Velocity Adjustment
Overview
Velocity adjustment refers to the process of regulating how fast a paintball exits the barrel, ensuring the marker fires within safe and field approved FPS limits.
Key Points
- Typically done using a velocity screw, regulator, or dwell setting.
- Measured using a chronograph, usually targeting 270–300 FPS depending on field rules.
- Impacts safety, consistency, accuracy, and paint breakability.
- Temperature, paint size, and air system pressure all influence velocity.
- Markers may use spring tension, regulator pressure, or electronic dwell tuning to adjust.
- Overly high velocity can result in penalties or game ejection.
Details
Velocity adjustment controls the speed at which a paintball leaves the barrel, measured in feet per second (FPS). Safe play requires staying within field mandated maximums commonly between 270 and 300 FPS. Excessive velocity increases the risk of injury, creates unsafe impact energy, and violates tournament regulations.
Mechanical markers typically adjust velocity using a tension screw or by modifying how much air flows past the valve. Electronic markers often combine regulator pressure with dwell settings that dictate how long the solenoid keeps the valve open.
Velocity is sensitive to environmental and equipment variables. Temperature shifts can affect both compressed air pressure and paint brittleness. Paint size inconsistencies or barrel bore mismatches may change shot speeds. Regulators in need of maintenance can cause velocity spikes.
Chronograph checks are mandatory in competitive play, with random mid game testing in many leagues. A marker shooting above the legal limit may incur point penalties, player suspension, or match disqualification.
Routine tuning, regulator maintenance, and consistent paint quality help maintain stable, safe velocities.
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