Paintball: total jong questions

**mtsprings** · 04-16-2008, 09:03 PM

My kids have found the sport of paintball and love it. The boys have decided that they each want a setup for birthdays.
I am a complete paintball jong and have no idea.
The boys are 10 & 13 with friends that are also getting into this
We live in rural setting and this could be a 3-4 times a week activity over the summer.
I know once they start they will be way into it for a long time.
I would like to get them a decent set-up, fancy options less important than durability and ease of use.
I have an air compressor, is compressed air a better or cheaper option than CO2? I would rather spend more up front on something if it will save in the long run.
What should I be looking to get, where are good places to buy this and besides goggles what is the essential gear needed?

**chodezilla** · 04-16-2008, 09:51 PM

I used to play tournament paintball a year or so ago and have since stopped playing, but from what I hear the proto matrix rail (pmr) or smart parts ion are some of the best bang for buck guns out. They both run at about $250-400 and are fairly simple to work on/operate.

As far as C02 vs. Air, most higher end guns require compressed air, but I am not sure about the Ion or PMR. However if you already have an air compressor I would go that route and while compressed air tanks can be much more expensive it will be cheaper in the long run (I had to pay $12 for each C02 refill).

If you are just playing in the woods and aren't that serious (tournaments) then the Tipmann 98 can't be beat. Those things WILL NOT BREAK. Many will tell you it's a beginner or rental gun, but do you really 17 balls a second when playing with your friends?

Keep in mind if they get really into the sport it can get wildly expensive, like $1,600 gun, $250 tank, $100 mask, $80 paint, ect.

Feel free to ask me any more questions.

**mtsprings** · 04-16-2008, 10:18 PM

Tipman 98 sounds like what I am looking for. This will be just a friend thing for now.

I just found a Tipman 98 custom for $139 on line. Is that a good price and what else should do you recommend? If you have time give me a list of what I should get, along with the tipman 98 for a good solid recreational set up and where to look online.
Thanks,

**liv2ski** · 04-16-2008, 10:40 PM

Don't forget the goggles with motocross face guard. It hurts when you take one on the face.

**chodezilla** · 04-16-2008, 11:24 PM

This package is good if you want to go compressed air. With the Tipmann it doesn't matter if you choose co2 or air but if you can get air for free (or next to it) then I would recommend it, also your air compressor can let you get multiple refills in a day and allows you to play longer. If I were you I would also get a cheap electric hopper and gloves are nice too (almost any glove works).

To recap:
-gun and paint (obviously)
-tank (whichever is easier/cheaper to fill, and keep in mind you might need a regulator or nipple fitting with your air compressor)
-electric hopper (saves a lot of shaking and frustration)
-mask (please use a paintball specific mask I have seen too many people hurt from half masks or just goggles)
-gloves
-shity clothes because they will get really dirty and ripped when playing in the woods (or anywhere)
-knee pads are not necessary but they save your knees and make it WAY more fun

It doesn't take much to get your own unbreakable rec setup at a reasonable price. And as far as where to buy, just look around online and get the cheapest one.

**Phill** · 04-17-2008, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by mtsprings

My kids have found the sport of paintball and love it. The boys have decided that they each want a setup for birthdays.
I am a complete paintball jong and have no idea.
The boys are 10 & 13 with friends that are also getting into this
We live in rural setting and this could be a 3-4 times a week activity over the summer.
I know once they start they will be way into it for a long time.
I would like to get them a decent set-up, fancy options less important than durability and ease of use.
I have an air compressor, is compressed air a better or cheaper option than CO2? I would rather spend more up front on something if it will save in the long run.
What should I be looking to get, where are good places to buy this and besides goggles what is the essential gear needed?

C02 costs more to fill (usually) but will last longer. Compressed Air is safer
You're air compressor will almost certainly not work to fill the tanks.

Buy cheap stuff at first as they will almost certainly want new stuff if they are into it. If not the cheap stuff will satisfy them till the fad passes.

**bfree** · 04-17-2008, 01:51 AM

Yeah the air compressor has to be a beast, capable of filling a couple thousand psi. Tanks usually max out at around 3 or 4000, and you need over about 1000 to still shoot at full speed. These tanks are usually meant for filling scuba tanks. CO2 ones are much more common.

**Shredhead** · 04-17-2008, 08:41 AM

Chodezilla pretty much nailed it. I got my kid a Tippman A5 with a couple of upgrades and I use the 98. Tippman has been really good with customer service. Your kid might not need knee pads, but I sure as hell do.

**PearlJam09** · 04-17-2008, 10:36 AM

+1 on the tippmann 98. While it requires some level of intelligence to take it apart, the thing is freakin impossible to break, jam, etc.

**mtsprings** · 04-17-2008, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by Phill

You're air compressor will almost certainly not work to fill the tanks.

Bingo. I told you I was a total paintball jong. Now that I have SEARCHED it is obvious, someone should really recommend that jongs search.

Looks like I will be starting with:
Tippmann 98
Paintball goggles & mask
Electric Hopper
Gloves/Knee pads
CO2 Tank

Anything I should know about CO2 tanks? Are there upgrades from the basic tank that are worthwhile and what size, 20oz?

Paint, anything I should know? I assume bulk is cheaper and plan on buying when I order guns.

Any other accessories or tips learned through experience?

Thanks a ton, I knew the Mags would know.

**skiingsamurai** · 04-17-2008, 01:05 PM

get a 20oz and call it done. If you want to upgrade the gun (tippy 98c is the best first gun to mod) get the expansion chamber (more CO2 efficient), then a response trigger if you want to shoot faster

dont forget a better barrel

be prepared to spend mucho dollars. The only paint I used to put through my tippy and angel was no less than $50 for 2000 rounds

**CDubz** · 04-17-2008, 01:12 PM

I run a 98 and love it. It is the best gun for woods ball. We had some guys come play with us one time who had a separate case just for their barrels and super expensive guns (angels, cockers and the likes) and had way more issues that I did with my 98. I run my 98 with a drop forward and expansion chamber and a rear bolt add on and could drop it and drag it through the mud and it would still shoot. If they get into it new bolts, a flatline barrel etc could all be added but I don't think they are really needed for what they will be doing. The A5 by tippmann is also a great gun with a few more features if your looking for something a little nicer.

**Jumper Bones** · 04-17-2008, 01:42 PM

Mtsprings - where in MT do you live? I have a Piranha STS G3 that I never use anymore and am going to sell. It's been as reliable as a Tippman, but much easier to field-strip and clean if something's going wrong.

It's no auto-cocker or full-auto, but it's very comparable to a Spyder. I think it's a great gun.

BTW I'd be selling a full setup - gun, hopper, I think 2 CO2 tanks, mask (never used I think, JT Spectra), maybe some other stuff, and it all carries in an old artillery shell metal case I got at a surplus store - fits everything pretty nicely. I live in Bozeman, so doing this would be no problem.

You probably don't NEED an electric hopper, all it is is an agitator within the hopper that stirs the balls around, to help avoid a feed jam. A simple 'tap' to the side of the hopper works just as good at dislodging the paint as that motor does, only place I see it as necessary is in field tournament play (when it really boils down to who can throw the most paint out all at once). But for woods ball? No need at all.

this is what it looks like, great gun.

Also if you're nice and are willing to throw in a bit more scratch...depending on the sizes of your kids, I have quite a bit of surplus BDUs (cammie uniforms) from my time in the service, that I definitely don't wear anymore. They make great paintball clothes.

I just don't use this stuff anymore, and I've gotten into real guns...just can't shoot people with those.

**Jumper Bones** · 04-17-2008, 01:53 PM

As for paint, I'd recommend in bulk and make sure you're spending the extra 20 bucks or so per package for quality paint - not wal-mart stuff. I was shooting Diablo back when I was into the sport, it seemed decent.

But nothing can ruin a perfectly fun day more than cheap paint always breaking in your barrel.

**mtsprings** · 04-17-2008, 02:05 PM

Sounds interesting. I live in Joliet (between Red Lodge & Billings)

You can see I know nothing when it comes to paintball so I would not know what to offer. What would you want for the package? I would trust a maggot for a fair deal.

**Jumper Bones** · 04-17-2008, 02:08 PM

mt, I'll have to go through and inventory what I've got...it's all in the garage, and it's been a few years.

But yeah it'll be a screamer of a deal. I'm just glad to see somebody else get real use out of this, especially maggot kids playing woods ball, which is certainly more than the occasional use I might do.

**mtsprings** · 04-17-2008, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by Jumper Bones

mt, I'll have to go through and inventory what I've got...it's all in the garage, and it's been a few years.

Thanks,

PM Sent

**ninjabirdman** · 04-17-2008, 02:47 PM

mtsprings -
i've also got some paintball stuff that i could let go of very cheap. i played a couple of times in college and never really go into it. a tippman 98 custom, and two other cheaper models (spyder? pirhana? i can't remember, these belonged to friends). pm me if you're interested and i'll pull the stuff out of the garage and take a full inventory.

**mtsprings** · 04-17-2008, 07:11 PM

Originally Posted by ninjabirdman

mtsprings -
i've also got some paintball stuff that i could let go of very cheap. i played a couple of times in college and never really go into it. a tippman 98 custom, and two other cheaper models (spyder? pirhana? i can't remember, these belonged to friends). pm me if you're interested and i'll pull the stuff out of the garage and take a full inventory.

I need more than one setup so I am definitely interested.
PM Sent
Thanks everyone

**Wes Mantooth** · 04-17-2008, 07:42 PM

i have a mask lying around I'll sell you for the price of shipping, I've never been shot in the face so there's no paint on it
Also, maybe encourage the young-uns to take up airsoft, less painful, more tactical, and you don't have paint all over your yard

**aim1photo** · 04-18-2008, 01:47 AM

IMPORTANT: have someone show you the proper way to fill the CO2 bottles . It can be dangerous , plus you can get a nasty frostbite .You may need a small scale .

bc · 04-18-2008, 02:00 AM

store your paint properly.
watch for poison oak.
be careful about exposing sensitive areas to high speed projectiles.
have fun.
and with a '98 you can get really into it, keep it in your trunk for a year, get really into it again, go back to playing once or twice a year, and then break it out periodically just to shoot stuff for fun and never worry about it jamming or having other issues. try that with the walmart guns (I did--first).

**skiingsamurai** · 04-18-2008, 08:22 AM

there are also a ton of paintball forums. pbnation was the one I was most involved with when I played competitively

**epic** · 04-18-2008, 09:11 AM

I'm a former sponsored paintball player (yes, there is such a thing).

My first question would be where are your kids going to play? An organized field with refs and the like? Or will they be playing somekind of outlaw field? Safety is very important, and especially with the 10 y.o. you need to have some kind of supervision. The world of paintball is filled with major JONGS and you don't need your kids getting blinded. It will also make a difference in terms of what airfills are available for you. If you are playing outlaw, CO2 may be your most convenient air source because a 20 oz. CO2 could be good for 2000 shots or so. That said, N2 is safer on an outlaw field where chronos may or may not be available, and the guns on CO2 will probably gain velocity all day long as ambient tempersture goes up. Again, you don't need your kids getting shot with (or shootig other people with) hot guns. A handheld radar chrono isn't very expensive , and they should have one and know how to use it. I take mine every time if for no other reason than to save time at chrony stations.