Things to Consider When Buying Your First Paintball Gun
If you’ve recently fallen in love with playing paintball, it might make sense for you to purchase your own paintball gun instead of renting one every time you want to play. But before you invest in a paintball gun, it’s important to spend some time considering which one would be right for you. You can start by asking yourself these four questions!
How much do you plan on playing?
Are you going to play paintball every weekend, or is your goal to get out there and play once every month or two? If you’re going to be playing regularly, investing in a higher-end paintball gun isn’t a bad idea. But if you don’t think you’re going to be able to commit to playing more than 10 times a year or so, you might want to start with a more inexpensive entry-level model.
Do you want to upgrade your paintball gun over time?
A basic entry-level paintball gun is great for most beginners, but your choice of upgrades may be somewhat limited in comparison to more advanced models. If you plan on upgrading and altering your gun to suit your needs and play style, be sure to choose a gun that is compatible with your desired modifications.
What style of paintball do you prefer to play?
Are you the type of paintball player who is always on the move when you play? If so, you’re going to want a small, compact paintball gun by your side that’s easy to carry around. On the other hand, if you’re the type of player who prefers to support your team as a sniper, a larger gun with improved accuracy might be a better option for you. Your style of play should ultimately dictate which paintball gun you buy.
How much can you afford to spend?
At the end of the day, your budget is going to play a big part in your choice of paintball gun. Look for something that fits well within your budget so that you can afford to invest in other paintball accessories as well. You can always upgrade to a better gun later once you gain more experience and know what you value in a paintball gun.
Need help choosing your first paintball gun? At Battle Creek, we offer a variety of name brand paintball guns as well as paintball masks and other essential gear. Visit the pro shop today or give us a call at (973) 545-2556 to learn more!
Helpful Accessories to Bring to Your Next Paintball Match
Paintball is a physically demanding sport that requires thoughtful preparation to succeed. In addition to bringing standard gear like a marker, paint and goggles, it’s a good idea to have a few other items on hand during a paintball match as well. Check out a few of our favorite paintballing accessories below!
Bug Repellent
Our first suggestion is especially helpful when playing woodsball in densely forested areas. It can be hard to focus on finding your target when you’re distracted by biting insects. By applying bug spray before a match, you’ll have one less thing to worry about while you play.
Sunscreen
It’s always a good idea to wear sunscreen when you play paintball, even on cloudy days. After all, nothing can ruin a long day of paintball quite like a nasty sunburn. We recommend wearing at least SPF 30 sunscreen and reapplying every couple of hours to prevent skin damage from the sun. Be sure to look for “broad spectrum” sunscreen as well, which is designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
A Hand Towel
Paintballing is a messy endeavor, and a simple hand towel can be an invaluable tool when your goggles get obscured by splattered paint. You can also use a towel to mop sweat off your face and hands in between matches so that you can get back in the action without worrying about excess sweat impacting your performance.
Blister Bandages
There’s always a possibility that you might get a foot blister when sprinting from cover to cover during a paintball game. Instead of letting these minor injuries sideline you for the rest of the day, bring a package of blister bandages, which are designed to relieve pressure and prevent infection.
Ready to put your paintball skills to the test? Give us a call or contact us online to schedule a match at Battle Creek today!
Essential Paintball Gun Maintenance Tips
If you love paintball as much as we do, you probably own your own paintball gun and equipment. A paintball gun is a big investment, so it pays to know how to properly care for it. Today we’ll address a few helpful maintenance tips that all paintballers should keep in mind.
Oil Often (But Not Too Often)
Before playing, make sure to oil the front and rear bolt O-rings on your marker. Use only enough oil to coat the seals, since too much oil can build up over time and cause mechanical malfunctions.
Clean the Exterior After Every Use
After each game, clean the marker thoroughly after removing the Co2 or HPA tank. You can wipe down the outside of your gun to remove paint, but avoid using soaps, chemical cleaners or abrasive washcloths.
Store It Properly
Store your paintball gun in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can damage the tank in particular, since Co2 expands in high temperatures.
Deep Clean Periodically
After every few games, it’s a good idea to disassemble and thoroughly clean your paintball gun. Here’s a handy guide, which includes a list of all the materials you’ll need. To avoid misfires, make sure there’s no gas in your gun before you get started.
Now that you know how to properly maintain your paintball marker, you’re ready to play! If you’re in the West Milford area, we’d love to see you at Battle Creek. With 15 acres of woodlands, hills, paths and fields, we offer the perfect setting for a thrilling paintball experience. Give us a call or contact us online to book your next match today!