[yigo65]

I am brand new to the sport as well as these forums. This post is strictly my opinion and the way I went to make my decision. I will apologize in advance for being long winded.

My son has talked me into giving paintball a try after he got bit by the "bug" a few months ago. It's all he talks about now and I figured it would be a great way to do the whole father son thing as well as getting me off my old duff, meet new peeps, and have some fun.

When I started looking into the sport my first reaction was "OMG" (Oh my God), there is a ton of information to ingest. What gear should I choose? How much should I spend, etc, etc.

I will try to break down what I found to work for me.

A. This is the most important in my opinion. Don't worry about what other people think. I have seen the biases when taking my son to the fields and all over the web.

B. Before choosing any gear, do your homework. Read reviews about everything, talk to local shops, players both seasoned and newer to the game, and even email online places with questions about what you think you may want. Honestly, the people that had only good things to say about the particular brand they liked and nothing but bad about others held no influence in what I chose to get.

C. Handle the stuff. See if it fits "you". By that I mean is it easily maintained, is it mod friendly, is it comfortable, do you like the appearance, is it too heavy or too light for your preference?

D. Don't buy it because "everyone" has it. The flavor of the day may be a great piece of equipment, but again get what you like not what everyone else likes.

E. Money. This sport sure has the possibility to get expensive. Know what your budget is. After you play a few times you may decide you don't like it. If you have "the sky is the limit" attitude you may have just thrown alot of money down the tubes. Sure you can resell it, but your not going to get what you paid for it. On the flipside there is the old addage "you get what you pay for". Don't go extra cheap either.

F. Used or new equipment. This applies to alot of things, not just paintball. Personally for the first time out of the box I always buy new. Warranties make me feel warm and fuzzy. Factory refurbs are'nt a bad way to go either if your pocketbook is a little light. The warranties are usually only 30 days, but essentially its been repaired to "as new as it can get".

In conclusion you have to live with the decision you make one way or the other, just make sure it's your decision. Most important remember to have fun.

[evolkers2003]

Wow, i feel like i just read APG.

[Renegade_Storm]

yeah, bravo sir, bravo. if you hadnt said you were a newb i'd never have guessed. I did kinda think it was funny how you explainted the chat speak, lol. Great post

[HuNtS]

very good new player post... definitely a good read for players new to the sport as a lot of this is stuff that is overlooked when first buying a marker/equipment.

[shooter686]

Well said and my hats off to you!

IMHO -- also try to get some "hands-on" playing time and get a feel of actual game play..rent -- borrow if you can!

In some cases the actual experience falls short of expectations and it would be a pity to invest all your hard-earned money for something that you will not really appreciate!!

And when doing your research DO NOT FORGET THE SAFETY ASPECT OF THE GAME ...specially when looking into goggles and masks...

Kudos and I am sure you will have fun!

[demonpoptart]

this might sound strange - specially 'cause you said you were new - but i was going to ask what your first name was... you remind me of someone who used to go to space coast paintball... (before it closed) and i saw your location i was like...

but he's new?

what?

so yea, anywho i love it - it all makes sense and none of your opinions (like you prefer new equipment) seem to be bias, even though that's what an opinion is... you include the positive aspects of either option and explain why you prefer one over the other.

ok, i'm going to stop 'talking' now...