If there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my journey in the world of paintball, it’s that knowing how to choose a paintball marker can make all the difference on the field. When I decided I want to become a regular player I didn’t have anyone to share with me any tips for choosing the best paintball gun. I had to pretty much learn this alone. That’s why I am here now to save you from all this confusion.
So, you probably want a valid answer to the following questions: How to choose a paintball gun? What are the best tips for choosing the best paintball gun? Does the best paintball gun exist? In any case, choosing the best paintball gun means finding a great weapon that works best for you and align with your needs and preferences. In this post, I will share with you the best tips that I follow every time I want to make a new paintball marker purchase.
Is It Worth It To Buy Your Own Paintball Gun?
So you ask: “Is it worth it to buy your own paintball gun?” and “Why should you buy your own equipment instead of relying on rental guns?”. The answer lies in the numerous advantages that come with owning your own paintball gun. To begin with, having your own paintball marker can give you an edge over others. By consistently using the same gun, it will be easier to improve your accuracy and control. You can, also, customize your gun according to your preferences.
While renting a paintball marker is easier, it does come with limitations. Rental guns are often basic models, lacking the performance and precision of higher-end markers. Furthermore, in the long term renting is going to cost you much more due to the accumulated rental fees. So, you probably ask “When is the right time to buy your own paintball equipment?”. If you have just started playing paintball regularly and want to improve your skills, then go for it. Read further to discover the best paintball tips to choose the best paintball gun for you.
What Are the Types of Paintball Guns?
Before I give you the most important tips for choosing the best paintball guns, you should know what are the types of paintball guns. There are three main types of paintball guns: pump-action, mechanical, and electro-pneumatic.
- A pump-action paintball gun, or pump gun, requires you to manually pump the gun before each shot, which can be challenging for beginners. To pump the gun just pull back and push forward the pump handle. Ready to shoot.
- Mechanical paintball guns, or mechs, are usually semi-automatic, which means that they fire one shot per trigger pull and do not require a recocking. Pull the trigger, boom, and again. Mechanical guns are simple and ideal for beginners as they are durable, have no batteries, easy to maintain.
- Electro-pneumatic paintball markers, also called electronic, use a battery-powered circuit board to shoot paintballs and are more advanced and suitable for competitive play. They offer programmable firing modes, such as semi-automatic, burst, or automatic, providing more versatility on the field. These guns are usually more expensive but offer better performance and customization options. However, their electronic components may make them less durable than mechanical paintball guns.
4 Tips for Choosing the Best Paintball Gun
If you’re tired of relying on rental equipment or borrowing gear from your friends, it’s time to consider buying your own paintball gun. Trust me, I’ve been there, and investing in my own equipment has made a world of difference. In fact, I’ve compiled my 4 best tips for choosing the best paintball guns that have saved me a ton of time and inconvenience along the way.
No more worrying about the maintenance and performance of rented or borrowed guns! Moreover, owning your equipment enables you to practice, giving you a competitive edge on the field. Choosing the best paintball gun doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these 4 proven tips, you can save time, money, and frustration along your paintball journey.
#1 Consider Your Experience Level
The first thing to consider, when you have finally decided to dive deep and start purchasing your own paintball equipment, is your experience level. As a beginner, finding a marker that aligns with your skill level is essential. So, choose a mechanical paintball gun for simplicity, reliability, and durability. In other words, look for beginner-friendly markers with simple operation, intuitive controls, and minimal maintenance requirements. These guns will help you focus on developing fundamental skills like accuracy, aim, and movement without overwhelming you with complex features.
As you become more experienced, you may want to give yourself a little promotion. If so, go for an electronic marker. Electronic markers are a sophisticated and expensive option with more maintenance requirements, but they offer adjustable firing modes, customizable settings, and increased accuracy. These features are a big upgrade and can make a whole lot of difference whether you’re engaging in fast-paced speedball matches or strategic woodsball battles.
#2 Think of Your Preferred Game Style
Think about the types of paintball scenarios you plan to participate in, such as woodsball, speedball, or scenario games. This will help you determine the most suitable paintball gun for your preferred playstyle and game scenarios.
Speedball Paintball
A fast-paced and dynamic style of play that takes place on a specifically designed field, with players strategically advancing and taking cover behind the inflatable bunkers. In speedball, you are only allowed to bring a speedball marker. Keep in mind that you can use a speedball marker in almost every paintball scenario.
Woodsball or Rec-ball
A style of paintball that takes place in natural or wooded outdoor environments, such as forests, fields, or abandoned structures. It emphasizes stealth, strategy, and tactical gameplay. Woodsball markers are designed for rough terrains and are popular for their durability. They can be magazine-fed, meaning they, also, have a magazine underneath.
Mil-Sim (Military Simulation)
A kind of paintball designed to replicate military situations and battle. Teamwork and tactical planning are emphasized in Mil-Sim games, often incorporating elements such as scenario-based missions, objectives, and role-playing. Milsim paintball guns are designed to resemble actual firearms used by the military.
#3 Competitive or Recreational (Rec-Ball)
When choosing a paintball gun, it is crucial to consider your future expectations and goals. Are you happy with being a recreational player, enjoying occasional games with friends, or do you aspire to compete in tournaments and take the sport more seriously? By carefully considering your long-term goals, you set yourself up for success and continued enjoyment. So, if you envision yourself becoming more involved in the game, it is worthwhile to invest in a high-quality marker. Doing so, give you the opportunity to upgrade and customize your equipment.
To begin with, if your paintball plans lean towards casual or infrequent play, opting for a mechanical paintball gun is a wise decision. These guns offer affordability and durability, making them suitable for such occasions. However, if you have aspirations of engaging in competitive games or increasing your frequency of play, an electro-pneumatic paintball gun would be a superior choice. It’s worth noting that even on a budget, you can still find entry-level paintball markers that provide a professional feel without breaking the bank.
#4 Set a Budget for the Marker and Gear
When budgeting, you want to make sure that you won’t spend more than you need. That’s why, it’s important to see all the available options and read reviews from other paintball players to gauge the popularity and performance of various paintball guns. Generally, if you’re just starting out and don’t know if you’ll stick with it, you may want to go with a more affordable option. Once you have identified a specific gun that suits your needs, compare prices between different retailers and online sellers to ensure you are getting the best deal possible.
Also keep in mind that as a beginner, when setting a budget and choosing a paintball gun, remember to factor in the costs of additional gear and accessories:
- protective clothing
- CO2 or HPA tank
- cleaning accessories, and
- any modifications or upgrades you may desire
Spend at least half of your money on the gun and the other half on extras like a hopper, tank, and mask. Good quality entry-level paintball guns may be purchased for roughly $200. More expensive high-end guns can cost up to $2000.
Are Longer Paintball Barrels Better?
When it comes to choosing the best paintball gun, picking the right barrel, also, impacts your game. As the market is full of different barrel lengths, it’s natural to wonder: What is the best size barrel for paintball? One common misconception is that a longer barrel automatically leads to increased velocity. However, barrel length has minimal influence on velocity. The primary factor affecting velocity is the pressure at which the paintball is expelled from the marker. So, does a longer barrel increase velocity in paintball? Not significantly.
Moreover, while some claim that a longer barrel enhances accuracy, it’s not entirely accurate. In fact, barrel length has little impact on accuracy. Other factors, such as paintball quality, marker consistency, and your own skills, play a more substantial role. So, is a longer barrel better for accuracy? Not necessarily. With these considerations in mind, what barrel length should you get? The optimal barrel length largely depends on your play style and personal preference. Shorter barrels (< 12 inches) are louder, but offer maneuverability, allowing for quick movements in tight spaces. On the other hand, longer barrels (> 12 inches) are quieter and can provide better aiming.
What Is the Best Bore Size for Paintball?
To begin, by referring to the bore size of a barrel, one is essentially referring to the internal diameter of the barrel. Before you buy a paintball barrel, you have to make sure it fits your paintball marker. Surprisingly, not every paintball gun is compatible with every barrel. After that, let’s go on to “Does a paintball barrel’s diameter make a difference?”. Actually, the bore size of your paintball gun’s barrel can significantly impact your game, affecting accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. Choose a barrel with a caliber of .684, .685, or .687 and you are ready to go.
Are you still wondering what is the best bore size for paintball? The truth is, it depends on various factors such as the type of paintballs you use, the weather conditions, and your playing style. However, there is some controversy over what is the best fit between a barrel and a paintball. But, you don’t need to get confused with that. Just make sure that your barrel’s bore diameter is slightly larger or the same size as the diameter of the paintballs. Additionally, you can buy yourself a barrel kit with a lot of different bore sizes and focus on your game.
Conclusion
Paintball is a fun sport, with many different strategies and game formats to choose from. Since there are so many different ways to play, there is a wide selection of paintball guns to choose from. As a result, finding the best paintball marker that fits one’s demands and budget might be difficult for newcomers and casual gamers. Don’t just buy the paintball gun that all the pros use. Think about how you want to play the game and pick a buddy that fits your hand well and performs well.
It may seem like a tough task to choose the best paintball gun, but with these suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to striking the bullseye in no time. Before making a choice, think about your current skill level, available funds, and preferred playing style.