What is paintball, and how much do paintball guns costs? Paintball is a game that focuses on strategy and stealth.
Players are split into teams and given markers with special paintballs instead of bullets. It’s a fun activity that’ll get your adrenaline going and improve your hand-eye coordination, strategy skills, and agility.
However, like most sports, paintball also comes with an expense tag. It needs necessary gear such as protective clothing, guns, and a marker, among other things.
This article will inform you about the cost of paintball and other relevant details about the game. So,
How Much Do Paintball Guns Cost?
Generally, the cost of paintball guns varies. Some paintballs cost as low as $100, while others are as high as $1000. The real cost of paintball is not the gun but the accessories needed to maintain the gun.
A decent paintball gun should cost you from $100 to $200. As a beginner, you need in-depth details of several factors to consider; this will help you avoid overspending.
Top 3 Paintball Guns
Spyder MR 100
The Spyder MR 100 is among the best models by Spyder. The gun has multiple pica tinny rails that offer various customizing options.
Its field-strip ability” enables maintenance and cleaning on the go. The marker features Eko Valve technology, the most efficient air source in the market today.
In addition to preserving the environment, the Eko Valve offers an average of 1600 shots per 20 oz. CO2 tank. The rate is much better than the standard 800 shots from markers lacking the technology.
With all the great features and specifications, the MR 100 is one of the most affordable paintball markers on the market.
The MR 100 is available for $100 – $200. But you’ll have to pay extra dollars to get the entire Spyder kit.
Azodin Kaos 3
The Kaos 3 is the modern rendition of the brand’s series. The paintball gun is more ergonomic and sleek than its predecessors.
It’s also durable and simple, something that many users love. The streamlined receiver makes the marker lighter, offering great acuity when sighting targets.
Azodin Kaos 3 has a 45-degree gas-thru grip that enhances handling during firefights. The compact regulator will allow you to do fine-tuning. Kaos 3 combines reliability and modern aesthetics and is available at a great price.
It costs approximately $249.95; you can get it from popular eCommerce platforms such as Amazon, eBay, etc.
Empire Axe
The Empire Axe 2.0 is a top model and will offer you next-level experience. It’s lightweight, smooth, and accurate.
The marker features an adjustable trigger, an aluminum body, low-pressure operation, and more. It has a pressure-controlled poppet engine that ensures reliable performance.
It also offers great fringe modes such as a ramp, semi, burst, and full auto. Its push-button bolt removal system reduces the engine maintenance rate.
In addition, it has a low-pressure operation that makes it gentle on fragile paint. The Empire Axe is among the most affordable performance paintball guns retailing at $544.99. If you’re looking to play competitive or recreational paintball, it’s the most ideal.
Things To Consider When Buying A Paintball Gun
There are so many questions to ask, but one of the crucial things is what kind of marker is best for you.
There are so many different markers available on the market today. But coming to a decision on which one to buy can be quite difficult.
However, considering these factors, buying the right gun will be much easier. Read on to find out what you need to know before investing in a paintball gun.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the marker are important factors to consider. The average weight of a marker is around 1.5lbs. But can vary between 1lbs and 3lbs depending on the type of marker.
A smaller marker is often better for younger players as it is lighter and easier to handle. Larger markers are ideal for more experienced players who want a more accurate gun.
Shooting Accuracy
The shooting accuracy is another thing that you need to check out. It refers to how accurate the marker is when it is manually cocked.
The most accurate markers are the EP and spool-valve types. It’s because they can be easily adjusted to suit your personal preferences. The direct-drive guns are the least accurate since they release paint the same way every time.
Accuracy is important since it helps you hit your targets with more precision. You’ll be able to take out your opponents more quickly and with fewer shots fired. It will help you win more games and have more fun playing.
Technology
Modern paintball features a lot of innovations and is thus more effective. Some guns have automatic regulators that ensure they’re constantly firing paintballs. Others have voice-activated robot control panels that show the shooting modes.
Build
The paintball gun build quality is crucial for performance and cost. There are many professional paintballs with superior build and design.
However, note that superior quality guns are pricier. Overall, expensive materials and designs are usually of excellent quality.
Brand
Does brand matter when purchasing a paintball gun? There are many paintball brands, such as Tippman, Planet Eclipse, etc. Paintball players do find it hard to pick the best from the brands.
To some extent, the brand matters; well-known brands have great-quality guns and accessories. However, keep in mind that the brand might influence the overall price.
Operating Mechanism
The main operating mechanisms are direct-drive, spool-valve, and electro-pneumatic.
The electro-pneumatic (EP) marker is the most common in many higher-end markers. It works similarly to the pneumatic air rifle and uses a small charged spring to create the necessary force.
They are easy to maintain and highly accurate because you can fine-tune the marker to your preferences.
The spool-valve marker is also a popular marker used by tournament-level players. The gun uses a rotating disk with a manual crank that pressurizes the marker. It also has an opposing disc pressed against the disk to release the paint.
The spool-valve gun can be more accurate than an EP marker but more difficult to maintain.
Lastly, there’s the direct-drive marker, often used in lower-end markers. This is because it’s the simplest to manufacture and, therefore, cheaper to produce.
It uses a manually pressed rod to pressurize the marker and has a spring that releases it. The mechanism is simple, easy to maintain, and cheap but doesn’t offer the same level of control as its counterparts.
Feed Rate and Firing Modes
Feed rate refers to the speed at which you feed paintballs from the hopper into the gun. Most markers have a rate of between 10 and 15 balls per second. At this rate, you’ll need to shoot at least two or three times to empty the hopper.
Marker firing modes are the different settings at which you can fire the marker. These include auto, semi-automatic, ramp, and burst modes.
Auto mode fires the marker as soon as you pull the trigger, whereas semi-automatic mode fires one shot per trigger pull.
Position
The paintball game involves several players who don’t play the same role. Therefore you should get a paintball gun that fits the role you intend to play.
A sniper will need a gun with multiple scopes attachments and should also be long-range. An athlete or frontman needs a gun with much firepower but less weight. Note that weight affects movement and agility.
What Are The Different Types Of Paintball Guns?
There are different paintball guns, including electro-pneumatic, pump, hybrid, and mechanically operated. Each gun has a different firing rate and price.
Mechanically-Operated
The mechanically-operated paintball guns are a throwback to the early days of paintball. These guns are low-end and thus cheap, costing around $100 – $300. Therefore they are ideal for beginner level-play.
Electro-Pneumatic
The electro-pneumatic paintball guns are the most common type today. They have a quick firing rate and a high price tag. They can cost up to several thousand dollars.
The electro-pneumatic guns are best for intermediate and advanced play. They feature an onboard computer that instructs how to fire, how fast to fire, and the pressure each shot should have.
Hybrid
The hybrid paintball guns have both electronic and mechanical features. They are ideal for individuals that want a feel of both paintball worlds.
Pump
Pump paintball guns are typically smaller and lighter than other gun types. That’s because of the smaller tanks and hoppers. They are best for players who favor quick and fast movements rather than shooting a lot of paint.
Is It Worth It Investing In An Expensive Paintball Gun?
If you’re looking to invest in a high-performance paintball gun, you should be ready to spend some money.
Paintball guns range from under $100 to well over $1,000. In general, higher-priced guns will have superior components and performance.
The more you pay for a paintball gun, the better the components will likely be. But if you’re on a budget, stick with a budget paintball gun.
Conclusion
Do you know how much paintball guns cost and how to choose the best marker? The paintball game has been around for a long time, meaning there’s a lot of gear. But the most important equipment needed for the game is the guns.
You also need protective and tactical gear so you don’t get hurt while playing. These include masks, goggles, and face and hand protection. Since there are a lot of choices when it comes to equipment, make sure you choose the best.
