| Paintball players often refer to the gun used in the | | | | There are websites such as where you can find |
| sport as a "marker." They do this for two reasons. | | | | information and Frequently Asked Questions related to |
| First, they are worried that using the term "gun" could | | | | all aspects of paintball. Another site that is full of |
| affect the general public's perception about the sport, | | | | information on how to choose your first paintball gun is |
| and second, they want to emphasize that a paintball | | | | The cost of a paintball gun depends on the type of |
| gun is not a weapon. Before the sport was | | | | pressure system it uses and on the accessories you |
| established, paintball guns were actually used by | | | | choose to add. CO2 - carbon dioxide - pressure is the |
| forestry personnel and ranchers to mark trees and | | | | most commonly used type and is the least expensive. |
| truant cattle. | | | | The main drawback to CO2 pressure systems is that |
| Because paintball is such a fun sport, many people try | | | | they are heavily dependent on temperature, which |
| it and immediately want to have their own equipment. | | | | results in fluctuations in paintball speed and accuracy. |
| But it may be wiser to wait a little while before | | | | However, because of its lower cost and better safety, |
| purchasing a gun. There are several reasons for this. | | | | a CO2 pressure system is recommended for |
| First of all, you are better off renting a gun if you are | | | | beginners. |
| only going to get to play a couple of times each year. | | | | Higher-end markers use nitrogen instead of CO2 |
| You can also rent the necessary accessories and | | | | because it is less fickle due to weather conditions. But |
| safety equipment until you are sure you are going to | | | | nitrogen pressure paintball markers are much more |
| stick with the sport. Renting or borrowing paintball guns | | | | expensive. |
| can allow you to try out different features and figure | | | | Two models of paintball markers that come up |
| out which features you want most when you are | | | | consistently in discussions of inexpensive or beginner |
| ready to buy. | | | | equipment are the Spyder TL-X and the Tippmann |
| Your first paintball marker does not have to be | | | | 98C. The Tippman 98 is made of die-cast aluminum, |
| expensive. While you need to invest in high quality | | | | giving it a sturdy stock. It is semi-automatic and comes |
| safety equipment - such as goggles - from your very | | | | with maintenance and cleaning pack. The Spyder |
| first outing, you don't have to drop serious cash on | | | | TL-X is accurate, and some say it is nearly |
| your first marker. Keep in mind that the typical paintball | | | | indestructible. It is also reviewed as being compact, |
| marker consists of a body, a hopper, a tank, and a | | | | upgradeable, and easy to maintain. |
| barrel. | | | | These models generally cost less than $200 and are |
| Markers can range in price from less than $200 to | | | | sometimes sold used on eBay. |
| nearly $1,000. Additionally, keep in mind that | | | | The three main steps to finding an affordable paintball |
| semi-automatic markers shoot more paintballs and | | | | gun are 1. Borrowing from friends and asking questions; |
| therefore use more CO2 than pump action markers. | | | | 2. Researching discussion forums and reviews online; |
| This can affect the overall cost of an average game. | | | | and 3. Using your own experience with the models you |
| One type of "research" that can be very useful is | | | | have rented or borrowed to determine which features |
| simply to ask more experienced players what kind of | | | | you want, and which you can do without. |
| marker they started out with, and what they would | | | | For beginning paintball enthusiasts, or even for |
| recommend. If one type comes up over and over | | | | experienced players who only play for fun with family |
| again, as either a marker to buy or as a marker to | | | | and friends, there is no need to spend several hundred |
| avoid, you should definitely make a mental note of this. | | | | dollars on a paintball marker. A perfectly adequate |
| It could keep you from wasting money on a marker | | | | marker can be had with accessories for under $200. |
| that isn't right for you. | | | | |