| Myths vs. Facts Regarding Paintball Markers | | | | injuries. Paintball markers, however, don't cause |
| Guns vs. Markers - Paintball markers are feared | | | | eye injuries unless a group of players was |
| by some as "just like guns," and looking like them. | | | | improperly playing without the appropriate safety |
| In fact, there are some types of paintball guns | | | | gear. Minor bruising is common to many widely |
| for sale that look like real weapons, but these are | | | | accepted sports, including wrestling and football, |
| the minority. Most paintball markers are | | | | where bruising is more severe and can be |
| deliberately designed to look completely different | | | | accompanied by torn ligaments and/or strained |
| so that they can't be mistaken for anything other | | | | muscles. |
| than what they are - sports equipment. They are | | | | Safety Gear is Essential |
| small, light and come in a variety of bright colors, | | | | If you browse an online paintball store, you will |
| often with fancy detailing. Tournament level | | | | discover that there is just as much focus on |
| paintball markers in particular focus on stylish, | | | | safety gear as on the paintball markers |
| sleek designs that are unique. | | | | themselves. Every serious paintballers will tell you |
| Cheap Toys vs. Quality Equipment - Safety is | | | | that safety gear, including protective eyewear (full |
| another concern that many people mention. | | | | coverage goggles and face gear) is an absolute |
| However, paintball markers are designed to | | | | must. In fact, if you even attempt to play |
| rigorous standards and come with locking safety | | | | paintball at a regulation field without proper safety |
| features and locking triggers in order to avoid | | | | gear, you will be asked to leave. There is no one |
| accidental discharge of a paintball. The chances of | | | | more serious about safety than professional |
| someone being accidentally hit with paintball | | | | paintball players. |
| outside of the game is virtually non-existent. | | | | If you are considering paintball for yourself or |
| Lots of Injury vs. Safe Sport - Some people | | | | your children as an action sport, take heart! It is |
| claim they have heard about eye injuries from | | | | truly one of the safest recreational activities |
| paintball that prove the sport is dangerous. They | | | | around if you abide by the proper safety |
| also mention the bruises that players can sustain | | | | guidelines. So visit your online paintball store and |
| from close-range hits. Let's put this in perspective. | | | | don't forget that when you buy those paintball |
| The AMA has repeatedly noted that the most | | | | markers, you need to get protective gear and |
| common and severe injuries in sports for | | | | safety goggles. Then go out and have a fabulous, |
| students comes from baseball and basketball. | | | | safe time! |
| Baseball is especially prone to causing severe eye | | | | |