Some people wear t-shirts and shorts out to the paintball field – bad idea! Others don brand-name paintball clothing that looks slick, but doesn’t make them better players. Whether a player can afford the latest fashions or have to go with cheap clothing, the point is to cover oneself from head to toe. Here’s how:
Paintball Mask
A paintball mask is the most important piece of paintball gear. Players should wear a good mask every time they play. Some players also choose to wear a baseball cap under their mask, for added cushioning.
Full-length Clothing
Showing skin might be sexy in some places, but it’s a dumb idea when it comes to paintball. Not only do long pants and long-sleeved shirts (And even gloves) provide protection against paintballs, but such full-body clothing lets players slide, roll, crouch and do all those other essential moves more safely.
Baggy Clothes
Baggy clothing is a must when playing paintball. It helps people move and crouch down more easily. Also, baggy clothing deflects some of the energy off paintballs, making them less likely to bruise or even to break. Just don’t wear something so big that it gets in the way of playing.
Layered Clothing
The cheapest way to get protective clothing against paintball hits is by layering. It also makes for a bouncier surface, meaning paintballs are less likely to break even when they hit their target. In the summer, it makes sense to wear a t-shirt and bike shorts under the bagger outer layer. During cooler months, leggings/long johns and a long-sleeved undershirt provide great protection, not only from paintballs, but also from the weather.
Camouflage
People playing paintball in the woods would do well to wear dark clothes or even camouflage. Every piece of clothing is important – even the bottoms of a player’s shoes should be dark, if possible. The goal is to have an opponent waste a minute staring at a tree limb trying to figure out if it’s a person or not.
Smooth Clothing
Avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, or chains. Pullover shirts and gym-type pants are the best choice. Paintballs will break easily on any hard surface. Plus, people have been known to get zippers or chains snagged on tree limbs. There is also the ouch factor – it is much nicer to land on soft clothing than hard buttons.
Sturdy Shoes
Good shoes are critical for playing paintball. Favorite designer sneakers are not a good choice; opt for a pair that can get dirty. Cheap shoes aren’t the best choice, either. Good paintball footwear must offer solid ankle protection and traction. Otherwise, losing one’s footing during a paintball game can result in injury, spilt paint, damaged equipment and… losing the game!
Extra Protection
For paintballers who bruise easily, play hard and often, or have a bigger aversion to pain than your average paintball player, extra protection—while not cheap-- is a worthwhile investment. Vests, elbow pads, knee/shin pads, cups for guys, and cushioned bras for women are all available – and are all a good idea.
