I have a question for you!

[AKA]

Hi, I'm new to Paintball and have only played a B-Day party and some back yard Paintball and want to play some structured Paintball, but I'm all by myself, what can I doquestion:) And wherequestion:)

I know its just me, but just in case they're afraid to ask and would just like to read about it, What should these Poor Kids Do question:)

[Edgar]

If your new to paintball,check out splattag.com.
come on out to Splattag to any end of the month game,ask for the Wild Bunch team guy's,and we the Wild Bunch will take you and your friends under our wing for the day.We'll be glad to answer any questions you have,help with equipment.We all have alot of experiance in paintball,and know how to have fun:D
We'll show you what it's all about,and you'll have fun doing itberet:)

[badmoon]

show up on a wensday afternoon game its always tamer that the end of the month get a feel for it. or do as i did jump in the fire and get reamed untill your good it will happen. recon:)

[Thalion]

On the subject of Wednesday's being tamer, that may be the case (as I haven't been to a Wednesday game), but I have brought first time people out there on Sundays before without any trouble.

Thus, I would advise new players to feel free coming on Sundays, as Edgar had suggested. You (the hypothetical new player reading this) may see some interesting characters, but we're all for the most part quick to apologize/forgive in event of the rare problem.

Just be ready to have fun, feel free to ask questions to any of us that look like we know what we're doing, and remember that the only stupid question is the one left unasked.

[MondoMor]

Organized paintball is a lot more intense than birthday party 'ball, so the first few times you play you're going to get an education and some welts. :D

Check out MnPIG's Yellow Pages (http://www.mnpig.com/minnesota/paintball/fields.htm) to find a field near you. Head over to the field when they're open and see if you can watch a game or two before playing.

There's several ways to play (in the wide open woods, in taped-off obstacle fields, and soccer-sized fields with inflatable bunkers, etc.). Guns range from single-shot pump-action to full-on electronic guns that will empty your hopper (and bank account) in seconds.




I heartily recommend playing with pump-action paintball guns, at least to start out. Most pump players are amazingly friendly and helpful, and you will learn all the skills you need by playing with them. A day of pump play is almost always cheaper, too.

Splat-Tag and Northside Sports have pump-only games, and other fields might, too.

[AKA]

I think the easiest thing for new players looking for other players to get into the Game with is, if your still in school, no matter what school, high school, Tech, or collage, your in among alot of players and you probably don't even know it. All it takes is an announcement on the bulletin board, Paintballers meeting all paintballers welcome meet at blank at blank time. I'm pretty sure there will be some showing up. When my daughter went to school and said she was playing at our house, within 3 weeks I had 20 or so kids showing up to play. There is alot of ways to get into the sport, and alot of ways to play the Game, just pick one and go for it and soon you'll be helping others to do the same./AKA

[Thalion]

I heartily recommend playing with pump-action paintball guns, at least to start out. Most pump players are amazingly friendly and helpful (and usually have extra guns until you can get a pump of your own), and you will learn all the skills you need by playing with them. A day of pump play is almost always cheaper, too.

Just added some useful information, as there are very few new players that go out and buy a pump. 98% of the time, a new player buys a Tippmann or Spyder/spyder clone.

[Badger]

Yup, nothing wrong with a Tippmann. It's a very good starter scenario gun and easy to maintain. beret:)

[Darrin]

If someone can't get the job done using a Tippmann A-5 then they just can't the job done! If you know what I mean. :) 200a:)

Badger Nice Sig banner.

[Badger]

Thanks, Darrin! beret:)

[badmoon]

i love my a-5 but if your looking for pure accuracy a pump is the only way.:)

[Erndogg]

i love my a-5 but if your looking for pure accuracy a pump is the only way.:)

I feel the need to clarify a bit here just in case. Pumps ARE NOT any more accurate then an A5. It just teaches you to take a second and aim since you don't have a rope of paint to back up your first shot if you miss.

[Edgar]

I disagree
pump's are where cockers evolved from.pumps & cockers are the most accurate guns made.i've shot a-5's, 98's with a variaty of upgraded barrels and never had the accuracy i had with a pump,or cocker...

[Thalion]

I feel the need to clarify a bit here just in case. Pumps ARE NOT any more accurate then an A5. It just teaches you to take a second and aim since you don't have a rope of paint to back up your first shot if you miss.

I disagree
pump's are where cockers evolved from.pumps & cockers are the most accurate guns made.i've shot a-5's, 98's with a variaty of upgraded barrels and never had the accuracy i had with a pump,or cocker...


Hmm... I smell an attempt to "mythbust" in my future. Just thinking out loud of course. I've been pondering doing a mini-series of "paintball myths" being tested, and until I saw both of your posts, I hadn't thought of pump vs semi as something to test. Now, I have my personal hypothesis as to what the results would be, but I'm more than willing to reverse my opinion should facts show otherwise.

Those that say that pumps and semis shoot the same could bring up the WDR clip on it. I will point out that Rob "Tyger" shot offhand. This adds a human variable to the accuracy. I would recommend shooting from a benchrest for actual tests, like they do for firearms.

I'm not saying there is or is not a difference just yet, just seems like something for me to do after finals.

[badmoon]

me thalion for reaL I WAS JUST THINKING THAT, ALSO ADDING PAM ON THE CLOTHES AND RAINX ON THE LENS FOR SLIDE NO BREAK ABILTY

[AKA]

I think we're getting off subject here. Everyone loves a great discussion on whats good and what is'nt, but it does'nt have anything to do much with getting the new player into a structured game with his pals. Although it does bring up a good point though, we do need a discussion section board on this Forum.;)/AKA

[EvADe]

If you're new and no friends play with you, check around for local teams recruiting, some may be interested in getting you started and might even have people your age on the team already. Post on team forums, find out where they'll be, and when. Meet up with them and get to know them. Most teams won't just pick someone up at the drop of a hat, may need to play with them 4-5 times.

I recommend not even buying a gun at first... Since it's so cheap to rent one now and days, and you get a very decent gun (at least at Splat tag you do), plus the tank is good, you won't have to field repair it or know how to, it breaks, you bring it back, you get another one, or they fix it for you.

I recommend playing at least 5-6 times before even considering buying a marker. Realize your play style. Do you like to take careful shots? time for a pump, or a blow back non-electro semi. Do you like to run up to the front line and spray as much paint as you can in as little time as you can? Ok Mr.TriggerHappy welcome to electro-pneumatic guns (electro would be any gun with an electronic board controlling the firing).


I DO recommend getting your own mask, squeege, pod pack and playing clothes, it's a good investment to just get some cheapo stuff to use for a few games, once you get hardcore hooked into paintball go spend the big money on the fancy stuff you think you need. lol. (make sure it's really bright j/k)


Ok, so you've figured out your play style? Great.. Now i recommend going to your local PAINTBALL SHOP!! I do not recommend going to walmart, kmart, any sporting goods stores etc.. Why? Well.. basically because most of the kids working back in the "paintball department" have never even played. If you want advice about your next marker, go to where the people play alot, and those are your proshops, fields, and even surplus stores. If you go into a store and they can't answer your questions about any marker in there, you shouldn't be shopping there...

Also make sure to get a tank for your new marker :) I recommend HPA (high pressure air) if you're going to a big field mostly. Also alot of choices for those, ask for help when you pick up your marker.


Ok, so you have your new marker, congrats! Now depending on your mechanical abilities. I highly recommend you get to know your marker, inside and out. Whenever i get a new marker, i rip it apart, clean everything and regrease/oil it.. But thats me, If you don't know the difference between a phillips screwdriver and a crescent wrench... maybe not something you want to do... But if you decide to take it apart make sure to use your manual that comes with your marker, it will tell you how to strip and clean.


And by now you should have everything you need to play. And some basic knowledge of the sport. Good luck and happy hunting..


P.s. this was written at 2am and if it has spelling errors too bad! Hopefully it helps some of the newer players out there. EVERYTHING posted in this is my OPINION and should be taken as such. Thanks -Vade

[EvADe]

I also recommend picking up some reading material. I recommend Badgers books, lots of info for the novice player. He might put a link in here.. I figured I should mention it before he flogs me with his chain of command deshelmet:)

[AKA]

Great write up Evade, now thats what I'm talking about.:) If a player reads these things and still has trouble getting into a group and or structered Games, then they may need to have thier hands held for more guidance.:rolleyes:/AKA