Paintball for a 9 year old?

[cricketwife]

DS was invited to a paintball birthday party.  Bday boy is turning 10, so crowd is all 9-10 year olds. H thinks paintball is semi dangerous for his age and doesn’t like the idea of DS going.  I don’t have any firsthand experience but a quick Google search suggests it’s safe enough?  

Any experience?

FWIW, if H really doesn’t want DS to go, I’ll support the decision. I’m just curious what others think and would like to learn more.  H and I have only had the chance to have a quick text conversation about it.  

[VillainV]

It’s not “dangerous” as long a they wear a full face mask (provided by the place) and probably gloves, with long pants and long sleeves. Being hit with a paintball, even over clothing, hurts like a mofo. The only other danger would be like spraining an ankle.

[meanie]

If they wear all the gear and the paintball guns are set on a low setting it should be fine. Definitely have him cover up and wear layers!

[thebreakfastclub]

I don't think it's dangerous especially with all kids being the same age with similar abilities.

[Jalapeñomel]

This would be a no-go for us, but only because we are staunchly anti-gun especially at this age (but I also realize many people disagree with this sentiment and paintball).

[waverly]

Assuming it’s at a professional paintball place with proper gear/ instruction then I don’t think it’s dangerous. Most likely issue might be a few bruises from being hit by a paintball.

[wanderingback]

Dec 14, 2023 17:57:31 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

This would be a no-go for us, but only because we are staunchly anti-gun especially at this age (but I also realize many people disagree with this sentiment and paintball).

Who came up with the concept of shooting each other?! Ugh.

[Poppy]

I have only played once. I got hit once on my low back where my shirt had pulled up. I bled some and it hurt quite a bit with nasty bruising. That was enough for me! Not my thing.

But, with a face mask, I agree it's not really dangerous like serious injury dangerous.

[cricketwife]

So DS has decided he doesn’t want to go, which makes it an easy decision!

[lessel]

I'm definitely not an expert, but I think there is a lower velocity paintball for kids that age. We haven't done it, but H did a group paintball thing for a wedding party he was in and was shocked little kids were playing. The guy there said it's not the same paintball adults play. Which is good because H was bruised all over and some of the other guys had pretty ugly welts from closer-range shots.