Getting Started

[kaotix]

Hello Brycat,

Happy to hear your son has taken a liking to paintball.

Of course there are different avenues to take each with its own things to consider.

First is understanding the sport. The ultimate resource online is PBnation.com Most of your questions can be answered there however there is a fair amount of sarcasm that can be dealt sadly but don't let that deter you! As mentioned TechPB is also a great resource which you can find on Youtube.

Secondly is where to play and what style your child would enjoy more. Woodsball or speedball? Before looking at buying gear I would suggest your child try or at least watch both. This will have a large effect on the gear that you buy or he buys himself.

Third would be the basics, gear and home field. Let's start with field. For woods ball your closest popular venues are Bragg creek paintball which I recommend, and Rampage citys outdoor venue which I believe is located in Okatoks "Urban Combat" Speedball can be played at Rampage City in Calgary and hosts numerous nightly events including skills night and other open aspects to developing players. And speedball is also available at Bragg Creek once again. Try to find a member of team "Toxic". They are a group of outstanding players whom I am confidant will welcome you and your child with open arms and will answer any questions you have.

And of course the gear. This all comes down to what your budget looks like. I should inform you Paintball CAN BE an expensive hobby. And the start up cost is the hardest part. I would recommend trying on and trying out as many available options as you can before spending money. There are different size guns and tanks that feel too long, too short, or just about right, Some masks just fit differently or cover more or less area of the jaw and neck. Pant's are mostly personal preferance...(A lot about paintball is based on that) elbow pads and knee pads may or may not be applicable depending on which course your child takes.

And of course the gun... Woodsball gun...speedball gun... One that just works, one that looks cool, one that can be afforded, one that's worth as much as you think it is, one that's quiet, one thats efficiant, one that's light, one that's not a bright colour, One that IS a bright color, one that's accurate, one that your child would be proud of, All these and more are things to be considered for both kinds of paintball. I WILL give you this initial tip. The accuracy part comes totally from the bore size of the barrel. Nothing else. Buy a gun that will take a popular barrel size kit or find out what approx what paint your child will shoot most often and buy an aftermarket barrel in that size. Usually a .685 bore size is a good bet.

I hope this helped out a lot and I'll be happy to answer any future questions you have. I have no experience playing at the field your son played at but if you are happy with their service and what you think your son will learn from there I always encourage people to support their home field and local paintball community first. That being said, For the most part the world of paintball is quite unique for it's overly neighborly attitude compared to some other sports. Don't be shy to chat with other players and ask questions. I'm sure you will get the best results that way.

Nathan

[Brycat]

Thanks for the information it will definatley help!!