| I guess you already figured this out by now: there are | | | | because an HPA-based system will eliminate a nearly |
| many, many paintball air systems available for | | | | all of the problems that you will experience with a CO2 |
| purchase. That's a no-brainer -- the real question is, | | | | based system. HPA-based systems will afford you a |
| which one is best FOR YOU? In this consumer | | | | greater firing consistency and increased speed -- and |
| resource guide will try and answer some of your | | | | that translates to more rapid, accurate firing on the |
| questions and help you sort out the options so you can | | | | playing field (something that were all looking for, right?) |
| make an intelligent choice for the best system for you. | | | | Now it is true that if you invest in an HPA air system |
| Should You Use CO2 or Compressed Air -- the | | | | you will have to pay more for the equipment -- but isn't |
| Debate Rages | | | | it worth it in order to have that increased performance |
| Regardless of the specifics of your paintball gun model, | | | | and accuracy? Ask any advanced or professional |
| all paintball guns used basically one of two types of | | | | level paintball player -- they'll tell you that it's certainly IS |
| gases as a propellant: either CO2 or compressed air. | | | | worth it. |
| All paintball air systems will rely on one of those two | | | | Choosing an HPA Based Air System |
| mechanisms. Most beginner paintball players using a | | | | If you want a very durable air system, choose one |
| less expensive paintball gun will usually have a system | | | | with an HPA tank that is wrapped in carbon fiber. |
| that is powered by CO2 (carbon dioxide). The problem | | | | Carbon fiber HPA tank bottles are much lighter than |
| with the CO2-based system is that you can | | | | steel or aluminum ones, and far more durable as well. |
| sometimes experience an inconsistent velocity when | | | | One of the major issues in using a system that is CO2 |
| you fire your weapon. Another problem with air | | | | based is that when CO2 gas enters the paintball gun it |
| systems that are CO2-based is that CO2 gas | | | | can expand -- and this gas expansion, if not properly |
| performance is affected by environmental | | | | controlled, can cause the paintball to be ejected from |
| temperatures, reducing its efficiency. In addition to this, | | | | your paintball gun at a very unsafe speed. Because |
| systems that are CO2-based can actually damage | | | | you do not have this kind of gas expansion with an |
| internal components of your paintball gun over time, as | | | | HPA-based system, these types of systems are |
| the liquid CO2 exists at very cold temperatures. | | | | generally considered to be much safer than the other |
| So a good recommendation would be this: whenever | | | | types. |
| possible choose an air system that is not CO2-based | | | | In summary then, selecting an HPA-based paintball air |
| -- instead rely on systems that utilize highly | | | | system will allow you to fire more accurately, more |
| compressed air. | | | | reliably, and more safely than with the older CO2 |
| HPA -- the Best Paintball Air Systems? | | | | based designs. An HPA-based system is a serious |
| It certainly is true that an HPA (High Pressure Air) | | | | choice for serious players. |
| system will give you much better performance. This is | | | | |