New Player Guide
So you've been paintballing once or twice before and you want to start doing it regularly.
What equipment should you buy and in what order?
1: Boots
2: Gloves
3: Mask
6: Marker
7: Others
Why in this order?
Boots and Gloves are not usually provided by paintball sites. Protecting your feet and hands from paintballs, the playing environment and the elements is key to having a safe fun day. One of the most common paintball injuries is a twisted ankle where players are wearing trainers rather than boots. A good pair of boots will keep your feet dry and warm and protect them from the elements. See our Boots Guide for details
Mask: The masks at paintball sites should be perfectly safe, but may be prone to 'fog up'. If you can't see what you're shooting at or where you are going, the enjoyment of your day's paintballing will be seriously diminished. Buying your own mask can resolve this issue. It is key however that you take precise note of the care instructions that come with a mask to avoid damaging it and ultimately yourself. See our Mask Guide for details.
Protective Gear: Paintball sites will not provide you with kneepads, elbow pads, groin protection or other body armour that you should require. Some people say that kneepads and elbow pads are for sissies. That's nonsense: the real Army wear them in combat operations for a very good reason: crawling around or kneeling on rough terrain can be painful and uncomfortable. If you're diving for cover, protecting your joints is a sensible idea. Professional paintball uniforms and some high-end army combat outfits have kneepads and elbow pads built in. You can pick up a pair of military specification kneepads for £20 or less. See our Protective gear guide for details.
Camouflage Gear: Many sites will give you a vaguely camouflaged boiler suit to wear over whatever else you're wearing. For many people this is ideal, but if you're not an average shape, find boiler suits uncomfortable or are playing in extreme temperatures then purchasing your own combat uniform is a wise investment. 2nd hand combat clothing can be very cheap. See our guide for details.
Webbing/Ball Hauler: Ok so, you've got the camouflage gear, but you want something to match and something more comfortable to carry your paint and other items around in when on the field.. Most sites will provide you with some sort of belt or bandolier to lug your 100 round pots in. There are a wide range of options if you want something better, - especially if you're going to be purchasing your own gun/marker.
Marker/Gun: Why number 6 on the list? Surely its the most important thing to buy? Ultimately it is, but if you're just starting its best to spend money protecting yourself first and learning what sort of player you are. Woodsball involves various styles of player, from the gung-ho guy who storms enemy positions, to the sneaky sniper, to the long range gunner, or the jack of all trades. You won't initially know what sort of style of player you are until you have been paintballing several times [whatever your pre-conceptions are]. You should buy a marker that matches your style of play. Until then, its worth using the site provided markers or borrowing those of friends to see what you like. If you're going to be playing in the woods, its well worth considering a Tippmann marker as these a generally very sturdy and reliable. Most of the Kent Rangers and Kent Volunteers carry either Tippmann A5s or Tippmann 98s for this reason. You can also significantly modify them to suit your style of play and achieve a more 'military' look to your marker.
Others: You mean there's more kit you can buy? If you're going to get serious, then you'll need all manner of items from equipment to maintain and store your marker, to radios and headsets. See our guide for details.