Paintball Mask/Goggle

The paintball mask is the most important piece of equipment you can have when playing paintball.  It protects your eyes, face, ears, and part of your neck.  You should only use apporved paintball masks when playing.  They are made to withstand the 200 MPH paintballs without breaking or cracking.  Do not use safety goggles, ski goggles, motorcycle goggles or the likes because they will break when hit with a paintball.  You could end up without an eye.  Don't be "cheap" when purchasing a mask.  In the long run it will be money well spent.  I suggest that you get a mask that has thermal lenses.  Normal lenses can and will fog over during play and not being able to see where you are going is not the safest situation to be in.  I know this from past experience.  Thermal lenses will not fog over and that is why they are a better choice.  Make sure you have a good field of vision when wearing the mask.  Not all masks are created equal and some have a much wider field of view than others.  Also, if you wear glasses, make sure the mask is big enough to fit over them comfortably without causing undue pressure in any area.  Never play with cracked lenses because you are only asking for problems.  It is recommended that the lenses be replaced every six months to a year.  New lenses can be purchased for 10 to 20 dollars and replacing them is not hard to do.  Do not leave paint on the lenses.  Clean them with approved paintball lens cleaner or plain water.  Using Windex or other glass cleaners with damage the lens and can discolor them as well.  Never store your mask with paint on it!  One other note, get a mask with a visor.  It will keep the sun out of your eyes and make it easier for you to see where you are shooting.

I also suggest that you wear some type of head cover.  The top of the head is a tender area and unless you have a lot of hair, it will hurt if you get hit on the top of the head.  Wearing an old hat or beanie will provide some protection.  There are a couple of paintball masks that provide full coverage for the head.  They may be a little warm in the summer, but they do provide the extra protection.  Full Coverage 

Body Protection  Safety Gear

Neck protectors are a faily common item worn by players.  The neck is another tender area and if you ever get hit in the Adam's Apple, you will definitely know it!  Neck protectors come in different thickness and widths so you will have to check them out and decide if they are something you want to wear.  They are not that expensive and in some cases the better quality ones are actually less expensive than others.

Chest protectors will add protection to your torso.  They are light weight and have small holes in them to help with ventilation.  Have no doubt, you will sweat, even in cool weather.  For those people who bruise easily and want the added protection, they are great.  Some designs even add a "six pack" to your tummy.  I find them to be a little restrictive in movement, but that may be a small factor when deciding if you want to wear one or not.

Knee and elbow shields are worn by numerous players.  Those that play speedball may find them to be a necessity.  If you do a lot of sliding and diving into bunkers, these shields provide excellent protection from bruises and scrapes.  The shields will protect you from rocks and gravel injuries.  If you mainly play woodsball, you may not feel the need for the added protection.  I play both woodsball and speedball and I have found that a pair of knee pads from the local harware store work fine for me.  It is a matter of personal choice as to what you want to use.

Gloves are a necessay item when playing paintball.  The first few times I played without gloves.  After being hit in the hand a couple of times, I decided that gloves would be a good thing.  The hand doesn't have much soft tissue, muscle or fat, to absorb the impact of a paintball.  It definitely hurts when you get hit in the hand or wrist.  Any type of hand protection is better than no protection.  If you don't want to buy a pair of gloves, then get an old pair and cut the fingers off to allow for better movement.  Understand also that gloves will protect your hands from scrapes and scratches from rocks, gravel, stickers and sticks.  Wear gloves.