Getting your own paintball equipment depends, as in all whims, on the budget you have. Just as it could happen with a car, your paintball equipment will depend on what you are going to play, the type of field you are going to choose for your battles, the refills you are going to want (there are from 100 to 1800)...
If your "fanaticism" for paintball does not go beyond a sporadic game with your friends once a month, for example, it is best to start at a paintball field that is close to you. Here they will give you all the equipment, organize games for you and advise you if what you want is to continue your journey in this game. Here you will find all the paintball fields and games that are in Spain.
But if, on the other hand, you tend to attend paintball battles (always legally organized) regularly, start by purchasing a protection mask. It is the first thing you have to take into account to play completely safely, without scares or accidents, and the element without which under no circumstances can you play since it is mandatory. Once again, purchasing one or the other will depend on the money you want to spend, but it should always be anti-fog (does not fog up), easy to disassemble and assemble (especially to be able to clean it) and that is comfortable for you to play with total freedom.
One of the best brands of paintball masks that you will find on the market is Empire. They are comfortable, lightweight models, with thermal anti-fog lenses that you can even exchange with various types of lenses. They are not too expensive and the quality is excellent, although there are many other models such as the Dye or Angel that have JT or Proto helmets that also they give excellent results.
As for which paintball marker to buy, it is best to first practice and see the types of games that are held throughout the country, where they can also advise you, so that you can choose one model or another. It is still a considerable investment and consider that if you are not going to give it the use that such a treat deserves, it is better to rent the equipment when you go to play.
If you have decided and want to buy your own equipment, also think about all the extras you want/need to add to the marker. From electronic charger, Kevlar bottles... not to mention the licenses you need to play paintball on your own. If you are going to play outside of a battlefield, you have to have permission from the Civil Guard, and always having very well signposted and delimited where you are going to play, on a field that has its legal permits and sure.
Apart from all of the above, you also have to pass a timer/radar to the marker and know that it should not exceed 300 FPS(feets per second), because the masks cannot withstand impacts greater than that figure. In addition to all of the above, paintball markers have to be legalized because they are still 4th Category weapons, so you will need a weapons card.
Compressed air bottles are always recharged on the battlefields since it is illegal to transport it with pressure. Normally when you go to a paintball field to play, you pay for the "entrance" and/or its balls, but here the "unlimited air" is already included so that you can consume your balls while you play without regard. So it is another aspect to take into account when purchasing your own paintball equipment.
You have to think that every time you go to play a game, the paintball team must be made up of:
- Protective mask and lenses.
- Compressed air bottles.
- Marker.
- Charger.
- Ramrod (cannon cleaner).
- Tools: Allen keys and oil.
- PODS (rechargers).
- Play clothes.
- Replacement clothes.
Bottom line: buying your own paintball equipment is cost-effective if you're going to play a lot, a lot, a lot. If what you're interested in is having a good time with your loved ones, even if it's just once a month it's more worthwhile to book a game on the paintball field you like the most when you feel like it the most. In our country there are amazing ones, some with settings focused on different themes such as the Wild West, so it is impossible to get bored.
