Affordable Paintball Guns to Get You Started
Playing paintball can help you destress, recharge, and have fun with your friends and family all year round. However, you’ll need a few critical pieces of gear to get started, namely a paintball gun. If you’re looking for an entry-level paintball gear without the hefty price tag, you’ve come to the right place.
Our list of the best paintball guns you can purchase as a novice will help point you in the right direction. When you start your journey off right, upgrading your gear and learning more about the sport comes as second nature. Start yourself off with one of the six paintball guns we’ve chosen below to dominate the field and live to paintball another day.
Top 6 Starter Paintball guns
1) Planet Eclipse Etha 3
This electronic marker does require a battery, but you couldn’t tell where it installs in the sleek and ergonomic body lines. The Planet Eclipse Etha 3 features a quick-release bolt assembly with a toolless grip removal so you can maintain your new paintball marker with ease. In addition, the aluminum low-rise feedneck and aluminum blade trigger shed pounds without sacrificing accuracy.
The composite framework of the Etha 3 features a single-piece frame and foregrip. The POPS ASA assembly, DefTek offset feed, and ambidextrous LED status indicator give it plenty in the functionality department. Plus, you can rely on the Gamma Core spool valve drivetrain for accurate and reliable results, every time.
2) Empire Mini GS
The Empire Mini GS features a Mini engine, hose-less design, clamping feedneck, and on/off ASA. This next-gen platform incorporates a wrap-around rubber foregrip that allows you to drop in the Redline OLED board without switching the foregrip out. Anti-chop break-beam eyes help this marker respond accurately and efficiently while the two-piece barrel features porting and are micro-honed for pinpoint results.
3) HK Army SABR
If you’re looking for a paintball gun that’s entry-level in price but an enjoyable experience nonetheless, check out the HK Army SABR. Use the included Allen keys to adjust the velocity to fit your paintball field’s regulations and double-finger trigger to ensure you’re making the best hits. There’s an easily-adjustable chronograph on the rear of this HK paintball marker, which runs off either compressed air or C02.
The HK Army SABR requires little in the way of maintenance. This marker features a high-grade aluminum body with a ported barrel and internal gas-through grip. The adjustable clamping feedneck ensures the safe transfer of your paintballs. You can also easily remove the Delrin bolt for cleaning and repair.
4) Planet Eclipse Emek 100
Entry level as the price may be, the Planet Eclipse Emek 100 features the performance and technology associated with the brand, in addition to reliability and overall quality. The Gamma Core spool valve drivetrain acts as the main engine, housed by the GRN composite body and aluminum inner body core. This paintball marker is PAL enabled so you can use a PAL Loader System if you desire. Planet Eclipse also configured this paintball marker with a DefTek offset feed, a hose-less air transfer system, and mechanical components that don’t require a battery.
5) Tippmann Cronus
Not all entry-level paintball markers have to be black and bulky. Instead, you can purchase a military simulation (or mil-sim) style marker from Tippmann. The Tippmann Cronus features both black and tan color schemes that easily distinguish this marker as similar to a military issue. The in-line bolt system complements a ported barrel with front and rear sights atop it. There are four Picatinny rails to accessorize upon. If you find yourself bored with the basic look of the Tippmann Cronus, simply add on optional upgrade materials for a customized look.
6) Dye Rize CZR
Dye Rize CZR has an entry-level price for a high-end capable paintball marker. Complete with a Precision True Bore barrel and Dye Cam Lever feedneck, this paintball marker is both accurate and comfortable to use in the field. The internal anti-chop eyes and patented Rize Fusion bolt provide seamless operation of the marker, in addition to the RAMP solenoid. With a low operating pressure of about 135 PSI, this marker will have you playing for hours with friends, family, and fellow paintball enthusiasts.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Starter Paintball Gun
When choosing a beginner paintball gun, you should think about how much you want to spend in addition to how easy to use, durable, and upgradeable that marker is. You can easily find a starter paintball gun that costs under $100. However, you may want to look more around the $150-$200 mark to get the most for your money.
More expensive paintball markers, however, are not always easier to use. Instead, you’ll want to find a platform that makes sense to you, especially in terms of how it works and how to maintain it. Durability is key if you’re going to be playing a lot of paintball and want something that will take as many shots as you do.
Plus, it’s easier to justify spending a lot of money on a starter paintball gun if you can upgrade it later. The availability of upgrade parts will determine which paintball markers are worth the upfront investment.
Tips for Beginner Paintball Players
Knowing how to play paintball is one thing, but learning the game is another. When you first step out onto the field, make sure you’ve got all the necessary safety gear you need. Most fields will require players to wear specific gear, such as goggles and face masks. Pay attention to and abide by these rules to have a good time, rather than focusing on avoiding injury or getting kicked off the field.
Choosing a good paintball field and team can also help you make the most of your investment. Teams should be supportive and play by the rules for the enjoyment of all. The best paintball fields allow for dynamic situations where ground cover varies from run-down buildings and broken-down vehicles to stripped helicopters and hollowed-out airplanes. The more immersive an experience you can have, the better.
Conclusion
Investing in a paintball marker does take a bit of cash, though it can be worth it if you find you like playing paintball games with friends. At the same time, that doesn’t mean you have to fork over a chunk of change to find a reliable, durable, and worthy paintball marker to start out with. Instead, you should check out the beginner markers we’ve highlighted above to get the most out of your gameplay.
If you’re looking for more paintball gear and accessories for beginners, check out Lone Wolf Paintball online store for the best selection in all things paintball. Our affordable prices give you the chance to get into paintball without a large upfront investment. We offer some of the best beginner gear to help start your paintball journey off on the right foot.