recommended) and comfortable footwear with ankle support.

What about safety?

Field operators are committed to providing safe, enjoyable paintball games for all players. Each player must attend a safety and rules orientation prior to play. Shooting is restricted to the playing field, target range, and chronograph areas only. Projectile speeds are strictly controlled for safety, usually less than 285 fps. Players are expected to follow the rules of safe play at all times.

What does it cost?

A day of paintball generally costs about $50, sometimes more depending on what rental gear is needed and how much paint a player shoots during the day.

Does it hurt to get hit with a paintball?

This is the first question asked new players usually ask about the sport. Getting hit by a paintball typically “stings” or “smarts” a little, especially if shot inside of 20 feet and directly on your skin. Typically, this will result in a small welt or bruise. The best comparison for what it feels like is snapping yourself with a rubber band. Because of this, Paintball is recommended for 12+. If this bothers you, you can wear extra protective padding, such as knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, chest protectors, and neck protectors. And, of course, approved paintball masks to protect your eyes and face are mandatory safety gear.

Do fields offer private games?

Private paintball games are an ideal activity for special events such as birthday parties, corporate recreation or team building activities, etc. Don’t delay! Call today for group rate information and available days to book your private game.

Are you prepared for the adrenaline rush of paintball?

Paintball is an exhilarating sport that is fun to play! Feel free to contact a local field to book a private game or arrange to play in open “walk on” games. To find a field near you click here

Open games & general admission

Open “walk on” games are an option for you to play if alone or with a few friends. In walk on games, the referees divide players into teams. Generally, walk on players are placed with others of similar experience level, using similar equipment.

Do I need any special equipment?

The basic gear for a game of paintball includes a Paintball gun or marker with an air source (either CO2 or compressed air), a hopper (aka-loader), paintball mask, and paint. Most fields will rent you all the gear you need for a small rental fee.

Can I buy paintballs at the field?

At commercial fields, you can usually purchase paint by the box (2000 rounds) or the bag (500 rounds). Many fields require “Field Paint Only” (FPO), where paintballs must be purchased at the field. If a field has a “BYOP” (“Bring Your Own Paint”) policy, you can purchase paint at your local paintball pro shop or sporting goods retailer.

What are paintballs made of?

Paintballs are made from materials such as Gelatin derived from pork skins and beef bones/hides, Poly-Ethel Glycol (PEG), Glycerin, Sorbitol, water, free fatty acids, titanium dioxide, starches, surfactants, emulsifiers and FD+C colorants. A majority of these components are naturally occurring (although processed) such as Gelatin, water and Soybean. Other materials are derivatives of other natural components such as PEG, and starches. All are non-toxic and safe for use in paintball.

Do paintball splats stain?

Simple answer, no. Hits wipe easily off your clothing and skin, and any residue left on your clothes comes out in the wash. They also wash off trees and grass after a rain shower. Some special “tournament” grades should be washed off right away to avoid leaving any trace. Most paintballs manufactured today are eco-friendly.

How long do games last?

Games can last anywhere from one minute for intense spectator-style “speedball” games, to 24 hours of non-stop action for a weekend-long scenario event. An average recreational game in the woods lasts between 15 minutes to an hour. A typical game played on a tournament-style field lasts about three to ten minutes.