How Much Does A Paintball Hurt?

Paintball often conjures up images of raging teams in full battle mode, playing out in the forest. Despite the excitement, the question remains; how much does a paintball hurt? Some may feel hesitant about the game due to the fear of pain, so let's take a look at what you can expect.

The Pain Expectation

A direct paintball hit can produce a sting. It will likely be a strong sensation accompanied by a slight burning sensation. That said, the feeling is significantly less intense than that of a bee-sting. Furthermore, today's paintball guns are designed to produce lower velocity impact levels. That helps to reduce the potential pain level.

Therefore, we can confirm that paintball can produce some pain when directly hit. Ultimately, the severity of pain will come down to several factors; such as velocity, distance, clothing and the impacted body part. All this does not make paintball a particularly painful experience, though it can produce a stronger level of pain compared to some activities.

Velocity

The velocity of a paintball gun varies depending on the model used. Generally speaking, tournament and recreational models tend to feature lower velocity levels. Research conducted by the National Paintball Alliance found that velocity levels stay within the 200-300 feet per second range. Anything above 290 feet per second can become a safety issue and may increase the potential pain level.

Distance

If you are positioned close to the shooter, the paintball will be travelling at a much higher speed. Thus, increasing the pain level. For safety reasons, the majority of paintball venues now have a clear boundary for participants. This allows visitors to maintain a comfortable distance away from the shooter.

Clothing

The type of clothing worn can directly impact the pain level upon impact. Although an additional layer may provide an additional level of safety during a game, it can also add to the level of pain. This includes headgear and especially face-masks. Therefore, it's important to wear light layers of clothing that can minimise the potential of a paintball hitting some vulnerable areas.

Body Parts

Hitting some parts of the body may feel more painful than others. In particular; hitting hands, feet and exposed skin can have a greater effect. This is due to involuntarily reactions that can be caused by the sudden impact of the paintball. It's also useful to note that pain levels can decrease when playing in colder climates. This could perhaps be attributed to the body having less nerve sensitivity.

Safety Advice

When playing paintball, it is important to take care of yourself. Proper safety clothing should be worn at all times, including a quality face mask. On top of this, you should be always aware of your surroundings and the game rules. Players should also regularly check their overall gear, ensuring that everything is function correctly. That will help to reduce the risk of accidents and any possible injury.

Brief Recap

In summary, paintball may produce a sting when hit. The pain level depends on a range of factors; velocity, distance, clothing and body parts. Thankfully, today's paintball guns are designed to produce lower velocity impact levels. That helps to reduce the potential pain level. On top of this, it's important to take care of yourself by wearing adequate safety equipment and maintaining awareness during the game.

Ultimately, paintball can be an exciting and thrilling experience without unnecessary pain. As always though, remember to stay safe and aware of your surroundings and the game rules.