Paintball Equipment

Paintball equipment varies depending on the type of paintball game being played and the skill level of those playing. Every player, however, is required to have two basic pieces of equipment:

• Mask: Necessary for players' protection.
• Complete paintball marker: Guns usually also require some sort of loader/hopper and propellant to work (CO₂, nitrogen or compressed air)

The most common gas propellant is CO₂, which is typically packaged in the four sizes of 9 oz, 16 oz, 20 oz, and 24 oz.. The larger 20 oz. tanks typically provide enough propellant for 800 to 1100 shots depending on the efficiency of the marker. CO₂ propellant is considered to be of lower quality compared to compressed air, but is cheaper to manufacture. CO₂ tanks sometimes malfunction when the temperature is lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while compressed air tanks have a much wider operating temperature range.

Compressed air tanks come in 3000 and 4500 psi variations and typically have a volume of between 45 ci and 88 ci. The 3000 psi tanks can provide enough air for 500 to 1300 shots depending on the gun, while 4500 psi tanks can give 1000 to 2000 shots. Compressed air tanks give more consistency and accuracy.

Regular paintballs are made of a gelatin shell filled with food coloring and vegetable oil। The gelatin shell is designed to break upon impact, however, bounces (ricochets) may occur. There are many types of paintballs, such as glow in the dark paintballs for use at night, scented paintballs, formulations for winter play, and more.