What is the best paintball starter kit? The best paintball starter kit is the Tippmann Cronus PowerPack. The PowerPack includes a Tippmann Cronus marker, a JT Raptor goggle, a 90-gram CO2 tank, and a 200-round loader. Those four items are everything a new player needs to play except paintballs.
Paintball Starter Kits Compared
| Kit | Marker Type | Air | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tippmann Cronus PowerPack | Mechanical | CO2 | First kit on a budget |
| Maddog Tippmann Cronus Tactical Package | Mechanical | CO2 or HPA, by tier | Milsim look, more accessories |
| Spyder Victor Epic Package | Mechanical | By package | Lightest entry-level marker |
| JT Stealth Go Pak | Mechanical | CO2 | Everything in one box, paint included |
| Maddog Empire Mini GS Package | Electronic | HPA | Speedball and faster play |
| Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 Legendary Package | Mechanical | HPA | Buying once, keeping it for years |
A starter kit costs less than buying the same parts separately, and every part is guaranteed to fit together. The trade-off is that kit masks and loaders are usually the cheapest version of each. The right kit is the one whose marker you want to keep.
What a Starter Kit Should Include
- Marker: The paintball gun.
- Mask: A rated paintball goggle system. This is the one item you cannot play without.
- Air tank: CO2 or compressed air (HPA).
- Hopper: The loader that holds paintballs on top of the marker.
- Barrel cover: Required in every safe zone.
Pods, a harness, a squeegee, and paintballs are extras. Check the listing for the exact contents, because sellers offer several tiers of the same package.
1. Tippmann Cronus PowerPack
The Cronus is the marker most new players should start on. It is a mechanical blowback design that tolerates drops, mud, and missed maintenance. The PowerPack adds the mask, tank, and loader at a small premium over the marker alone.
Pros
- Durable marker with a long track record at rental fields
- Runs on CO2 or HPA, so you can upgrade the tank later
- Simple to clean and repair
Cons
- The 90-gram CO2 tank is small and cannot be refilled at most fields
- Included goggle has a single-pane lens that fogs in humid weather
- Gravity loader limits rate of fire
Plan to replace the 90-gram tank with a refillable tank after your first few outings. See the best paintball tanks.
2. Maddog Tippmann Cronus Tactical Package
This package uses the Cronus Tactical, which adds a stock, a barrel shroud, and accessory rails to the same internals. Maddog sells it in several tiers with different tanks and accessories. Pick the tier with a refillable tank if your budget allows.
Pros
- Tactical styling with stock and rails included
- Multiple tiers let you choose the tank and accessories
- Same durable Tippmann internals as the standard Cronus
Cons
- Heavier than the base Cronus
- Entry tiers include a basic mask
- Tier names are confusing, so read the contents list carefully
For the full range of Tippmann markers, see our Tippmann paintball guns guide.
3. Spyder Victor Epic Package
The Spyder Victor is one of the lightest entry-level markers, which makes it easier for smaller players to carry. The Epic package bundles it with the core accessories.
Pros
- Light and compact
- Low price for a complete package
- Simple semi-automatic operation
Cons
- Thinner construction than a Tippmann
- Smaller aftermarket for parts and upgrades
- Loud, with more kick than a spool-valve marker
Read more in our Spyder paintball guns guide.
4. JT Stealth Go Pak
The Go Pak is the most complete box here. It includes the JT Stealth marker, a mask, a loader, a harness, three pods, a pre-filled CO2 tank with adapter, and 1,000 paintballs. A new player can open it and play the same day.
Pros
- Includes paintballs, harness, and pods
- Pre-filled CO2 means no trip to a fill station before the first game
- Nothing else to buy for backyard play
Cons
- Most fields require you to buy their paint, so the included paintballs are for private games
- The marker is basic and has little upgrade potential
- Included paintballs may be old by the time they arrive, and old paint breaks in the barrel
Check how long paintballs last before shooting paint from any kit.
5. Maddog Empire Mini GS Package
The Mini GS is an electronic marker, and this package pairs it with a 48/3000 HPA tank and an Empire Halo Too electronic loader. This kit is the right starting point for players who already know they want to play speedball.
Pros
- Electronic trigger with multiple firing modes
- HPA tank and electronic loader included, both good enough to keep
- Compact, light marker
Cons
- Costs several times more than a mechanical kit
- Requires HPA, not CO2
- More maintenance than a mechanical marker
Our electronic vs mechanical comparison explains what the extra money buys.
6. Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 Legendary Package
The EMEK 100 is widely regarded as the best mechanical marker available. It uses the same Gamma Core bolt as Planet Eclipse’s electronic markers and needs no battery. This package costs more than the Tippmann kits and removes the need to upgrade the marker later.
Pros
- Shot quality far above other mechanical kits
- Quiet, efficient, and gentle on paint
- Very simple maintenance
Cons
- Highest price among mechanical kits
- Requires HPA
- Package contents vary by seller, so confirm the mask and tank
CO2 Kit or HPA Kit?
Buy an HPA kit if you can afford it. HPA holds velocity steadier than CO2, works in cold weather, and is the only option many fields fill. CO2 kits cost less and suit backyard play. Our CO2 vs HPA guide has the full comparison.
Starter Kit or Separate Parts?
| Starter Kit | Separate Parts | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Mask quality | Basic | Your choice |
| Time to choose | Minutes | Hours |
| Best for | First-time buyers, gifts | Players who know what they want |
A kit is the right call for a first purchase or a gift. Players who want to pick each part should use our best paintball setup for every budget guide. In both cases the mask is the first upgrade to make, and the best paintball masks guide covers thermal-lens options that do not fog.
Paintball Starter Kit FAQ
What comes in a paintball starter kit?
A paintball starter kit includes a marker, a mask, an air tank, and a hopper. Larger kits add a harness, pods, a barrel cover, and paintballs.
Is it cheaper to buy a paintball starter kit?
Yes. A starter kit costs less than buying the same marker, mask, tank, and hopper separately. See how much paintball costs for a full budget.
Are paintball starter kits good for kids?
Standard .68 caliber kits suit teens and adults. Younger players do better with low-impact .50 caliber markers. See the best paintball guns for kids.
Do starter kits come with a full air tank?
Some CO2 kits ship with pre-filled disposable tanks. Refillable CO2 and HPA tanks ship empty and must be filled at a field or shop. See how to fill a paintball tank.
