Have you discovered finding the right pair of paintball pants is one battle you are not enjoying? Don’t worry, we are here to lay out the facts so you can get into the game faster and find the best tactical pants for your game.
Let’s be real, paintball pants have many similarities and few differences, but there are some things to look out for.
We will cover the basic characteristics you should be on the lookout for and review the best paintball pants and show you how they stack up regarding each characteristic.
Material Weight
More and more, paintball pants manufacturers are designing pants to be lighter and lighter, which is great for ease of movement and maneuverability. The flip side is, this usually means less padding and sometimes less pockets.
Some pants are made lighter by using mesh panels, even going as far as using mesh all along the back calves.
Other manufactures have included mesh linings that go only to the knee to reduce weight, while others have no lining at all. A lining can add heat and weight, but it also wicks moisture from your body and serves as a good insulating layer in cold climates.
Consider what is important to you, based on where you live, before deciding.
Padding
Most pants have some knee padding, but a few do not and will require knee pads. Some pants have groin or cup area padding and padding on the hips, which is nice, but can add bulkiness.
Consider what tradeoff is worth it to you. Some paintballers appreciate the extra padding while others say less padding allows freer movement. It’s a personal preference.
Pockets
Pockets seem to be a deciding factor for many. Some pants have too few pockets, or pockets that do not close securely and are not resistant to the elements. You might find these on less expensive pants. Some pants have many secured, zippered and weatherproof pockets, along with swab pockets that add to the utility of the pants.
You may pay a little more for better pockets, but they protect your gear and belongings better and you are less likely to lose anything.
Movement
The vast majority of paintball pants made today are engineered with stretch mesh panels that allow greater movement and breathability. Nearly all of the pants we reviewed have this in the groin and knee area.
This stretch fabric also prevents tears and contributes to the life expectancy of your pants. It is a feature we highly recommend, unless you like shopping for new pants often.
Breathability and air movement
Along with movement these mesh panels we just discussed add a significant amount of ventilation. Many manufactures today are using a laser perforation technology on the pant fabric to pierce precise holes into the fabric for maximum air circulation. If ventilation is important to you, try and find pants with this feature.
Sizing and adjustments
Securing the pants is important for obvious reasons; you need the pants to feel secure, not as if they are falling off. Most pants have Velcro adjustment belts to help with this.
One pair had surf short style ties to tie up the pants, and a few have drawstrings. Many pants have either a drawstring or Velcro strap, or both, at the ankle to secure the pants.
Securing the pants at the ankle is important. It keeps the leg from sliding down over your foot and prevents you from tripping on your pants, not a cool moment.
Best Paintball Pants Reviews
Exalt Paintball Thrasher Pants T4
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Review
The Exalt Thrasher T4 is a quality pair of paintball pants that you can get on a budget. They have good knee padding, so you may be able to forgo knee pads.
Features a good number of belt loops so you can use a belt. The pants have a silicone coating/pattern that keeps your pack in place. The inseam of the pants, in the groin area, has a stretch material, allowing for ease of movement.
Mesh lined pockets. Pants incorporate a knee pad, and stretch material around the knee pad. The pants have a total of 6 pockets, 2 which are water resistant, 2 which are Velcro close and two which are swab pockets. Microfiber cloth inside one pocket for cleaning goggles.
List of Pros
- Flexible inseam/groin.
- Velcro, zipper, drawstring closure.
- Large, wide coverage knee pad.
- Very light weight.
List of Cons
- Too long, in general.
Conclusion
A high quality super light weight pant with plenty of storage. One of the best tactical pants around.
HK Army Hardline Pro Pants
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Review
Velcro close fly with two button close. Has elastic strap belt adjustment and belt loops. Two side front zip pockets that are water resistant. Very breathable pants that have a little stretch in the groin.
The front pockets on the top of the thigh are small and don’t fit much. They have some stretch above the knee to prevent tears and accommodate knee pads. There is some padding in the knee. They have Velcro straps at the ankle to secure the pants.
The logo design serves the purpose of holding the pod pack in place. The 2014 model has double stitching to hold up under sliding and kneeling. The back, groin and above the knee have a breathable mesh to keep you cool.
Mesh lined to keep you dry. Hip pads that remove and Velcro in. A favorite of many paintballers and among the best tactical pants out there.
List of Pros
- Very breathable.
- Durable, padded and have some useful pockets.
List of Cons
- Pants run small.
Conclusion
One of the most ventilated pants, great for keeping you dry and cool. One of the best combat pants around.
GI Sportz Glide Performance Paintball Pants
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Review
Very lightweight pants, several panels of lightweight material in areas that take less abuse. The pants also have mesh panels that allow air flow. The pants feature double stitching to reinforce the pants and make them more durable.
The pants have elastic with a drawstring, nothing bulky. Ankles have adjustment straps as well. Wide knee pads, minimal design, and belt loops if you want a belt. Stretch material on groin and inner thigh allow easy movement.
List of Pros
- Super lightweight, breathable, adjustable waist and ankle straps.
- Double stitching for durability.
List of Cons
- Only two pockets, that have no closure or zipper.
Conclusion
These pants and minimalist, designed for speed and movement with knee protection. One of the best paintball pants you can own.
Bunker Kings Supreme Paintball Pants
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Review
These Bunker Kings Supreme paintball pants feature a Velcro close fly with a removable pad that covers the groin area. The pants are mesh lined and have Velcro waist adjustment.
Two zippered front pockets for secure storage. Stretch material in the groin area allow a greater range of motion. Padded from the knee to the ankle. Breathable mesh panels through out.
List of Pros
- Padded knees, groin pad to protect sensitive areas.
- Stretch material in groin area.
- Adjustable waist and ankle straps.
List of Cons
- Run slim and tall, may be challenging to find a good fit.
Conclusion
For all the tall, lean guys out there, here are your pants. One of the best paintball pants for long and lean ballers.
Empire Paintball FT Contact Zero Pants
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Review
Padded fly to protect sensitive areas. The fly has an easy open tab with two snaps and the fly is Velcro. Mesh lining goes to thigh, so it does not interfere with knee pads.
Several mesh sections for great ventilation. The two front pockets have zippers and are covered to be moisture resistant. The pocket has a built in cloth to clean goggles, The pants have an adjustable waist band and ankle straps.
The groin is solid, but there is stretch fabric around the groin and knee. The knee pads are large, but somewhat thin.
List of Pros
- Micro perforated venting.
- Drawstring close on ankles.
- Stretch material in the bottom.
List of Cons
- You need to wear knee pads as the pads are thin.
- Zippered water resistant front pockets.
- Well vented pants.
Conclusion
One of the most comfortable, well ventilated pants with minimal knee padding.
Planet Eclipse Distortion Code Pants
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Review
Padding in the groin and knees and some removable hip padding. The padding on the knees is somewhat thick. The fly has two snaps, Velcro and a zipper. There is a Velcro waist adjustment for a snug fit. The pants feature a mesh lining.
There is a belt loop and on the back the belt can be threaded completely under the back side to keep the belt from interfering with your pack. There is rubberized lumbar support on the back for support and to hold your pack well. There are stretch panels on the groin and knees. Barrel swab pockets on each side.
Small zippered pocket for ID, keys etc. Drawstring and Velcro cinchers on the ankles.
List of Pros
- Thick padding all around.
- Small zippered pocket for ID.
- Mesh for venting.
List of Cons
- Front pockets are not sealed or zippered.
Conclusion
If you like a little extra padding, these are some of the best paintball pants you can own. These pants have it all, ample padding while being well vented and having ease of movement.
Dye UL Pants
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Review
Bold color panels that have 4 way stretch for easy movement. These pants are very lightweight. There is mesh on the back and stretch mesh on the groin. The back leg at the calf area has a very thin nearly see thru fabric.
The pants have a tie close, similar to board shorts. There are two swab pockets. The waist has adjustable Velcro bands.
There are zippered water resistant pockets on the front. The material of the pants is water resistant and wears really well without tearing. The ankle has Velcro adjustments.
List of Pros
- Very lightweight.
- Zippered water resistant pockets.
- Very breathable.
List of Cons
- Not much knee padding.
Conclusion
If you are in a warm climate or need some summer pants these pants are very breathable and have no knee padding.
JT Paintball Pants – Cargo
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Review
These JT Paintball Pants are padded from the mid-thigh across the knee down to mid-shin. Their waist and ankle have adjustable bands.
They have stretch groin and two huge front pockets, with no closure, and two cargo side pockets that have over flaps. Plenty of storage. They also have belt loops if you wear a belt. The pants are made from rip-stop nylon.
List of Pros
- Several pockets for storage.
- Waist band has full 360 Velcro band for maximum adjustment.
- Stretch groin, to prevent tears.
List of Cons
- Can get hot, may be good winter pants. No groin padding.
Conclusion
If you want a budget pair of pants with hefty incorporated knee pads, these are your pants.
So there we have it. We hope this guide helps you find the best tactical pants for you and your game.
Last update on 2024-10-23 at 03:40 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API