What are the Top 5 Paintball Guns for 2020?
Photo by Pengyi zhang
Originally Posted On: https://paintballspace.com/best-paintball-gun/
Firstly, if you’re brand-new to the wonderful sport of paintball, check out our complete beginners guide to buying a paintball gun. This post is a goldmine of information that will teach you the different types of paintball play and the guns (or markers) that for each.
While there are different variations of the game…the crucial component to winning, always stays the same – the paintball gun. And price doesn’t always get you the best. The key is understanding which gun to get for your skill-level and style of play. A speedball player is going to look for a rapid-fire e-trigger while a woodsball player might lean towards a longer-range sniper style marker.
At the moment, there are hundreds of paintball gun models available on the market for every type of player but they biggest consideration is generally price. You want the best marker for your price range – whatever it might be.
We’ve got detailed reviews of each of our picks at the bottom but if you just want to cut to the chase then the table below breaks down our all-around best paintball guns based at every price range as well as the best paintball pistol for your money:
*Notice: On mobile devices, scroll right to see entire table.
Product Name
Our Rating
Check Price
Best Paintball Gun
Best Paintball Gun Under $300
Best Paintball Gun Under $200
Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Series Paintball Gun
Best Paintball Gun Under $100
Spyder MR100 PRO Semi-Auto Paintball Marker
Best Paintball Pistol
Tippmann TiPX Paintball Pistol Marker Gun
Some things to consider…
Choosing a paintball gun may sound like an easy task for somebody, while in reality, this job can be a very tough one. One of the first things to consider prior to buying a paintball gun is the place where you intend to use it.
In case you plan just to play on and off with your friends on your own territory, you will most probably not need an advanced paintball gun model. This can be just a waste of money since you will not be able to use the functions of the paintball gun to their full potential.
Moreover, the place also will determine the source of air or gas supply that you will need for your gun. Professional fields always have access to the compressed air or the CO2.
But if you are planning to play on your own, your access might be limited. Thus, in case you choose the paintball gun model, which requires CO2, but you don’t have the access to it/its limited, this can be an issue.
Bear in mind that CO2 is a liquid gas and it can be potentially damaging to the guns that are not designed to handle the liquid – you could purchase an expensive paintball gun and damage it by just using the wrong fuel.
What To Look At When Choosing A Paintball Gun
Now, when you know why you should not disregard the importance of choosing your paintball gun carefully, let’s move on and discuss the main factors you should pay attention to when choosing one.
Type
First and foremost, you need to understand which type of paintball gun you would want to buy. There are three basic types of a paintball gun: pump, mechanical and electro-pneumatic.
Where pump paintball guns are already a somewhat outdated option for modern players, other two types are quite popular these days.
If you plan to play with the same group on the long term basis, the choice here is easy. Normally, you would want to use the same gun as everyone else in the game. In case everyone is using the semi-automatic gun, go for the same type. Like this, you will ensure the fairness of the game.
However, if you are not sure about your team’s gun preferences, or you just don’t have any specific group of players in mind, don’t worry. You can choose the type of the paintball gun, based on the following criteria:
Mechanical paintball guns require no electricity, which is a great advantage. They are also very reliable but tend to be slower and louder than the electronic type of paintball guns.
Electronic paintball guns operate with the help of batteries and circuit boards. This type of guns fires more consistently and is usually quieter. However, they are harder to fix and tend to be more expensive than the mechanical models.
Weight
After you have decided on the desired type of your paintball gun, next thing to consider – the weight of your gun. This is one of the most important factors to pay attention to when choosing your paintball game best companion.
Here, the preference always goes for the lighter models, considering that you will need to carry the gun around. Aside just from carrying it, you will need to be able to move quickly and discreetly, so make sure you are choosing the gun that will provide you with the right level of mobility.
Design
Think of the places you are most likely to be playing in. Also, consider settings of the paintball game’s field. Unless the playing field is a relatively dark place, better opt for a gun that will not stand out.
The bright color of the gun can appear as a problem – it can be very easy to spot the screaming color of the paintball gun in the field. Thus, you risk being noticed and shot very often. I would suggest going to darker and calmer colors of a paintball gun.
Upgrades
As you develop yourself as a paintball player, you will be willing to have more sophisticated functions in your gun. Thus, I would suggest opting for a model that is upgradable. Check if there any updates available for your model of a paintball gun.
Some of the paintball gun models are not quite spread. Hence, it can be very difficult to find readily available upgrades for these models.
Repair Parts
It might happen that at one point of time your paintball gun will need maintenance. It is important to check the availability of the repair parts for the desired model, so you don’t have to wait too long to get your gun fixed.
Level Of Commitment
Last, but not the least, think about how much you will be involved with the paintball game. Ask yourself: how often will you play?
In case you are determined to play multiple times a week, or, at least, every week, invest a little more in a durable paintball gun – it will serve you a good time.
However, if you plan to play once or twice a month, it is better to rent paintball guns from the fields or to borrow them from your friends.
Top 5 Paintball Guns for 2020
Finally we get to THE LIST! We decided to break down the best overall gun for every price point. These markers are good all-around guns for every style of play and pack a huge bang for the buck. If you’re a highly specialized player this list may not be for you but if you’re just looking for the best value within your budget…this is for you:
Best Paintball Gun – Empire Paintball Axe Marker
The Empire paintball axe marker is the undoubtedly the best paintball marker available out there, considering its cost and versatility of functions. To attest to this, this particular marker has a proven track record where numerous pro players having won PSP tours with it.
The axe marker is packed with some great features such as the relay ASA that initiates airflow through a lever, permitting easy bottle removal. Engine maintenance is very convenient and easy thank to its bolt removal push-button system, even while still on the field. Here are some main features of the product:
- Type: Electronic
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Barrel: 12 inches (ported)
- Bore: 0.689
Overview
It is a very versatile gun that shoots smoothly and is adaptable to all player and use types whether it be tournaments or even the woods.
The Empire Axe Marker is well known to unload paint extremely swiftly. This is possible thanks to the multiple firing options available. The firing options span from single shot firing to ramping and eventually fully automatic firing.
Source: shop.empirepaintball.com
OUR RATING
Some of the gun’s key highlights are as following:
- Highly accurate
- Lightweight with an aluminum barrel
- Unique bolt removal through push button (easy maintenance)
- Tank removal is very smooth (Empire relay ASA with an On and OFF lever)
- New grip with an additional extended grip framing for improved comfort
- Multiple firing options
The quality threshold set by the brand is very well lived up to by the Empire Axe, especially with professional players seeking a highly reliable paintball gun. It is known for its outstanding e-trigger system which is highly adaptive to any playing style (speedball, woodsball etc.) making it an absolutely solid choice for higher ranging budgets.
With such accuracy, reliability, quality, dynamism along with numerous available after market upgrades, there’s no doubt why the Empire Axe Marker is on the wish-list of so many players! The Empire Axe Marker is a perfect intermediate to advanced level paintball gun for players seeking a highly accurate gun for tournament use.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONRead Our In-Depth Review
Best Paintball Gun Under $300 – D3FY Sports D3S Paintball Gun
The D3FY Sports D3S paintball marker was specifically designed to crank out performances at the highest level while staying aloof of the high-end price tags associated with high performing paintball markers. Here are some main features of the product:
- Type: Electronic
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Barrel: 14 inches (2 piece)
- Bore: 0.689
Overview
The D3FY Sports D3S paintball gun’s construction is very solid as it is made of aluminum. The outer body shell is constructed out of Rhyno skin body cover made of polyvinyl chloride.
The D3S paintball marker features an F2 bolt engine. This bolt engine incorporates a regulator and a spool bolt into one piece. This incorporation allows for operating pressure to be low, between 150 to 160 psi.
Affordability and optimal performance are two factors based on which the D3FY Sports D3S Paintball marker was conceived. The Tadao SQ Ronin Board fulfills the requirements of all playing levels with specific features such as battery life, eye status, a led menu system as well as no power drain when it is turned off.
Source: youtube.com
OUR RATING
An industry first anti-breech bounce software is also on offer with the board. This anti-breech bounce software minimizes chopping when paint runs low in the gun’s loader.
Some of the highlighting features of the D3S Paintball marker are:
- Autococker threads
- Low-pressure operation between 150 to 160 psi
- F2 Bolt Engine
- Multiple firing modes
- Low profile feedneck
The D3FY Sports D3S Paintball marker offers numerous firing modes (11 different modes to be specific). This wide-ranging firing spectrum ensures that the D3S paintball marker is compliant with the requirements of all the major tournament series.
The firing modes are adjustable. You can choose from semi-automatic, unlimited semi-automatic, PSP 3 round burst and PSP ramping, NXL full-automatic, custom and Millennium ramping, 3 round burst, auto response and full automatic firing modes.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONRead Our In-Depth Review
Best Paintball Gun Under $200 – Tippmann 98 Custom Platinum Series Paintball Gun
Since forever, Tippman is a name that has been consistently setting the bar in terms of entry level guns in the paintball industry. The Tippman 98 Custom Platinum series is undoubtedly their flagship line and is easily noticeable all around the globe in numerous stores as well as on the field. Here are some main features of the product:
- Type: Mechanical
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Barrel: 8.5 inches or 11 inches (Pro custom model)
- Bore: 0.70
Overview
The Tippman 98 Custom Platinum Paintball guns are the first choice rental paintball guns for most paintball field owners. There is a specific reason behind this unanimity in choice. That reason is the ease with which the guns can be maintained as well as troubleshooting to fix issues is a breeze if something goes wrong with the gun, making it great value for money.
The Tippman 98 Custom Platinum guns can efficiently withstand harsh conditions, which is a testament to its quality. It stands up to any environment, whether it be snow, sleet or rain. The Tippman 98 Custom Platinum Paintball guns also feel great when held thanks to its comfortable grip where the front handle is separated away with its set-up from the housing.
Source: Tippmann.com
OUR RATING
Some of the Tippman 98 Paintball guns’ features that standout are:
- Split receiver design for easier internal access
- Secure front sight spring
- Trigger pins
- Full depth pockets – No loosening of the ASA bolts is necessary
- New look – Matte finish
- Power tube design
- Easy accessorizing through the Picatinny rails.
- Redesigned front grip (vertical) and sling mounting end cap
Overall, the Tippman 98 Custom Platinum Paintball guns can operate on zero to no maintenance, withstand any conditions and still operate at a mid-level performance level. This makes it a perfect choice for beginners looking for attractive performance that is a league above its own (straight out of the box) at an attractive price point.
In case a user is interested in taking the gun to the next level, upgrading is a breeze with the Tippman 98 Custom Platinum Paintball guns. A scope, collapsible stock, numerous mods for the 98 custom as well as a flatline barrel are some of the specific additions that can be easily implemented.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONRead Our In-Depth Review
Best Paintball Gun Under $100 – Spyder MR100 PRO Semi-Auto Paintball Marker
Below the 100 dollar price point, the Spyder MR100 PRO Semi-Auto Paintball Marker is surely the gun of choice. Here are some main features of the product:
- Type: Mechanical
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Barrel: 12 inches (micro ported)
- Bore: 0.689
Overview
Its all black well-crafted design makes it feel worth more than what it costs. Looks are not everything though! The paintball marker is constructed out of very high-quality components, making it a reliable piece of equipment under various conditions.
It has a longer barrel and is accompanied by a rigid stock that ensures improved accuracy. The Spyder MR100 marker’s double tap default trigger makes it a versatile gun for different playing environments such as woodsball or speedball.
The marker has multiple customizability options thanks to the Picatinny rails. Moreover, the maintenance and cleaning processes are supremely easy on the fly thanks to its field stripability. It is considered to be one of the best woodsball markers available.
Source: badlandspaintball.com
OUR RATING
The Spyder MR100 Marker is perfect for the beginner and the intermediate level user. The aspects that stand starkly for the Spyder MR100 marker are:
- Military style
- EKO valve technology (1500 shots on a 20 oz tank of CO2)
- Polymer clamping feedneck (High Impact)
- Double tap trigger
- Matter anodized finish, professional look at a budget
- Picatinny rail
- Trigger frame made out of aluminum
- Vertical grip (M14 style) made of high impact polymer
- Top Cocking Delrin bolt (Pull pin)
- Swift disconnect pin
The EKO Valve technology comes standard with the MR100 Pro marker. The technology offers the best/highest rated efficiency of air source available in the market.
The EKO Valve technology reduces the costs of playing while also preserving the environment. It delivers an average of 1500 shots on a CO2 tank weighing 20 oz. This is almost a two-fold improvement over other standard markers available on the market that offer 800 shots without the EKO Valve technology.
Best Paintball Pistol – Tippmann TiPX Paintball Pistol Marker Gun
Tippmann is one of the most renowned brands in the paintball industry world. One of Tippmann’s fine creations – the Tippmann TiPX Paintball Marker is a .68 caliber pistol. Here are some main features of the product:
- Type: Mechanical
- Action: Semi-Automatic
- Barrel: 6.25 inches
- Bore: 0.68
Overview
The paintball pistol is well equipped with a CO2 air system (under the barrel) and has a Picatinny rail system for additional expandability (by mounting various attachments).
This is a second generation pistol that effectively fixed various minute mechanical and technical issues that its predecessor encountered. It not only rectified the flaws of the predecessor but further improved the design on the whole.
The magazine fed semi-automatic paintball gun looks and feels like a real pistol. Players that take the aesthetics of a gun into perspective will prefer the TiPX over most other standard markers available. It is constructed out of high-grade polymer.
Source: Tippmann.com
OUR RATING
The lightweight and compact Tippmann TiPX Paintball Marker is the perfect solo target marking paintball gun that can also fulfill the role of a tactical backup. Tippmann hit the right spot with this gun between price and performance.
The Tippmann TiPX Paintball Pistol Marker stands out with the following features:
- CO2 punctured on first pull with metal trigger
- 2 x 7 round Tru-Feed Magazine (spring loaded)
- Magazine feed mechanism includes quick release
- CO2 system under barrel (12 gram)
- Velocity adjuster (External)
- Regulator (Internal)
- Ergonomic grip design
- Standard threaded A5/X7 barrel
- Ammo window
- Carrying case (Deluxe) and maintenance kit included conclusion
The Tippmann TiPX Paintball marker’s split receiver design and clamshell make internal access a breeze especially when maintenance needs to be performed.
The marker has a 6 inch standard threaded A5/X7 barrel which is compatible with barrels of similar diameter and the same type. Players looking to personalize their marker can do so easily thanks its standardized barrel which makes upgrading seamless.
The TiPX comes with 2 x 7 round Tru-Feed magazines (spring loaded). The clear ammo windows that are visible on the sides provide a clear indication on whether the magazines are fully loaded. Just like a normal pistol/handgun, the magazine slides into the grips bottom slot, with a button releasing mechanism.
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZONRead Our In-Depth Review
Conclusion
Now you have all the necessary and relevant information to make a wise Paintball Gun investment. However, I suggest you going back to the second section of this Best Paintball Buying Guide and reviewing the key factors that you need to pay attention to when buying a Paintball gun.
Make sure to think over each of the points and see how they apply to your situation. In this way, you will make an educated and well-informed choice.
Good luck choosing your perfect paintball gun!