Players as well as people who have never seen a paintball marker hold various misconceptions about the sport of paintball.

Most people think that paintball is all about war and violence. Although paintball players wear camouflage and use guns in their games, verbal abuse much less physical contact is not allowed between players. On a positive note for the game, paintball has been used for close combat training by both law enforcement agencies and anti-terrorist groups.

The markers that are made today are generally not designed to mimic firearms. And "scenario" paintball games seek to re-enact historic wars and battles, not to encourage violence at all.

A very common misconception about paintball is that it is very dangerous. Statistically, more people are injured playing golf and bowling than are injured by playing paintball. The reason is the safety awareness that exists and the fact both the players and paintball fields are militant about enforcing the need to wear protective gear when playing paintball and this has reduced the number of "in play" injuries greatly over the years.

Another misconception is that only the most expensive paintball markers are the best. The best way to choose a gun is to see how it fits your own personal playing style. A $200 gun may be more accurate than a $400 gun for someone else. Only your personal skills will make or break your paintball game and there are so many great gun brands out there, you're sure to find the perfect one for your playing technique.