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Paintball jerseys are as much a part of the sport as the paintballs and markers you use to shoot them. Choosing the right paintball jersey can really make a difference when it comes to offering protection, but also keeping you cool as you play. The best paintball jerseys feel like a second skin as you run around the field, vanquishing your enemies. 

Our guide to choosing a paintball jersey helps you to determine which jersey is right for you, from the size you choose to the material it’s made from. We’ll also show you examples of our three favorite paintball jerseys to help you focus more on playing than worrying about what you’re wearing. 

How to Choose a Paintball Jersey

Paintball jerseys are categorized by size, material, padding, and style. Finding the right combination of all four is the best way to find a paintball jersey you’ll want to wear every time you play. 

Sizing

Choosing the right size paintball jersey should be first on your list. A little bit of extra material is fine if you want some breathing room, but if your jersey is too big, it could get in the way and prevent you from making a kill shot. 

At the same time, you don’t want a jersey that’s too small. Like paintball gloves that are too small, tight paintball jerseys can hinder your movement. You might not be able to flex your arms in order to get the best shooting position, which can have a huge impact on your accuracy. 

Paintball jersey sizing isn’t all about fit, though. Tight paintball jerseys can also make shots hurt more. There’s not as much material standing between you and the paintball, which is critical for close shots especially. While you might want to choose a paintball jersey that’s snug for crawling through brush and sneaking up on your opponents, going too snug will just make life even harder. 

Jersey Material

There’s no denying the fact that you’re going to be beating the life out of your paintball jersey as you play. That’s why you need something that’s high quality, made from durable materials that can stand up to mud, sticks, bushes, tree branches, and whatever else you might brush up against as you target your opponents. 

Cotton and polyester paintball jerseys are most common. The best paintball jerseys are those that breathe as much as they withstand impact, so cotton is a common choice. However, you can also buy custom paintball jerseys that are a cotton and polyester blend, for stretchiness as well as breathability. Moisture-wicking materials are key, especially for long gameplay. 

Padding

Padded paintball jerseys are a game-changer for your body. More padding isn’t necessarily always better, because it’s more about placement. The best paintball jerseys pad you exactly where you need it without adding too much bulk. 

Style

The style of your paintball jersey is where you can really add in some personalized flair. It’s also a way for you to help identify your team members, as friendly fire is never a good thing. 

Paintball jerseys can either be short- or long-sleeve. A short-sleeved paintball jersey works best for basic coverage, but if you’re in a colder climate or playing in the winter months, a long-sleeved paintball jersey will not only keep you warm but also provide more coverage when it comes to padding. 

The best paintball jerseys are those that come with a matching pants set. These paintball jersey pants combo sets complete your outfit for a fierce look that lets everyone know you mean business. 

Lone Wolf's Top 3 Picks

HK Army and our own Splash Jerseys are some of our favorites to recommend. These paintball jerseys will keep you moving and protect you during gameplay while still expressing your style.

1. HK Army HSTL Jersey

This particular jersey is one of our favorites from HK Army. Known for superior quality and dynamic styling, these long-sleeve paintball jerseys are hand-sewn from lightweight materials that allow your body to breathe during battle. 

HK Army offers these paintball jerseys in a variety of colors and sizes. Large blocks of color are broken up by black slashes to better hide you as you stalk your enemy. The sides of these jerseys are ventilated, so you can sweat in them all day if you like. 

Padded zones on these particular jerseys are located in the shoulder, elbows, and chest area. These are the most common areas you’ll want to pad, but you can also add any other padded equipment over the jersey, as it’s thin enough to act like a second skin. 

For a full review of the HK Army HSTL Jersey, take a look at our review video below:

2. HK Army Freeline Jersey

Our next favorite pick is also from HK Army. The Freeline paintball jersey lineup provides all the same benefits of the HSTL line, but with additional padding, ventilation, and durability built in. If you’re serious about paintball, this jersey is seriously devoted to giving you the best protection. 

The long sleeves of this paintball jersey end at ribbed cuffs that stretch to fit your wrist. The fabric itself is made from vented material that incorporates mesh zones for maximum breathability to keep you cooler as you play. Reinforced elbows are also a necessity, especially if you plan on ducking and diving.  

For a full review of the HK Army Freeline Jersey, take a look at our helpful YouTube video review below:

3. JT Glide Jersey

The JT Glide Series Jerseys are lightweight, breathable and pay homage to the most classic JT designs! These jerseys are made from top-of-the-line materials and will hold up under the toughest of conditions. Each jersey is made with mesh side pannels to keep you as cool and comfortable as possible while you play paintball! As is the case with most jerseys, we recommend ordering a size larger than you would normally order. This helps take into account any body armor or sweatshirts you may wear underneath so you can remain mobile and move freely. You can either order a size larger than you typically would, or opt for the same size you normally wear for a snug fit.

For a full review of the JT Glide Jersey, take a look at our comprehensive YouTube video review below:

Conclusion

Until you've had a welt or two on your hands, paintball gloves may not seem like the most essential piece of equipment. However, their benefits go beyond just protecting your hands from being hit. Suitable gloves will also improve your grip on the marker, which is crucial when playing in adverse conditions, such as extreme heat, rain, or snow. There are many gloves to consider when deciding which to buy. So, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you make the best decision for your next glove purchase.

What to Look for in Paintball Gloves

The main reason people wear paintball gloves is to protect against direct hits from paintballs. Others, however, need gloves to also provide insulation and improved grip during the game. The main things that you should look for in your paintball gloves are quality, fit, material, and style.

Fit

The first thing to look for in paintball gloves is the fit. Your glove should fit snugly around your hand, but it shouldn’t be too tight to restrict movement or blood circulation. The paintball glove shouldn’t be too loose, either. Loose gloves can leave excess material at the end of the fingertips, which may get in the way of firing, opening pod packs, and refilling the hopper. The key is to find a glove that fits snugly without being too tight. Pay special attention to hand mobility and ensure you can still operate your gun effectively. With the right fit, you'll be able to play all day without any discomfort.

Material

When shopping for paintball gloves, the material is one of the most critical factors because it affects both your comfort and durability. Nylon is a popular choice because it's both inexpensive and comfortable. However, if you're considering nylon gloves, it's a good idea to make sure they have a non-slip material on the palms and fingers for those rainy fall or spring games. 

Neoprene is another popular choice for paintball gloves. It's thicker than nylon, so it provides more protection in the event that you get hit on the hand. In addition, neoprene offers excellent insulation, so it keeps your hands warm on colder days–if you’ve ever played with numb fingers, you know how important that is. Neoprene is also incredibly durable and has been known to last years without wearing out. Many of these neoprene gloves can be used during other outdoor fall activities. 

Style 

There's no shortage of options for paintball gloves, and sifting through all the options can be time-consuming. Regular gloves can be used for paintball, and something is better than nothing. However, it’s best to use paintball-specific handwear. 

Generic (non-paintball) gloves

These may be lifting gloves, gardening gloves, or even winter glove liners. They're not necessarily designed for paintball, but they’re better than nothing!. These gloves might provide some padding and insulation, but they're not going to offer the same level of protection, durability, and freedom of movement as purpose-built paintball gloves.

Fingerless gloves

Fingerless paintball gloves are a popular choice if you want to maintain excellent grip and trigger control. You can choose between gloves that expose all your fingers or just the first two. We recommend gloves that leave the first two fingers exposed for the best trigger control.

Armored gloves

For maximum protection, you need armored gloves. Paintball can put you into close-quarters combat, and that's when the proper protection really matters. These gloves feature heavy padding or plastic armor on the back of the hand and fingers and usually have reinforced palms. If you're worried they might be too bulky and impede your ability to grip and fire your marker, fingerless armored gloves offer the perfect blend of protection and agility.

Sleeve Gloves 

Sleeve gloves are your best option if you're looking for the closest thing to bare-handed shooting. They have a thumb hole but leave your fingers completely free (and exposed) while protecting the back of your hands, palms, and wrists.

Advantages of Using Paintball Gloves

Not all paintball gloves are created equal (or well made). Ensure that you choose a durable, well-designed glove. After all, what is the point of paintball gloves if they lack the right combination of durability, flexibility, and water/weatherproofing to meet and exceed your specific needs? So what are the best gloves for paintball? Our top 4 picks won't disappoint. Check them out below!

Our Top 4 Paintball Gloves

1. HK Army "Bones" Gloves 

These durable and streamlined padded paintball gloves are a steal at $35. They offer neoprene's lightweight, form-fitting protection with a slip-proof silicone palm grip. In addition, the TPR protective bones design aesthetically protects the back of your hand, while the two-finger-less design allows for split-second firing control.

2. Infamous Spartan Gloves  

At only $10, you might want to grab a few pairs of these minimalist, skeleton-squad-style classics. The dipped anti-slip coating and compression fit protect while preserving dexterity and trigger sensitivity so you can fire freely. While these are a minimalist option, they offer an impact-resistant skeleton hand backing to cushion direct hand hits.

3. HK Army Pro Gloves 

The perfect balance of performance, comfort, and durability, these form-fitting neoprene gloves with a two-finger-less design ensure no firing restriction whatsoever. The silicone grip and aero-mesh ventilation give you a cool and steady marker grip all day long. At $35, these gloves are an incredible value.

4. HK Army HSTL Gloves  

A performance-engineered player-centric design at just $14.95, these paintball gloves offer complete protection and an abrasion-resistant HK Army logo print exterior. In addition, the perfect combination of durability and finger flexibility allows for rapid firing so you can keep your opponents at bay.

Conclusion

We all want to have the coolest paintball gear bag, but protecting your equipment is just as important. If you’re looking for paintball bags to carry your gear in, it pays to invest in a quality setup that has you covered no matter where you go. 

In this article, we’ll show you what to look for in the best paintball gear bag, from durability, price, and space, to weight and extra storage. Protecting your gear, especially your marker, is key to having fun and focusing more on gameplay than worrying about wet, damaged, or lost equipment. We also have a few recommendations for you in terms of our top paintball gear bags that we’ll share. But first, what kinds of paintball gear bags are there? 

For a full review of the best paintball bags, take a look at our comprehensive list of the best paintball bags in our helpful YouTube video below:

Different Types of Paintball Gear Bags

Paintball gear bags come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but there are three main types of gear bags: marker bags, paintball backpacks, and paintball duffel gear bags. 

Marker Bags

Paintball marker bags are probably the smallest type of gear bag out there, besides those used for goggle storage. These paintball bags are for storing your marker, of course, but they’re often low-profile and slim. Padding is a plus, along with waterproofing. 

Paintball Backpacks

A paintball backpack is something you can wear to and from games. These types of gear bags are typically padded for extended wear so that your shoulders and back don’t get as fatigued. 

The best paintball backpacks also include many shapes and sizes of pockets that are sealable. Zippers can keep small parts from disappearing or they can also hold in tanks and other accessories you might want at hand but not stowed all the way. 

However, paintball backpacks can limit the amount of space and the volume of what you can carry. Most backpacks aren’t much larger than your typical school backpack, although some expand to hold more gear. 

Paintball Duffel Gear Bags

Paintball duffel bags are the best for large amounts of gear and travel well. The best paintball duffel bag has more pockets than you know what to do with. Small pockets on the outer portions of the duffel gear bag are excellent for gloves, pods, and other small accessories, while interior padded pockets help keep your gear safe from damage. 

Another good feature of paintball duffel gear bags is a set of wheels for transporting. These bags are especially useful for checked airline luggage, in addition to any gear stowed in a carry-on or backpack. 

Considerations When Choosing a Gear Bag

As you look at the various paintball gun carrying case and paintball body bag options out there, you’ll want to pay attention to a few factors: size, material, pockets, and other minor features. 

Size

A paintball rolling gear bag is typically not the same size as a paintball marker case, but they both have their uses. As you’re looking through paintball gear bag options, search for bags that  fit the gear you have. You could purchase a bag specifically for your marker that you stow in a rolling gear bag when traveling. 

If you’re looking at larger bags, such as a paintball body bag or a paintball duffel bag, it’s best to find something that will not only fit your marker and tank, but also your clothes, pods, barrels, and other accessories as well. If storage affects your buying decision, a larger bag will probably hold more options than a paintball backpack. 

Material

Like your paintball marker and gear, choose a gear bag that will withstand getting thrown around and left outside a lot. The bag should be highly durable and any ancillary materials like buckles or straps should also be high quality.

For example, neoprene and or waterproof gear bags are some of the best because they repel water and keep your clothes and gear dry. At the same time, neoprene isn’t necessarily the cheapest option on the market either. It’s a balance between how much you’re willing to spend and what level of durability you’ll need. 

Pockets 

The more pockets a paintball gear bag has, the better. You’re always going to need more pockets to store things, so it’s important to purchase a paintball gear bag that helps you organize and keep everything in its place. 

The best paintball gear bags have various sizes of pockets as well. These pockets are located either outside of the paintball gear bag or tucked on the inside dividing walls. 

Other Features

There are many other features you can find on paintball bags that you’ll find useful.

• Heavy-duty zippers
• MOLLE webbing
• Attachment points for accessories 
• Wheels for portability
• Durable straps for transporting

You’ll find other desirable features on different paintball gear bags as you search through them. Keep those in mind as you compare options to help you decide on a gear bag to purchase. 

Our Top Paintball Gear Bags

There’s no single best paintball gear bag that everyone will find ideal, but we’ve put together our list of favorites. You can also use these paintball gear bags as a starting point for finding your own paintball gear bag alternative. 

HK Army Expand Backpack

The HK Army Expand Backpack is an all-in-one go-to option for enthusiasts and newbies alike. This particular backpack can either be worn as a backpack or carried as a duffel for the ultimate versatile paintball gun carrying case.  

The HK Army Expand Backpack also expands by 30% internally to give you even more space. A microfiber goggle compartment keeps your vision secure, along with the padded interior marker compartment. Dual velcro locations, along with side pockets featuring MOLLE webbing, are great for attaching accessories. 

The ergonomic design and waterproof exterior also make this an excellent durable paintball backpack you can depend on to store your gear and keep it safe and dry. 

To see how the HK Army Expand Backpack stands up to the FNDN Waterproof Backpack, take a look at our helpful YouTube video below:

Push Large Roller Gear Bag

If you’re more into the roller gear bag, the Push Division One Large Roller Gear Bag has everything you need to travel safely and securely. Rugged wheels help guide this gear bag, which features many pockets and compartments within the triple pillar structure. 

The entire roller gear bag is made from a waterproof material with integrated padded foam. If you’re in a pinch and need to use the roller bag as a backpack, simply detach the backpack strap, and you’re ready to go. The roller gear bag can also stand up on its own as you wait. 

For a full review of the Push Large Roller Gear Bag, take a look at our comprehensive review video below:

FNDN Infamous Modular Gear Bag 

The FNDN Infamous Modular Gear Bag is a solid, low-cost, high-return paintball roller gear bag that you can depend on no matter what the conditions are. This bag features magnetic attachments, a welded construction that’s sturdy and durable, and heavy-duty zippers.

One of the best things about this paintball gun carrying case is the PALS framework, which stands for “pouch attachment ladder system.” This system allows you to attach MOLLE pouches in an organized and tactical manner. The bag itself is also waterproof and includes a customizable velcro panel for your storing extra items. 

Unlike cheaper rolling gear bags, this particular gear bag has a premium set of wheels that are rugged and durable. Plus, you can change them out with an allen key if they ever break.  

For a full review of the FNDN Infamous Modular Gear Bag, take a look at our helpful YouTube video review below:

Conclusion

Choosing the right paintball gear bag may not mean the difference between a win and a loss. However, it may mean the difference between a lost box of paintball or CO2 tank. Lone Wolf Paintball has been serving paintballers across the USA with the best equipment at the best prices for over a decade. To see all the products that Lone Wolf offers or to purchase your paintball gear bag, visit our online store!

There are many types of paintball accessories out there, each with its own purpose. While you might think some of them are just optional accessories, there’s a real purpose behind including them in your lineup of paintball gear. 

Many, if not all, of the accessories you’ll find are meant to increase the safety and fun factor in gameplay. Barrels can help improve accuracy, gloves can prevent injury, and paintball pants are probably one of the most comfortable types of pants you can wear on the field. 

If you’re looking to add a few paintball accessories to your gear, this guide will help you pick out which products you should prioritize. These recommendations will help you build out your gear lineup to dominate on the field and look awesome in the process.  

Types of Paintball Accessories

Paintball accessories can be categorized into three main sections: marker accessories, protective accessories, and miscellaneous accessories. These accessories keep you safe and make you more competitive while making the game more enjoyable.

Marker Accessories

Your paintball marker is your primary weapon, of course, and any of the accessories are meant to improve one of four main factors:

• Stability
• Rate of fire
• Accuracy
• Stealth

Paintball marker accessories are products such as barrels, hoppers, and other modifications/upgrades. Sniper barrels, for example, are a popular upgrade that allows you to increase your accuracy in order to make precise shots across the field. 

One of the most basic marker accessories you can invest in is a reliable hopper. However, inconsistent feeding and jams caused by a faulty hopper can leave you in a vulnerable position. 

Protective Accessories

The goal of any paintball game is to tag your opponents, so it stands to reason that you’d want to invest in some quality protective equipment. After all, most games include running, tripping, crawling, diving, and plenty of other maneuvers, even if you don’t get marked.

These are some of the must-have paintball accessories you’ll want to invest in immediately. Protective accessories typically include items like masks, gloves, vests, pants, etc. Plate carriers and tactical vests could be considered protective accessories, though they serve other purposes. Paintball mask accessories like goggles fall into this category as well.  

Miscellaneous Accessories

Many people like paintball because there’s no end to the customizations and upgrades you can make to your setup. Most paintball setups are modular, meaning you can mix and match as you please until you get the ideal combination. 

There are many types of accessories we’ve categorized in the miscellaneous section, including tank covers, gas valves, regulators, and compensators. 

Our Top 5 Paintball Accessories

Discussions of paintball accessories can go on for days, but we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite gear. Even if you don’t add these accessories to your lineup, it’s a great starting point that will help you move in the right direction. 

1. Upgraded Triggers

An upgraded trigger is one of the most consequential paintball gun accessories you can purchase. The stock triggers on many markers aren’t necessarily the best, especially when it comes to getting serious in the sport. That’s why it’s crucial to find one that you like and works efficiently. An upgraded trigger can improve your rate of fire as well as your precision when it comes to hitting targets.  

Paintball guns can be electronic or mechanical, which describes how the trigger fires the gun. Mechanical triggers release the bolt to load the paintball and press a pin to open the valve, which releases the air that both fires the paintball and blows the bolt backward. Electronic triggers work with a circuit board to fire and are programmable for things like three-round bursts or fully-automatic firing. 

2. Speed Feeds for Your Loader

Reloading takes time away from gameplay, but it’s a necessary evil in paintball. One great accessory you can purchase to help increase your reloading process is a speed feed. 

Speed feeds allow for a faster reload time. Their one-way fins fold in to allow players to load paintballs into the hopper. However, the fins don’t fold out, so the paintballs can’t fall out once loaded into the hopper. The fins on a speed feed are designed to keep as many paintballs captured as possible, though a few will inevitably escape. 

Speed feeds come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Since they replace the cap on the top of your hopper, you’ll want to ensure the size you choose works with the hopper’s aperture. Plus, most of them are made from lightweight materials, so you do not have to worry about extra weight on board. 

3. Freak XL Barrel Kits

A single paintball barrel is good but having the ability to adjust your barrel size to your paintballs is even better. That’s why barrel kits are so popular, especially the ones made by Freak XL. 

These kits allow you to achieve greater accuracy by tuning and adjusting the inside bore. A tighter bore will prevent you from losing paintballs as you move around the field and can go a long way in improving accuracy. 

Plus, many aftermarket barrels look amazing out on the field. Barrel kits can include different size barrels of different colors, or you can order barrels in stealth colors like black. 

Changing barrels out is easy, depending on your marker. Most often, you just need to unscrew the barrel from the marker body. However, some barrels such as the Flatline do require a bit more effort to remove them. Installation, of course, is just the opposite of removal. 

4. Thread Savers for Your Tank

Leaving your paintball bottle threads out in the open is a great way to ruin the threading. It’s best to Invest in a quality thread saver that will protect your air tank’s threads; it’s much cheaper than replacing the entire barrel or tank due to damaged threads. 

Thread savers are typically reverse threads of those found on your paintball air tank. They screw onto the threads as your fittings would, sitting flush with the threads so that the nozzle is completely protected. Other thread savers include silicone, rubber, or plastic that may or may not have matching threads. 

5. Knee Pads and Elbow Pads

Knee and elbow pads are extra weight you’ll have to carry around with you as you play, but you’ll be glad you have them if you have to dive or trip, especially in woodsball. 

The best knee and elbow pads are lightweight and breathable but padded enough to protect you from falls and impacts. These pads are most often the only thing between you and injury, so it pays to protect yourself.

6. Tank Covers 

Tank covers slip over your air tank and protect it just as much as your knee and elbow pads protect you. Most tank covers are impact resistant and keep the tank from being damaged, especially during gameplay. They can also keep the tank stationary in your shoulder when shooting and help increase accuracy. The best tank covers make it easy to clean up as well, as they’re made from durable materials you can easily wash off.

Conclusion

An air source adapter, also known as an ASA, is the little nozzle where the compressed air tank attaches to your paintball marker. This little nozzle normally sits right at the base of the grip and is covered with a reinforced braided metal tube. The actual nozzle is threaded and has a rubber o-ring at the base to keep air from escaping. When you screw the air tank onto the paintball marker, a small pin within the air source adapter depresses a plunger within the air tank. The o-ring seals the contact between the air tank and the air source adapter, allowing the air to flow freely between the air tank and the rest of the marker. 

Paintball Air Systems Overview

Since paintball guns are pneumatic, the compressed air drives the entirety of the gun’s function. When a player pulls the trigger, a small amount of compressed air releases into the marker’s breach. As the compressed air contacts the ambient air, it expands rapidly and pushes the paintball down the barrel and out the muzzle. As the air flows down the barrel, a separate smaller tube containing a piston is pushed by the compressed air. The piston is forced backward which drives the bolt action back and loads a new paintball into the breach. 

Some paintball guns also have a pneumatically driven hopper system. These hopper systems agitate the paintballs within the hopper so that they load more quickly and fall into the breach faster than a gravity-fed hopper. These sorts of hoppers are more common in speedball games where the rate of fire is high and the quantity of paintballs is more important than the accuracy. 

Different Types of Paintball Air Tanks

There are a couple of different types of air tanks that players can use when they play paintball. First are the traditional steel/aluminum alloy tanks. These tanks can hold several thousand PSI which is more than enough air to last a round of paintball. These tanks were initially built from metal because of their durability and resistance to cracking. 

Many companies also make tanks composed of a woven carbon fiber shell. This shell is glued together with a resin that makes the air tank as strong as a steel tank. The advantage to using these kinds of tanks is that they are quite a bit lighter than a metal tank is. When playing scenarios like speedball, every ounce counts. Those who can shave off a little weight are faster and more agile, making them more likely to win the game.

Finally, the most important thing in any paintball game is safety. We want to make sure that we can enjoy today safely so that we can come back and play tomorrow. Exploding tanks can be hazardous, so only the strongest materials are used. If you notice a fissure or crack in your tank, make sure that you err on the side of caution and opt to purchase a new air tank. 

Using ASA Adapters 

Air Source Adapters are a necessary part of the paintball gun. Without adaptors, it would be impossible to attach the air tank to the marker. 

ASAs can also be coupled with regulators to control the muzzle velocity of your paintball gun. Many fields throttle the maximum feet per second to prevent injury to other players on the field. Air source adapters can fit onto regulators, which can change the muzzle velocity of your paintball gun to a safe speed.

On/Off ASA Adapters

On/Off ASAs have a unique double thread characteristic to them. The air tank will screw on snugly to the ASA, but there is a separate screw along the outside of the ASA. This screw controls the degree to which the pin comes out of the adapter so it can be fully extended (air flowing) or fully retracted (air not flowing). With an on/off ASA, a tank can still be physically attached to the paintball marker, but the airflow can be restricted to be inoperable. This variable option adds an extra layer of security to the paintball markers to prevent any accidental discharges. If no air is flowing to the rest of the marker, then there is no chance for a stray paintball to be fired.

ASA Thread Sizes

Thread sizes for the different air tanks and regulators have been more or less homogenized for the past six years, which is longer than the average life of a paintball air tank. Modern tanks are threaded in .825-14, and the companies that manufacture ASAs are aware of that. Therefore, female-ended ASAs should be universally a good fit for modern air tanks.

Our Favorite Paintball ASAs

1. Custom Products Direct Mount

The Mini Direct Mount On/Off ASA is a super strong ASA system that’s been slimmed down and streamlined. This technology allows the screws to attach directly to the ASA body and mount directly on the grip frame without using any rail systems.

2. Planet Eclipse POPS ASA

The Planet Eclipse POPS On/Off ASA is one of the best purging ASAs in the game. All that’s necessary to engage or disengage the gas is a simple push of the button. It fits the Eclipse 2-Hole rail and the low-profile cuts enhance the aesthetic of any paintball marker.

3. Inception Designs EZ ASA

The Inception Designs EZ ASA uses a lever action to ensure easy tank filling. When disengaged, the lever allows for easy tank bleeding. The EZ ASA fits all guns that work with a t-slot rail systems like Planet Eclipse and Empire.

Conclusion

An ASA is an often overlooked piece of machinery on the paintball gun. However, this little nozzle is absolutely crucial to a paintball marker’s proper functioning. Many people buy aftermarket ASAs to ensure the air is flowing as smoothly as possible. The ASAs can also add a little bit of length to the gun, which is helpful for those people who have larger frames. Lone Wolf Paintball has one of the largest selections of paintball equipment in the country. If you’re looking for the best ASA for your paintball setup, head on over to the Lone Wolf website for the latest in ASA nozzle hardware and happy paintballing!

Paintball is one of the most adrenaline-saturated games ever invented. As long as there is no risk of damaging an unsuspecting bystander or property, paintball can be played anywhere. Established fields use old warehouses, woods, old residential structures, inflatable barriers, and more.

While the variety is impressive, paintball tends to fall within three types of games: 

• Woodsball
• Speedball
• Tournament-style games 

These games bring unique challenges and opportunities, which keeps players on their toes with "evergreen" fun.

Woodsball Games

The first and most common paintball game is woodsball. Most paintball players were introduced to the sport through a woodsball game. Woodsball is by far the most accessible and beginner-friendly game, but it's hardly the most shallow. There are dozens of different "scenarios"--like capture the flag, capture and defend, elimination, etc.--that players can do in a woodsball setting.

Objectives and Rules

Woodsball, as the name suggests, is played in a wooded area. The field generally covers a minimum of a few acres and can have both natural and artificial barriers set up. For most gameplay, players start at opposite ends of the field and begin shooting at each other when the referee starts the game. 

The most common scenario is capture-the-flag, where two or more flags are on a given field. The first team to raise their flag on all of the different flagstaffs is considered the winner. 

As a general rule of thumb, if a paintball hits a player or their marker and breaks, that player must raise their hand and call themselves out. If a paintball fails to break and leave a paint splatter, the player is not considered "out" despite being hit. Splatter from a nearby breaking paintball is not considered to be a hit.

Woodsball Paintball Gear

The best gear for woodsball is camouflage or darker colors to try and blend into the underbrush. However, players frequently wear colored armbands to help others identify which teams they're on. These bands are usually high-visibility and can negate the effects of camouflage. Body armor is also recommended to reduce the pain of a direct shot but is unnecessary. Finally, a good paintball marker with a longer range and better accuracy is recommended. In a woodsball scenario, it's not necessary to have a marker with a high cycle rate like with speedball-type games.

Speedball Games

Speedball is similar to woodsball in that players use paintball markers and paintballs. However, the field is generally smaller than a woodsball field, and there are only man-made obstacles arranged in an identical way on the field. Historically these obstacles have been giant wooden spools and corrugated metal drain pipes, but recently, many fields have started using inflatable obstacles. Because the obstacles are highly mobile, they can often be set up for play on a football field or a soccer pitch.

Speedball does not have many scenarios the way that woodsball does. Instead, the games are played based on a couple of different points systems. Without overcomplicating the point-system details, players earn points for marking opponents, capturing the flag, and surviving to the end of the round.

Because the field is small compared to a woodsball field, the games generally conclude in a matter of a few minutes. Despite the short duration of each game, players normally send more paint downrange during a 3-minute speedball game than during a 10 or 15-minute woodsball game.

Objectives and Rules

The objective of speedball is to capture the other team's home position and eliminate all opposing players. If a player is marked with paint, then they must call themself out. Hits to the paintball marker or the helmet are considered valid hits.

The players start at opposite ends of the field and will run from bunker to bunker, trying to hit the opposing players and avoid getting hit. Once all the players are eliminated, the team can effectively capture the other team's flag/position and win the game.

Speedball Paintball Gear

Because of the quick gameplay style, speed and mobility are highly valued. Teams wear light clothes and use light equipment, often made of carbon fiber. A high rate of fire is also highly valued since the game is frequently won by the team that can shoot the greatest amount of paintballs.

Scenario Tournament Games

Tournament games are some of the most thrilling forms of gameplay in the paintball world. This form of gameplay generally takes the form of a woodsball game but will cover hundreds of acres of territory. For tournament-style games, players will travel from all over the country and occasionally the world. Because of the massively-multiplayer style of the event, a tournament will often last an entire weekend with specified break times for meals and resting.

These sorts of scenario tournament games are elaborate and go well beyond a simple "capture the flag" with full-scale battle reenactments from real wars. Every year in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, more than 4,000 players from all over the world attend the Normandy scenario event. This tournament lasts the whole weekend and is only one installment of a larger year-long three-part tournament.

Objectives and Rules

Because of the massive nature of these games, each field has its own rules to govern gameplay. The objectives are generally a combination of smaller mini-games like capture the flag, capture and defend, and others. Since the fields are so large, hosts make use of "medics," who tag people back in after they've been marked so that they don't have to walk all the way back to a respawn point which can take up to 20 - 30 minutes depending on how big the "map" is. 

Scenario Tournament Paintball Gear

Scenario tournaments most frequently mimic the type of gameplay found in woodsball. For paintball tournament equipment, players value a marker's accuracy and range over cycle rates. Additionally, players also tend to favor mil-sim markers which add to the realism of the event. 

In scenario tournament games, camouflage is crucial to the success of a team. Most of the time these games are played in wooded and natural areas for which camouflage yields large dividends. Body armor is also widely used since speed is less important than in speedball-style gameplay.

Conclusion

Even within these different styles of paintball, skill levels can range from beginner, intermediate, and professional. However, regardless of your skill level, you're sure to find a paintball game that will grab your attention. Lone Wolf Paintball has been equipping paintballers across the USA for over 25 years. To view our selection of paintball gear for all skill levels and playing styles, take a look at our product pages. Happy paintballing!

Anyone who has played paintball for more than 5 minutes in humid weather knows just how vital visibility can be. While it's essential to keep your goggles clean and apply anti-fog film, it's also important to keep the sweat out of your eyes. Especially on hot and humid days, sweat can easily drip into your eyes and impair your vision. 

Many players, against safety rules, will duck behind a bunker and remove their goggles to wipe their eyes. However, a suitable headband or head wrap can help keep your hair and sweat out of your eyes for an unobstructed view of your opponents!

Additionally, wearing a headband can help keep your hair from getting dirty if you get hit in the head with a paintball. We've all been nailed in the head before, and washing out the residue later in the day can be painful and hard to get out.

Paintball headbands also do a great job of keeping the sun off your forehead. Many paintballers spend the afternoon outdoors only to reach the end of the day and see that their upper foreheads have been burnt to a crisp. 

Finally, headbands can keep your mask from stinking. Since the headband catches the majority of your sweat, your mask will need less time to dry out before you use it, and it will smell a lot better. Take a look below to see what our favorite paintball headbands are:

Headbands and Headwraps: Differences and Uses

Headbands are thin strips of fabric that encircle a player's head. They're somewhere between sweatbands and folded bandanas and wrap around a player's head to keep hair and sweat from obstructing the view. On the other hand, headwraps are more like durags and cover the entirety of the head rather than just the forehead.

Here is our list of our top favorite paintball headbands.

1. HK Army 

Our favorite headband! This HK army headband features a black and white American battle flag. Show off your patriotism while keeping the sweat out of your eyes. This headband is machine-washable and comes with a terry cloth headband to absorb sweat.

2. JT Paintball

JT paintball makes headbands with slick-looking patterns, and they're functional too! Check out the four different designs of each headband above–carbon fiber, hex, urban camo gray, and zebra. This headband is also machine washable and comes with a terry headband to absorb sweat.

3. Infamous

Infamous headwear has some of the best paintball headgear on the market. Their designs are camouflaged and made with high-quality denim materials. The designs are varied, so you'll find something that will fit with wherever you're playing–snow, forests, or fields. We recommend spending the extra $5 and getting the wrap rather than the headband.

4. Carbon

The Carbon headband is a lightweight headband that has padding for impact protection. The Carbon fabrics are lightweight and breathable while still being weather resistant, sweat-resistant, and stretchable. In addition, the superior craftsmanship ensures proper ventilation, flexibility, and protection for optimal comfort. 

5. LWP

The Lone Wolf Paintball headband is a fantastic option for all players. Sporting a cool gray digi camo design, the headband is sweat-wicking and padded for optimal comfort. Additionally, this headband comes with a micro-fleece sweatband to absorb any sweat.

6. Dye 

The Dye headwrap is one of the coolest head wraps you'll ever find. There are over 20 different variations of this headwrap that you can pick from to ensure that your camouflage fits your environment. We love the full head and neck protection this headwrap offers–a terry cloth headband and flexible, full-print mesh.

7. Planet Eclipse 

Last but certainly not least is the Planet Eclipse head wrap. This full-print mesh headwrap has a sleek black design that will blend in wherever you go. The forehead also offers open-cell foam forehead protection and a microfiber inner sweatband for comfort and reliability. In addition, the elastic and velcro fastening system ensure a snug fit for every head size.

Conclusion

Picking a good beginner paintball gun is one of the most important things you will do as a paintballer. Having the right marker will make the difference between having a fun, successful paintball hobby and bowing out early. However, finding the correct paintball gun with the hundreds of available options can be daunting. Lone Wolf wants to make the search easy which is why we compiled a list of the best beginner paintball guns. Continue reading for our take!

What to Look For in a Beginner Paintball Gun

When buying your first paintball gun, there are many different things that you should consider: price, durability, modifications, features, and style of paintball. You won't want to spend thousands of dollars on a professional paintball marker as a beginner. Instead, you should look for something that is high quality without breaking the bank. This paintball gun should be durable enough to last through several hundred games of abuse and still keep shooting. 

Keep in mind that there are modifications you may want to add to your marker, like different sites, a better hopper, or a different CO2 cylinder. Any gun that you choose should be able to handle upgrades that you may want to add. Finally, the type of beginner paintball gun you buy will be informed by the paintball style you most like to play. If you play speedball, you'll want to find an appropriate speedball gun. Likewise, if you play woodsball, you will want to find a proper woodsball gun.

Here are our top choices for you!

# 1: Tippmann A-5

Tippmann has always been the go-to option for anyone looking for a beginner paintball gun. These guns can take immense amounts of abuse and are built to last decades. Most paintball fields that rent out guns will generally use the Tippmann brand because of how reliable they are and how well they take beatings.

The Tippmann A-5 is the next generation of Tippmann 98 custom beginner paintball guns. These workhorses are the go-to choice of anyone who has been playing paintball for any amount of time. The Tippmann A-5 comes standard with a cyclone hopper that agitates and actively feeds the paintballs into the chamber instead of their slower gravity-fed counterparts. This cyclone action allows for a much higher rate of fire (15 rounds per second) than traditional beginner paintball markers.

Tippmann is also well-known for their guns' high accuracy and exceptional range. If the range still isn't enough, the modular nature of this beginner paintball gun allows you to replace the barrel or add an extension. This will increase the effective range of the paintball marker. Finally, the price is very reasonable for the quality. At less than $300, this beginner paintball gun is an absolute steal!
Take a look at our review video for a full explanation of all the Tippmann A-5 features:

#2 Planet Eclipse ETHA3 M

Coming in at $399.95, the Planet Eclipse ETHA3 M package offers one of the higher-end paintball markers for beginners. The main selling point about this marker is the lack of electrical parts. Everything is totally mechanical, which lends itself to easy repair and maintenance. The reason we're even considering this an entry-level marker is due to the quick-release bolt assembly, which usually comes on more expensive markers. If you're new to paintball and want the best marker, the Planet Eclipse ETHA3 M is the best option!

To see how the ETHA3 M performs, take a look at our demonstration and unboxing video below:

#3 HK Army SABR

The HK Army SABR kicks the paintball enthusiasm up a notch without raising the price. In fact, the HK Army SABR in many ways outclasses the Tippmann A-5. This marker was built to withstand the punishment of any course but especially the dirt and grime of a woodsball field. A quick-release pin allows for easy disassembly and maintenance. The 12-inch ported barrel is also exceptionally accurate without any extra modifications needed. In addition, the FPS can be easily modulated with the turn of an allen wrench, so you're easily compliant with the rules of any field. If you're looking for a great beginner paintball gun that punches above its weight class, the HK Army SABR is the gun for you.

Take a look at our helpful review video to see how the HK Army SABR performs:

#4: Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 Beginner Package

The Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 Beginner Package offers an all-inclusive set for entry-level paintball players. This package includes the Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 marker, renowned for its high-quality performance and reliability, a Protoyz Speedster Electronic Loader, an HK Army 48/3000 Air Tank, and an HK Army HSTL Thermal Goggle. The EMEK 100 is designed for new players, integrating advanced performance technologies with Planet Eclipse's dependable build quality to provide an exceptional starting experience in paintball. Additionally, the EMEK 100 is PAL enabled, allowing users to benefit from the PAL Loader System for an enhanced gameplay experience.

For a full review of the Plane Eclipse EMEK 100 Beginner package, take a look at our comprehensive review video below:

#5: Empire Mini GS

The Empire Mini GS is a favorite beginner paintball marker because of the number of features that it offers considering its price point. The Empire Mini GS is one of the most  Enhanced with a battle-tested engine and a full wrap-around rubber foregrip for improved hold and durability, it also includes an On/Off ASA to simplify tank removal and reinforce attachment points. The Mini GS retains the hose-less design, Anti Chop Break Beam Eyes, Clamping Feedneck, and reliable performance of its predecessor while introducing the capability to easily upgrade with a Redline OLED board. Designed for both woodsball and speedball, its pressure-controlled poppet engine, integrated break-beam anti-chop eyes, multiple adjustable firing modes, and exceptional air efficiency set it apart.

For a full review of the Empire GS mini, take a look at our YouTube video review below:

Conclusion

Finding the best beginner paintball gun can be a daunting challenge with all of the different beginner paintball guns on the market. We hope that you've found this article helpful and that it provides a little guidance about which beginner paintball gun is best for you. If you still have more questions, contact us today and one of our friendly associates will help answer your questions. For an even better selection of professional and beginner paintball guns, head on over to Lone Wolf's online store where you'll find hundreds of paintball markers at excellent prices!