Paintball

[Walrus]

I do mean to ask this question with the upmost respect, so please don't take this the wrong way! I know we get the reputation for being "oldies" here on MCB, but I know we are all not that old

As most of you may have read in the General Chat, I had an issue with my heart at the end of last month and was fortunate enough to make it through. However, as a result of being labled with sudden death syndrome, I know have a defibrillator implanted in my chest at 26 years old. After playing 20 questions with the doctors about what I can and cannot do, they basically said avoid contact in the chest especially where the defibrillator is located.

So, now you know the history...who has one of these devices and still plays paintball? Also, if you have one, do you do anything to protect yourself (like a chest protector, extra padding, etc.)? I don't plan on giving up paintball, but with a defibrillator just below my left collar bone it makes for a susceptible target. I am also open to suggestions too, for those wise enough. I know I can get one of those padded chest protectors, but I don't know if one would be worth it. I don't know if I would trust one of those less than 1/8" foam pads with my new bionic self

[noxx55]

I would think about having some sort of a hard plastic shield sewn into the shirt you normally wear while playing. That would be your best bet. Sorry to hear about your medical stuff but it sounds like you're dealing with it well. You definitely wouldn't want that thing getting hit.

[russc]

I could see a full vest type protector being overkill. Maybe you could rig something up that just protects the immediate area. Since it would be just a localized area, you could get away with a harder and more protective shell without sacrificing your mobility.

[incynr8]

maybe moto-cross armor?

chainmail helps absorb impact, I've taken alot of rounds in a test of that. Drum has video. But it dances like it's eaten wheat smut and slaps your body. To absorb impact you'd need the foam, then a hard layer above, like a helmet is made.

I am ignorant on this topic in ever other way and just offering ideas of what may protect an item I know nothing about, so take that into heavy consideration..

[Listessa]

One of the guys who plays up here does. He just uses one of those plastic chest protectors, and is fine while playing. I think it's one of the more solid ones rather than the foam, but I'll pester him when I see him next. Great guy, lots of fun to shoot the boyfriend with. He needs to post here tho... JTurtle likes to mess with him and tell him they tattooed an energizer bunny somewhere on his body when it was installed.

[Walking_Target]

hey there,

i don't personally know the reqirements for protection, but if it's anything like the one my neighbor has, it's alot more durable then the doc lets on, not that i would want to have a hit there either, as it could sting pretty bad. (his looks kinda like a medium size pack of cigarettes that has been implanted halfway between the nipple and the collar bone)


If you are interested in Chain Maille or leather protection , shoot me a PM; I'm an SCA armourer and deputy marshal; i think i might be able to help you

[pillage]

You can always get a hockey or kendo chest protector.

[oldschool]

I know nothing about this but would offer up what probably would be the ultimate in paintball protection - though a bit expensive -

build a tank.

[PJ]

They made chest protectors for young kids playing baseball to protect the sternum area (a hard hit there on a young kid can stop their heart). Most large sporting goods stores aka Dick's have them. The kind we have for our kids has got a soft underside but a hard plastic exterior and has straps to hold it in place. Others have the protector piece built into a shirt.

[pillage]

Originally Posted by PJ

They made chest protectors for young kids playing baseball to protect the sternum area (a hard hit there on a young kid can stop their heart). Most large sporting goods stores aka Dick's have them. The kind we have for our kids has got a soft underside but a hard plastic exterior and has straps to hold it in place. Others have the protector piece built into a shirt.

Think low tech trama plate. Cheaper than dirt has body armor carriers, minus the plates for less than $50. You could always cut some polycarbonate/Lexan plates to fit in it. Hell they already come in cool camo, olive, coyote, and the ever popular black.
MOLLE-134 - MOLLE Armor Carrier OD GREEN Vest Holds Armor Plates MOLLE - Manufactured by: Mil-Spec
On the plus side you would look cooler in an armor carrier than a paintball padded vest.