Post by rob on Feb 6, 2013 17:01:02 GMT -3.5
Many people pack up their gear and put their hobbies on hold during the winter months. While over half of the regular paintball and airsoft players go into hibernation and wait for spring; the rest of us plow through the snow and make the most of it. Here are a few tips to keep you playing throughout the winter.
Paintball Tips
- Dress for the weather! It may be a long day. Dress in layers. Remember, the more clothes you have on the better.... for 2 reasons. You will feel less of an impact when the balls hit you and you will not have to take breaks to warm up your extremities. Boots, gloves, winter hats. Bring it all!
- Batteries... batteries... batteries! If any of your gear requires batteries be sure to have extras. The cold weather can kill batteries very quickly.
- Use compressed air (HPA). CO2 is affected by temperature. In cold weather the pressure of CO2 is much lower and can cause velocity issues leading to misfiring guns. CO2 is also much harder on the guns. HPA will not cause any of these issues.
- USE WINTER PAINT! Summer paint is too fragile in cold weather. Although paintballs DO NOT freeze, the gelatin shell becomes extremely brittle and can shatter in the gun. Winter paint has a thicker shell that does not break as easily.
- Keep your paint warm/out of the cold as long as possible. Paint will not instantly become fragile. It will take awhile before it becomes too brittle to use. Only carry in your hopper what you need for one game.
- Thermal masks. A good thermal mask should NEVER fog up. Single pane lenses are not ideal in the winter. Wearing a scarf or shemagh over your mouth can help prevent fogging as well.
Airsoft Tips
- Batteries... batteries... batteries! Electric airsoft guns use batteries..... during cold temperatures batteries lose their charge quicker. To make sure you can enjoy experience longer take a spear battery for all your battery powered gear.
- Keep those batteries warm! In most guns you can put a hand warmer in with the battery. This can help keep the battery warm enough to get through the day.
- Dress for the weather! It may be a long day. Dress in layers. Remember, the more clothes you have on the better for 2 reasons. You will feel less of an impact when the balls hit you and have to take breaks to warm up your extremities! Boots, gloves, winter hats. Bring it all!
- LiPo batteries are not affected by temperature. If your gun can handle them it is worth the investment
- Avoid using full auto when possible. Full auto in the cold is hard on even the best of guns. Gears can become more fragile and break. The constant cooling down and heating up can also cause damage.
Playing Paintball or Airsoft during the winter can be a lot of fun! With the snow on the ground and the temperatures getting colder caution is your best friend... and who knows maybe you will see someone face plant into the snow! So what tips do you guys have? We would love to hear your thoughts; leave your comments below!