Question:what to buy ?
Answer:
I just wear old biking gloves - the are leather and work well. I got
a pair of leather gloves(ultra cheap with some flimsy padding) and
cut the fingers out. $5 or less and work well.
Ross/Target/K-Mart are ideal places to find cheap gear.
No need to get fancy, though here are a few tips. I play mostly in the fall.
(we don't gnereally have winter in California)
- Long shirt or turtleneck. I especially like the double-layer heavy
ones from Land's End during the winter. I have yet to find a heavier
turtleneck. As a bonus, it will keep your arms from getting sunburned.
I like the various shades of brown, thought they also make a nice olive.
- If they allow two layers - a pair of Patagonia-type(theirs is blue)
thermal underwear(light or medium) during cold play. This stuff works
much better at stopping bruises than anything i've found for
and underlining, and is far better than sweats under your jeans.
Keeps you warm and dry(wicks away sweat) as well - very nice.
Much less bulk than a jacket or seatshirt.
I've been hit while wearing the medium-weight thermal wear with
bluejeans and that ultra-heavy turtleneck on and it hurts, but
it doesn't usually leave a bruise. Of course I don't bruise easily
to begin with, but the difference is amazing compared to nothing
but a t-shirt.
Summer play is - well - summer play - it's going to get a bit more
nasty at times. We all look like hell during the summer months.
- Sunblock. I get fried even in the winter if the sun is shining. YMMV.
Hell, I fry while driving my car. Guess there's a payback for
not bruising easily...
- "Protection" - you know that I mean. Best $$ you'll ever spend
after your goggles. Always worn one. Never had to experience not
having it there when you need it. Seen people who have. :(
- Shoes - whatever you like. Full-leather(Nike, whatnot) are better
than flimsy running shoes. Now, if you can afford a pair of Diggers
go for it, but most of us just use our normal X-Trainers.
Those ultra-leightweight hiking shoes are also a good deal - just
find some of closeout in your size. These shoes will get more
abuse in a season than two years of walking, which is why all-leather
is a good thing, plus offer more protection. - you certainly don't
want to nuke your good shoes unless you are into multi-colored
accents :)
*note my theme of being a scrounge. Payless Shoes is your friend.*
- Neck protector. People LOVE to shoot at your head for some reason(heh).
If it hits where your mask isn't... Not many places left to choose from.
Same for ear protectors for the mask if it doesn't cover that area.
- Micro-sized cooler with blue-ice in the lid. Keeps PBs cool and also
the same for your lunch. Speaking of which, bring lots of water.
My friends have one of those ancient barrel shaped Igloos and fill
that with water, but that's kind of overkill.
I also have a little tacklebox with parts and tools - even a simple
screwdriver and some electrical tape can save your day.
- Lastly - Once you have a basic setup of scrounged clothes and
such, consider a "backup" gun for close-quarters fighting or if
your main gun has a problem in the field.
A $20 used Splatmaster or simmilar is perfect - no need to
spend a dime more than you have to. They are actually very
good markers for that purpose despite their looks.
