• Deciding How Much Padding To Wear

    DSC06611 (1)Paintball is a sport where small balls of paint fly toward you at high speeds. It can sting a bit when you get hit, especially if you are not used to it. With this in mind, many players at AC Paintball in southern New Jersey wear padding. Padding provides more of a cushion so so the impact of paintballs hitting you don’t hurt quite as much.

    The question we will be looking at today, however, is just how much padding you should wear. There are both positive and negative aspects of wearing more padding. So, to help you decide, AC Paintball has come up with these questions you can ask yourself.

    How Experienced Are You?

    If you are not used to playing paintball, your muscle tissue may still be soft. This means it bruises more easily. The first few times you play at AC Paintball, getting hit may sting quite a bit. However, the more you play, the more you will get used to it. Your muscle tissue will get stronger and you won’t bruise as easily.

    If you are new to paintball, you may want to consider wearing more padding. Then, as you visit AC Paintball more often, you can progressively wear less padding as you get stronger and the impact doesn’t hurt as much.

    What Will the Weather Be Like?

    Another aspect you will want to consider is what the weather will be like on the day you visit AC Paintball. Padding can help keep you warm when the weather is cold, but will also make you sweat more in the summer. Your level of comfort can greatly affect your ability to play well. Therefore, you will want to plan ahead and dress appropriately.

    bandage-1235337_960_720Do You Have Any Injuries?

    Do you have any injuries from your previous games at AC Paintball? If you have a bruise or other injury, letting it get hit over and over will not aid in the healing process. It is important to protect areas where you have been hurt so that you don’t aggravate your injury. Some areas you will want to pay extra attention to include your head, face, neck, elbows, knees, and hands.

    How Much Do You Plan On Moving Around?

    Some people are aggressive players that love to be in the middle of the action. If you are one of these people, you may plan on running around a lot. Using too much padding can hinder your ability to move around easily. The thickness of the padding can block your range of motion and the weight can tire you out faster. If you plan on moving around a lot, you may want to wear a bit less padding.

    At the same time, more padding also means more cushioning if you plan on diving or crawling. You will want to consider what kind of movements you plan on using. If you are just running, less padding may work just fine. On the other hand, if you plan on diving to the ground or sliding behind a bunker, more padding will help protect you.

    It’s Better To Be Safe Than Sorry

    When it comes down to preparing for your AC Paintball trip, it is better to be safe than sorry. Start by wearing extra padding. You can always take some off if it is too difficult to move around. Yet, if you don’t have it with you, you may end up wanting it and not have it. If you can, try to add padding in layers so you don’t have to make the decision between a lot of padding or none at all.

    If you need more help, please feel free to contact AC Paintball. Our staff would be happy to address any questions you may have.

  • Tips for Choosing Paintball Goggles

    paintball birthdayWhen choosing gear for a paintball game, many players focus on choosing the right marker. While the marker is one of the most important choices to make, you should think carefully about your mask or goggle choice as well. After all, the mask does protect your eyes and the rest of your face. Protecting your face is more important than hitting your target. 

    Safety is a primary concern at AC Paintball. It is important to keep your mask on at all times while there is a game being played on the field. With this in mind, you want to make sure that you choose the right mask. That is why AC Paintball in Williamstown, New Jersey has compiled this list of tips for choosing the right goggles.

    Price

    Price is always something to consider when buying anything. Sometimes the price carries a lot of weight in your decision and other times it is less of a priority. When it comes to paintball goggles, the price should not be too much of a concern. You will want a priority mask that will protect your face when paintballs are flying towards you at high speeds.

    Comfort

    Unlike price, comfort should be high on your priority list, especially since you will be wearing it for the majority of your four-hour paintball session at AC Paintball. Here are some aspects you will want to consider when thinking about comfort.

    Cushioning– Some masks use foam and others just use a rubber gasket. Think about how often you play at AC Paintball and how important being comfortable is you and choose wisely.

    Weight– If your mask is heavy, it can take a toll on your neck after a while. You want to focus on hitting your target and not how much your neck is aching. If other aspects aren’t as important to you, definitely consider a lightweight mask.

    Fit– Think about how secure the goggles are to your head. Are they tight to your face or do they feel like they may fall down? Some brands have silicone beads on the strap to hold the sizing slider in place so the mask doesn’t continually loosen and start to slip off your face.

    When you have a comfortable mask, you can focus your game and be your best.

    Lenses and Frames

    pintball-918086_960_720There are many different types of goggles on the market. Each one provides a different view and various advantages. Lenses come in various sizes and can give you a wider or taller view. Some lenses are flat while others are curved. Some goggles have anti-fog lenses and others provide enough room for you to wear glasses under your mask.

    There are also different levels of coverage. Some just cover the face, others also cover the ears, and some come with a visor. Many AC Paintball beginners prefer a mask with more coverage. You should think about what features are most important to you and choose a mask that best matches those preferences.

    Durability

    When paintballs are hitting you at high speeds, you want a mask that can stand up against that force without breaking. If you plan on playing at AC Paintball fairly often, you mask will also experience wear and tear over time. When choosing a pair of goggles pay attention to the material it is made of. The more durable mask you choose, the longer it will last.

    Aesthetics

    Aesthetics are usually low on the priority list, but it is still an aspect you will want to consider. Think about what type of game you plan on playing at AC Paintball. If you are going to play woodsball, you will want to choose a mask that is either camouflaged or a dark color. This way you won’t stick out when you are trying to hide. If you are playing speedball you have more freedom something bright and flashy that you can show off to your friends.

    AC Paintball’s Rentals

    If you don’t plan on playing paintball that often, AC Paintball offers two different mask models for rent. The first is Tippmann brand and provides a visor to help block the sun from getting in your eyes. The other is Valken brand and does not have a visor, but may give you more range of vision. If you have any questions or need help choosing the right equipment, a member of the AC Paintball staff would be happy to help you.

  • Determining How Many Paintballs to Buy

    paintball_packWhen you play at AC Paintball in southern New Jersey, you need working equipment and plenty of ammo. If you run out of paintballs mid-game, you lose your ability to defend yourself. You also won’t be able to take out your opponents. This situation is a disadvantage to not only you but to your team as well.

    Your options will be slim. You will either have to find a friend to borrow from or eliminate yourself from the game. If you choose to borrow, you also waste time finding a friend and reloading your gun. This gives plenty of time for your opponents to take you out of the game anyway.

    Don’t let this situation happen to you. Make sure you have the ammo you need and check your equipment ahead of time. If you are new to paintball, you may not know how many paintballs you will need. There are many variables to take into consideration. AC Paintball is here to help. We have created this guide to help you figure out just how much ammo you will need for playing at AC Paintball.

    Average Usage

    The average paintball player uses approximately 200 paintballs per hour of play. You can adjust this number depending on your mood and level of competitiveness. If you need to get out some aggressions, you can estimate to add about 100 more. If you want to relax more and just have fun, you can subtract 100. Most of AC Paintball’s packages include three to four hours of playtime. You also get 200 paintballs and most of the equipment you will need. If you think you will need more than 200 paintballs, you can buy more separately. You can the pricings below.

    • 200 Paintballs: $9.95
    • 500 Paintballs: $19.95
    • 2000 Paintball Case: $49.95 (Available to AC Paintball Club Members ONLY)
    • 2000 Paintball Case: $65.42 (without ACPaintball Club Membership)

    How Often Do You Like to Shoot?

    Are you an aggressive player or a relaxed player? When it comes to paintball there are two different shooting methods. Some players use the “spray and pray” method where they continuously fire paintballs. They do not take much time to aim and just point in their opponent’s general direction. This tactic will call for more paintballs. You may want to add about 100 paintballs to your total.

    Other paintball players are patient and take the time to aim. They make sure they hit their target and conserve paintballs. This approach does not need as many paintballs. You may only need about 100 paintballs. Both methods can be effective depending on your skills and preferences.

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    What Position Are You Playing?

    The position you play affects how often you will need to shoot. If you choose to be a Backman or being part of the infantry, you can plan on shooting a lot. These players handle ambushes and defend their teammates. Frontmen and Snipers, on the other hand, will not need as many paintballs. They are in charge of completing the mission and taking out specific targets.

    What Game Are You Playing?

    The game you choose to play can also affect how many paintballs you will need. It might not affect the number as much as much as your mood and preferences, though. In scenario games, the scenario you choose will determine how many paintballs you need. If you choose a scenario with a lot of shooting action, you will need more paintballs. Yet, if you choose a scenario with more story and less action, you may not need as many. Usually, players report needing more paintballs on average when playing scenario paintball.

    Most woodsball players report using an average of 200 paintballs. Take into consideration, however, that AC Paintball’s wooded fields are our largest fields. This means that you may end up doing more running and less shooting. You might be able to get away with just 150 paintballs. AC Paintball’s speedball courses are on the smaller side and see more shooting action. Most players report using an average of 200 paintballs, but you may want to carry more, just in case.

    Are You On a Budget?

    When you play paintball, there are many pieces of equipment you need to rent. At AC Paintball, most of the equipment is already included in the paintball package. After you buy a package, you may have to budget the rest of your money. In this case, you will want to be conservative with your shooting. You may want to consider splitting a pack of paintballs and the cost with a friend. If you are low on ammo, another option is to create your own mini game that does not need many paintballs.

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    How Long Are You Planning on Playing?

    If you choose AC Paintball’s morning paintball package you get three hours of playtime. This means you will need approximately 600 paintballs. If you choose AC Paintball’s afternoon package, you get four hours of play time. This means you will need approximately 800 paintballs. Don’t forget to take the other variables into consideration, though.

    You will also want to take breaks into consideration. You likely won’t play for 3-4 hours straight. AC Paintball recommends taking short breaks to rest and refuel. You should take breaks into consideration when planning how many paintballs you will need. If you plan on taking a half hour break, you can plan to take about 100 paintballs off of your total.

    Do You Still Have Paintballs Left?

    If you still have paintballs left at the end of the day, you can always save them for your next visit you AC Paintball in Williamstown, New Jersey. You can bring your friends and save with one of AC Paintball’s group packages. You can also try a different field or game and have a new exciting paintball experience.

  • Paintball Equipment Guide for Each Position

    After choosing team positions, each person should prepare for their new roles. Each player should collect tools and accessories that help them complete their responsibilities. When all of your players are properly equipped, your team improves their chances of winning the game. AC Paintball in Williamstown, New Jersey enjoys giving you the best gaming experience possible. We have created this guide providing you with equipment tips for each position. Having good gear and tools can help you improve your game and make your experience more exciting.

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    Frontman/Pointman/Scout Unit

    The frontman should have a small and light-weight marker that can easily be carried while running. If you rent a gun from AC Paintball, the Valken V-Tac SW-1 is the lightest and shortest offered. A frontman typically does the least amount of shooting. They may only need enough ammo and air to defend themselves.

    Good running shoes and clothing that is easy to move in should be the main focus for a frontman. They will be sprinting ahead into the battle zone and need to be able to move well. A walkie talkie can also be helpful for communicating with the back end. The two positions can discuss strategy and warn each other of danger.

    Infantry

    The infantry should have markers that can shoot paint at mid-long range. This will help them knock out the enemy and defend their frontman. They should prepare for a lot of shooting with a large supply of paint. If you plan on playing many games or for a long time, you may want to consider purchasing a case of 2000 paintballs from AC Paintball. A large air tank can also ensure that you have power for shooting throughout the game. When planning a uniform, camouflage can be a helpful tool. Staying hidden can help you take out your opponent before they spot you.

    Mid Player/Floater/Roamer

    A floater needs to do the most planning as they may end up filling in for other positions. A well-rounded marker would be the best option for a mid-player. Their marker choice should be light enough to carry, but they do not want to sacrifice range and accuracy. Either marker offered by AC Paintball would make a decent choice.

    A mid-player will need a medium-large supply of paintballs depending on what player they may replace. You will also want a medium-large supply of air. To make movement easier, some players like to use paintball guns with remote lines. They carry their air tank on their back to free. Like the frontman, a roamer may end up doing a lot of running. With this in mind, choosing good running shoes and clothing is a must.

    green paintballs

    Backman/Rear

    Backmen do the most shooting and thus need an accurate gun that can handle a lot of fast shooting. If you plan on renting from AC Paintball, the Valken V-Tac SW-1 has less of a recoil. This can help when firing many shots.  They will also need the largest load of paintballs and a backup air tank.

    To carry many rounds worth of supplies, you will definitely want to bring a harness or backpack. If your team brings limited walkie talkies, the backman should definitely receive one. They will likely have the best view of the field and can warn the players ahead of them. Captains often end up at the rear and should have a good way of communicating with the rest of their team.

    Sniper Unit

    The most important aspect for a sniper to think about when selecting a gun that is accurate. They should select a long range gun with a longer than average barrel. Optics or a scope can help in finding and targeting your opponent. Binoculars work as a good alternative. The sniper does not move as much as the other players and thus can afford to carry more supplies. It is a good idea to wear camouflaged clothing that does not make a lot of noise while moving. This will allow you to be stealthy when trying to target and unsuspecting player.