Used Paintball Guns
February 25, 2008
Paintball is an expensive game, and the price of a paintball gun varies according to its brand and model and firing systems employed. Usually, the price of a new paintball ranges from $150 to $1,800. Used paintball guns are a blessing for those players who are financially challenged. They are also ideal for beginners.
Nowadays, used paintball guns are in high demand because of its attractive features such as cost effectiveness, durability, and dependability. If an appropriate selection is made, used paintball guns can provide years of good service. The main advantage of used paintball guns is that they are lot cheaper than brand new ones. Sometimes, one can even acquire top quality paintball guns for half the price.
When buying used paintball equipment, it is necessary to check whether the manufacture is still in business and does servicing. It is always wise to purchase used paintball gun that is in good condition. Sometimes, people try to sell used paintball markers that cannot be reused. For instance, paintball guns powered by carbon-di-oxide pressure system cannot be reused. Hence, one should be very careful while purchasing a used paintball gun.
Most of the paintball pro-shops in the US carry a complete line of used paintball guns, which are in good working order. In addition, there are a number of auction and classified sites on the Web, providing online services to shop used paintball guns.
Paintball Masks
February 24, 2008
Sometimes called “goggles”, paintball masks are safety devices that players are required to wear. These completely cover not only the eyes, but also the mouth, ears and nostrils of a person. Some masks even feature throat guards. The lenses are designed to stop paintballs traveling around or under 300ft/s (~90m/s). It should be noted, however, that the lenses are not designed to withstand impacts of paintballs traveling at vastly greater speeds.
Double-layered or “thermal” lenses are also available. These lenses are much less prone to fogging. These work by separating an inside and an outside lens with an air chamber, that allows for the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside of the mask without forming condensation. However, if any moisture whatsoever somehow gets in between the two lenses, the inner faces of both lenses will fog, and it will take a very long time to dry out, if it does at all.
Fogging masks can be a significant hazard while playing. Besides the lost vision, players may be tempted to remove their mask and expose themselves to serious eye injuries. To reduce fogging of lenses while playing, some masks include electric fans that remove humidity and dry the lens. This is especially useful for situations that require wearing the mask for extended periods of time, such as wood play, large games, or being a referee. Finally, there are many anti-fog topical solutions that players can apply .
The exterior of the thermal lenses (or the lenses, in non-thermal masks) is usually made of Polycarbonate. This material provides excellent impact resistance. Because polycarbonate is soft, these lenses are manufactured with anti-scratch coatings. But great care must be taken to keep proper care of the lenses. Many vendors recommend the immediate replacement of very scratched lenses, or lenses subjected to very strong impacts.
Generally, more expensive masks tend to be smaller (which in turn makes the player a smaller target), more comfortable, and have more interchangeable parts.
It should be noted, that while playing paintball, even just shooting at the ground or trees, wearing proper paintballing masks are mandatory for safety. Some paintballs can be very thick and can bounce off the ground, and other objects, and hit people.