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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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BattleGear UK is your First Strike paintballing service centre

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The importance of a paintballing service centre

Many of us know the thrill of getting back onto the paintball event fields, starting up our well-oiled equipment and having the time of our lives. The excitement you get from a paintball event is like nothing else, and our paintball equipment often becomes a necessary extension of our bodies throughout the day. But what do you do when your First Strike gear no longer works in the way it should? Paintball equipment is costly, so our first option isn’t always to replace what is seemingly broken but to find someone who can fix our pride and joy. That’s where a paintballing service centre is an invaluable asset to the paintball community.

BattleGear UK is the official UK First Strike Paintballing service centre. We support First Strike clients who require warranty repairs for their paintballing equipment. Our technician trained with the First Strike team in Chicago, Illinois and is trusted with all fault finding and repairs required in the UK. If you have an issue with your paintballing equipment and need professional support, BattleGear UK is here to help.

How can a First Strike paintballing service centre help you?

Far from just being a reliable team you can call upon when you think you are facing an issue with your marker, a paintballing service centre like BattleGear UK aims to cover all elements of your servicing needs. Take a look at our list below to find out more about what we can support you and your marker with:

Fault finding

Got an issue with your marker but cannot seem to find out where it’s coming from? Our qualified team will run an expert fault-finding test to see what the issue is and how it can be resolved.

Strip and clean

Sometimes our markers just need a bit of tender loving care. Hand your marker over to us, and we will strip it down, clean all the parts and put it back together for you so it’s as good as new when you step back into the event field.

Annual servicing

Just like a car, your marker needs an annual check to ensure it’s still running confidently and capably. Not only does this keep you shooting like a pro on the field, but it also protects you and others around you. BattleGear UK can provide an annual servicing to keep your marker in tip-top condition.

Warranty repairs

If your marker fails or breaks in warranty, BattleGear UK can fix it for you! Send it over to us, and we will find out what the problem is before fixing the problem and getting it running like a dream again.

Upgrades

As with all markers and paintball equipment, sometimes it needs a bit of an upgrade, and that’s where we can step in. Whether it’s an upgraded part or something a little more substantial, we are the paintballing service centre you need.

Spares from stock

As a reputable paintball supplier, we have access to a large amount of stock. If you need a part replacement, we will search our stockist for you and replace it with any spares we have available.

First Strike products available with BattleGear UK

As a worldwide market leader in magfed paintball equipment, First Strike has a considerable amount of products available so you can get fully kitted out in their latest gear. From clothing to accessories, magfed sniper rifles to pistols and everything in between, you won’t be disappointed when choosing a First Strike paintball product.

Some of our favourite First Strike products are:

T15-DMR Marker – built for the perfect marksman on your team, the T15-DMR features a lightweight aluminium body that can withstand even the harshest of terrains and keep your aim accurate every step of the way. Customise your marker to adjust your gameplay and switch quickly between hopper mode and magazine mode with the dual feed system – what’s not to love!

FSC Paintball Pistol – If you are looking for a lightweight sidearm, why not try the handy FSC pistol? A compact .68 caliber pistol that has a range of accessories so you can build out your perfect marker. The FSC Paintball Pistol is available in a variety of colours, and if you are looking for a limited edition piece, take a look at the silver/black or brown/tan.

First Strike .68Cal Projectiles 150 rounds (green) – If you are looking to make your mark on the battlefield, you cannot go wrong with First Strike Projectiles. First Strike projectiles work with their marker counterparts for the perfect shot. Spot your mark from a great distance with their vibrant colours!

This may also interest you:

Common paintballing injuries and how to avoid them

A guide to choosing the right projectile for your marker

Five expectations when you work with a reputable paintball supplier

Speak to BattleGear UK today about your First Strike Paintball gear

Whether you are having trouble with your marker, you need to upgrade your equipment, or you are looking for a reliable paintball supplier on your speed dial, BattleGear UK is here to support you with all your paintballing needs. Established in 2018 with a specialism in the MagFed market, BattleGear UK has become well known in the paintball industry as a team that will help with almost anything.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your paintball equipment or learn more about the services and products we have available!

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Common paintballing injuries and how to avoid them

paintballing injuries

Paintballing injuries that are more common than you might think

If you’re thinking about trying out the sport of paintball, or you’re a veteran who has tried it once or twice, you should be aware that some common paintball injuries can happen if you’re not careful. There are a few simple things you can do to prevent these injuries from happening so that you can have a fun and safe time out on the paintball field.

Common paintballing injuries include:

Bruises: As with any physical activity, you’re likely to get some bruises if you’re not wearing the correct protective clothing. It’s best to wear long sleeves and pants made specifically for paintballing, as these will help prevent bruises from occurring when you are hit. If you do get a bruise, it’s likely to stay around for a short while, and you will have some significant battle scars to show off!

Ankle injuries: It’s not just projectiles that can cause paintballing injuries! Ankle injuries, including twists and sprains, are prevalent in paintballing and are often unavoidable. When you are running across a terrain, whether to reach a flag or flee the enemy fire, you could just simply trip and injure yourself.

Eye and ear injuries: Both eye and ear injuries can be extremely painful and often involve leaving the game early and having a recuperation period after the event has finished. Severe ear or eye injuries could involve temporary vision or hearing loss, so it’s imperative to wear the proper safety equipment to avoid this at all costs.

Concussion: Being hit in the head with a projectile is not to be taken lightly and could cause bruising, cuts and trauma if you are not wearing a helmet. Luckily, this can be easily avoided by wearing the proper head protection!

What clothing should you wear at a paintballing event?

Now that we have looked at the most common types of paintballing injuries, it’s time to learn how to avoid them! As ankle injuries are common, it’s essential that they are protected whilst you are out on the field. If you get an ankle injury mid-play, the chances are you will have to call time out and leave the game early. To avoid this, opt for boots or high tops that offer good foot and ankle support at all times. Hiking boots are a good choice because of their grip along all types of terrain but make sure they are not too heavy, especially if you are playing for a long time.

Time for clothing! Your main aim whilst paintballing is to be comfortable and protected, so loose fitting clothing covering your arms and legs is the best option. Tracksuit bottoms and long sleeve t-shirts or jumpers will protect your limbs, keep you warm if you’re playing in muddy terrain and leave you free to run, jump, roll and generally get into the paintball action. Don’t forget to take a change of clothes with you if you are likely to get wet or muddy – there is nothing worse than leaving your paintballing venue cold and wet!

Lastly, your head and arms are just as necessary to protect when paintballing. Projectiles travel fast when they leave a marker, and a shot to the hand or head can often put you out of action. Consider taking gloves with you to protect your hands from paintballing injuries. If you are a novice player, you will likely be provided with a helmet and goggles when you get to the venue, but you will probably have your own safety equipment to hand if you are a long-term paintball player. A baseball cap or beanie could also be an excellent addition to your clothing.

Paintballing attire to protect your limbs and face!

Paintball is a popular activity enjoyed by many. It is a great way to spend time with family and friends as well as release some stress after a long day at work. Paintball is a fun activity and can be played by people of all ages. With the right safety equipment, paintball can be a fun activity with minimal risk of injury.

One of the most important pieces of safety equipment you need is paintball goggles to protect your eyes and face. If you are wearing goggles, you are much less likely to sustain eye injuries, and you will be able to play for longer before tiring out. Gloves are also an important addition, and with BGUK leather combat gloves, you get armoured knuckle supports built in to protect your fingers and keep you playing.

Lastly, we recommend you purchase head protection to avoid getting a projectile to the head and wiping yourself out of the game. BattleGear UK has a selection of beanies and baseball caps available to keep you protected and help you stay camouflaged whilst you are playing.

This may also interest you:

A guide to choosing the right projectile for your marker

Five expectations when you work with a reputable paintball supplier

Legal vs illegal UK paintballing activities: A BattleGear guide

BattleGear UK has all the equipment you need to stay safe on at your paintball event

Picking out the right paintball mask is crucial for your paintball gear. If you want to be safe and keep your vision protected from paintball impacts, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best. That’s why at BattleGear UK, we have curated a massive range of the best safety equipment to support you when you are at a paintballing event. Avoid paintballing injuries, stay camouflaged and dress to impress when you purchase your safety equipment with BattleGear UK.

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A guide to choosing the right projectile for your marker

assorted paintballs

What to consider when purchasing the right projectile

Whether you are considering purchasing a new paintball marker, or you have already got yourself one, you will need to know how to choose the right projectiles that will help you get the best from your marker so you can conquer the field. But how do you know which projectiles are the best for your marker and where do you go to purchase them?

This month, BattleGear UK give you the ultimate guide to choosing the right projectile, including what you need to consider plus some of our own personal favourites. It’s not all about the right colour or how many rounds you can shoot! You will need to consider your marker, the style of play you are adopting and what you want to achieve with your chosen projectile.

What type of paintball marker do you own?

Paintball is a fun sport enjoyed by millions worldwide nowadays, but it’s important to remember that this is considered a competitive sport, so you need the right gear and equipment in order to be a good player! What many players forget when buying their ammunition is that they also need high-quality paintballs in order for them to safely fire their marker.

First Strike

One of the most important things a player looks for in a magfed marker is its ability to maintain pinpoint precision. As an outdoor sport, it’s commonplace to have markers taken out into fields or woods so it’s particularly essential when choosing which marker you play with that you are proud to take it with you anywhere and everywhere! This is why the First Strike range was created; made with the finest materials and by one of the world leaders in performance markers, this brand has been designed for players like you!

Planet Eclipse

Another great paintball marker company is 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. Its markers shoot both with speed and accuracy. The EMF100, in particular, is highly consistent, reliable, robust and has a great overall design that puts the marker in a good position alongside its competition.

Tippmann

This paintball brand was introduced to the market back in 1986 and has since been known for its high-quality markers. Development of their products typically targets both professional and amateur players, but they also offer budget-friendly models for newcomers. Tippmann paintballs work best with any type of marker, but they are a smart choice for those who are cost-conscious and casual players!

Valken

Valken paintball is based in New Jersey and offers a huge array of paintball products within the industry. Valken keep budgets in mind when designing and creating its products. Alongside their budget-friendly markers, Valken creates a range of spare parts and upgrades to ensure your marker always stays in tip-top condition and doesn’t become outdated on the battlefield.

The right projectiles BattleGear UK recommend for you

So now we have looked at what paintball marker you own or plan to buy, it’s time to take a look at the types of paintballs available on the market and through the BattleGear UK online store.

First Strike Rounds

As a world leader in the design and production of high-quality paintball products, First Strike is synonymous with its versatility and accessory offerings. First Strike Rounds (FSR) are compatible with First Strike paintball markers, so if you have a First Strike marker or you are planning to buy one, we suggest you stick with FSR projectiles to get the most from your marker. Choose from pink, green or silver projectiles and make your targets stand out. Take a look at the First Strike products BattleGear UK has available online.

Art Paintballs

If you are looking for exceptional performance and cost-effective prices, you may wish to consider ‘Art Paintballs‘. Manufactured in Russia, these projectiles are long-lasting and have an environmentally friendly, biodegradable fill which starts to break down once the paintball has been broken. Art Paintball has the below handy guide to help you choose from the projectiles they have to offer.

This may also interest you:

Five expectations when you work with a reputable paintball supplier

Legal vs illegal UK paintballing activities: A BattleGear guide

Three best magfed paintball brands and markers for 2022

BattleGear UK offers you expert advice and guidance on all things paintball

Paintball is an incredibly popular sport in the UK and one that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Perhaps you’re looking to buy your first paintball marker, or maybe you’re a seasoned pro looking into upgrading your kit to magfed. Either way, if you are looking for the right paintball marker for you, you’ve come to the right place.

At BattleGear, we aim to make choosing the right paintball equipment for you as simple as possible. To that end, we have an extensive range of magfed paintball kits that are all designed to suit specific uses. Whether you are looking for a paintball marker for your first ever game, or you are a paintball veteran looking for a new set of projectiles to add to your collection, BattleGear UK is here to support you in choosing the right equipment for your next paintball game.