Paintball (translated from English - a ball with paint) is a team military sports game, where a special marker acts as a weapon, and a gelatin ball filled with bright paint serves as a “bullet”.
A bit of history
The first paint-shooting gun appeared in the 11th century and was used to train soldiers in France. And at the end of the 20th century, North American farmers used it to mark livestock and trees.
A little later, in the 80s, pneumatic paint guns (as they were called at that time) were equipped with containers for paint balls and were first used for the game.
In Russia, the first paintball marker appeared in 1992. And the very next year, our team of the first professional paintball players participated in the international paintball competition in the city of Nashville (America).
Despite its youth, the popularity of the military tactical game around the world has grown very quickly.Now she is ranked third in the extreme sport ranking, where so far the competitions in skateboarding and roller skating are in the lead.
Paintball is not only a type of sports team competition in conditions close to real combat operations. First of all, it is a year-round outdoor activity for extreme lovers of all ages.
How paintball is played
There are many options for playing paintball. Clubs that organize this type of recreation come up with the most original and exciting missions for teams - from protecting the president to capturing a fortress or an enemy flag at a height.
Team size is unlimited. It can consist of several people or several hundred participants.
Due to the fact that paintball is considered the safest game, everyone can participate in it, regardless of gender, age and social status.
Like any other game, paintball has its own commandments that are mandatory for all participants in the competition.
paintball rules
- indispensable and exact fulfillment of the requirements of the referee-instructor during the game;
- it is strictly forbidden to remove the protective mask from the face during the "fighting" on the site;
- friendly and respectful attitude towards all participants of the game. Everyone is equal on the field, and paintball is just a fun game;
- during the rest period, the barrel of the marker must be closed with a special plug;
- a paintball club member is not allowed to play if he is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In addition, before the start of the game, the instructor conducts a detailed briefing with all participants in the game about the rules of conduct on the playing field.Recalls the fundamental conditions for the use of pyrotechnics and weapons in the area of the playing field. With beginners, the instructor conducts separate conversations on the features of the game of paintball.
Paintball equipment
Such a bright and colorful game, where fireworks constantly appear from breaking capsules, cannot take place without special equipment. It is designed to ensure the complete safety of the player on the battlefield and protect clothing from getting paint bloopers on it.
How to choose outfit
Choosing the right equipment to play paintball is not difficult even for beginners in an exciting and fun game. The counters of stores selling uniforms for war games are replete with a variety of high-quality and convenient player protection elements.
The main functional component of the paintball player's ammunition, without which they will not be allowed to participate in competitions. Proper choice of mask is the correct selection of the viewing angle.
An equally significant attribute. Protects the torso from pain after direct contact with coloring capsules. Lightweight and durable vests do not hinder the player's movements and are excellent protection against bruising.
- Camouflage suits or overalls
The dense fabric of outerwear does not allow moisture to pass through, thereby reliably protecting household items from paint penetration. They stay clean and dry.
To feel comfortable and run fast during the game, shoes are selected taking into account weather and seasonal conditions, but the main thing in it is comfort, lightness and the presence of an anti-slip protector on the sole.
Weapons are bought depending on the preferences of the player, taking into account the rate of fire and the accuracy of the sight. Beginners should pay attention to the mechanical type of weapon, which is perfect for the initial stage of participating in impromptu battles.
Types of small arms paintball player
To defeat the enemy in the process of "battle", pneumatic weapons of three types of action are used, which bear the common name - a paintball marker.
How to choose a marker
According to the principle of operation, markers are divided into three types - mechanical, electronic and hybrid (electromechanical) type of weapons.
All types of paintball "fire" weapons are focused on firing soft, quickly bursting capsules with a brightly colored liquid. The main difference between markers is the technological method that is used to make shots.
Mechanical ranged weapons
The method is as follows: after pressing the trigger, the coloring ball enters the barrel under the action of the bolt. In turn, the bolt itself moves under spring pressure. As soon as the ball enters the barrel, the bolt opens the valve with a blow and releases compressed air. The capsule flies out, and the bolt returns to its original position.
The range of semi-automatic and mechanical weapons for paintball is quite wide. They are produced by well-known companies in a wide variety of options - ordinary plastic pneumatics at a price of 8,000 rubles and high-precision samples worth more than $ 1,000.
Advantages:
- a great weapon option for beginners;
- reliable and simple design of the weapon allows its use in any climatic conditions;
- with proper care, they can be used for quite a long time;
- in case of any damage, it is possible to fix it yourself;
- the possibility of upgrading the gun by installing additional equipment - a stock, a magazine or an elongated barrel;
- spare parts are available for sale at an affordable price.
Flaws:
- there is absolutely no aiming accuracy;
- loud shot sound
- ball release speed is too low.
Electropneumatic paintball markers
The range of popular brands from different manufacturers is no less than the types of mechanical paintball weapons.
The cost of an electronic marker is much higher than a semi-automatic one. As a rule, such weapons are acquired by players involved in paintball at a professional level.
Advantages:
- high rate of fire and excellent hit accuracy;
- the ability to select the shooting mode;
- fairly light and compact weapon, facilitates rapid movement on the battlefield;
- economical consumption of compressed air.
Flaws:
- maintenance and repair of pneumatics requires the participation of a professional master;
- the high cost of an electronic gun does not allow everyone to buy it;
- It only works on battery power, so if it runs out, the gun becomes a useless toy.
Electromechanical marker for paintball
The combination of mechanical action technology and trigger with built-in electronics. With the help of a signal received by the sensor, the shutter is released to fire a shot. The electronic board is programmed to select the firing mode: three shots, automatic and semi-automatic.
Advantages:
- the simplicity of the design of the machine and the reliability of the mechanism make it possible to operate the weapon for its intended purpose for quite a long time;
- the ability to increase the speed of the balls makes the gun easy to use and more accurate hitting the target;
- the cost of a hybrid rifle gun is significantly lower compared to a fully electronic weapon;
- the presence of CO 2 and battery ensures comfortable use of the gun. You can shoot without worrying that the battery may run out at the most crucial moment.
Flaws:
- accuracy and accuracy of hit, leaves much to be desired;
- the sound of the shot is too loud;
- high price;
- Electronics can be fixed only by a specialist.
Sniper paintball rifle
Since, according to the rules of paintball, the flight range of the capsule, and hence the speed, are limited, they are almost the same for any marker. Therefore, the accuracy of shooting depends on the cost of the model, the reliability of the aiming device and the skill of the player.
Improved models of a conventional marker allow you to shoot from a distance inaccessible to the enemy. They are equipped with precise calibrations, the quality of the barrel is improved.
These weapons have less recoil, low firing sound, and increased flight speed of a more durable paintball. Specially designed capsules are used for firing sniper weapons - seamless and solid, outwardly similar to real bullets.
Advantages:
- the presence of a sniper, morally supports the team and increases the chances of winning;
- perfectly copes with the assigned functions at the forefront.
Flaws:
- the bulkiness and weight of the weapon complicates its transportation.
Paintball guns
It differs from the usual marker only in compactness. The principle of operation is absolutely identical. Players use it as a secondary weapon if the ammo runs out or the battery on the main barrel runs out.
Advantages:
- light weight and dimensions contribute to better maneuverability of the fighter on the battlefield;
- a great option for accomplishing a cunning tactical idea.
Flaws:
- poor accuracy of shots;
- complete lack of aimed shooting;
- low store volume.
Each type of paintball marker has its own advantages, but what will be the most suitable for a particular person is up to the player himself.
Rating of paintball guns from the best manufacturers
Mechanical markers
Tippmann FT- 12 Rental (Brand Tippmann)
Characteristic | |
Production material: | plastic, aluminum |
Caliber: | 68 |
Trunk: | 8 inches. |
feeder fixer | collet. |
Color: | black. |
Price: | 14 590 rubles. |
Manufacturer: | USA. |
Tippmann FT-12 Rental
Marker GoG Enmey (Brand GoG )
characteristic | |
Pneumatic | semi-automatic |
Caliber | 68 |
Base stem: | 10 inches |
Rate of fire: | 4 balls per second |
Feeder clamp: | plastic collet |
Pressure: | 13.10 bra |
Color: | black |
Price: | 16 590 rubles |
Manufacturer country: | China |
GoG Enmey
Marker Planet Eclipse EMEK (Etha)
Characteristic | |
Caliber: | 68 |
Base stem: | 10 inches |
Rate of fire: | up to 5 balls/sec |
Barrel thread type: | Cocker/Dye |
feeder holder | plastic collet. |
Equipment: | barrel plug, repair kit with a set of keys lubricant. |
Price: | 17 990 rubles |
Manufacturer country: | China |
Planet Eclipse EMEK (Etha)
Cyma M24 spring sniper rifle (Cyma brand)
Characteristic | |
Material: | ABS plastic, aluminum alloy |
Operating principle: | mechanical spring |
Caliber: | 0.6 mm |
Store volume: | 30 balls |
Rate of fire: | 100m/s |
Mode: | single shot |
Dimensions: | total length - 110 cm, trunk - 49 cm |
The weight: | 3500 grams. |
Rifle equipment: | instruction, ramrod, shop |
Price: | 5625 rubles |
Manufacturer country: | China |
Cyma M24 spring sniper rifle
Electronic markers
Marker Planet Eclipse Ego 09 SL94 - Black/Gold
Characteristic | |
Marker type: | electronic |
Caliber: | 0.68 |
Barrel length: | 16 inches |
Barrel thread type: | Autococker/Invert/Eclipse |
Target range: | 45 meters |
The weight: | 926 grams. |
Color: | yellow |
Equipment: | plug, repair kit, 9 volt battery, SL2 Shaft barrel set |
Price: | 44 027 rubles |
Brand country: | USA |
Planet Eclipse Ego 09 SL94 - Black/Gold
Marker Tippmann Crossover
Characteristic | |
Operating principle: | electronic |
Shooting mode: | 3 - automatic, three shots and semi-automatic |
Shooting speed: | 20 capsules per second |
Thread type: | Tippmann A5 |
Barrel length: | 12 inch |
Eye sensor | there is |
The weight: | 1800 grams |
Color: | black |
Price: | 15 000 rubles |
Manufacturer country: | USA |
Marker Tippmann Crossover
GOG G1
Characteristic | |
Material: | high-strength plastic and aluminum. |
Caliber: | 0.68 |
Type of | electronic |
Shooting modes: | automatic, semi-automatic and pressure - three shots. |
Rate of fire: | 12 capsules/sec. |
Feeder mount: | lateral, plastic clamp. |
Battery indicator | there is |
Basic equipment: | packing case, stock, 9V battery and plug. Repair kit with a set of keys, lubricant. |
The weight: | 3 kg |
Price: | 16 590 rubles |
Manufacturer country: | China |
GOG G1 Marker
Sniper rifle AY VSS "Vintorez" (Brand AY)
Characteristic | |
Material: | wood-look plastic, aluminum alloy. |
Principle of operation: | electropneumatic (AEG) |
Caliber: | 6.0mm |
Muffler: | there is |
Energy Source: | rechargeable NiMh 8.4 V 1200 mAh |
Store type and capacity: | hopper for 250 capsules. |
Bullet speed: | up to 130 m/s |
Shooting mode: | semi-automatic, automatic |
Dimensions: | total length - 93 cm. barrel - 43 cm. |
The weight: | 2 665 grams |
Equipment: | instruction battery and charger, drive and magazine. |
Price: | 9 375 rubles |
Manufacturer country: | China |
Sniper rifle AY VSS "Vintorez"
Cyma Mk.12 SPR Sniper Rifle (Cyma Brand)
Characteristic | |
Material: | plastic, aluminum alloy. |
Caliber: | 6.0mm |
Operating principle: | AEG (electro-pneumatic) |
Energy Source: | rechargeable NiMH 8.4V 1100mAh |
Store type: | bunker. |
Volume: | 350 balls with a diameter of 6 mm. |
Range of flight: | up to 130 m/sec. |
Shooting mode: | semi-automatic, automatic |
Weaver / Picatinny rail: | there is |
Dimensions: | total length 92.5 cm. barrel - 39 cm. |
The weight: | 3500 grams |
Individuality: | telescopic stock, RIS-handguard, folding diopter rear sight. |
Price: | 12 375 rubles |
Manufacturer country: | China |
Sniper rifle Cyma Mk.12 SPR
The second direction of the military-tactical game
Airsoft is a type of military tactical game that is most similar to the game of paintball with small but significant differences.
Paintball is essentially a fun and exciting pastime with plastic toy guns in your hands. The game is played both in the open air in the forest on specially equipped sites, and in a closed room equipped for the game.
Airsoft is a reenactment of real military operations. According to the players: paintball is training, and airsoft is a game for real men.
The main differences between airsoft and paintball
Marker - a detailed reproduction of a real army weapon (magazine, weight, volume and functionality), soft balls without a coloring component. The assault rifle is characterized by high accuracy and accuracy of shots, and a range of sight (over 100 meters).
Soft balls for shooting, unlike paintballs, are much lighter (0.4 grams) and larger in diameter - 17 mm.
Fighter equipment - it must correspond to the surroundings of events and the time used in the game. Camouflage, weapons, means of communication and even technology - everything is subject to the creation of the reality of events.
For face protection, players use durable goggles with good visibility or balaclava-type masks.
Games are held anywhere: on the site, equipped as for the training of special forces, in the forest and in the field, the main thing is that it meets the requirements of the battle. Combat scenery created by nature and man, the real weight and type of weapons contribute to a sense of the reality of what is happening, an atmosphere of real military operations is created.
All information about airsoft guns can be gleaned here.
Features of children's paintball
The children's version of the game is not much different from the conditions of an adult paintball. There is no specially designed script here, only a task that the teams must complete. All the actions of the guys on the site occur spontaneously, taking into account the current situation.
Before the start of the competition, the instructor tells the children about the rules of conduct on the site, invents a plot and, together with the team, develops the tactics of the game.
And yet, there is a difference between children's and adult paintball - this is a weapon and mandatory control of the game by parents and instructors.
Teenagers, after the age of 13, are allowed to visit the paintball club on their own, but minors 8-13 years old are not allowed to participate in the game without the presence of their parents or their written permission.
The children's version of paintball guns are simplified, lighter, plastic markers adapted for different age groups. They have a minimum flight speed of a small-caliber gelatin capsule.
The principle of operation of markers is a pump-action shotgun, before firing a shot, it is required to cock the spring mechanism.
Junior Player Outfit
- Reliable and lightweight bulletproof vests specially designed for children protect the back and torso from a direct hit by a ball;
- khaki suits are made of durable and dense camouflage material;
- mask and helmet - fully protects the head and face. The helmet is made of durable plastic, and the mask is made of thin shockproof glass, which provides good visibility and reliable protection.
Thanks to this type of equipment, with due observance of the rules, the risk of getting pain when hit by a rapidly bursting capsule is reduced to zero.
Overview of children's small arms and bullets
Valken brand
Marker Valken Gotcha Paintball Shotgun - 50 Cal - shotgun with a spring pump. The flight speed of the capsule is 42 km/h, which allows it to be used in the game as safely as possible. The light weight and high quality of the shotgun are ensured by the material from which the elements of the shotgun are made. The body and container for the balls are plastic, while the barrel and mechanism are made of lightweight aluminum.
Such a marker is equipped with a feeder for small-caliber capsules and a Picatinny rail.
Characteristics | |
material: | aluminium, plastic. |
The weight: | 700 grams. |
Price: | 5 250 rubles. |
Manufacturer: | Valken |
Valken Gotcha Paintball Shotgun - 50 Cal
Brand JT Splatmaster
Paintball gun Rental Pistol Z100. Designed for children from the age of five. Air filling is not required, the gun is ready to use. There are already eight balls in the clip.
characteristic | |
0.50 inch barrel: | one-component. |
Operating principle: | pump action |
Options: | 0.26/0.34/10 cm. |
Toy weight: | 1.5 kg. |
Color: | red |
Price: | 2400 rubles. |
Producing country: | Japan |
Rental Pistol Z100
Marker JT Splat Master Z30
The pump-action children's paintball marker needs no air and is ready to use. Clips with gelatin balls are enough for 15 shots.
Characteristic | |
Operating principle: | pump-action spring |
Trunk: | one piece, 10" caliber. |
Rate of fire: | 4 capsules per minute. |
Range of flight: | 20 meters |
Balls: | 50 gauge |
Gun weight: | 1.2 kg. |
The size: | 0,22/0,5/0,06. |
Price: | 3 970 rubles. |
Manufacturer country: | Japan |
JT Splat Master Z30
Paintballs 0.50 caliber, suitable for children's markers from the best manufacturers of the JT and Valken brands, are available in tubes with a capacity of 10 paintballs and paper boxes of 1000 gelatin capsules with water-soluble paint.
Paintballs JT SplatMaster
The packaging looks like a grenade. The convenient neck of the container allows you to quickly fill the JT Splatmaster brand marker with bright capsules with paint that can be easily removed with water.
Characteristic | |
Tube capacity: | 200 balls. |
Balls caliber: | 0.5 |
Color: | Orange |
Price: | 990 rubles |
Manufacturer: | JT Japan |
Paintballs JT SplatMaster
Paintball Slugs 50 Cal - 4000 pieces
Premium balls are perfect for the JT SplatMaster range of children's markers. Easily washed off with water.
Characteristic | |
Ball caliber: | 0.5 |
Color: | brown |
Quantity: | 4000 pieces |
Packing cost: | 4 790 r. |
Manufacturer country: | Japan |
Paintball Slugs 50 Cal - 4000 pieces
Buying one box with 4000 gelatin balls will cost 4 times cheaper than buying 20 tubes, each containing 200 balls.
Advantages of children's paintball:
- the safest type of sports game, in comparison with other outdoor entertainment for children;
- contributes to the maximum output of negative emotions and complete psychological relief;
- fun and exciting pastime, allows the guys in a relaxed way, to get basic knowledge of the course of military training;
- participation in the game increases the sociability of the child, helps to gain a sense of self-confidence;
- develops large-scale thinking, which allows to anticipate the development of the situation and make an extraordinary decision;
- teaches children to work in a team, and most importantly, the guys get the most important thing: real friends, proven "in battle";
- they will learn not from a book, but in reality, the meaning of the expression "shoulder of a friend", his help and support.
Paintball is a game for everyone. It does not require any prior physical preparation. There are no restrictions on gender. Boys and girls, strong and weak, indecisive and sociable, can participate in the game. Paintball will help every young player to develop those qualities that are not yet sufficiently disclosed in a child.