Selecting the Right Paintball Marker for YOU

So you’ve got the paintball bug...I don’t blame you. Lately all of your friends have been telling you to buy a paintball marker and get in on the action. Of course you feel left out so you agree to take the plunge and buy yourself a brand new paintball gun. But just wait a second there skippy, buying a paintball marker impulsively is your first mistake. They're expensive, and if you're new, how do you know which one is best one for you?

For entry level players, purchasing a paintball gun can be overwhelming. With hundreds of different kinds, makes and models, it's easy to get flustered. So before you go out and spend all your hard-earned cash (or daddy's), you’ll need to do some good old fashion research. Here I will give you advice, information and tips on selecting the proper paintball marker.

Determine Your Playing Style

One of my biggest pet peeves is when I see new players with Dye DM8's and Macdev Droid's. They buy these high end paintball markers when they have no experience in the operation aspect. Unfortunately, most new players entering the paintball arena only want to acquire the flashiest and most expensive paintball markers available on the market. But they soon discover they’ve made a terrible mistake. Why? Paintball markers have different roles and strong points. Before you pull out your wallet, you’ve got to first figure out what kind of player you are. Otherwise you may make a mistake that’ll cost you and your game. Let’s check out a few examples...

Are you the kind of guy that loves to rain down mass amounts of paintballs on your enemy and provide cover for your teammates? If so, you’ll want a marker that has a large hopper to hold more ammo, and a marker with a higher ROF (rate of fire). Or, do you fancy yourself as a sniper? Try a marker that’s quiet and has a longer barrel for more precision long distance shooting. There are also types of players that love scenario and war simulation paintball games. There are plenty of Military Simulation Markers on the market such as the Smart-Parts SP-1 and SP-8 or the Tippmann X7 series to name a few. Figuring out how you act and react on the field will help you determine your style of play, and will aid you in your selection of that perfect paintball shooter.

Here Are Some Methods To Help You Choose A Paintball Marker

Choosing a marker can overwhelming to say the least, so the first thing you need to do is pin down your budget. If you’ve never played paintball before, make sure you decide how much you will actually play before you invest in gear and a marker. Paintball guns can be pricey, so I suggest you do extensive research, as well as rent, or start off with a cheap paintball gun to start off with. Paintball guns can start at $100 and can reach upwards of $2000 for high-end tournament markers. If it’s your first time buying a paintgun, try and examine the following...

  • Is it heavy?
  • Is it easy to operate?
  • Is it easy to maintain and clean?
  • Ensure there's at least a 1 year warranty
  • Does the marker have safety devices in place? (eg: barrel sock, safety trigger)

Take it upon yourself to visit your local paintball shop and check these things out. Make an effort to get your hands on as many different markers as you can. How do they feel when you hold them? You want a paintball gun to be relatively light and sturdy. Try shaking some of the markers in your hands, if you hear the internals or any part of the marker rattling around then it probably wasn't meant to be. What is it made of: metal or plastic? More often then not, a paintball gun made of metal is a lot more durable and will last much longer. However, some paintball markers made of tough plastic polymers are also known to be reliable and long lasting. This is all good information to take into account when deciding on the right marker to choose, but what other sources can help you further the selection process? Or better yet, who can you ask for priceless information?

Who can you ask?

  • Friends
  • Co-workers
  • Experienced players
  • Field operators
  • Coaches
  • Shop owners
  • Ollie Lang....

Where can you look?

  • Check online
  • Read forums
  • Read product reviews
  • Check websites
  • Read Blogs
  • Buy a magazine

The Benefits of Renting A Paintball Marker

As I mentioned earlier, paintball can be expensive. So it is really in your best interest to rent a paintball marker at your local paintball field. By renting a paintball gun you can determine how it feels, how much it weighs, how fast it shoots, ensure the marker is durable and upgradeable, and learn how easy it is to maintain, and operate. Most paintball fields by default rent out the Tippmann line of paintball markers, and I would suggest a Tippmann for most entry level players.

Tippmann paintball has a great track record and are known for developing the most durable and reliable markers available today. Another option is trying out your friend’s markers, and their friend’s markers. The main goal in all of this is to make sure you weigh your options and are aware of what’s out there and what feels more comfortable to you. You want to get a feel for as many paintball guns as you possibly can, this way it’s easier to conclude which marker is right for you.

Paintball Gun Packages

If you decide you just need to get it all and are finally convinced (after plenty of research) that you know everything there is to know, then you should go with a paintball marker package. Chances are you’ve been thinking about what kind of gear and supplies you’ll need anyway, and packages are a great solution. With a paintball gun package deal you get everything you need all at once. This will save you money in the end, so if you’re on a budget you can't go wrong here. A paintball marker package will consist mainly of the following accessories...

  • The marker
  • Paintball mask
  • The hopper/loader
  • C02 or Air Tank
  • Squeegee and Oil
  • Barrel Blocking Device (barrel sock)
  • Case of Paintballs (not always)

So to sum it up, the points below are the most important ones that you’ll need to take into account when you go about buying a paintball marker…

  • Determine your budget and what you’re willing to spend
  • Test, rent, and try out various paintball guns before making your final decision
  • Shop around online, and at your local paintball stores
  • Seek advice from friends, field operators, shop owners and experienced players
  • Do research online, check different websites, Blogs, read all forums and most of all ask plenty of questions!

Paintball is a great game and pastime, and you will never regret getting involved. Choosing the right paintball marker is probably the most important decision you will have to make, besides of course, strategic decisions on the field. Hopefully after you've read this article you've become a more informed and educated player, and this should surely aid you in choosing the right paintball marker. Good luck and Happy Hunting!!

Niko Brain is a freelance writer and offers sound advice on the sport of Paintball. He runs his own personal paintball site and enjoys writing reviews on Paintball Guns and Paintball Gear. He's your "average Joe" paintball player and is an up and coming industry resource that loves to help newcomers to the sport.