Paintball through the Years
Paintball was born after a group of friends got a hold of several CO2 "guns" specialized for Forestry applications. Specifically to "Mark" hard-to-reach trees designated for lumber harvesting. Upon realization of the recreational value of these niche, forestry "Markers" many companies cropped up throughout the 80's and 90's to manufacture and sell various 12-gram CO2 cartridge powered markers, which held 10-15 paintballs at a time. Eventually, larger CO2 and high pressure Nitrogen and Air cylinders became standard- along with larger and larger "Hoppers" to hold more paintballs before reloading was needed.
Early paintball saw a variety of "Iffy" safety regulations, before the industry standardized. At its start, many players simply used shop or laboratory safety glasses or modified motocross goggles, with little to no facial protection. Over the years, different rates of fire and velocities were regarded as acceptable. Nowadays, 10.5 'balls per second' and 285 feet per second of muzzle velocity, as well as proper regulations about full-face masks and lens design have become standard.
Eventually electronic markers became common sight, air-filled bunkers were a requirement at nearly every field, and tournament play rose in popularity, along with scenario, big-games and Magfed-only days.
At Hutch and Sons' Outdoor, we enjoy playing paintball of all kinds, from the adrenaline rush of fast-paced airball with electronic "space-guns" to rambling about acres of dark, unkempt woods holding pump-action markers. We see most people having the best paintball experience, when playing close to its original style: Low rates of fire, limited paint, while playing with good friends, on the family's back-40 acres.
Safety while playing
Paintball does have an inherent element of risk for those playing and those around them. However, when all players are informed, using common sense and maintaining awareness while handling equipment, the game can be played with a high degree of safety.
Some examples of safe handling:
-Proper use of Barrel covers in addition to marker safety switches
-Wearing Masks AT ALL TIMES when playing- even if it is uncomfortable- and ensuring masks are worn correctly
-Not discharging markers at those not properly wearing masks
-Careful handling of compressed gas cylinders and properly connecting gas cylinders to paintball markers
-Maintaining a safe distance from others while playing