They provide durable gameplay and offer a few customization choices to make the weapon yours. Whether it’s the aggressively styled Tippmann Cronus, the elite Dye M3+, or a sidearm option from Walther, we have just the right choice for you.
Tippmann Cronus
Best budget choice
The Tippmann Cronus line is an excellent way for beginners to get into the game with a reliable marker that won’t break the bank. It’s also a great choice as a secondary paintball gun with high-end features and plenty of customization options for later.
It includes a removable barrel shield and stock with plenty of room for customization, including red dots and grips. The high-impact composite housing is highly durable and realistic, with an aggressively tactical style. It’s comfortably weighted, and an in-line bolt system keeps things straightforward and reliable.
It’s a dependable option for beginner to intermediate players who want experience with a tactical style marker but aren’t ready for a higher-end model. Plus, as you grow your skills, Tippmann offers plenty of customization options for their frames.
Empire Paintball Mini GS
Best for small frames
The Mini GS is an excellent choice for smaller players who want speed and accuracy minus the weight. This version comes with improved grips and an aluminum barrel. Despite its small size, it’s not a toy, offering weatherproof housing and self-lubricating brushing for less pull on the trigger.
The one-button tank removal is straightforward, but you’ll have to remove a screw to get to the pressure controlled poppet engine. Minimum recoil and very little noise keep it from giving away your position while multiple firing options provide variety for your attack angle. You can upgrade a few things internally to make it better suited for your unique style and play circumstances.
It’s not going to be comfortable for larger frames because the lightweight stock can get a little out of control without the right sizing. However, if you hate the way some of the larger, tactical-style markers handle, this could help your issue.
Planet Eclipse Etha 2
Best for weather variation
The Etha 2 is a highly reliable, versatile paintball gun with plenty of tech to ensure you have the advantage. It’s .68 caliber with an ultra-durable shell and a proprietary Gamma Core spool valve drivetrain for a variety of terrains and weather. Freezing to scorching, your marker is ready to go.
It has an ultra-responsive trigger with a hoseless system to reduce leaks, all connected to a microswitch. A fully adjustable circuit board gives you more control, so switching between firing modes is more natural. LED indicators are universal for monitoring settings.
If you tend to play outdoors in all types of weather, this is an excellent option to have. It allows you a lot of freedom to play without having to worry about temperature changes or other environmental contingencies.
Empire Paintball BT Dfender
Best for hyperfast play
For those of you looking for a clean line of sight, the BT Dfender takes a unique, aggressively styled approach. It removes the loader from the typical location — on top of the gun — and places it into the stock. The result is a beast with a clear, minimal sightline.
The selector switch gives you five firing modes while the casing is ultra-durable for variety o weather conditions. It tucks nicely into your arm for firing mode while in motion, providing a smaller silhouette designed to hide your location. Hyperfast shooting helps you out without sacrificing accuracy.
You get a straightforward yet ultra-fast playing experience for when you’re pinned down and need to make a significant impact quickly and accurately. Plus, the aggressive styling looks great in action.
Umarex T4E Walther PPQ
Best pistol
For sidearm purposes, this pistol-style paintball marker offers a realistic 9mm design with plenty of room for customization. It’s heavy but well balanced in your hand with durable housing and a powerful shot. It may not be your primary weapon, but it can certainly deliver in a pinch.
It features an adjustable rear sight and comes with an eight-round magazine. It’s powered by CO2 and features a Picatinny accessory rail for lasers or other sights. You have some variety of ammo with .43 caliber paintballs, powder balls, or rubber balls and firing power of up to 355 feet per second. It fits duty holsters as well.
Its ultra-realistic feel is also suitable for practice when you need to be on point. It’s a heavy-duty choice for a sidearm and provides you with an easy way to get more out of your sessions each time.
How did we choose?
Each paintball gun is well-reviewed and offers customization options for better gameplay. The housing of each gun has to be able to withstand both indoor and outdoor play, so all of them do to some extent. They also provide excellent firepower with great accuracy.
Can a paintball kill you?
There are no recorded instances of a paintball hit being lethal, even on skin. It may cause a bruise or an unpleasant numbness for a few seconds on the impact sight, but overall, the game is very safe.
Be sure to invest in the right safety gear for your eyes and face so that you don’t damage your sight, and play by all the rules of the game. Other than that, you don’t have to worry. There’s no way a paintball can travel fast enough and have enough power to be lethal.
What does being hit with a paintball feel like?
It varies depending on the location of the hit, the distance and power behind the paintball, and the type of gear you’re wearing. In many cases, people report that it feels like being slapped with a wet towel, a rubber band snap, or in some cases, just a tap on the shoulder.
It can leave a bruise or a welt, but if you’re wearing the right protection, none of the effects are long-lasting or debilitatingly painful. Don’t allow the fear of potential pain deter you from taking up this thrilling and fast-paced sport. Like anything with the right precautions, it’ll be fun and safe.
How should I dress for paintball?
A critical factor in your safety and fun is going to be covering your skin. Wear clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty in dark colors that are difficult to see. Long pants and sleeves are a must no matter the weather, and be sure to wear layers if you aren’t sure what the temp will be like after you’ve been running around.
Loose-fitting clothing will allow you to move around and get into a position more quickly. If all you have is jeans, don’t let that stop you from playing, but get something more comfortable as soon as you can. Sneakers or combat boots will ensure you can maneuver, and don’t forget to bring a change of clothing for after each game.
What equipment do I need for paintball?
You need your paintball gun, of course, but you also must invest in the right safety gear to ensure your face and head are protected. While paintball guns aren’t lethal, they can be dangerous without the right precautions.
- Face mask — Before you blow your budget on a gun, you need a mask. This single piece of equipment is one of the most critical pieces you can have because it protects your eyes while helping you maintain the clearest vision during the game. You can get away with a budget marker (gun), but you’ll quickly be down for the count with a cheap mask.
- Safety gear — Other safety gear like knee and elbow pads can smooth out your gameplay. Gloves are also an excellent option, but only if they allow you to maneuver quickly. Other gear depends a lot on your type of gameplay. Vests explicitly designed for paintball that could be useful. Take a long look at how you play to figure out what you need.
- Hopper — The “magazine” in paintball is called a hopper. Gravity-fed hoppers are basic and have less that can go wrong, but electronic hoppers allow you to get off more shots in a shorter time. If this is your first go-round, gravity-fed should be fine to get some experience.
What kind of paintball guns are there?
There are three basic types of paintball guns.
- Pump paintball guns — These are the OG paintball markers. They allow you to use a pumping action to build up PSI and are great for focusing on necessary skills. You don’t have a lot of firepower, so you have to focus on accuracy. These are the hardest way for a newbie to get into the game but can be a nice challenge if you’re an expert bored with your current games.
- Mechanical paintball guns — Mechanical paintball guns are great beginner models. They’re often affordable and use either compressed air or CO2 to provide power. Most are also semiautomatic, with one shot per trigger pull, and are easy to maintain. If you’re new to the sport, this is probably the way to go.
- Electronic paintball guns — Electronic paintball guns use a small battery to click a microswitch trigger that feels more like clicking a computer mouse. They use circuit boards and deliver high rates of fire per trigger along with a variety of easy to choose firing options. These models could be suitable for advanced players willing to drop money for high-tech features.
How long does a paintball tank last?
Tanks are typically suitable for refilling for around five years, but it’s your responsibility to make sure that you’re maintaining the tank. Manufacturers put the date of manufacture on the tank itself, so be sure you check.
It’s illegal for a refilling center to service an out of date tank because of the potential of danger. Be sure you’re keeping up with all the maintenance required of your equipment, not only to keep winning games but to ensure you’re as safe as possible.
Testing involves pressurizing the tank to a rate far higher than what the tank is designed to handle. If it holds, the testing site will apply a new date to the tank, and you’re good to go.
Check the dates and the testing rates for more information about your tank and its required maintenance.
