Archive for the 'Choosing Your Paintball Marker' category:

How To Select A Paintball Marker – Buying Your First Paintball Gun

tippmann-us-army-paintball-markerSo you found out how much fun paintball is, and decided it’s time you buy yourself a paintball marker. Or maybe you’ve already bought a paintball marker, and you’re looking for a specialty item to fit your strategic needs. Well, we know you’re probably excited, but to be sure you get the correct paintball marker for you, it’s wise to answer a few questions first. This is especially true if you’re just getting into the game as a beginner. With so many options, makes, and models, it can be a little overwhelming. Not to mention, you be spending a pretty penny on these puppies. So let’s get down to a few tips on discovering the best paintball marker for you.

What’s your playing style?

If you’re a newbie to the scene, we really can’t blame you for wanting to buy one of the most expensive or flashiest paintball markers on the market. Everybody knows the most expensive is the best. Wrong!

You’re going to find that after playing a few games, you like to specialize in certain tactics or roles. It’s better to determine this, before buying your paintgun. Maybe you’re into hiding out and shooting your enemy from long-distance. If you blew your money on a paintball gun not designed for sniper fire, you’d have wasted your money. Or maybe you just like to run and gun in war simulation mode. Then a paintball marker like the Tippman X7 may be more suitable for your needs.

So how do you choose a Paintball Marker?

Choosing a paintball marker, and especially your first one, can be tricky if you don’t know what you need. If you’re a newbie, and never played paintball before, you’ll probably want to decide how much time you’re actually going to be spending playing the game, and set your budget accordingly. With paintball guns running anywhere from $100 to $1500 and up, it’s best to plan ahead. We always tell people to rent first if you’ve never played the game, or if you’d like to try a special paintgun out. When you’re ready to buy that paintball marker, here are some tips to ask yourself:

  • How much does the paintball marker weigh?
  • How long is the warranty?
  • What type of safety devices does the marker have?
  • Is the marker easy to operate?
  • Will cleaning and maintaining your new paintball gun be easy?

If you’ve got a local paintball store in your area, we’d advise getting the markers in your hands, and actually feel them out. You’re looking for one that is sturdy, yet light. Notice the material that it’s made of. Is it made of metal or plastic? Metal paintball guns will usually hold up better when you’re out there in the heat of battle, although some models made of plastic are rough and tough too.

Chances are you probably got into the sport with other friends, and possibly other paintball fanatics. Ask them questions, and try out their markers if they’re willing to let you. Check online too. Read paintball forums and paintball marker reviews, to gain knowledge of what’s best for you. Plan ahead for the best Paintball experience.