Now that you have taken the steps to become interested with the fun and exciting sport of paintballing, you might be wondering where the idea came from for people to run around and shoot each other with a paintball gun. Did you know there are several different types of guns or markers. The rifle and pistol are available. There are also different types of playing fields for the different types of games. As in any sport there is also the concern for safety. Various types of apparel will help with the safety concern while the upgrades in the gear and accessories will enhance your game.

In the early 1970’s , James Hale of the Daisy Manufacturing not only invented but also patented what would become the first paintball gun. This marker was first produced to be used by farmers for marking livestock and the logging industry for marking trees. Charles Nelson was the one who originally invented a paint pellet to be shot out of the gun. Made from oil based paint, the pellet was designed to have a long lasting mark. The first game of paintball was played in the early 1980’s.  With 12 participants they played the first ever game of capture the flag while using the Nelspot007, which was a pump pistol.

The guns and paint balls have come a long way. The first specifically designed gun was the Splatmaster. Invented by Robert G. Shepherd, July , 1985.  A washable, marking fluid that was enclosed in soft gelatin capsules was patented in January, 1987.   George A Skogg, was the inventor who worked for the Nelson Paint Company.  The capsules produced projectiles which was not only more accurate but also produced bright and highly visible marks that could be washed out easily with detergent and water.

Several  of the paintball companies have moved to the forefront in the industry.  Tippmann Sports LLC , revolutionized the paintball industry with the invention of the first semi-automatic paintball maker.  They have not stopped there.  The company is continuing with the development of the A-5™.

It is very important to play safe. Probably the most important piece of gear are the masks that protect your eyes and head.  The right apparel that not only looks cool but is designed with your safety in mind is something everyone should take advantage of.   With companies like 32 Degrees manufacturing high quality upgrades for the markers along with accessories and gear while trying to keep the cost reasonable, is allowing more peaple to enter the paintball sport.

The games of today are as different as the playing fields that they are played on.  No matter the weather, people are found playing paintball.  From your backyard, to the woods, indoors at a professional facility or even in a real ghost town in the west people are into the sport.  Almost anywhere you can find time and find a few people to join you, a game can be played.  Be it hot or cold, snow or sand, trees or buildings, people will get a game going.  And the games can be as simple as one on one, or one of the many, well established games. Virus tag, turkey shoot, capture the flag and variations on this game like flag in the center just to name a few.  Most everyone likes to be the sniper, hiding to ambush another player is a lot of fun.

Most of the paintball companies offer what is called a paintball gun package.  These will include the marker along with some of the accessories like the mask and tank or even one of the upgrades.  One company even offers a package with 4 markers named the Ion paintball marker by Smart Parts

Spend some time watching other play. If you can go to a professional facility, you can probably rent different equipment and this will help to give you a better idea of what you feel better with and what works best for you. Talk to friends about their equipment and most will be more then happy to offer there opinions.  While a competitive sport, most players look at paintball as a game of stealth and tactical maneuvers and strategy.  Challenging and fast paced with a great big dose of adrenaline thrown in for good fun.