Speed of Paintball
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.
Impact Velocity
At 300 fps, paintballs burst upon impact, ensuring players feel the sting without serious harm. Velocity over 300 fps may prevent breaking on impact, causing unnecessary discomfort and potential bruising. That’s why most paintball fields enforce a maximum limit of 280 fps to ensure the safety and well-being of all players. Within this range, a paintball marker’s effective distance extends from 80 to 100 feet.
Paintball Speed
The average paintball has a velocity of about 280 fps, or 190 mph. Convert fps to mph by multiplying fps by 0.68.
Dwell Time
Dwell is a term used in paintball to describe how long the solenoid is left wide open (milliseconds).
Ramping in Paintball
Information on ramping in paintball.
Max Speed Consideration
Therefore, a standard paintball gun shoots between 240-280 fps, or 163-190 mph. Some reach 300-400 fps (200-270 mph) but are rarely allowed. Factors like distance, speed, and location impact the pain level of hits. Protective gear is recommended for safety.