First Strike Paintball: Rounds, Markers, and More

First Strike paintball rounds are quickly gaining in popularity among paintballers who have an affinity for stealth, accuracy, and precision. First Strike paintball rounds are paintballs that allow for increased accuracy and a greater effective range. The First Strike paintball markers are generally magazine-fed rather than hopper-fed, and the markers tend to be more realistic-looking like mil-sim markers and traditional firearms. First Strike is issuing in a new era of paintball where the quality of the shot is more important than the quantity of paintballs a player can put down range. This exciting new development within the sport is an excellent opportunity for players to develop new skills and strategies in paintball.

First Strike Rounds VS Regular Paintballs

First Strike Rounds (FSRs) have a convex leading edge that is similar to regular paintballs. Consequently, the paintball’s shape creates a hemisphere. The trailing edge of the FSR has a cylindrical shape with rifled fins that act as stabilizers as the FSRs travel through the air. In addition, the FSRs have a polystyrene composition that makes them photodegradable rather than biodegradable like regular paintballs.

Traditional paintballs are just regular .68 (generally) spherical rounds that are semi-hard and made with biodegradable gelatin. These standard paintballs are ordinarily hopper-fed, whereas the FSRs are magazine-fed because of their shape. They’re rigid enough to be loaded into a magazine and shot without breaking.

Advantages and Disadvantages of First Strike

FSRs have the advantage of traveling farther than regular paintball rounds. While standard paintballs are traveling through the paintball marker’s barrel, they deform slightly, and this deformation continues even after having exited the barrel. This deformation and lack of rifling in the marker barrel lead to variable paintball flight paths and differential effective ranges. First Strike paintballs, on the other hand, do not deform when they’re shot and have a truer flight. The rigid plastic tailing edge takes the brunt of the pressure of the expanding gasses and doesn’t buckle under the force. This is part of what makes the FSRs more accurate. 

Next, the low-profile fins on the plastic cylinder help to stabilize the paintballs by rotating them so that the flight through the air is straighter. FSRs can be used on smooth bore barrels, but they are slightly less accurate since the rotation only starts after the FSR has been expelled from the barrel. 

Some First Strike markers have a rifled barrel just like traditional firearms, which helps make the shot even more accurate. The rotation of the FSRs starts within the barrel, leading to an even more precise shot. The round can be effective up to distances of 150 yards (450 feet) which nearly triples the effective range of a traditional paintball. 

The disadvantage of FSRs is their rate of fire and the differential muzzle velocity compared to traditional paintballs. Many players are accustomed to shooting several hundred rounds per minute with traditional paintball markers, especially in speedball. This rate of fire can only be accomplished with the hopper-fed system and electric triggers. First Strike rounds, on the other hand, are magazine-fed and therefore the capacity is much more limited. Because they’re more aerodynamic and rigid, they also fly faster than traditional paintball rounds–approximately 25 FPS faster. So if you plan on using First Strike and regular paintballs, you’ll need to chrono your marker at 325 with standard paintballs so that when you switch to First Strike, you won’t be over the limit.

Considerations for Intermediate and Advanced Players

First Strike paintball markers are recommended for intermediate and advanced players. These markers tend to be a little more expensive than traditional markers, and their use is more appropriate for mil-sim events. Mil-sim events almost always require a higher level of commitment from players because of the equipment and travel which is frequently involved. This level of commitment is more common among players with more experience and love for the game.

A caveat to this rule is that airsoft players will find a high level of similarity between airsoft and First Strike paintball. First Strike markers can be modified the way that traditional firearms or airsoft guns can be modified. They’re accurate enough to attach scopes to, and stability can be meaningfully enhanced with a bipod or foregrip. 

First Strike Compatible Paintball Guns

First Strike markers come in both rifle and pistol style markers. This allows players to carry both primary and side arms, facilitating a lifelike mil-sim experience. Our favorite markers combine the best of capacity, accuracy, and affordability. Our favorite First Strike paintball markers are…

First Strike T15 

First Strike FSC Pistol 

Planet Eclipse EMF100 

First Strike T15 DMR 

Tippmann TiPX Pistol (conversion kit will be needed) 

Other First Strike Compatible Gear

Because of the mil-sim nature of First Strike paintball gameplay, appropriate gear is necessary. One of the most important things for players to have is a high-quality vest for carrying extra magazines, as well as for protection. While it is possible to carry pod-packs full of FSRs and reload a couple of magazines, it could be challenging to do so in the middle of a firefight. We recommend carrying as many pre-loaded magazines as space and money will permit. Here are our favorite First Strike extras…

Planet Eclipse Tactical Load Vest

Valken Bravo Tactical Vest 

CF 20 Magazines (compatible with the EMF 100) 

Conclusion

First Strike paintball guns are creating a new wave of paintball enthusiasts and even a new gameplay style. One of the best things about First Strike is the realistic nature of the game. Players can shoot at long distances and therefore more closely replicate what a real battle is like.