Speed Measurement and Field Regulations
The speed of a paintball is measured in feet per second (fps) because of the short range of the markers. Most guns are measured in fps. The average paintball marker can shoot 300 fps, or slightly below this. Most paintball playing fields require a maximum of 280 fps for safety purposes.
With an effective range of 80 to 100 feet for the average 280-fps marker, a paintball can reach its target in about one-third of a second.
A chronograph test is used to measure the speed of a paintball gun. FPS indicates how fast the paintball travels when fired from the gun. At 300 fps, paintballs burst upon impact, ensuring players feel the sting without serious harm. That’s why most paintball fields enforce a maximum limit of 280 fps to ensure the safety and well-being of all players.
Convert fps to mph by multiplying fps by 0.68. For example, 300 FPS × 0.68 = 204 mph. Paintballs can hit with a force similar to a hard slap, causing discomfort and leaving temporary bruises or welts. The pain level can vary depending on factors such as distance, speed, and location of impact. It’s advisable to wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines when playing paintball.
Understanding Paintball Guns and Strategies
Dwell in Paintball:
Dwell is a term used in paintball to describe how long the solenoid is left wide open (milliseconds). This determines how long the bolt remains from the forward position, allowing air to flow and a paintball pushed down the barrel. There is comprehensive information in the paintball gun manufacturer’s manual for proper dwell modification. Maintaining your equipment will help ensure optimal performance.
Ramping Strategy:
Ramping is a tactic used in paintball where the gun increases the firing rate automatically when certain conditions are met, potentially giving a player an advantage. However, it is often seen as a move of desperation or lack of strategy. Knowing about ramping and its implication could be useful in case an opponent uses it during a game.