performance:sports:paintball

Paintball

One of the list members wrote an article in a paintball magazine, called “Costumes In Paintball.” Thanks for the submit!


From PeeWee
Subject: Intro to paintball

Paintball is a sport which is similar to laser tag but everyone uses paintball guns instead of lasers. Also the number of players can vary from 2 to over 1000 people which is only limited to the size of the field. Unlike laser tag in paintball you are allowed to run and do what you can to avoid getting hit. Also you don't need to wear really expensive electronic sensors in paintball.

The games played in paintball do vary depending on the rules and how many people are playing. The most common game is capture the flag. In capture the flag there are 2 flag stations at opposite ends of the field and each team starts at their flag station. The object of the game is for one team to get the other team's flag and to bring it back to their flag station or for one team to completely eliminate toe other team. There are many variations of this game and many other scenarios that are used.

Each field has their own set of rules. Some rules that all fields have is that proper eye, ear and face protection is required at all times except in the parking lot and staging area. Also the velocity of the paintball guns is limited to a maximum of 300 fps. Many fields have a lower maximum velocity. Many fields are also very strict about enforcing safety rules and many times have a zero tolerance policy for those who violate them. Sometimes they will add new safety rules if they notice some problems occuring rather frequently on the field. For example some places have a rule against overshooting someone. Also most fields have either banned or heavily restricted all paintball guns with full-auto capabilites.


From: PeeWee
Subject: Re: Intro to paintball

To make a fursuit for paintball there are some restrictions mainly for safety and durability. First you MUST USE PAINTBALL APPROVED GOGGLES AND A FACEMASK as the base. Also DO NOT MODIFY THE LENS in the goggles. That could cause the lens to break if it is hit by a paintball.

One you have the paintball goggles and mask you must choose only certain materials that are very durable and can withstand multiple hits from paintballs travelling around 300 fps. Usually materials such as fiberglass, thick plastic and heavy duty rubber will work. Also it is a good idea if you made the whole costume as light as possible since you will be doing a lot of running in it.

For the bodysuit you must use durable fabrics since it will go through a lot of abuse on the field. Also it isn't a good idea to use expensive fabric since you will most likely get it rather dirty at the end of the day.

For the gloves you must use a set of 5 fingered gloves so that you can pull the trigger on the paintball gun, reload it and if you have to clean out the barrel. Also you should use a rather thin material for the gloves so that your finger can fit in the trigger guard easily since many fields now require them.

I highly recommend talking to the staff and field owner before going out on the field with your paintball ready fursuit. Make shure to explain what you are doing and let them inspect the mask so that they know you are using a paintball approved face mask. If you don't use a paintball approved face mask it is possible that a paintball will break the lens of whatever pair of goggles and/or face mask you are using. Well run fields are very strict with their safety rules.

If you are going to make a fursuit for paintball you should perform some ballistics tests on the materials you plan on using. You don't have to perform ballistics tests on items designed for paintball use. Any material that can't withstand multiple paintball hits at around 300 fps can be very dangerous to carry out on the paintball field. There is the possibility of it shattering or breaking off into rather sharp pieces which can be very dangerous.

/home/furryfursuit/faq/data/pages/performance/sports/paintball.txt · Last modified: 2011/08/11 12:02 (external edit)

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