By Jordan Ricks
3-24-05

No paintball player steps onto the field expecting to take a 200 m.p.h. Marballizer in the groin (the very thought brings tears to your eyes, doesn’t it?), but the possibility exists, and every precaution should be taken to keep it from happening to you.

For male players, top-quality paintball safety padding and protective equipment for your groin is an absolute must – second only to headgear. Talk to any player who has taken a shot in the mother lode and he’ll probably tell you (in a rather shaky, high-pitched voice) that he won't play without protection again. The chances of getting nailed directly in the groin may be slim, but the possibility exists, and it’s an experience that takes the ‘agony of defeat’ to a whole new level.

What is troublesome is that some players who experienced this injury were wearing some form of safety gear or protective padding at the time, but they discovered the hard way that some stuff just doesn’t work like it should. On behalf of these warriors who suffered so that we may learn, we offer the following insight.

Cups May Shift in Flight
Cups tend to shift during the dynamics of a game. In doing so, your cup may runneth over, and under, or around, etc., so if you normally use a cup, make sure it is securely held in place with a proper fitting jock-strap or spandex jock pocket. A protective cup offers a great deal of protection, so if you can endure the discomfort of wearing one, then stick with it and avoid the discomfort that may result from not wearing one.

But remember, no single protective device for the groin is absolutely 100 percent fail-safe. Several casualties were wearing cups or safety padding when they were injured, so we strongly recommend you supplement your groin protection and wear additional paintball safety padding as ‘insurance’ to keep you in the game.

A Comprehensive Solution
Based on functionality, comfort, and practicality, the Dye Slider Shorts offer the most comprehensive solution for thigh, hip, groin and tailbone protection. Made from stretchable Lycra^™, these shorts are comfortable, lightweight, and the relatively thin, yet effective padding conforms to your body (like padded spandex) so it consistently protects you where you need to be protected. The quilted padding on the front thighs is particularly effective and the Dye Slider Shorts also feature tailbone padding that is not even noticeable; yet, it’s thick enough (and strategically placed) to shield your tailbone from the sting of impact – or rocks, if you fall unexpectedly.

Our field research team couldn’t find a volunteer to participate in the ‘direct shot to the crotch from an A-5 Flatline at 20 feet,’ study, but the Slider Shorts have a well-constructed cup pocket in addition to the surrounding layer of padding. For complete, comfortable protection of your thighs, hips and groin, the Dye Slider Shorts offer a great solution – and the silver and black design looks damn good, if you’re into walking around in your underwear. Keep in mind that no single protective item is 100 percent fail-safe, so use common sense and be aware of your vulnerable areas and compensate accordingly with the right paintball safety gear.