Rent or Buy?

[I'll Shoot You]

I'll be paintballing over the summer, but i was wondering should i rent or buy my equitment? What do they have and how much does it usually cost? What do you do and wear?

[buzzboy]

To me it depends how many times you plan to play over the summer. If you plan to play a lot I would invest in one of those tippmann or spyder package deals.

Most places that rent that I have seen use like tippmann pro/carbines, tippmann 98's and one place had piranahs.

[Speedballer666]

Rent everything your first game, then if you like the sport enough to devote at least a few hundred dollars to it go ahead and buy a marker.

[craltal]

realize that with rentals, they are usually low end guns that were bought because they will be cheap to fix when they break, because they will.

I agree that first time you play, rent or borrow from a friend. If you are planning on playing more frequently, look into buying your own

As for clothing, I usually play in the woods so I wear digital camo that I got from the army surplus, but have a paintball jersey for some other stuff, but usually wear BDU pants because they wash well and I like the pockets. Wear something that is comfortable to crawl and run in, something you don't mind getting dirty and possibly stained (some paints are quite thick and can stain)

Wrap something around your neck. Trust me, only one area hurts more than getting shot in the Adam's apple. Speaking of which, wear a cup, especially if you are playing speedball, there are WAY too many balls in the air to risk it.

If you are playing speedball with a rental against some people with higher end guns, expect to feel outgunned because they will most likely be able to put more paint in the air faster than you can.

[Dharma punk]

realize that with rentals, they are usually low end guns that were bought because they will be cheap to fix when they break, because they will.

I agree that first time you play, rent or borrow from a friend. If you are planning on playing more frequently, look into buying your own

As for clothing, I usually play in the woods so I wear digital camo that I got from the army surplus, but have a paintball jersey for some other stuff, but usually wear BDU pants because they wash well and I like the pockets. Wear something that is comfortable to crawl and run in, something you don't mind getting dirty and possibly stained (some paints are quite thick and can stain)

Wrap something around your neck. Trust me, only one area hurts more than getting shot in the Adam's apple. Speaking of which, wear a cup, especially if you are playing speedball, there are WAY too many balls in the air to risk it.

If you are playing speedball with a rental against some people with higher end guns, expect to feel outgunned because they will most likely be able to put more paint in the air faster than you can.

That pretty much sums it up. I don't wrap my neck or wear a cup, but I'm "agg" or something. LOL

[VFX_Fenix]

I'd advise, first and foremost as was mentioned before, rent everything the first, or even second time you go out. After that, if you decide you still want to keep playing, buy yourself a good quality GOGGLE SYSTEM. Nothing will ruin your day more than crummy gogs.

Top picks-
JT Pro-Shield (Formerly known as JT Spectra)
V-Force Shield
RAVEN NVX

Yes, yes I know there are some better systems out there from a bunch of companies but these are all systems I've owned, they're cheap, and they're great on the field.

After you've played a bit more (your disgretion) then look into buying the rest of your set-up.

Cost -
Expect Field fee to be in the area of $15-20/day depending on where you are, I know there are some fields that'll let you rock for $5 and other's that'll, well... make you significantly lighter in the wallet. Rentals are usually $10+ on top of that.

Paint, if you can bring your own can cost anywhere from $10 per bag to $20 per bag (500 balls). Field paint is usually, but not always, more expensive, especially if the field is Field Paint Only (something to check into before arriving with a case of internet purchased fun). Do some research, I tend to encourage buying mid-grade paints (RP Premium, Midnight, X-Ball Bronze, etc.) Stuff that's generally right around $45/case.

Air - With rentals all day CO2/Air is usually included in the rental. CO2 fills are around $5 per, more or less depending on what size tank you have and where you live (Around where I live it's $8 for a 20oz. fill) If you're running HPA/Compressed Air then you're looking at around $3/fill or something like $10 for all day air.

Clothing - Covering your entire body is generally a good idea. A light weight long sleeved shirt (like an athletic jersey if you already own one or something like UnderArmor/DriStar with a T-Shirt over the top) and a pair of lightweight long pants, ummm... if you don't have anything that fits this description then you can always wear jeans or go to your local Surplus store and buy some BDU trousers (I like the black ones personally). Good footwear, hiking boots at the very least if you don't have cleats, that will give you support and traction on the field (unless you're going indoors then cleats aren't a good idea). Gloves, optional but handy some cheap armored gloves can be had for $10 but don't feel you need to buy some. Something to go 'round the neck, old bandanas are great though I admit I don't play with something around my own neck. A cup to keep the boys safe. Lastly, if you really want to splurge a little, knee pads (generally worn under the pants), BIKE brand work well.

General advice -

Show-up a little earlier than the place opens, this'll let you snag valuable realestate at a table under a tree, give you a chance to look at the field, and maybe even talk to some people before things get busy. Bring your own source of hydration, before you get to the field snag a gallon of water, you'll thank me later, and remember to take a swig every now and again, if you feel thirsty, drink slowly but drink a good ammount. It's best if you have some plans for lunch so long as I'm on the subject, kinda, and you can either get field food (some fields don't have a lunch though), bring your own, or have someone who'll be bringing to you. If you're under 18 don't just get dropped by your ride, have someone old enough hang around to sign as a guardian on your waver. Always, always bring a little more cash than you think you'll need to cover things like extra paint/air/snacks.

PLaying -

Don't worry about what game you'll be playing, rec-ball is rec-ball when you start out and a good field should split the beginners off from the experienced players. If experienced players are on the field with you they'll likely tell you were to go and what to do, it's up to you to decide if you want to follow their instructions, but generally if they're givign you a place to go, it might be a good idea to go there. The reason is two-fold, first, it gets you moving, second, it keeps you from doubling up in a bunker with someone else. If you're sharing a bunker, make plans to go somewhere else. When you get shot, stick your gun up and walk off the field, then watch the rest of the game and absorb. Just don't pick-up the nasty habbits of arguing with refs, whiping, or throwing tantrums. Lastly HAVE FUN!!!!!

[bentothejam1n]

If you end up buying a gun, try to stay away from Brass Eagle. Even though Brass Eagle (commonly referred to as BE) is cheap, it wont last long at all. Just get a tippmann or a spyder but preferably a tippmann

[REDRT]

I rented a marker the very first outing. I believe that is a pretty good idea for the first timer. I liked the game so I bought my own equipment there after. I got into the sport with a mechanical spyder, a few pods, pod pack, a mask, a gravity hopper, and a 20oz Co2 bottle.
That got me going for a little while till I took out a loan for my first mag. Yes a actual loan . They were why more costly back in the day. The Red smear classic RT cost me a few hundred more than my first car.

[RoamingStorm]

Id suggest an ion for a beginners gun, you can pick one up here on ao for about the same price as a new a-5

[FARMER00]

I'd advise, first and foremost as was mentioned before, rent everything the first, or even second time you go out. After that, if you decide you still want to keep playing, buy yourself a good quality GOGGLE SYSTEM. Nothing will ruin your day more than crummy gogs.

Top picks-
JT Pro-Shield (Formerly known as JT Spectra)
V-Force Shield
RAVEN NVX

Yes, yes I know there are some better systems out there from a bunch of companies but these are all systems I've owned, they're cheap, and they're great on the field.

After you've played a bit more (your disgretion) then look into buying the rest of your set-up.

Cost -
Expect Field fee to be in the area of $15-20/day depending on where you are, I know there are some fields that'll let you rock for $5 and other's that'll, well... make you significantly lighter in the wallet. Rentals are usually $10+ on top of that.

Paint, if you can bring your own can cost anywhere from $10 per bag to $20 per bag (500 balls). Field paint is usually, but not always, more expensive, especially if the field is Field Paint Only (something to check into before arriving with a case of internet purchased fun). Do some research, I tend to encourage buying mid-grade paints (RP Premium, Midnight, X-Ball Bronze, etc.) Stuff that's generally right around $45/case.

Air - With rentals all day CO2/Air is usually included in the rental. CO2 fills are around $5 per, more or less depending on what size tank you have and where you live (Around where I live it's $8 for a 20oz. fill) If you're running HPA/Compressed Air then you're looking at around $3/fill or something like $10 for all day air.

Clothing - Covering your entire body is generally a good idea. A light weight long sleeved shirt (like an athletic jersey if you already own one or something like UnderArmor/DriStar with a T-Shirt over the top) and a pair of lightweight long pants, ummm... if you don't have anything that fits this description then you can always wear jeans or go to your local Surplus store and buy some BDU trousers (I like the black ones personally). Good footwear, hiking boots at the very least if you don't have cleats, that will give you support and traction on the field (unless you're going indoors then cleats aren't a good idea). Gloves, optional but handy some cheap armored gloves can be had for $10 but don't feel you need to buy some. Something to go 'round the neck, old bandanas are great though I admit I don't play with something around my own neck. A cup to keep the boys safe. Lastly, if you really want to splurge a little, knee pads (generally worn under the pants), BIKE brand work well.

General advice -

Show-up a little earlier than the place opens, this'll let you snag valuable realestate at a table under a tree, give you a chance to look at the field, and maybe even talk to some people before things get busy. Bring your own source of hydration, before you get to the field snag a gallon of water, you'll thank me later, and remember to take a swig every now and again, if you feel thirsty, drink slowly but drink a good ammount. It's best if you have some plans for lunch so long as I'm on the subject, kinda, and you can either get field food (some fields don't have a lunch though), bring your own, or have someone who'll be bringing to you. If you're under 18 don't just get dropped by your ride, have someone old enough hang around to sign as a guardian on your waver. Always, always bring a little more cash than you think you'll need to cover things like extra paint/air/snacks.

PLaying -

Don't worry about what game you'll be playing, rec-ball is rec-ball when you start out and a good field should split the beginners off from the experienced players. If experienced players are on the field with you they'll likely tell you were to go and what to do, it's up to you to decide if you want to follow their instructions, but generally if they're givign you a place to go, it might be a good idea to go there. The reason is two-fold, first, it gets you moving, second, it keeps you from doubling up in a bunker with someone else. If you're sharing a bunker, make plans to go somewhere else. When you get shot, stick your gun up and walk off the field, then watch the rest of the game and absorb. Just don't pick-up the nasty habbits of arguing with refs, whiping, or throwing tantrums. Lastly HAVE FUN!!!!!

Everything he said i agree with except for the goggles the Vforce Vantage is about $20-30 depending on where you go and offer great protection and are the most comfortable with glasses as for a gun if you have the money get a Spyder Imagine. Tippmanns are good but you may decide to play speedball (DO NOT GET A PIRANAHA UNLESS YOU NEVER WANT TO STOP FIXING IT). Get a 14oz C02 tank and a 12v revvy. Just were clothes that you dont care if they get dirty i wear only t shirt and shorts.

all this is affordable and long lasting

[marpat]

Id suggest an ion for a beginners gun, you can pick one up here on ao for about the same price as a new a-5

Acutally since you are on the mag forum.. buy a classic w/ lvl 10 could be done under the cost of an ion.

and u can run CO2 or HPA in it .

[jenarelJAM]

I too would advise buying a spyder as yuor first gun if you are interested, but not sure yet. Reason? Because they are around $100 and with goggles, tank, hopper, and general random accessories, it will cist you aroun $180. Spending more than that is somewhat of a waste if you never get beyond basic recball, and spending less will not allow you to fully experience paintball. I would adise the spyder imagine as well. It is very simple, easy to deal with, and (with an easy do-it-yourself trigger mod) you can learn to walk the trigger and get ready for a faster marker. It was my first(sorta) marker, and I'm 100% sure I made the right decision. When I upgraded to a new gun, I sold it(and goggles tank hopper, etc.) for $120, meaning I spent around a total of $60 to have my own, better than rental, gun, for 10 days of play or so. This is better than rental fees, gives you a great feeling owning you own gun, and you will get to be part of the non-rental crowd.
I'd say go for it.

[I'll Shoot You]

If i like the sport, which i should since i like airsoft, then i'm getting the Tippmann 98 Custom.

[VFX_Fenix]

Everything he said i agree with except for the goggles the Vforce Vantage is about $20-30 depending on where you go and offer great protection and are the most comfortable with glasses....

I didn't include the Vantage because it's based on the Armor lense (and I didn't particularly like the Armor for periferial vision) also because I've never owned a Vantage.

[jenarelJAM]

98c's are great guns, you can't go wrong with them. The reason I would suggest an e-spyder over them is that:
1. The e-spyder will be around $100 cheaper
2. The e-spyder will allow you to learn how to walk the trigger, and it will be colorful like all those pretty DM's and other speedball markers (Unless you're going for woodsball effect).
3. Your 98c will never break. Although many people believe this to be great, I believe that if you don't learn how to tech your marker, you won't be ready for the next thing. The low maintenence of a spyder will help you learn about teching your own marker, but it is simple enough that you should be able to fix any problems(short of Arnold Schwarcheneger bending it into a circle) within 5-10 minutes.

If you go the 98c route, you will be happy. The above should not be taken as criticisms. I have seen several friends buy 98cs, be completely happy with them(other than the stock barrel, yuck) and eventually gone on to the next gun. I have also seen friends who buy the guns from the aforementioned friends and they decide that it's too slow, that they can't keep up with their friends newer guns, and they borrow guns instead of playing with their own. Depends on you really. Whichever way you chose, hope you're happy.