Paintball is a game that players compete, either in teams or individually, to eliminate opponents by hitting them with round paint-filled pellets from a special paintball gun. Paintball can be played indoors or outside on special playing fields that are scattered with natural or artificial terrain. The rules of play can vary, but they can include having to capture a flag, elimination, or defending or protecting a particular point or area. Paintball was invented in 1976 by two friends who had been to Africa hunting buffalo. They were eager to create a game that included an adrenaline rush that comes with the thrill of the hunt.

Paintball guns are also referred to as paintball markers and they are the primary piece of equipment that is use to tag the opposing players. The gun must have a loader attached for keeping it fed with ammunition as well as a compressed gas bottle for propellant. Paintball guns are available in a wide variety of styles and they can cost anywhere from $25 up to a thousand or more. Generally speaking, if you are just going to enjoy a casual game in the yard with the kids, a cheaper gun is fine, but if you are a seasoned veteran of the sport and want to take your game to the next level, then by all means consider spending more money on a high quality gun.

Paintballs are sold in bulk and come in packages that often contain 2000 paintballs. Again, prices do vary, but you can expect to pay somewhere around $40 for an average sized box. The balls are gelatin capsules that contain polyethylene glycol or some other non-toxic and water soluble substance as well as dye. There are many colors available and there are several retailers online who specialize in selling paintballs as well as paintball gear in general. It is required that participants wear goggle or masks when playing paintball. The masks cover the eyes, mouth, nose and ears and some are equipped to cover the throat as well. The lenses on the goggles protect against the high velocity that the paintballs travel.

Paintball is a very fun sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Paintball arenas, parks and playing fields are located around the world. Although not considered an inexpensive sport to play due to the equipment used, paintball gear can also be purchased used. Paintball is a growing sport as more people realize the excitement and challenges that this sport offers. Many larger cities have paintball clubs and teams who regularly compete against one another.