Go Ballistic’s Paintball Q&A

Paintball is your chance to be a full-blown, take-no-prisoners, shoot-first-ask-questions-later action-hero! However, some paintball rookie’s out there might want to ask the odd question or two before they shoot. So here’s a quick-fire question and answer sesh that’s sure to turn you from coward to commando in just a few minutes.

What should I wear?

All paintball combatants are required to wear a protective mask at all times and often overalls to protect any clothing. Mask and overalls are supplied by the paintball facility and frequently additional gloves and body armour can also be rented.
Any budding soldier of fortune is going to want to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes. Ignore anybody who suggests wearing lots of layers to nullify the feeling of taking a hit. The best way to avoid the feeling of getting hit is not to go paintballing in the first place! But then you’d miss out on all the breathless action and insane amounts of fun and excitement!
Too many layers are sure to make you less agile, and much more hot and sweaty. Wear comfortable clothes that allow a lot of movement, as you’re likely to spend most of the day running, rolling, ducking, diving, squatting, strafing and generally cutting loose and having a great time! You want to be able to do so as easily as possible!
The same applies to footwear. A comfortable training shoe will suffice, but you may wish to opt for more ankle support and cushioned sole, given the relentless activity. A light hiking boot is perfect. The heavier and sturdier the boot, the more it will limit your movement.

How old do I have to be to play?

As with many action sports, age limits can differ from one provider to another. But miniature militants are generally welcomed! Some venues set a minimum age limit of 12 years, others 11 or 14. All players under the age of 16 years are classed as minors and are required to wear full face protection by law, though this is strongly advised to adults anyway. Minors are also required to submit a parental consent form before taking part in war games.
It should be noted that age limits are not strictly representative of the levels of danger and harm involved in game play. Age restrictions are imposed due to the levels of mental duress that players may experience. Even an adult may experience feelings of fear when encountering a horde of enemy players with all guns blazing, and these feeling may be magnified in a younger player.
If your kid wants to hit the war zone but you’re unsure how they would react, why not visit a local paintball centre and let them view the game in action before placing a booking?

How fit do I need to be?

You don’t have to be built like Arnie to enjoy a paintball game…though it couldn’t hurt your chances! But this shouldn’t prevent you from taking part in this thrilling activity.
Physical fitness is relative when it comes to paintballing, because you get out what you put in. Instead of being the most active player, just try to box clever. Play to your fitness levels.
As with any sporting activity, all players should stretch and warm up thoroughly before taking part. This will help to prevent injury during the battle that ensues, as you’re far more likely to be injured by a pulled muscle than a killer paintball. This can easily be avoided, however, with some gentle preparation before the game.
If you’re fitness levels are extremely low, you may wish to consult a physician before participating. You may also wish to inform the owner of the facility of any medical conditions or allergies that you have.

Does paintballing accommodate Stag or Hen Groups?

Paintballing is a fantastic experience for stag and hen parties. It is a chance to cut loose, go crazy and make a mess…the direct opposite of the formal stuffiness of the marriage ceremony!
As increasingly adventurous stag and hen groups look for more exhilarating pursuits than the bar/pub crawl, paintball is establishing itself as a stag and hen night favourite. It’s a no-holds-barred action spectacular, which gives you the chance to bond with your mates in exciting combat scenarios…and also pummel them with pump-powered paint!
Many of the venues available through Go Ballistic offer exclusive Stag Hunt and Hen Fight packages. These events include special offers on things like paintballs and smoke bombs, but also involve special treatment for the stag or hen in question!
Some venues offer a typical paintball package along with an additional bonus game in which the stag is chased into the woods by his ‘friends’. Can he avoid the shower of paintballs? And if he can’t, will he take anybody down with him? This is great way to give the lucky guy one last hazing on his second biggest day.
But it’s not just the guys having all the fun. Paintball is becoming increasingly popular as a way of raising the curtain on hen parties too! As a break from the norm paintball combat is hard to beat. It’s a chance for any lovely lady to let her hair down and unleash her inner G.I. Jane!
You may even wish to organise a Hen vs Stag event, though that might place the whole marriage in jeopardy.
These activities are offered in full or half day packages. Full day events include a complimentary lunch.
The helpful guys at Go Ballistic can provide all the information you need regarding venues around the UK and the events that each of them offer. They can also put together packages which include transport, accommodation and additional events in the area, such as karting, shooting and many many more. Guys might want to wash away the paint marks with an awesome water sport event, while what better way for the girls to recover after battle than coupling it with a luxury day spa experience. Give us a call for more details.

How long will a paintball session last?

Exact game times will differ from one venue to the next. In general, however, you can expect most paintball games to last for 20 to 30 minutes with 10 to 15 minutes break between games.
A typical half day session should last around 3 hours, while a full day session around 5 hours 30 minutes.
More than enough to single-handedly win the battle and the war!

How many games can I expect to take part in?

A frantic paintball session is generally made up of 5 or 6 games for a half day session and 10 to 12 games for a full day.
Each game features different objectives for both teams, in which they will be required to demonstrate stealth and strategy…oh, and fire as many balls of paint at the enemy as they possibly can!

Will we have exclusive use of the gaming area?

Only extremely large groups may enjoy exclusive use of the battleground. Paintball is an expansive team game played over a large area and there is more than enough room to accommodate large teams.
Plus the more guys that are involved the more targets you’ll have to shoot!

Does it hurt?

This is the question on every newcomer’s lips. The answer is simple: sometimes.
Usually, you’ll feel a slight sting when you take a hit. This sensation only lasts a matter of seconds, and is similar to a firm flick or pinch.
Paintballs can cause some small bruising depending upon the distance from which they are fired, the speed that they travel and the area of your body they hit. The amount of pain also depends on how you’re dressed. When the pellet breaks and splatters, the degree of pain is not as great. A paintball to bare skin is likely to bruise, but simply wearing a long sleeve top will likely avoid bruising to the areas it covers.
The thicker the clothing that you decide to wear, the lesser the effect of the paintball, but thick clothing is cumbersome, awkward and very hot. A loose outer layer will generally absorb the majority of the impact and most paintball establishments provide camouflaged overalls which will do this job for us. You may also decide to wear gloves as a shot to bare hands will definitely hurt.
Your head is protected by the mask and goggles provided and stray pellets to this region will not be felt.
Basically, throughout the day you can expect to feel a moderate amount of pain. But this really is half the fun! It is the fear or anticipation of the physical pain that pumps adrenaline through your body making this one of the most exhilarating games that you can experience.

How many paintballs will I need?

If Rambo liked the game, you could probably paint a small house with the amount of ammo he’d get through. The rest of us, however, should be able to get the most out of this thrilling action sport without breaking the bank.
On average, a player uses between 400 and 800 balls during a full days play or 300 over half a day.
It all depends on your style of play. The more methodical and stealthy soldier will conserve more ammunition than the loose-cannon paint-splattering maniac! You are the only one holding your paintball gun and you decide how many paintballs fly out of it.
The itchier that trigger finger of yours, the more you’re going to need!

Can we buy extra paintballs on the day?

If you waste more paint than a modern artist, you are able to purchase ammunition as and when you need it. All paintball establishments will offer better deals if you buy your balls in bulk ahead of the event.
The Go Ballistic team will be able to fill in you in on exact details regarding prices at your local venue.

Can I bring my own paintball ‘marker’ and paintballs?

Marker is the industry term for the pistol-like contraption that propels your paintballs. Whether or not you are free to use your own is at the discretion of your chosen paintball venue. Feel free to take it along and allow them to check it out. If they’re not happy for you to use it, they’ll provide you with another marker on the day.
Your munitions will have to be purchased from the facility. You’ll have to save those home-made paint pellets for target practice on the neighbour’s cat!

Will food and drink be available?

A light lunch is available for a full day’s battle and most venues also offer some snacks and beverages.
Speak to the Go Ballistic guys or check out the website for specific information about each venue.

What happens if it rains?

You get wet.
The game isn’t greatly affected by the rain (which is a relief considering we get so much of it) and games will go ahead in the vast majority of weather conditions. Rain can potentially fog a player’s mask, but as the games are played out largely in wooded areas, they are shielded from the elements to an extent. While the games are played mostly out of doors there are sheltered areas at base camp where the players can take cover from the rain during the intervals.
Generally, the game will go ahead so long as you and your party are happy to yourselves. You should also be aware that rain may be considerably heavier in your area than at the site. This may affect your decision but don’t forget that paintball is an all-weather activity that can be played all year round.

Is paintball suitable for school groups?

Yes, paintball is a fantastic event for school groups and is quickly growing into a popular activity. It promotes teamwork, strategy, skill, physical activity and fun.
Contact Go Ballistic to make the necessary arrangements and then watch the controlled carnage unfold.