Top 10 Best Paintball Guns of 2023

Paintball is an incredibly thrilling and action-packed game. Our ultimate goal is to never lose a single game! Are you searching for the best paintball guns? Questions like “What should be my first marker?” or “Which marker should I upgrade to?” might pop up. With so many options available in the market, it can be tiring to choose the right paintball gun based on your experience. On top of that, you’ll have friends like Oozy from school and Augustus from the office sharing what worked best for them. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there!

Our team offers a straightforward and accurate buyer’s guide, featuring the top 10 best paintball guns that we liked the most. Additionally, you can visit our review section where we provide detailed reviews of individual paintball markers. However, our primary focus and recommendation are to invest in a good Mask. Never overlook the importance of a reliable Mask for your safety and enjoyment during paintball games!

Best Paintball Guns

Your paintball gun can be the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield. A reliable, accurate, and easy-to-maintain marker will give you a significant edge over your opponents. The right paintball gun will not only enhance your performance but also make the game more enjoyable and rewarding. We list down the Best Paintball Guns available in the market for your next battle.


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CHECK OUT OUR EDITOR’S CHOICE

Planet Eclipse Geo4

The A-5 features a durable aluminum body, inline bolt system, front and rear sling mounts, low profile hopper, and 8.5 inch high-performance ported barrel. After reviewing various Paintball Guns, we found that the Tippmann A-5 is The Best Paintball Gun available to buy in the market right now.

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QUICK OVERVIEW

Top 10 Best Paintball Guns

PRODUCTS
FEATURES
🏆 EDITOR’S PICK
  • Shoots .68 Calibers
  • With a Dual-feed System
  • Accurate and durable
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❤️ Most Reviewed
  • Military Style Gun
  • Weight:3.7 Pounds
  • Velocity:250-325FPS
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👍 TOP PICK
  • With Gamma Core Bolt System
  • Lightweight
  • MagFed
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★ BUDGET PICK
  • Semi-automatic Durable
  • Fully automatic massages
  • With Corrosion-Resistant Body
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★ BUDGET PICK
  • Air efficient gun in Marker
  • 1600 shots per 20 oz. of CO2
  • 280-350 FPS Velocity
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★ BUDGET PICK
  • Sleek and compact design
  • Weight is 2 Pounds
  • Double finger trigger
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★ BUDGET PICK
  • Caliber .68
  • Semi-Automatic
  • Power CO2 or HPA
  • Magazine capacity 150+
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★ BUDGET PICK
  • Elite performance
  • Weight: 1.98 Pounds
  • 280 FPS
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★ BUDGET PICK
  • Semi-Automatic
  • Double Finger Trigger
  • Supports 0.68 ammos
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★ BUDGET PICK
  • Slim Body
  • Weight around 1
  • 293 FPS
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OUR EDITOR’S Pick

Planet Eclipse Geo4

Best Paintball Marker

Tippmann A-5 stands out as the top choice in the market. It boasts a robust aluminum body, an inline bolt system, convenient front and rear sling mounts, a sleek low-profile hopper, and an impressive 8.5-inch high-performance ported barrel.

  • Durable Aluminum Body
  • Versatile Sling Mounts
  • Inline Bolt System
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1. Planet Eclipse Geo4

Planet Eclipse Geo4
Features:
  • Quick-release bolt mechanism
  • Hoseless air transfer system
  • 135psi operating pressure
  • POPS ASA
  • Weight 1.96lb

The GEO 4 paintball marker offers improved performance and features. If you play paintball, you may already be aware of GEO’s reputation as one of the most dependable markers. With a history of unequalled successes, GEO 4’s introduction promises to provide an impressive performance.

Over the years, Planet Eclipse has made continuous modifications and improvements to its spool valve guns, starting from GEO 1 to GEO 2, GEO 3, CS1, CS2, and now GEO 4. As expected from high-end markers, GEO 4 is the sixth spool valve gun in their lineup.

GEO 4 comes equipped with all electronic firing modes and a decent LCD screen on the back, making it more attractive to players. You have the option to use either an optical sensor or a micro switch to achieve a real physical feel while shooting.

One of the highlights of GEO 4 is the IV core, which many players have been eagerly waiting for. The IV bolt system allows for more precise shooting, even with fragile paintballs. Another impressive feature is the SFR (Solenoid Flow Restrictor), which enables you to adjust the speed of the bolt’s forward stroke, making it more efficient in various environmental conditions.

For example, in cold weather, you can increase the SFR to improve its adaptability. If you want to experience less paint breakage and smoother shooting, reducing the SFR is the way to go.

How does it differ from CS2 and CS1?

When comparing the CS1 and GEO 4 paintball markers, some notable differences can be observed in their structure and features.

Structure – The CS1 appears to be quite large with large grips, making it less suitable for individuals with shorter hands. In contrast, the GEO 4 is more compact, providing a better fit for players with varying hand sizes.

Foregrips – The foregrip on the CS1 is more tapered, making it challenging to hold securely as the hand tends to slip. On the other hand, the CS2’s foregrip has a better shape, offering a more comfortable and secure grip. The GEO 4 boasts a steady grip with a slightly wider base and an angled design in the middle, allowing for perfect control.

Trigger – Both the CS2 and GEO 4 have adjustable rake bladder triggers, but the CS2’s trigger feels more solid and satisfying compared to the softer trigger of the GEO 4, which might lack a firm feel.

Additional Features – The CS2 has the option of a mechanical frame, while the GEO 4 does not. Aside from this, both markers have similar frame angles, rear grips, ASAs, and feednecks.

Overall, when choosing between the CS1 and GEO 4, considerations of hand size, comfort in holding, and trigger preference play significant roles in making the right decision.

Pros

  • Softer Shot Than Gamma Core
  • User Adjustable SFR (Solenoid Flow Restrictor)
  • Very Quiet

Cons

  • The trigger is so soft that it doesn’t feel that much real
  • Little Pricery From Previous Versions
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2. Empire Axe 2.0

Empire Axe 2.0
Features:
  • 2 Piece 14 inch Barrel
  • .68 Calliber
  • Adjustable Trigger 
  • Low-Pressure Operation 

The Empire Axe 2.0 paintball marker is perfect for players. It offers a smooth and highly accurate shot. The remarkable feature is its anti-chop eye system, which sets it apart from other markers in the same price range.

As someone who has always looked for high-performing markers, we found this to be the most accurate paintball gun. It has 2-piece machine-honed barrels for uncompromised accuracy.

Unlike the previous axe generation, this one is 10 times lighter! The trigger is very soft and has a micro-switch style, giving you increased rate of fire with minimal effort. You can read our full review of the Empire Axe 2.0 here. The marker also has a tool-less disassembly for easy maintenance, getting you back in the game faster. With 3 firing modes, from semi-automatic to fully automatic, it would be a great choice for speedball play.

Empire Axe 2.0 vs Etha 2:

We think both the Empire Axe 2.0 and Etha 2 are excellent markers, and the final decision comes down to personal preferences for ergonomics. The main point of comparison between these two markers is their ergonomics.

The hand grip on the Etha 2 feels a little better, and it gives the impression of a more stretched-out marker with a longer length, while the Axe has a more compact feel. Some players have said that the bolt engine on the Etha 2 is better, while others disagree. We believe the differences are minor, and both markers perform similarly. Whether you choose the Etha 2 or the Axe, neither of them breaks paint excessively.

Tips to increase performance:

If you want full control over the paint-to-barrel match, consider upgrading the barrel to a complete barrel kit like the Freak or Freak XL. If you find that you don’t prefer the stock barrel, you’ll need to search for Auto-cocker threaded barrels. These options will allow you to fine-tune your paintball marker for better performance and accuracy.

Pros

  • Non-slip Foregrip
  • Accurate
  • Lightweight
  • Tool-less Disassembly 
  • Adjustable Trigger

Cons

  • Little Pricey
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3. Tippmann Stromer Elite

Tippmann Stormer Elite
Features:
  • Caliber .68
  • Semi-Automatic
  • Power CO2 or HPA
  • Magazine capacity 150+
  • Cycle rate 15+BPS

Tippmann has clearly understood people’s demands, and the Stormer Elite is one of the coolest editions of Tippmann Paintball Guns.

The gun’s accuracy is outstanding, even at a distance, making it suitable for all types of play, such as speedball or woodsball. This makes it one of the most accurate paintball guns available.

The Tippmann Stormer Elite Dual Fed Paintball gun marker can be used with a hopper or a magazine setup. It comes with a hopper adapter, allowing you to install a dummy magazine for hopper play. Personally, I prefer magazine-fed.

One of the standout features of this marker is its reliability. It has a comfortable rubber grip and flip-up sights, making it highly customizable.

We really appreciate the gun’s pricing, weight, and durability, along with its High-Performance Barrel. It’s an excellent choice for players seeking a high-performing gun with a unique touch compared to basic markers. The 6 Position Collapsible Stock adds a military look, making it a great option for players looking to dominate their opponents.

Best For Home Defense

While the Tippmann Stormer Elite is excellent for paintballing, it can also be a viable option for home defense. By using Pepper balls, it can be a deterrent to intruders and potentially cause serious injury, depending on the shot’s location and distance. The smoke released from pepper balls can last for 20-30 minutes, providing ample time to discourage and disorient an intruder.

With its lightweight design and good accuracy, the Tippmann Stormer Elite has become my go-to home defense weapon over the past year. However, it’s essential to remember that using any type of weapon, even for self-defense, requires responsible and cautious handling to ensure the safety of oneself and others.

Avoid using CO2 as it is becoming outdated and can adversely affect your marker’s durability by causing the o-rings to disintegrate. Instead, we highly recommend considering a High-Pressure Air (HPA) tank. HPA tanks are much easier to handle and less expensive to refill. By using HPA, you can treat your marker with care and ensure its longevity and optimal performance.

Pros

  • Accurate
  • Mags are very reliable
  • Easy to clean and take apart as it has 98 internals

Cons

  • Can’t shoot rubber balls and jam them because the springs are not strong enough for rubber balls
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4. Tippmann A-5

Tippmann A-5
Features:
  • 0.68 Caliber
  • Semi-Automatic Firing Action
  • Weight 4 Pounds
  • 8.5-inch barrel
  • 20-inch total length

Tippmann Paintball guns shine when it comes to performance and reliability. The Tippmann A5 is an excellent choice, especially for beginners or intermediate players seeking a dependable marker that can compete against more experienced opponents while being fun and easy to use.

The efficiency of the cyclone fed system is remarkable; it can feed 15 balls per second without requiring batteries. We have extensively tested it with 5000 shots, and it didn’t chop even once. Undoubtedly, it stands out as a high-performance paintball marker that you can rely on for victory in any tournament.

In comparison to Spyder’s paintball guns, the Tippmann A5 consumes less CO2, even with the air-powered carousel. Its ambidextrous design allows for easy switching from left to right-handed shooting. Moreover, if you’re quick at pulling the trigger, it performs almost like an automatic marker.

With a few affordable modifications like an offset hopper and double trigger, this marker can become a real threat to opponents. Its versatility and ease of use make it a top choice for players looking to elevate their game on the paintball field.

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Customizable
  • Good Power
  • Repair Parts Readily Available
  • Easily Upgradeable

Cons

  • A Bit Heavy 
  • Louder Than Other Tippmann Guns
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5. Dye Rize CZR

Dye Rize CZR
Features:
  • 2pc 14” Barrel
  • 0 .68 Caliber
  • Internal Anti-Chop Eyes
  • Color-Coded O-rings 
  • Sticky Grips

The Dye Rize CZR is an affordable paintball gun packed with premium features. Its impressive performance can easily captivate any player. Designed for top-level performance, this electric paintball gun offers four modes: Semi-auto, two ramping modes, and full-auto.

The Rize CZR comes equipped with features like the Rize Fuse bolt, ramp solenoid, and anti-chop eyes, all contributing to its remarkable performance on the field.

An added advantage is the adjustable cam lock lever, which allows you to securely attach the loader to your gun without the need for tools. Another notable feature is DYE’s trademark muzzle port design, providing their barrels with unmatched accuracy and an incredibly low sound signature.

For players seeking a high-performing and feature-rich paintball gun without breaking the bank, the Dye Rize CZR is undoubtedly an attractive option worth considering. You can find a comprehensive review of the Rize CZR for more in-depth insights.

Dye Rize CZR vs Mini GS

The Dye Rize outshines the Mini GS when it comes to maintenance and the eye pipe systems. If you prefer cleaning your marker after practice, the Dye Rize is the better choice. Unlike the Mini GS, you don’t need to disassemble the whole marker to clean the eyes.

In terms of feel, the Mini GS is more compact, making it challenging to switch hands quickly without accidentally hitting the target. On the other hand, if you prefer a standard-size marker, the CZR fits better in your hands. The Mini GS, however, would be more suitable for snake play, where its compactness can be leveraged.

The CZR had some trigger adjustment issues. If you let the trigger go back too far, there’s a chance of it getting stuck in the micro switch. Nevertheless, overall, the CZR is an amazing marker, especially with its stock barrel.

Pros

  • Durable
  • Can Shoot 4000 Rounds
  • Easy Maintenance 
  • Reliable Battery

Cons

  • The E-trigger being plastic made is a little more lightweight which makes finger adjustment difficult
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6. Empire Mini GS

Empire Mini GS
Features:
  • Compatible Air: HPA(Compressed air)
  • Barrel Length: 14” 2 pc Barrel 
  • Rate Of Fire: 10-25 Balls Per Second 
  • Venting ASA Regulator With On/Off Lever
  • Adjustable From 250-325 FPS

The word that best defines the Empire Mini is “precision” because of its Pressure Controlled Poppet engine. It competes with other markers in terms of performance while offering a reasonable price. The Mini is fully programmable, accurate, and a reliable option, making it an ideal choice for beginners.

For new and young players seeking an efficient and lightweight gun at a reasonable price, the Empire Mini is undoubtedly the best option. It stands out as the best beginner speedball gun, performing flawlessly in all temperature conditions without a single paintball break.

In terms of efficiency, when paired with a 68/4500 Tank, it can achieve approximately 1400 shots, while with a 48/3000 tank, it can deliver around 1000 shots. Cleaning is also hassle-free, requiring just 2 Allen keys for rapid cleaning. Overall, from performance to maintenance, the Empire Mini proves to be a user-friendly and reliable paintball gun.

Empire Mini GS vs Empire Axe 2.0

The operating engine and PSI are quite similar between the Empire Axe 2.0 and the Empire Mini GS, but there are some differences in their build. The Empire Axe 2.0 is often referred to as the big brother of the Empire Mini because it is bulkier and larger in size. The Mini GS, being considerably smaller, might not fit comfortably in larger hands, while the Axe provides more room for the grip frame and offers a better fit.

One feature that facilitates beginners in the Mini GS is the gauge feature, which is not present in the Empire Axe. Additionally, the Mini GS’s rubber foregrip provides the best grip, even when wearing gloves.

However, cleaning the Mini GS is not as easy as the Empire Axe 2.0 because you have to completely disassemble the Mini for cleaning. The Empire Axe has an easily accessible eye cover from the outside, allowing for easy cleaning of broken paintballs, while in the Mini GS, you have to disassemble major parts for the same task.

Moreover, the Empire Axe has a push button to remove the bolt, whereas in the Mini GS, you have to use a screw for this purpose. These differences in features and cleaning processes make each marker suitable for different preferences and playing styles.

Pros

  • Non-slip Foregrip
  • Accurate
  • Lightweight
  • Tool-less Disassembly 
  • Adjustable Trigger

Cons

  • Little Pricey
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7. Tippmann Cronus

Tippmann Cronus
Features:
  • Caliber .68
  • Barrel 8-10 inch Long
  • 6 lbs Weight
  • 50 – 75 Feet Per Shot
  • FPS About 280 – 300 

If you’re new to paintball, this would be a great purchase for you! It’s a basic yet highly accurate paintball gun. It’s semi-automatic, easy to customize, and has excellent accuracy. Putting it together is simple, and it shoots quite straight with the stock barrel. The adjustable stock is very comfortable and gives a good gun feel.

One of the features we really enjoyed while playing is the vertical grip, which remains comfortable even with bulky gloves on. The Tippman Cronus can be upgraded with a stock, carrying handle sight, and suppressor-like item that goes over the barrel.

Tips to increase performance:

We suggest getting a longer barrel, either 12 or 14 inches, as it will improve accuracy and range, especially when combined with a Tippmann 12 oz tank. Additionally, we recommend using an HPA (High-Pressure Air) tank, as this type of tank can be used and filled at all paintball fields, while CO2 tanks are being phased out.

Pros

  • Trigger Pull is Decent, Crisp, And Not Too Light
  • Highly Customisable
  • Vertical Grip
  • Reliable

Cons

  • Barrel Length is Relatively Small
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8. Tippmann TMC MAGFED

G5 Spec-R
Features:
  • Full Pneumatic Marker 
  • Easy-Pull Trigger 
  • 12″ High-Performance Barrel 
  • Bottom Mounted ASA
  • Built-in Picatinny Rails 

Tippmann combines performance with uniqueness, offering both mag-fed and regular loading options, both of which provide high accuracy. The TMC paintball marker comes with two magazines and one dummy mag for hopper use. It fires as fast as you can pull, making it highly efficient.

We really enjoyed the marker’s comfortable grip, with a nice rubber texture that fits even big hands perfectly.

One of the great things about this marker is how smoothly it reloads! It also offers plenty of rail space for accessories, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. The marker is very well-made for its price and feels solid all around.

The barrel is well polished (98 threaded) and 1 inch in width to fit the shroud. If you decide to buy a thinner aftermarket barrel, you may need to use electrical tape to make it thicker where it touches the shroud, or else the shroud might wobble.

Pros

  • Light Weight
  • No Ugly Gas Line Protruding
  • Really Identical To and AR/M4 Feel
  • Magazine Are Cheap And Strong
  • Nice Sturdy But Keeps The Smooth Feel

Cons

  • Does Not Take Rubber Balls That Are 7 Grams
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9. Valken M17 Magfed

Maddog JT
Features:
  • 0.68 Caliber
  • Semi or Fully-Automatic Mechanical Firing Modes
  • Operation: Mechanical Firing System
  • FPS adjustable from 250-325
  • Up to 300 FPS

The Valken M17 mechanical is a beautiful paintball gun with high performance that leaves you singing its praises even after the game ends. The gun is magazine-fed, eliminating the need for batteries, which adds to its worthiness. The special blow-forward operating system ensures great accuracy when firing paintballs.

The M17 Valken comes with an extendable stock, one magazine, iron sights, and Allen keys for installation, but you’ll need to purchase a tank separately. From our experience, it shoots around 130 shots with a 13ci/3000 tank.

Even novice players will find the M17 a good option, as it allows for easy switching between semi-automatic and fully automatic modes. The magazines are larger than those of other markers and have the standard AR size, fitting perfectly into a 100-140rd pod pouch, so there’s no need to buy additional mag pouches; you can use your old pod carrier.

In summary, the Valken M17 is well-built, featuring a tactical magazine and AR-style pistol grip, making it a great mechanical paintball gun for serious paintballers.

10. Planet Eclipse Etha2 PAL

Empire Mini GS
Features:
  • PAL Enabled
  • POPS ASA
  • Hose-less Air Transfer
  • Tool-less Grip Access/Removal
  • DefTek Offset Feed

For years, Planet Eclipse has been providing players with outstanding performance through guns like Etha and Etha2. Now, the innovation of the PAL Loader System is something that players will truly enjoy, especially considering its reasonable price.

The battery-free PAL loader system makes it an excellent choice for every enthusiastic player, as it is easy to program and maintain.

The gun is particularly well-suited for woodsball due to its composite body with an aluminum interior, specially designed to keep performing even in harsh environments. Additionally, disassembling the gun is quick and easy, making cleaning a hassle-free task.

How does the PAL work?

The system utilizes the pressure generated during firing to agitate the paintballs inside, eliminating the need for batteries or external shaking. This continuous flow of paintballs allows for a faster feed rate compared to gravity-fed hoppers. Another advantage is that it can be safely used in bad weather or rainy conditions since it doesn’t rely on batteries.

The PAL loader’s design provides higher feed rates without the worry of battery usage.

Additionally, the PAL loader is constructed with high-end glass-reinforced nylon, making it extremely lightweight compared to other electronic markers. Despite its high performance, it comes at an affordable price, allowing players to enjoy top-notch performance without breaking the bank.

Pros

  • Fore Grip Spacing is Perfect
  • Natural Balance
  • Lightweight
  • Smooth Shooting
  • Easy Disassembling 

Cons

  • A Bit Pricey
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Our Paintball Gun Buyer’s guide

Choosing the right paintball marker from the numerous top-of-the-line options can be exhausting due to all the research involved. That’s precisely why our team has created a simple and quick buyer’s guide. It will help you make an informed decision and find a paintball gun that suits you best for the battlefield!

So, the following are the top 5 things to think about while buying a paintball gun:

  • Game type a.k.a preferred style
  • Marker type
  • Tank (HPA or CO2) 
  • Player Experience Level (Beginner, intermediate or Pro)
  • Budget

1. Preferred style

Woodsball

In Woodsball, players compete outdoors, usually in woodland areas. The gameplay is similar to traditional paintball, where players try to capture the opponent’s flag or eliminate all members of the opposing team. Due to the nature of the environment, Woodsball markers are specially designed to be effective in tight spaces and are often more accurate compared to speedball markers. If you’re looking for Woodsball markers, here are some recommendations.

Speedball

In Speedball, the battlefield consists of bunkers on grass or turf ground. The ideal paintball markers for Speedball are usually smaller in size and have a higher rate of fire compared to traditional markers. Faster and more accurate markers are the best fit for this type of paintball. If you’re looking for Speedball markers, here are some recommendations.

Milsim

Milsim is a paintball style that aims to simulate military tactics and scenarios closely. Players often dress in military-style clothing and gear. If you prefer Milsim, you can check out a variety of Milsim videos here. For this style of play, it’s best to choose a more realistic paintball gun with a longer barrel and scope, enabling you to engage enemies from longer distances.

When it comes to Milsim battles, SMG-style markers are among our favorites. These markers are shorter in length and lightweight, allowing for quick movement around the battlefield. If you’re interested in Milsim, here are some recommended markers for you.

Recbal

Recreational paintball, also known as Recball, is a slow-paced game often played indoors or outdoors in smaller arenas with more cover. It’s usually for non-tournament play and focuses on fun and casual gameplay. For Recball, you’ll need a marker that is compact and easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

If you’re looking for Recball markers, here are some recommendations that will suit this style of play.

2. Type of Paintball Guns

Mechanical Paintball Gun

A mechanical paintball gun, also known as a mechanical marker, is a type of paintball gun that operates purely on mechanical principles, without the use of electronics or batteries. It is a popular choice among paintball players due to its simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance.

The main components of a mechanical paintball gun include a trigger, bolt, valve system, and a CO2 or compressed air tank. When the trigger is pulled, it activates the bolt, which pushes a paintball into the breech of the gun. The valve system then releases a burst of gas from the tank, propelling the paintball out of the barrel at high speed.

Mechanical paintball guns typically have a semi-automatic firing mode, meaning that each trigger pull fires a single paintball. Some models may also have additional firing modes such as burst or full-auto, where multiple paintballs are fired with a single trigger pull.

Electronic

An electronic paintball gun is a type of paintball gun that utilizes electronic components to enhance its performance and firing capabilities. It is a popular choice among serious paintball players who seek greater accuracy, higher rates of fire, and advanced features.

Electronic paintball guns feature an electronic trigger system that uses a microswitch or optical sensor to detect trigger pulls. This allows for faster and more responsive firing, as the electronic circuit can send rapid signals to the firing mechanism. The trigger pull activates a solenoid or pneumatic valve, which releases a burst of gas to propel the paintball.

Pump

A Pump Paintball Gun is a type of gun that requires manual operation to cock and fire each shot. It is a popular choice among paintball players who enjoy a more challenging and tactical gameplay experience.

The main characteristic of a pump paintball gun is its pump handle located at the front or rear of the marker. To fire a shot, the player must manually move the pump handle back and forth to cock the gun and load a paintball into the chamber. This action also prepares the marker for firing by compressing the air or gas within the marker’s reservoir.

Once the pump handle is pulled back and pushed forward, the marker is ready to fire. The trigger is then pulled, releasing the compressed air or gas, and propelling the paintball out of the barrel. After each shot, the player must manually pump the handle again to reload and recock the gun for the next shot.

Pump paintball guns offer several advantages and unique gameplay experiences. Firstly, they encourage a more deliberate and accurate shooting style, as players have to take their time to aim and carefully line up each shot. This can lead to a more strategic and skill-based approach to the game.

3. Tank Type

High-Pressure Air (HPA)

Compressed air is used by HPA tanks to shoot paintballs. They are a bit pricey, but there are no leakage problems since they are thoroughly compressed, and there are no pressure irregularities because they come with a specific regulator.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Pressurized carbon dioxide is used in CO2 tanks. They cost little and don’t need an adaptor. However, issues like leaks, irregular output pressure due to temperature fluctuations, etc., might arise. Shooting accuracy may suffer as a result of Co2 tanks’ propensity for more fluctuation than HPA tanks.

HPA vs CO2 – Which one is better?

The sort of tank you use in your paintball gun is ultimately a matter of personal taste. Some of the gamers on our squad like the constancy of HPA tanks, while others believe the oscillations in CO2 tanks do not have an impact on their accuracy.

Check Out Our Top Picks For The Best Paintball Tanks

4. Budget

The cost of a paintball gun doesn’t determine your skill as a player, but having a really bad gun can limit your performance. The first and essential item to invest in is a good quality Mask. Clear vision is crucial for playing, so choose a mask with anti-fogging and dual-pane features.

As a beginner, it’s best not to spend more than $300 on a Paintball Marker. Start with a basic marker to learn the game. Once you understand your preferred playing style, air source, and skills, then you can consider upgrading to an advanced marker.

Now that you know the key factors for deciding which paintball gun to buy, let’s move on to some Pro Tips.

Upgrades and Accessories

Enhance your paintball gun’s performance with various upgrades and accessories, such as barrels, hoppers, and air systems.

Barrels

Types

There are several types of barrels, including smoothbore, rifled, and ported. Each type offers different performance characteristics, so choose one that suits your needs and preferences.

Materials

Barrel materials can impact the gun’s accuracy, weight, and durability. Common materials include aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon fiber. Consider upgrading to a higher-quality barrel to improve your shooting accuracy.

Length

Barrel length can also affect accuracy, with longer barrels providing better accuracy. However, longer barrels can also make the gun heavier and more challenging to maneuver.

Hoppers

Gravity-fed

Gravity-fed hoppers rely on gravity to feed paintballs into the gun. They are simple, reliable, and affordable but may not be suitable for faster firing rates.

Electronic

Electronic hoppers use a motor to feed paintballs into the gun, providing faster and more consistent feeding. They are ideal for players who demand high firing rates and consistent performance.

Cyclone-feed

Cyclone-feed hoppers use a unique mechanism to feed paintballs into the gun, providing fast and reliable feeding without the need for batteries. They are an excellent option for players who want reliable feeding without the hassle of electronic hoppers.

Check Out Our Top Picks For The Best Paintball Hoppers

Best Paintball Protective Gear by Category

Let’s take a look at the top options for paintball protective gear in each category:

Masks and Goggles

A good paintball mask is essential for protecting your face and eyes. Choose a mask with a comfortable fit, excellent ventilation, and anti-fog lenses. Top picks include the Dye i5, Virtue VIO, and Empire EVS masks.

Check Out Our Top Picks For The Best Paintball Masks

Chest Protectors

Chest protectors safeguard your torso from painful paintball impacts. Look for options with padded foam or gel inserts for maximum protection. Some popular choices are the Planet Eclipse Overload, Tippmann Padded Chest Protector, and Valken Impact Chest Protector.

Check Out Our Top Picks For The Paintball Vests

Gloves

Protective gloves shield your hands from paintball impacts and offer added grip on your marker. Opt for gloves with padded knuckles, good breathability, and flexibility. Recommended options include the HK Army Pro Gloves, Bunker Kings Supreme Gloves, and Mechanix Wear M-Pact Gloves.

Check Out Our Top Picks For The Paintball Gloves

Knee and Elbow Pads

Knee and elbow pads provide critical protection for your joints during slides, dives, and other high-impact movements. Look for pads that offer a snug fit, ample padding, and durable materials. Top choices include the Dye Performance Pads, Planet Eclipse HD Core Pads, and Exalt FreeFlex Pads.

Neck Protectors

A neck protector can prevent serious injury by shielding your neck from direct paintball hits. Choose a protector that is comfortable, adjustable, and made from durable materials. Some popular options are the Empire Neck Protector, Tippmann Neck Protector, and Valken Neck Guard.

Groin Protection

Groin protection is crucial, especially for male players. Consider investing in a paintball-specific groin protector or an athletic cup designed for contact sports. Highly-rated options include the Shock Doctor Core Compression Shorts with Bio-Flex Cup and the NuttyBuddy Protective Cup System.

Final Thoughts

Are these the only exceptional paintball guns available? Certainly not. However, we believe they showcase a diverse selection of excellent choices. Some are user-friendly, while others are more advanced. Our ultimate goal is to assist you in finding the perfect marker for your needs, and that’s what truly matters to us. If there are any outstanding guns we haven’t mentioned, please feel free to let us know!