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Frequently Asked Questions | Paintball Suppliers | BattleGear UK

paintball

What is the best marker to buy for a beginner?

Known as one of the best markers for beginners or paintball players with a tighter budget, the Tippmann Stormer Elite is a lightweight and durable marker with a brilliant reputation. This marker comes with two magazines and a dual-feed design that can be converted from a loader to magazine fed quickly and easily. One of the only negatives about this marker is its inability to use First Strike paintballs; however, this is not an issue for most players who enjoy the weight and feel of the marker rather than what paintball brand it can shoot with.

With a durable composite body and easy to use when out in the field, it’s no wonder this marker belongs to Tippmann. Known for creating some of the most durable and accessible markers, the Tippmann Stormer Elite is worth investigating in more detail.

Do you service paintball markers?

If you have an issue with your paintballing equipment and need professional support, BattleGear UK is here to help. BattleGear UK is the UK-based service centre for all FirstStrike MagFed markers and accessories. Our technician trained with the First Strike team in Chicago, Illinois and is trusted with all fault finding and repairs required in the UK.

What should I wear to a paintball event?

We recommend you cover your arms, legs and head when entering a paintballing battlefield. Whether you are a novice to the adrenaline-fueled sport or have been joining events for as long as you can remember, projectiles tend to hurt when they hit bare skin and can leave a bruise! For this reason, giving yourself some protection is probably the smartest thing to do! Projectiles travelling at the speed they do can cause injuries to your face, eyes and head if they manage to hit you, so protect your face and eyes! BattleGear UK has a range of protective accessories on our online store.

Should I purchase certain projectiles for my marker?

If you want to get the best from your marker on the day, we recommend purchasing the correct type of projectile to fit your marker. If you are using a FirstStrike product, for example, buy the FirstStrike projectiles that will fit your magfed marker. If you are unsure which projectiles best suit you and your paintball marker, get in touch with our team, and we will be happy to help and advise you further.

Does it hurt when you are hit with a projectile?

We are not here to lie to you! Joining a paintballing event isn’t exactly going to be a walk in the park, and if you are hit with a projectile, you may feel it sting! Projectiles can cause bruising due to the speed they are travelling, but this will depend on how close you are to the shooter when you are struck. We recommend covering up your skin to give you a little protection when you are out on the field.

Is there a minimum age I can go to a paintball event?

Technically, there is no minimum age limit on paintballing events. However, you will find that most venues do have an age cap. If you are not sure whether you can take your child, we recommend calling the venue or the organisers to find out about their minimum age play and if it will be suitable for your child.

Do you need a license to own a paintball marker?

Whilst you do not need a license to own a paintball marker, there are some stipulations on this rule. Your marker should not fire above 12ft/lbs for a rifle-style marker and not above 6ft/lbs if you are using a pistol. Most paintball markers fit into this criteria; however, if your marker does fire above these limits, it could be considered a prohibited weapon under the Firearms Act.

Is there a governing body in the UK for paintball?

Yes. The United Kingdom Paintball Sports Federation (UKPSF) is the governing body in the UK for paintballing. This voluntary body aims to promote the sport and make it as fun and safe as possible for everyone. The UKSPF was founded in 1990 by a number of players and those in the industry who wanted to boost the sport as it was facing scrutiny and bad press at the time.

Do I need to have the experience to join a paintball event?

Of course not! The paintballing industry aims to be a fun, exciting and encompassing sport that invites everyone from all backgrounds and walks of life to participate in a great game. Paintballing is a great chance to build and grow new relationships with others, stay fit and ultimately learn a new sport. We guarantee that if you don’t already have experience in the industry, you will definitely come away with some!

What is a MagFed marker, and how does it differ from traditional markers?

MagFed markers work by attaching a pump to the marker, which feeds the paintballs from the magazine directly into the chamber. This means there is no need to remove the spent paintballs before reloading. This allows you to keep shooting without stopping to reload. You can shoot as long as you have ammunition left in your magazine.

There are many other benefits to choosing a MagFed game over a traditional paintball style, including:

  • Realistic experience
  • More intense gameplay
  • More fun
  • Tactical gameplay

When deciding to participate in a MagFed game, the odds are evened out slightly by ensuring that all players use the same type of marker (MagFed markers only). This means that the game remains tactical, intense and safe for all players.

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5 expectations when you work with a reputable paintball supplier

BGUK paintball supplier est. 01-10-2018

Finding a reputable paintball supplier

Whether you are an avid paintball player or you are just starting out in the action-packed industry, you will know the importance of finding a reputable paintball supplier you can trust. A team who is knowledgeable and can give you advice, as well as provide brilliant supplies that are of good quality at competitive prices. For those who have been attending paintballing events for some time, we are sure you will have had the unfortunate experience of using less than the best projectiles, or having a marker fall apart in your hands, all because you believed a supplier was reputable and it wasn’t. This is not your fault! With so many paintball suppliers on the market, it can be difficult to find a reputable and trustworthy one among the mix.

BattleGear UK has put together this easy guide for you so you can spot a reputable supplier from a mile off in the future and you are no longer faced with substandard equipment when you are on the playing field. As a reputable paintball supplier, BattleGear UK knows what you should be looking for in your supplier.

Expectations of your trusted paintball supplier

Up to date compliance and legality information

It’s no secret that the paintball industry is heavily governed to deter injury or assault from markers being used outside of a paintballing event. There are several pieces of legislation regarding suitable markers, their build and the projectiles they use that aim to protect others from the harm they could impose. Your paintball supplier should be up to date on all compliance and be able to advise you of the latest legislation in layman’s terms.

The paintball industry is governed closely by the United Kingdom Paintball Sports Federation and those who supply safe and effective paintball equipment can be accredited by the UKPSF if they adhere to all principles. Only use paintball suppliers who are accredited by the UKPSF like BattleGear UK.

Customer satisfaction and quality products are key

The paintball industry is a growing place but still comes under much scrutiny. Paintball suppliers who are serious about keeping the industry in the best light will want to provide the best customer satisfaction with quality products. Failure to do so could lead the industry into more disrepute and give it a bad reputation. Supplying the wrong equipment, or equipment that is faulty could not only endanger the person using it but those around them so it’s imperative that you choose a company that can provide you with high-quality products and great customer service every time you choose to work with them. Check out some of our BattleGear UK testimonials from happy customers!

Knowledge and experience from your paintball supplier

When you work with a reputable paintball supplier like BattleGear UK, you will have peace of mind that the founders of the company are both avid paintball players and this is why BattleGear UK was formed. Paul Strutt, managing director of BattleGear designed the company to show his continued commitment to UK paintball, aimed at providing great quality products and the knowledge and experience that both avid and new paintball players want and need in the industry. Richard Widenbarr, the Creative Director, has been a paintball player for over 10 years and maintains BattleGear to ensure this growing paintball community of passionate people are supported in their sport.

A friendly and professional paintball supplier team

When you come across a niche industry supplier, it can be challenging to find a company that is able to communicate both to long-standing players as well as newcomers. For newcomers to the sport, in particular, it can be a little daunting to approach a paintball supplier with limited knowledge but a keen interest in the sport and can leave people feeling unwelcome or devalued in the sport if they are spoken to in the wrong way or assumed to be unknowledgeable. Find a company that will support you in the same effective way from the beginning of your paintball journey, right through to you being an expert player. Choose a company that is friendly and remembers you, yet is still professional and can give you the information you need in a way that makes sense to you.

Competitive and cost-effective prices for your products

With many paintball products on the market, it can be challenging to know what cost-effective pricing is and whether you are getting the most for your money whilst still getting a quality product. Good quality paintball products are not cheap, so if you have found a seemingly perfect marker for a fraction of the cost you expected to pay, the chances are there will be a catch. Aim to always purchase your equipment, projectiles and accessories from a paintball supplier who offers a satisfaction guarantee and who can show they will offer you the best price – don’t forget, the best price may not always be the cheapest, but you can be assured that you will be purchasing a safe and quality product.

This may also interest you:

Legal vs illegal UK paintballing activities: a BattleGear guide

3 best magfed paintball brands and markers for 2022

The history of paintballing and the rise of magfed games

BattleGear UK aim to provide you with the best customer service

Born from a love of the paintballing industry and wanting to help grow the community and paintballing popularity, BattleGear UK has a clear and simple mission. To provide the best products at the best prices with the best knowledge from the team. There is nothing we enjoy more than being able to speak to customers – whether they have been with us since the beginning or are enquiring for the first time. We can assure you that you will always get the same support, advice and professionalism and our team will always communicate in a way that works for you and your level of experience.

If you are looking for a reputable paintball supplier who can offer you satisfaction, competitive pricing and high-quality products, look no further than BattleGear UK. We welcome you to the action-packed world of paintballing – you won’t be disappointed.

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Legal vs. illegal UK paintballing activities: A BattleGear guide

UK Magfed paintballing

Do you know your legal vs illegal UK paintballing activities?

BattleGear UK aims to bring you a comprehensive but transparent guide on what you can and cannot do with your paintball marker (gun) and what safety and legal precautions you should be taking if you own a marker or are planning to buy one.

Paintball is a high-intensity adrenaline-filled game that requires a paintball marker and approved safety headgear (goggles/mask) to play. A paintball marker is deemed to be a firearm in UK law. It can not kill but can cause injury if handled improperly. It is therefore understandable that there are rules around owning and using a marker, where you can play and safety precautions that should be adhered to at all times. But do you know the legal vs illegal UK paintballing activities, and do you have questions about what you can and cannot do?

While owning a paintball marker is legal in the UK, some stipulations and rules must be followed to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you. Most of the regulations surrounding Paintball markers can be found in the Firearms Act of 1968 under the section Air Weapons, which supports regulating the sport and keeping it both fun and safe. Subsequent additions to the act have had some impact on the use and ownership of Paintball Guns and we have attempted to include the relevant parts here for your convenience.

Under UK law “paintballing” is a permitted activity. By extension, owning a paintball marker is permitted but you will require a “defence in law” should the authorities come knocking at your door regarding your ownership of a paintball gun. Declaring yourself to be a paintballer (a person who participates in the sport of paintball on a regular basis) is not proof in itself. You will need valid documentation to support your claim which is one of the reasons why the UKPSF exists.

The United Kingdom Paintball Sports Federation (UKPSF)

In the UK we follow the law and also abide by the United Kingdom Paintball Sports Federation (UKPSF), which is the governing body for paintballing in the UK. They are responsible for regulating the sport, providing guidelines, liaising with the government regarding the sport and underwriting the rules and regulations that are used by paintball sites, event organisers and players. From 2022 membership to the UKPSF is mandatory for purchasing a paintball marker in the UK. Membership starts from just £3 per year at the time of this publication.

Playing paintball in residential or public places

DON’T DO IT! You should only use a paintball marker at a designated paintball site or where an event organiser has carried out the necessary Health & Safety assessment, submitted it to the local authority and had it approved before the event. And then you can only use your marker under the authority of the site owner or event organiser. In other words, do not assume that just because you are at a paintball site you can start shooting your paintball marker in the play area.

In the unlikely event that an accident occurs involving a paintball marker at a paintball site. That site should have 3rd party liability insurance in place. Make sure the site you choose to play at has insurance. All UKPSF sites have the necessary insurance as part of the requirement for being a registered member.

The law is quite clear that you should not use your paintball marker in any residential places as this could cause injury to members of the public and is an arrestable offence. It is advisable that you avoid shooting in your garden which is private land. If a paintball should stray out of your boundary you will be breaking the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003. This could carry some serious consequences for the offender.

The rules of paintball markers:

  • Only frangible projectiles should be used with your paintball marker. Non-frangible rounds are a modification or misuse of a paintball marker and can land you in big trouble if discovered.
  • All HPA (High-Pressure Air) and Co2 bottles/cylinders/tanks should be checked and tested regularly. The date when a bottle needs to be tested is marked on the tank. Typically testing is required every 5years at an approved test centre. You can organise this through any reputable retailer such as Battle Gear UK.
  • Paintball markers should be restricted to firing at 300fps maximum for safety. Anything over this is unacceptable and dangerous in paintball. Most paintball sites set the fps lower to allow for a margin of error. You’ll be asked to demonstrate the fps (feet per second) of your marker before playing by a marshal (site official) with a chronographic meter and told to adjust the velocity accordingly.
  • Anyone who owns a paintball marker should not open carry it into a public place. It should be safely stowed in a proper kit bag and fastened shut – Open carrying could be seen as breaking the Offensive Weapons Act 2019. If found guilty, this could carry a prison sentence of up to 4 years.
  • You must be 18 years of age or more to purchase a paintball marker. You can be gifted a marker if younger than 18.
  • Paintballing is a permitted activity under UK law but the keeper should possess suitable documentation to justify ownership. UKPSF membership is suitable provided the intent is to play paintball.

Fully Automatic or Burst

Is not illegal in the UK but the UKPSF strongly recommend against paintball sites allowing fully automatic or burst paintball markers for safety reasons.

What can you do with your MagFed paintball marker?

As previously mentioned, paintballing is first and foremost a fun safe sport. With playing locations across the UK, there are many venues to choose from where you can use your paintball marker. Whether you are part of a group looking for a recreational activity or you are a solo player looking for an event to be part of, there are paintball social platforms, forums and events companies that offer fast-paced and adrenaline-fueled paintball events from beginners to veterans.

Whilst you cannot carry your MagFed marker openly through your local streets when it is fully loaded, you can dismantle and pack it into your kit bag, so you are ready to travel to your next event. If you are planning to travel abroad, however, we would recommend you check the rules of the specific airline, country and state you are travelling to as there are different regulations for paintball markers depending on where you are in the world. What we can tell you for sure is that you will not be able to take your paintball marker on as hand luggage with any airline!

If you don’t own a paintball marker yet, it’s worth looking for events or paintball venues where you can hire or test markers. Doing this can give you an excellent feel for the sport and whether you would want to invest in a MagFed marker so you can participate in events around the UK.

This may also interest you:

Three best magfed paintball brands and markers for 2022

The history of paintballing and the rise of MagFed games

Terrify your team with your First Strike MagFed paintballing gear

BattleGear UK are proud to guide you on legal vs illegal UK paintballing activities

As a growing sport, it’s essential that all those who are avid paintball fans or who are about to become one follow and adhere to the rules and regulations in order to protect members of the public, other players and the reputation of the sport.

The paintball industry is a rapidly growing one in the UK. It’s a sport with a great future, one that will provide many young people with access to a great experience. However, if rules are not understood or followed, tighter restrictions may be placed on the sport with the result that it will become almost impossible to play in the future. BattleGear UK is proud to guide you on legal vs illegal UK paintballing activities.

BattleGear UK is a large supplier of MagFed paintball markers and accessories for beginners through to experienced players. Our markers adhere to all rules and guidelines to provide a safe but exciting game for all who are passionate about the sport.

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3 best magfed paintball brands and markers for 2022

magfed paintball, tippmann, First Strike, Planet Eclipse

Buying a magfed marker in 2022

Paintballing is a sport that many take up to get the feel of adrenaline and combat whilst enjoying the thrill and complex nature of the game. MagFed paintball games are newer to the scene but are taking the paintballing industry by storm. The difference between magfed and other styles of paintballing is the “milsim” feel of the marker where you count your shots just like a traditional firearm. Thats what makes it Magfed.

This month, BattleGear UK are taking a look at 5 of the best magfed paintball markers currently on the market. These markers are suitable for various players and you can find them all on our online store.

Brands and markers for a magfed paintball game

First Strike

First Stike – the name is synonymous with paintball enthusiasts everywhere. The First Strike T15 has become a gold standard for look and feel. What a perfect set-up this paintball marker offers. Built to last and to maintain pinpoint precision in even the harshest of conditions and terrains the T15 marker is one to seriously consider.

With a rugged lightweight aluminium body and high-end accessories that are included in the kits, this marker is easily one of the most popular on the market to date. For optimum manoeuvrability whilst you are out on the field, First Strike is your answer. Not only will you have a marker that offers precision like no other, but First Strike markers are also of course compatible with FSR – First Strike rounds. These paintballs offer maintained velocity and unrivalled accuracy thanks to their stabilising technology. Environmentally friendly and degradable, FSR’s are a true win for paintball technology worldwide.

Planet Eclipse

The EMF100 from Planet Eclipse is a great paintball marker as it shoots both with speed and accuracy. You can easily hit targets up to 50 feet away. It also holds 15 rounds of paintballs. The EMF100 is extremely consistent, reliable, robust and has a great overall design that puts the marker in a good position alongside its competition. The EMF100 doesn’t come with a lot of accessories and extras but many feel that’s made up for with its performance out on the field. The reason the EMF 100 delivers such a great performance can be simply attributed to the fact it’s made by Planet Eclipse. Known for creating some of the best paintball markers in the world, Planet Eclipse really went all out when making their first magfed marker the EMF100.

The EMF100 is an accurate rifle that shoots incredibly smooth and quiet. With dual-feed ports, there is no need for batteries or charging. The Gamma Core drivetrain provides incredible accuracy.

Tippmann

Known as one of the best markers for beginners or players with a tighter budget, the Tippmann Stormer Elite is a lightweight and durable marker with a brilliant reputation. This marker comes with two magazines, and a dual-feed design that can be converted from a loader to magazine fed quickly and easily. One of the only negatives about this marker is its inability to use First Strike paintballs however this is not an issue for most players who enjoy the weight and feel of the marker rather than what paintball brand it can shoot with.

With a composite body that’s durable and easy to use when out in the field, it’s no wonder this marker belongs to Tippmann. Known for creating some of the most durable and accessible markers, the Tippmann Stormer Elite is definitely worth investigating in more detail.

Considerations for buying a magfed paintball marker

Bear in mind that not all magfed paintball markers are the same and no two will give you the same feel or shoot style. Some markers are close in resemblance to a real firearm, these tend to be heavier. Other markers are closer to a traditional marker with a paintball magazine attached – these tend to be lighter. Check whether your chosen magfed paintball marker is built to shoot automatic or semi-automatic.

In order to ensure you are buying a magfed marker that is ideal for you and your shooting style, we recommend speaking to an expert. Luckily, we have several of them here at BattleGear UK and are always happy to help fellow paintball enthusiasts with picking the right marker for them. Just get in contact to speak to an expert.

This may also interest you:

The history of paintballing and the rise of magfed games 

Terrify your team with first strike magfed paintballing gear

Battlegear’s 2021 guide to magfed paintballing

Get the latest MagFed info and equipment from BattleGear UK in 2022

MagFed is a style of “paintball” that uses magazines instead of paintballs. This makes the game faster-paced, more exciting and much more accessible for all kinds of players. MagFed markers are usually a bit more expensive than standard paintball markers. They are also able to fire in both semi-auto and sometimes full-auto modes and with a box mag can hold up to 50 paintballs, making them ideal for the speed of MagFed games.

BattleGear UK is one of the leading magfed paintball specialists in the UK. We are suppliers of the latest in markers, accessories and paintballs. Not only do we provide the latest equipment, but we also give the best advice whether you are just getting into the sport, or if you have been a lifelong enthusiast of the game. For advice and support or information on the latest releases, get in contact with BattleGear UK today.

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The history of paintballing and the rise of MagFed games

magfed games

Paintballing is one of the most popular extreme sports in the UK. There are hundreds of venues in the UK alone, where anyone can visit for a game of paintball. But, in the early 2010s, paintballing got a new lease of life when the UK started to embrace MagFed games. MagFed is a form of paintball that is played with a magazine-fed marker giving the player a much more realistic experience throughout the game.

This month, we take a look into where it all began – the history of paintballing and the subsequent rise of MagFed markers that has changed the way we look at the paintballing industry… and of course how Battlegear UK fit into this world.

Paintballing – back to where it all began

As far as history goes, paintballing is a relatively new sport to our timelines. The origin of paintballing began in the 1960s when Charles Nelson of Nelson Paint Company invented the first commercially successful paintball marker. The marker was not originally intended for the games as we know them today, rather to make marking trees and livestock easier to mark from longer distances – great for cattle farmers and rangers. In 1972 the company tried to sell the marker but it wasn’t to be. Not until his second attempt did he find success with BB manufacturers Daisy.

1981 saw the first of paintball games when friends decided to settle a long argument of who would survive city men or country folk. After seeing an ad for Nelson paintball marker the idea of a survival game was born using the markers and a set of rules drawn up by one of the friends. 12 men (6 from the city and 6 from the country) were invited to play the game which was in capture the flag format. Each player was given a marker, eye protection and a map of the playing field. The game was eventually won by a countryman who didn’t even use his marker!

It was this simple game to settle a friendly argument that started the paintballing industry as we know it today with over 700,000 players around the world, proving that sometimes the best ideas can come from settling an argument between friends!

The introduction and rise of MagFed games to the paintballing world

Not until 2013 did the UK see its first MagFed paintball game come to fruition. Operation End War was sponsored by Rap4 UK, however, it would appear that MagFed markers were being sketched and created as early as the late 1970s. One venue that has supported MagFed games in the UK is Outpost, Chester. With an incredible set-up and run by avid paintballers, this site has a lot of kudos amongst MagFed players and organisers.

MagFed games have only ever increased in popularity since the release of the first MagFed marker in the late 1980s. No longer do players feel as though they are in a paintballing game, now with the efficiency of the MagFed markers, players feel as though they are soldiers in a war which makes the game much more appealing for its intensity and tactics.

MagFed games have become popular amongst avid paintballers for a variety of reasons. Those looking for a little more realism in their paintball experience choose MagFed due to their loading method and that the markers look more realistic. MagFed games provide an atmosphere of intensity and excitement that pulls players into the game.

The benefits of MagFed games over traditional paintballing

MagFed markers work by attaching a pump to the marker which feeds the paintballs from the magazine directly into the chamber. This means there is no need to remove the spent paintballs before reloading. This allows you to keep shooting without stopping to reload. You can shoot as long as you have ammunition left in your magazine.

There are many other benefits to choosing a MagFed game over a traditional paintball style including:

  • Realistic experience
  • More intense gameplay
  • More fun
  • Tactical gameplay

When deciding to participate in a MagFed game, the odds are evened out slightly by ensuring that all players are using the same type of marker (MagFed markers only). This means that the game remains tactical, intense and safe for all players involved.

You may also be interested in:

Battlegear UK 2021 guide to MagFed paintballing

Find MagFed games in your area with OMG Events

Terrify your team with First Strike MagFed paintballing gear

Battlegear UK – your trusted supplier of MagFed equipment and supplies

Battlegear UK offers a wide selection of MagFed equipment and supplies from renowned brands. The company has a strong history of supporting the MagFed community and are the leading MagFed paintball supplier in the UK. You can purchase from a wide selection of products from brands such as First Strike, Tippmann and Planet Eclipse (amongst many more).

We hope you enjoyed our article about the history of paintballing and MagFed games in the United Kingdom. With this knowledge, you can make the most of your paintball or MagFed games when using the right equipment. So what are you waiting for? Visit Battlegear UK to find your equipment and take a look at upcoming games from OMG Events.