In the market for a paintball gun...

**EmX6eR** · 6-20-06, 14:53

So, i went paintballing for the first time ever last saturday. I'd be lying if i said it wasnt one of the most fun things i've ever been a part of. I know i'm way behind times, and paintballing was the thing to do back in 2002, or whatever, but regardless, i'd like to get more into it. I've been reading up on it a lot, and have decided to go out and purchase my own gear.

Basically i'm looking to see if anyone has any reviews on gear they've owned themselves, or have used and loved, or whatever whatever really. I'm not so much concerned with apparel, or helmets or any of that, as i am with the actual markers (guns), and other accessories associated with them. I dont want to go out and spend a decent amount of money on something i'm going to hate. Obviously i'll be going to a paintball shop to ask questions, and see what they think i should get, but i like reading what other people think about stuff they've actually used.

I'd like to get a decent marker under 300$. I know the really good ones are like 500-1500+, but i'm a novice, so i dont need anything amazingly insane, id just like something that will grow with me, and is decently upgradable as i get more accustomed to the entire thing.

The guns the place rented out were Tippmann 98s, and i thought it was a pretty decent gun [although, i have no prior experience with any others].

I'm looking at the Kingman Spyder Electra 06 w/ Eye. I've read a lot about it, and it seems to be a really decent gun for its price. I'd like to get the double trigger straight out of the box, with a high rate of fire [25-30bps], something thats definitely semi-auto, possibly with bursts, and full auto mode [i know this can be added later on, if i got one that didnt have it stock], and i'd like one that can be upgraded, and isnt just a walmart special thats alright out of the box, but you cant find a part anywhere to upgrade it.

Thanks guys

**Project_2501** · 6-20-06, 14:56

Spyder. Well, or a Tippman...

Edit, now that I read your post fully I see that you've used a Model98, and are looking at a Spyder.

I would say to get a Tippman A5. They're more $$ than a 98Custom, but a lot better.

**ozmojo1** · 6-20-06, 15:09

I have used a spyder TL+ for years...well a year really. I played around with friends for a while then made a team with a couple of them. We played one season...first time ever playing in tournaments. BEAT EVERYONE. We beat little kids, old guys...most with those 500 dollar plus guns you mentioned. I just mentioned all this to show you that a 150 dollar gun can beat a 800 dollar gun if you know how to use it. Sooo keeping that in mind...I would say spyder but I am a little biased. They are cheap and incredibly upgradable.....but so are tippmanns. Go to a good paintball shop that lets you try diffrent guns and see which feels better. ........or you can buy mine

edit....you must realize that paintball is a very very expensive SPORT...and a very expensive hobby. If you plan on doing tournaments or just spending a day with buddies - plan on spending atleast 40-60 dollars for balls and air. Then upgrades can get very expensive as well. There are going to be a ton of things you will want to buy so be prepared to be tempted every time you look at something you dont have.

sokarul · 6-20-06, 15:33

Cough I will sell you my automag cough

I like the automag/minimag/emag and what ever new ones they have, I dont follow, because they shoot fast and their bolt is internal. Plus they have parts avalible.
I always thought of Spyders being cheap where an gun like an autopickleer would be above it.

**jduarte** · 6-20-06, 15:34

I got hooked as well, but it is now too hard to get my friends together to play. I have a Tippman 98C and it's the [shizzle]. Def not high end, but they're practically indestructable. I've heard of people running them over with trucks and then playing a couple of rounds with them.

If you want a Tippman I would be willing to sell mine. I customized it a lil by installing a drop forward (?) and a speed adjuster built into the back of it. I've got two tanks (PMI) and a J&J ceramic barrel(arguably the best barrel for that gun). PM me if you are interested, I can get some pics sent to you and whatnot.

**EmX6eR** · 6-20-06, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozmojo1

edit....you must realize that paintball is a very very expensive SPORT...and a very expensive hobby. If you plan on doing tournaments or just spending a day with buddies - plan on spending atleast 40-60 dollars for balls and air. Then upgrades can get very expensive as well. There are going to be a ton of things you will want to buy so be prepared to be tempted every time you look at something you dont have.

remember: we modify cars. hahaha. i know how all that can be, and yes, it is a very very expensive sport/hobby, but the fun factor more than makes up for it, id say. i wont be doing it ALL the time, but quite a lot. It was 40$ for 4 hours, 500 balls, unlimited compressed air, helmet, gun, and ball holding belt at the local paintballing place. i dont think thats too too bad. if you go on sundays, you can use all your own equipment [you can every other day also, except paintballs]... and your own paintballs, for 20$ for the entire day. The balls they sell there are 80$/2000. A little on the high side considering you can get 2000 at walmart for like.. 35$, but im sure the 'quality' is a lot worse [i assume quality = amount that break inside the chamber, as opposed to staying 100% in tact for the most part.].

And yes, i was also looking at the Tippmann A-5, it looks like its a pretty decent gun also... any other suggestions anyone?

Thanks to all

**Mx6kRaZy_03** · 6-20-06, 15:39

I've had an F4 Illustrator, Rebel, Spyder TL, and My Current, Spyder TL Plus- Most favorite.
My Brother has had a Tippman M98, F4 Illustrator, Automag, Bob Long Autopickleer, Shocker, and an Automag RT. He liked his Automag the best.
And yes- it is a Very expensive sport. I was an active player for about 3.5 years- and Blew everybit of 3K+ between guns, air, balls, and gear.

I say for a novice- or for even the experienced that doesn't like computerized or auto- The TL Plus is perfect.

**ozmojo1** · 6-20-06, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mx6kRaZy_03

I say for a novice- or for even the experienced that doesn't like computerized or auto- The TL Plus is perfect.

eexxacctly.

**Dyoel182** · 6-20-06, 15:41

Right now I have a Low Pressure Reactive Trigger Model 98 Custom as my main gun. The Tippmann has never broke down and shoots way faster than I ever need to. You cant go wrong with one either a new Custom Pro or A5.

**EmX6eR** · 6-20-06, 15:42

On that note, i'm also looking into buying a paintball handgun as well, in the future. looking at the Ariakon ACP 2.0.

**jduarte** · 6-20-06, 15:49

I haven't heard the best stuff about the A5s (but that was a few years ago when I was researching guns). The A5's paddle feed system is supposed to be pretty tempermental and good at breaking balls (just like the gf) but I always wanted one so I would say go for it. I'm sure any problems they used to have, have been fixed by now.

**Dyoel182** · 6-20-06, 15:52

I havent heard of any more problems with the Cyclone Feed. They now have kits to put the Cyclone on the 98 or Custom Pro if you have one.

**zlyricist** · 6-20-06, 15:56

well depending on what gun you do decide to buy, my dad makes boards that control gun fire speed, style etc

http://www.goapeonline.com/index.php

**Dyoel182** · 6-20-06, 16:01

Does he really? I've heard about the APE boards but didnt know anything about them.

**jduarte** · 6-20-06, 16:03

Thanks for the heads up but I'm not dumpin any more money into my gun. I dont' play enough to justify that.