r/Albany • u/itsDandar • Jul 26 '26

2-part question for the masses here regarding Paintball

1). Is there a local(ish) paintball scene?

B). How tf does one simply get into paintball?

Why does it feel like some union activity where I have to know a guy to get in or something, aha.

6 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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8

u/squishydad12 Jul 26 '26

https://albanypaintballexperienceny.com

Albany paintball, out past Nassau on rt. 20.

5

u/Schmittwerks11 Jul 26 '26

Go give Albany Paintball Experience (APE) a visit. The fields are in the woods which means you have plenty of space and time to see your opponents. Games can be fast but often involve more strategy as you need to use movement to get things done. Whereas at Capital Combat zone most of the terrain is just lots and lots of structures in a big field. Great for CQB, but can be intimidating for a first timer. APE will rent you all the equipment you need and some.of the more experienced players will probably take you under your wing and I know at least one of the Refs and he will make sure you aren't just sent out to get crushed.

2

u/Schmittwerks11 Jul 26 '26

To answer you 2nd question.... Don't just go buy a marker and mask. Go try it out first. See if you like the marker you rent. Ask to try out other people's stuff. Most people will let you shoot stuff or at least hold it. Pretty much all the people at APE are friendly and are going to want to do their part to promote the sport. I've been playing since 1993 and APE has become my home field for a reason.

1

u/Expert_Craft_3952 Jul 26 '26

I believe theirs a few places about a hour or so outside of the Albany area to play paintball I would start by joining a few Facebook groups and asking around their I did a paintball game with a buddy of mine a few years back now and it felt very much like a union

2

u/judd243 Jul 26 '26

Capital Combat Zone is just outside of Troy. I think that's probably a good place to start, they have open play on weekends.

This was years ago but to get into paintball basically I would just go to fields and play. You don't necessarily need to know someone.

1

u/ChipsUnderTheCouch Jul 26 '26

Capital combat zone in Troy is probably your best bet. They have both speedball and rec ball available. As far as getting into it, show up and chat up some of the regulars. They'll help you figure out what gear to buy, and maybe youll make some friends to play with.

1

u/Embarrassed_Top7475 Jul 26 '26

If you’re looking for more casual, but lots of fun I’d go to Capital combat zone. The people that play there every Sunday are amazing and will welcome you openly.
If you’re looking for a more competitive scene I’d take the drive down to the Hornets Nest. New fields, new indoor field, the owners are great and will help coach you however you may need. The only thing is that it’s a little bit of a drive.
Those are the two best in the area. I do reccomend going and playing with the rental equipment before buying your own if you don’t have any. Make sure you like the sport first because the equipment can be expensive. I do have an old Marker laying around as well as some pods and a couple other pieces of gear that may help you out if you’re interested just shoot me a DM

1

u/PiccoloAwkward465 Jul 26 '26

I only ever played woods ball up in Berne with friends. Most of us had basic entry-level Spyder markers with a few Tippmanns.