Paintball Guns

How do you fill a paintball tank? HPA tanks are filled using a fill station or scuba tank that delivers compressed air at 3,000 or 4,500 PSI. CO2 tanks are filled with liquid carbon dioxide from a bulk supply or exchanged at a sporting goods store. Both tank types require proper equipment, attention to pressure ratings, and a current hydrostatic test date. CO2 HPA Fill method Bulk liquid CO2 transfer or tank exchange Fill station (compressor) or scuba tank Fill pressure ~850 PSI (liquid weight determines fill) 3,000 or 4,500 PSI (depends on tank rating) Fill time 1–3 minutes 30–90 seconds Typical cost per fill $3–$5 $3–$5 Where to fill Paintball fields, sporting goods stores, welding supply shops Paintball fields, scuba/dive shops DIY at home Not practical (requires bulk CO2 tank) Possible with a scuba tank and fill adapter Overfill risk Tank rupture, burst disc failure Tank rupture, burst disc failure How to Fill an HPA Tank HPA tanks are the standard for most players. If you are unsure which tank type you have, check the label on the tank body. HPA tanks will be rated at either 3,000 PSI or 4,500 PSI and will say “compressed air” or “nitrogen.” For a full breakdown of the differences, see our CO2 vs HPA guide. ...

What is the best paintball gun under $500? The best paintball gun under $500 is the Planet Eclipse Etha 3. The Etha 3 uses the same Gamma Core bolt system found in markers costing three times as much, delivering tournament-level shot quality, air efficiency, and reliability at around $450 to $550. Planet Eclipse Etha 3 Planet Eclipse Etha 3 Check Amazon Price Affiliate link The Etha 3 is the marker that makes the rest of this list nervous. Planet Eclipse took the already-excellent Etha 2 platform and refined it with a redesigned aluminum blade trigger, a quick-release bolt assembly, and a lower-profile aluminum feedneck. The result is a marker that shoots like something costing twice as much. ...

What is the best paintball gun under $300? The best paintball gun under $300 is the Planet Eclipse EMEK 100. The EMEK’s Gamma Core bolt system delivers the smoothest, most reliable mechanical shot in paintball at around $280, with near-zero maintenance and superior paint handling. For electronic firing modes, the Dye Rize CZR and Empire Mini GS are the top picks in the $280 to $300 range. If you are still deciding between mechanical and electronic platforms, our guide to the three types of paintball guns breaks down how each system works and what it costs to own. ...

What is the best paintball chest protector? The best paintball chest protector is the HK Army Crash. The Crash’s dual-layered contoured foam covers the chest, ribs, and back, fits under any jersey without adding bulk, and typically costs around $50 to $65. HK Army Crash Chest Protector HK Army Crash Chest Protector Check Amazon Price Affiliate link The HK Army Crash is one of the most popular standalone chest protectors on the market. It uses a dual-layered pad system with contoured foam that wraps around your torso, covering the chest, ribs, and back. The padding is thick enough to noticeably reduce the sting from close-range hits without making you feel like you are wearing a bulletproof vest. ...

What is the best paintball tank? The best paintball tank is the Ninja SL2 77/4500. The SL2 weighs just over two pounds, delivers 1,100 to 1,300 shots per fill, and the Pro V2 regulator provides the most consistent output pressure on the market. Ninja SL2 77/4500 Ninja SL2 77/4500 Check Amazon Price Affiliate link The Ninja SL2 is the tank most competitive players end up with, and for good reason. It is a 77 cubic inch, 4500 psi carbon fiber tank that weighs just over two pounds empty. That weight savings matters when you are carrying your marker for hours at a time, and it matters even more when you are snapping in and out of bunkers during a tournament. ...

What is paintball bore sizing? Bore sizing is the process of matching your barrel’s inner diameter to the outer diameter of your paintballs. A properly matched bore improves accuracy, reduces barrel breaks, and increases air efficiency. Most paintballs measure between .679 and .695 inches, and barrel bores are manufactured within that same range to allow precise matching. Bore Size Best Paint Match Common Use .679 – .682 Small or winter paint Cold weather, brittle paint .684 – .687 Mid-range tournament paint Most common match for quality paint .689 – .691 Standard recreational paint Field-grade, rental setups .693 – .695 Large or summer paint Hot weather, swollen paint Why Bore-to-Paint Match Matters Three things change when you match your bore to your paint: accuracy, efficiency, and reliability. ...

What is the difference between electronic and mechanical paintball guns? Mechanical paintball guns use a physical trigger mechanism and spring to fire each shot. Electronic paintball guns use a battery-powered circuit board and solenoid to control the firing cycle. The distinction between the two affects rate of fire, consistency, maintenance, cost, and which playing situations each type handles best. If you’re unfamiliar with how paintball markers are categorized, our guide to the three types of paintball guns covers the full breakdown. ...

What is the best paintball harness? The best paintball harness is the HK Army Zero-G 2.0. The Zero-G’s strapless design stays locked to your waist without shoulder straps, the elastic pod sleeves release cleanly during reloads, and configurations range from 3+2 up to 5+4 to match any format. If you are still building out your marker setup, our guides on the best paintball hoppers and how much paintball costs will help you figure out what else you need and what to budget for it. ...

What is the best paintball gun for kids? The best paintball gun for kids is the Tippmann Cronus. The Cronus is lightweight enough for a 10-year-old to carry, simple to operate, and nearly indestructible. For younger kids (ages 8 to 10) or those nervous about pain, the JT SplatMaster z200 offers a gentler .50 caliber introduction. Before buying, check the age requirements at your local field since most require players to be at least 10 years old for standard .68 cal play. ...

What is the best mag-fed paintball gun? The best mag-fed paintball gun is the Planet Eclipse MG100. The MG100’s Gamma Core bolt system delivers smooth, consistent shots with excellent air efficiency and near-zero maintenance. Dual-feed operation lets you swap between magazines and a hopper depending on the game. What Makes Mag-Fed Different Mag-fed paintball markers use detachable box magazines instead of a top-mounted hopper. That changes the experience significantly. Your profile is slimmer because there is no bulky hopper sitting on top of the marker. You can peek around cover, crawl through brush, and shoulder the marker like a real firearm without a plastic dome giving away your position. ...