How to Handle Paintballs

Players and field operators often debate paintball quality. Paintballs have a gelatine shell, making them a perishable product. Once poor handling has damaged them, you can't simply restore their original performance.

Why it matters: many players know how to use cover but haven't learnt how to care for their paintballs. Good handling can affect the result as much as your game plan.

The Dos and Don'ts of Handling Paintballs:

• According to the manufacturer, paintballs can become brittle if they are stored outside the 10–30°C range.
• Prolonged cold storage can make paintballs break easily. Warming them up afterwards does not reverse this damage.
• High heat softens the gelatine, so paintballs may bounce instead of bursting on impact.
• Don't compress paintballs too tightly into pods, but don't leave them loose enough to rattle around and break.
• During longer breaks, keep battlepacks out of direct sunlight and release the pressure on paintballs packed in pods.
• Don't open every bag at once. Paintballs absorb moisture from the air, which can make them swell, bounce or break in the barrel.
• In very cold or hot weather, keep out only the paintballs you need. The field's paintball storage area is usually the best place for the rest.
• Small dents or bumps are usually not a problem. They can be a sign of fresh paintballs that have had less drying time during a busy production run.
• Separation of the filling is more of a concern. Uneven weight can affect the ball's flight.
• Choose a barrel bore slightly larger than the paintballs. This gives balls with small variations in shape or seam size enough clearance to pass through consistently.

Filling Pods Correctly:

• Avoid using watering cans to fill pods. Paintballs can be left inside and absorb moisture, while careless pouring can damage them and lead to breaks in the barrel.
• Sealable paintball haulers are a better option, but careful filling still matters.
• TIP: open the bag just wide enough for the pod, hold both securely and pour carefully. Roll the bag closed so it is airtight to help preserve the paintballs' quality.