What I wear
Everyone always asks me, “Mohammed, would you please explain what on earth and why you are wearing that?” In an attempt to give everyone my personal, and probably errant, opinion I have decided to explore the world of outer wear in the sport of paintball. This is not an attempt to “toot my own horn” or a quasi-egotistical, self-promotional piece but rather a simple explanation. I have probably already contradicted myself, but I’ll push on. I am not an expert in the field of outerwear. I can offer my perspective and put it up for debate.
The game of paintball has been infested with players coming out to the field in less than attractive clothing. Camouflage, army uniforms, and professional paintball wear have been the most common attire types, and in my opinion very detrimental to the sport of paintball. I find that type of clothing offensive and unattractive. The reason I’d rather have paintballers dress like basketball players and joggers is because of the stigma surrounding the sport. I’m sorry but camouflage is not very inviting, and is an eyesore at best.
Paintball, in my humble opinion, needs to move from the “extreme” arena into the “mainstream.” This may sound easy but is quite a monumental task. Why don’t women play? Has anyone ever thought of that? Why isn’t paintball a “family” activity? Besides, the Orlow family here in Toledo, Ohio, how many families go out together and play paintball? A recent article in Action Pursuit Games Magazine May 1998 issue discussed why women won’t play. It is “too manly” echoes the sentiment of most women in the article. But why? The article did not outline solutions, but perhaps changing the unofficial “uniform” may help.
Some of the paintball manufacturers, JT, RP Scherer, and others, have marketed “paintball gear.” Plain colored pants with logos on them. This is a great move, but are these outfits pragmatic? Some are quite expensive and look just plain silly. It’s a well intentioned move, but some of the details need to be worked out. Another problem is the stigma associated with players wearing JT “gear” I’ll cite a few examples. I was playing once with some friends in a recreational game and some little 14 year old kid showed up with some JT pants on. One of my friends looked at him and then asked, “Who is the clown?” Another said, “What a [expletive denoting homosexuality]!”
Unfortunately, the “real” world of paintball players, the ones who actually keep the sport alive, your average Joe paintballer at the recreational field on open day, have not yet accepted such bizarre and expensive outer wear.
So what do I wear?
If it was up to me, and weather permitting, I’d rather wear a cut-off sleeves t-shirt. Call me crazy, but it is my favorite wear. If it is a little chilly I wear a t-shirt under it. Look at the picture, I am wearing a white t-shirt and a cut-off sleeves green shirt over it. If I ever make a team, they’d all wear cut-offs. I just find it comfortable and practical.
For pants I usually wear sweat pants the thicknes usually depends on the weather. But most of the year I wear very thin black cotton sweats. As for underwear and paintballs hitting you in the “wrong” place and whether or not to wear cups or jock straps, in my experience of playing I have never had a problem. Usually I’ll wear briefs to sports activities, although normally I prefer boxers. I simply feel more confident and less vulnerable with briefs in sporting events. As for people getting hit in their “privates” it has happened before and some cases have been very serious, so if you want to wear a cup or jock strap, more power to you. Becareful, those parts are important. The liklihood of being hit in the testicles, which is the greatest fear of all, is not very high. Unless you are in some strange positions, which you shouldn’t be in if playing. As for women players, there are breast protectors that are lightweight and may come in handy. I have no experience with that, but they seems to be comfortable and practical. Some women are more sensitive than others, and it all depends on personal preference. Usually, if you are wearing a thicker outer wear it should not be a major problem.
Shoes? Air-Jordans? Maybe Air-Pawlaks. I personally wear cleats. I used to wear soccer cleats, but now wear the bigger “boot-like” football lineman cleates. They offer more support and assistance in messy terrain. I love soccer cleates and they are my favorite footwear. They are the most versatile, and as a running back in high school I wore soccer cleats. But the soccer cleats I have now and use for soccer and football are so expensive, I’d rather not destroy them in mud and paint. Wearing army boots is just ridiculus and perpetuates the fear associated with paintball.
You notice my marker is strangely colored and my remote pack is quite extraordinary. I took my paintball hopper and spray painted it with a cheap chrome colored spray paint. Why? It helps alleviate the dark, gloomy, and “manly” connotations associated with paintball. I also recently took my Indian Springs belt pack that holds my tank and extra paintballs and spray painted it the same color. So now I am as bright as new chrome bumper on an old black Chevy truck. Does this hinder my play ability? Nah, I think it enhances your ability when you are in plain view. Sure everyone can see you, but it is a great distraction. One player told me, “You dress like that and still kick our [expletive], wow!”
Last but not least, why wear a remote? I have began to wear a remote recently and like it. A little more mobility while running. It makes you very versatile.
A lighter gun or heavier gun? I prefer lighter guns. A small Spyder, a Carbine without a remote, or a small sidearm. Why? I prefer to run around like wild. I want to be able to run without slowing down. I do use an autococker, which is quite heavy, but i still manage to get around. With a 4.5-4.7 second 40 yard dash time, I should be fine.
Wear what you feel comfortable with and try to avoid the silly outfits most people wear to paintball games. It’s time to deep-six the camouflage look.
