WHAT EVERY PLAYER NEEDS

INTRODUCTION

Over the years, I have found that there are some things you realize you don't have, when you most need them. A little bit of forethought goes a long way, but you can't foresee everything that can go wrong. Fortunately for you, A LOT has gone wrong for me and I have learned what every player needs to make their paintball day a little easier.

PARTS KIT

Basically you need AT LEAST one of every spring, screw and o- ring your marker requires to function. You can purchase a ready made kit from many retailers. You can also get parts kits from some marker manufacturers. You can also figure out what you need and go and buy the parts and make your own kit. You should have a parts kit for each different type of marker you own. Let's face it, if something breaks, falls off or gets lost, you're going to have to spend the money to replace it anyway. It's a lot better if you have the desired part handy and miss one game while you fix your marker.

(Here's a hint: When you buy things like field strip screws, spring sets, and the like, buy TWO. The second one goes into your parts kit.)

OWNER'S MANUAL

I have a photocopy of every manual I have for my markers. I can't remember everything and it helps to have the reference handy. I use photocopies so my originals don't get messed up at the field.

SPARE MARKER

I've always said that the best thing to have in your tool kit for marker break downs is a back-up marker. Let's say you've upgraded to a higher tech marker. Keep your old one as a back-up, in case your newer toy breaks down. I always bring an extra pump or stock gun out when I play. If you are not fortunate enough to have more than one marker, be prepared to have the funds to get a field rental.

(Hey, it may not be the greatest marker in the world, but do you want to watch or do you want to PLAY?) You also might want to hold onto that old non-motorized loader, just in case your new fangled one "gives up the ghost".

PAPER TOWEL

A roll of paper towel comes in very handy. I've yet to find a squeegee that can clean your goggle lenses well.

EXTRA BATTERIES

Extra batteries are handy to have on hand. Have spares for everything you own that requires batteries to operate. Goggle fans, motorized loaders, sights and even some markers require batteries, and will not work (no matter how much you swear at them) when the batteries run dry. (Some day someone is going to invent the "battery power bar" and save players from having to turn seventeen pieces of electronics every time a game starts.)

SPARE GOGGLE LENS

I had my goggle lens crack this year, I was basically out of action after that. Luckily a fellow Club member loaned me his spare goggles. A set of spare lenses would have taken a bit of stress out of my day.

LENS CLEANER

I have a small plant spray bottle I use to clean the large globs of paint I always seem to have on my goggles. You can also get some manufacturer's recommended goggle cleaner. I prefer water, because it's CHEAPER.

CHANGE OF CLOTHES

I always bring a complete change of clothes. It's nice to get out of your grimy gear at the end of the day. This includes shoes and socks.

EXTRA BARREL PLUG(S)

What happens if you lose your plug in the playing area? You can't really bring your marker into camp without one. The concept of bringing an unplugged marker into camp should be as alien to you as the thought that fibreglass underwear is comfortable.

If you have an extra barrel plug, or two, you'll always have one. Also, if someone hasn't read this article (for the life of me I can't imagine why) and doesn't have another barrel plug, you can toss them one of your extras to tide him over until he can get a replacement.

I knew a player who took an extra barrel plug, drilled a hole in it and hung it around his neck with a shoelace. He kept it under his cammies, just in case. I do this now.

BANDAGES

Self adhesive bandages are essential for covering up minor scrapes and help prevent infection and further damage.

SAFETY PINS

This is something you don't usually think about until you REALLY need one. I've given more to other players, than I have used myself, however. Tuck them into your parts kit or tool kit. Speaking of which . . .

TOOL KIT

You should have all the tools required to COMPLETELY disassemble your maker. This also includes air fittings. Be sure to include electrical tape, teflon tape and oil in your tool kit. To make the kit smaller, I suggest getting one of those screwdrivers that take the interchangeable tips. That way you can have a complete set of screwdrivers and allen keys in one tenth the space. Don't forget adjustable wrenches, vice grips, pliers and wire cutters.

CONCLUSION

Most of this stuff I mentioned is relatively inexpensive. (With the exception of the goggle lenses, but how much are YOUR eyes worth? Mine are priceless, so goggle lenses don't seem so expensive to me.) The stuff doesn't take up a whole lot of space, and the extra weight more than balances out the heartache you'd get if you didn't have it!

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.