How Bad Does A Paintball Hurt?

Paintball is a sport which takes physical fitness and strategy into consideration, offering a fun and challenging game for just about anyone of any age. With the question of how bad a paintball really hurts, however, some are understandably a bit more apprehensive about stepping into the fray.

Definition of Paintball

Not familiar with paintball? It's a game which typically features two teams competing against each other with the goal of defeating one another in a given game play structure. It's an action-packed game of strategy, luck and athleticism and is a lot of fun.

Paintball Markers and Safety

Paintball guns, commonly referred to as markers, are the primary source of game-play and are equipped with paintballs filled with a biodegradable gel containing dye. While all paintball guns must meet safety regulations such as low velocity, there are still potential risks associated with the game which must be taken into account.

How Hard Does A Paintball Hit?

The velocity of a paintball is closely regulated, with professional paintball markers shooting at a maximum of 300 feet per second. In comparison with the speed of sound (768 miles per hour), paintballs are significantly slower and don't travel very far. However, the combined force of kinetic energy and pressure still results in a painful impact upon contact.

How Bad Does Paintball Hurt?

Being hit by a paintball will be painful, with the actual intensity of pain dependent on a few factors such as distance, velocity and force of impact. The average paintball will feel more like a sharp sting than a deep dull ache and will commonly leave a small bruise on the area of contact. Some may compare the sensation to being whipped with a rubber band, while those more sensitive to pain may perceive the experience quite differently.

Does Paintball Hurt More Depending On Distance?

Typically, the closer the paintball gun is to the person, the more intense the impact will be. At very close distances, the hit will be felt more intensely, but it would also be short-lived as opposed to at greater distances which may cause a lingering pain or soreness.

Age, Gender and Pain Perception

It is generally accepted that younger individuals (under the age of 13) as well as those with considerable body fat are less sensitive to the impact of a paintball compared to more mature players or individuals with limited fat on their body. Likewise, women may experience a slightly different level of pain than men due to possible hormone differences. It is important to note, however, that everyone will feel the impact in their own way and know their own limits.

In Summary

Paintball is an exciting and action-packed sport that is fun for adults and children alike. While it is safe to assume that being hit by a paintball will cause pain, the exact amount of discomfort is based on many factors, including distance, velocity, force of impact and even age and gender. Ultimately the best way to find out if paintball is right for you is to try it out and see how much it actually hurts!