By Paul Knoch

Recently I played paintball with a few friends on our local woodsball field. There were just five of us, but it was the first sunny day after a week of rain so we were all happy to be anywhere outdoors. We only played for about two hours, but during that time I noticed that there was always at least one player on the sidelines with an equipment problem. My Tippmann A-5 never let me down, but the other guys were really struggling.

Paintball is an equipment intensive sport. Paintball guns can malfunction in any number of ways that is both frustrating and time consuming. If you have a busy schedule like me, it’s tough to get a group of guys together to play paintball. When you finally do organize a game, the last thing you want is to have your gun let you down. Here are some tips to help keep you off the sidelines and in the game.

Buy A Reliable Gun – You can avoid a lot of mechanical issues by buying a gun that is sturdy and reliable. I recommend either a Tippmann 98 Custom or Pro/Carbine. There are good reasons why these guns are used by big-time paintball fields like Skirmish USA. All Tippmann markers are extremely reliable and tough as nails, but nothing can match the pure simplicity of the 98 Custom. Don't be fooled by its work horse reputation; the Custom 98 is a high performance gun that can keep up with just about any marker out there.

Choose Your Upgrades Carefully – Avoid upgrades that add complexity to your marker. For example, instead of a red dot sight that requires a battery, go with an Armson occluded sight that needs no battery. The Armson will also keep working even if it takes a direct hit by a paintball. Another upgrade that makes sense is a Rocket Cock II. This upgrade keeps dirt and paint out of your bolt and also helps muffle the marker slightly. And though I love my E-Grip, if you’re seeking out worry-free paintball, you’re better off with a Response Trigger or nothing at all.

Hoppers – Paintball is experiencing an “arms race,” as manufacturers compete to create guns with higher rates of fire. Motorized hoppers are necessary to keep pace with these paint slinging monsters. Unfortunately, batteries and mechanical aspects are potential problem areas. Stick with your basic gravity hopper. Batteries die all the time but gravity has never once stopped working.

Carry Extra Air – Regardless of whether you use C02 or compressed air, always bring an extra air tank. Tanks generally don't break down, but it’s still a good idea to have more air on hand. If you don't use the extra tank, chances are somebody else will.

Toolkit – Always carry a good toolkit with you when you play paintball. At my last game, three different guys borrowed my Phillips head screwdriver. A good toolkit should have a Phillips head and flat head screwdriver, allen wrenches, your marker's manual, extra O-rings, gun oil, batteries, extra squeegee, duct tape, anti-fog spray or wipes, and bandages. If a parts kit is available for your marker, it’s a good investment.

Gear Bag – A gear bag is a good investment. Not only will it carry and protect your marker, but you can keep it stocked with a variety of helpful items like water, towels, an extra mask, bug spray, and toolkit.

Buy a Back-Up Marker – Getting an inexpensive second gun makes a lot of sense. An extra gun can be a backup if your main gun goes down or it can be a gun that you loan out if you invite a friend to play. Consider buying a pump as your back up. Pumps are fun to use and generally require very little maintenance. You can get a decent used pump for about $50. Playing pump will also improve your paintball skills by forcing you to rely on strategy over firepower.

Take Care of Your Gear – Dirt, paint and oil will build up in your marker over time. Regularly clean your gun and keep it oiled. If you aren't sure how to do this, refer to your product manual or take the gun into your local paintball shop. Buy a case of paint and then ask them to show you how to clean your gun. Once you feel confident taking your gun apart and putting it back together, you'll enjoy keeping it clean and functioning properly.

Paintball doesn't have to be frustrating. With a little preparation and the right gear, you can avoid most malfunctions, or at least be prepared to make a quick fix and get back in the game. If these tips work for you, share them with a friend and help them get on the road to “problem-free paintball.”

Paul Knoch lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two daughters. He is a member of the Dirty Saints, an association of paintball players committed to preserving the original values of the game. In addition to paintball, Paul is an avid golfer and skimboarder.