First discovered and played during the 1960s, paintball was originally designed for the forestry industry, but soon turned into scenario gameplay when people realized it was fun to shoot at each other! If you’re reading this, then you’ve definitely played paintball a fair few times in your life and are probably thinking about buying your own paintball gear. The best part about having your own equipment is that you don’t need to pay rental fees and you can play at any time. The best beginners’ and professional paintball gear for sale, such as those from brands Matrix and Defcon can enhance your gameplay by leaps and bounds. Whether it’s hoppers, paintball pellets, gear bags, air tanks, or other stuff, these can actually help you play better, get your targets, and not get hit or hurt at the same time.
All said and done, paintball gear can be very expensive. That’s why we’ve come up with a helpful buying guide for you as well to decide what exactly you need and how much you should be spending on it. To that end, here are the 13 best paintball gear options for beginners and professionals, especially from well-known brands such as Defcon and Matrix.
How To Choose The Best Paintball Gear?
Paintball gear encompasses a ton of things, right from the Best Paintball Outfits to the Best Pump Paintball Guns. In this article, we’ll focus more on the gear that helps you enhance your gameplay, such as loaders, air tanks, pellets, and the likes. Read on.
Marker/gun accessories
- Marker/guns: Paintball guns are dime-a-dozen, right from pump markers to mag-fed ones to electronic and electric guns. For a more detailed guide, check out the Best Paintball Guns.
- Tanks: Usually air tanks either take compressed air, CO2, or nitrogen from a few different brands. Ninja might be at the top of the tank game, but the Matrix paintball gear brand PowerHouse is coming into its own with its range of aftermarket tank regulators.
- Hoppers/loaders: When you’re looking to buy a loader or hopper, then consider your gun type as well. Certain guns match with certain kinds of loaders or hoppers better than others.
- Pod packs: These are some of the most important items to include in your paintball equipment. Pod packs help you carry a whole lot of extra paint on the field, and come in different sizes and colors. What’s more, they can be strapped right to your tactical vest, leaving you free to carry your gun and focus on the game.
- Barrels: One of the best paintball gear for beginners, barrels are used to improve the players’ marking and offer easy targeting. Thus, it makes your targets and hits more accurate, enhancing your gameplay.
- Paintball pellets: This is perhaps the most important item of them all; after all, you can’t play paintball without them! Look for vibrant colored pellets that are easily visible on your target. Also, look for those that can be shot accurately in a straight line.
Outfit accessories
- Pads: Pads include everything from chest and neck protectors and elbow and knee pads to forehead protection. For head and forehead protection, check out the Best Full-Head Paintball Helmets. Paintball pads are important since they protect parts of your body from the force of the pellets. What’s more, they don’t restrict your movement either.
- Gear backpacks: These are essential items for stashing all your accessories in one place especially since they feature spacious compartments to keep all things organized. besides being easy to carry, they’re lightweight as well.
- Others: Other important paintball gear options include O-rings, shin guards, and swabs.
Can I get paintball gear on a sale for a budget?
Yes, of course. Some important pieces of gear for comfort and bettering your play are available for less than $60-70, such as the headband, the paintballs, and the safety pieces such as the vests and elbow/knee pads. In fact, even the Tippman gun costs just $100, which is extremely cheap when it comes to paintball markers. That said, when you shop for paintball gear, especially for beginners, work out a set budget and considering buying some stuff second-hand. Also, consider what gear you exactly need, don’t go overboard, and do test out all equipment before or after buying them in case you aren’t happy with their performance and want to get them exchanged.
Tippmann Cronus Tactical Paintball Marker
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We begin our list of paintball gear for sale with the Tippmann Cronus Tactical Paintball Marker, which is also one of the Best Cheap Paintball Guns and perfect for beginners. The marker features a gravity feed system that allows firing up to as many as eight balls per second! Armed with mechanical triggers, the ball is fed via the spring system into the barrel when the trigger is pulled. Weighing slightly heavy at 3.7 lbs, this marker is still very comfortable to carry. What’s more, it features the brand’s signature in-line bolt system for firing continuity. Furthermore, with well-designed and molded rubber grips, the marker can be carried around for hours without feeling heavy. Moreover, it has an accurate range of around 150 feet and can be equipped with many customizability options. Rounding up the features are the mock silencer, adjustable stock, and carry handle.
Pros:
- Doesn’t chop balls.
- Accurate.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
Cons:
- Short firing range.
Virtue Spire IV 280 Electronic Paintball Loaders/Hoppers
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Available in as many as 12 color options, the Virtue Spire IV 280 Electronic Paintball Loaders/Hoppers is one of the best Matrix paintball gear options. To begin with, the hoppers feature iFI integration with all compatible markers, complete with proactive feeding logic for reliability and consistency. What’s more, the loaders can even be integrated with wireless programming via the Android and Apple apps. Add to that the toolless quick-charge speed-feed adapter and the N-charge installation, and you have a nifty hopper for enhancing your gameplay. Adding to the durability is the single hinge-mounted unit, along with the magnetically attached drive assembly. You’ll even find a toolless tray disassembly for easy cleaning as well as a dual-LED reload indicator with an integrated smart-spring ramp. Finally, you can even upgrade and customize the hoppers with injected Virtue logos and upgraded cosmetics.
Pros:
- Customizable and upgrading possible.
- Wireless integration with Android and Apple apps.
- Dual LED reload indicator.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Empire Exalt Tank Cover
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An excellent piece of paintball gear for sale is also an excellent and rather useful piece of Defcon paintball gear – the Empire Exalt Tank Cover. Firstly, the tank cover is available in multiple colors, including the tan/black color below that easily blends in with the paintball field and your outfit. The flexible material and unique design allow the single-sized cover to be used for tanks of many sizes ranging from 68ci to 72 ci! What’s more, the non-stain material offers a superior grip for stable shots. The tank cover boasts a low and minimalistic and doesn’t add to the weight of your contraption at all. Moreover, the multiple surface finish design offers an uber-cool look and appearance. Finally, the additional thickness at the bottom protects your tank when you suddenly dive on your back or side and scrape the ground roughly.
Pros:
- Available in multiple colors.
- Minimalistic design.
- Fits tanks of many sizes.
Cons:
- Some might find it difficult to change tanks mid-game due to the snug fit.
Ninja Carbon Fiber HPA Tank 68/4500 LITE
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One of the best pieces of Matrix paintball gear for beginners is the Ninja Carbon Fiber HPA Tank 68/4500 LITE. The ultra-lightweight carbon fiber compressed air tank features an adjustable regulator for high, medium, or low pressure. Thanks to the SRT piston technology, the plated aluminum piston produces an industry-leading recharge rate, practically eliminating reg shoot down. What’s more, the tank even comes with a mini-fill valve and a shimmed pressure adjustment for changing output pressure easily. Besides featuring ASTM-compliant safety grooves, low-pressure burst disks, and a bonnet thread, the tank even has a super-low response 0-50 psi curve when it comes from full to empty. Armed with a five-year hydro, the tank gives approximately 1200 shots per fill, which is great. Please note that it ships empty, and will need to be filled with air before gameplay.
Pros:
- Meets all ASTM, CGA, and DOT specifications.
- Five-year hydro.
- Gives 1200 shots in one fill.
- Adjustable regulator.
Cons:
- Expensive.
Exalt Paintball Loader Case
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One of the best paintball gear for sale that’s also a useful piece of paintball gear for beginners is the Exalt Paintball Loader Case. This universal loader case can store your favorite hoppers and loaders and up to as many as six AA batteries. What’s more, it even comes with an inner accessory pocket for accommodating an extra rain lid, speed feed, and anything else you might need to keep secure. The case boasts a weather-resistant and rigid molded exterior that keeps all your expensive loader equipment safe from elements during gameplay and travel. Not only is the versatile and compact design of the case high-capacity, but it’s also protective, and that too without being too bulky. Finally, it comes in a sleek jet black color, complete with a bright neon-green zipper for easy visibility.
Pros:
- Well-designed.
- Can hold all your hopper equipment.
- Inner accessory pocket.
Cons:
- Some users found the snug fit a tad too tight.
Exalt Freeflex Elbow Pads
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Yet another excellent piece of Matrix paintball gear is the Exalt Freeflex Elbow Pads. Ranging from sizes Small to X-Large, the thermoformed forearm and elbow pad are designed to encapsulate a ribbed and custom-molded elbow cup. Thus, it enhances both flexibility and durability. However, that’s not all. The pads feature an all-new passthrough retention strap that conforms to and compresses the pad to the forearm for a lower and tighter profile. Moreover, the retention strap is entirely rotatable and removable, and the velcro strap adjustment won’t inflame or irritate the skin either. In fact, the adjustable velcro retention strap can be rotated so that the adjustment system is concealed behind the pad ultimately. So, there’s no question of accidental detachment or loosening. Finally, the compression-molded hand padding prevents bruising by absorbing the impact.
Pros:
- Available in two colors.
- The retention strap is removable, rotatable, and provides a tighter profile.
- Adjustment system.
Cons:
- Slightly pricey.
- Restocking fee.
Valken Infinity Paintballs
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One particular piece of paintball gear for sale is the Valken Infinity Paintballs, something that everyone requires! These paintballs come from the able stable of Valken which is known for its paintball gear and equipment. These .68 caliber paintball pellets have a thicker shell that makes them very durable and perfect for even entry-level markers. The brilliant shell colors are always the same – white, pink, orange, and yellow, which makes it very visible on your target. What’s more, they shoot absolutely straight as an arrow and break on hitting the target immediately. Whether you’re indulging in recreational play or woodsball, these pellets are perfect. Finally, they come with cardboard dividers in a square box for assured quality even when they’re delivered.
Pros:
- Shoots straight.
- Breaks on target.
- Brilliant shell colors – white, pink, orange, or yellow.
Cons:
- Leaves an oily residue.
HK Army Skeleton Power Button + Release Trigger LTR/Rotor Kit
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For those who love intense action on the paintball field and high-powered gameplay, then the HK Army Skeleton Power Button + Release Trigger is what you want. The Skeleton Power Button + Release Triggers are custom-made machined aluminum parts that are designed to perfectly fit into the Rotor or LTR loaders. What’s more, the eyes of the skull light up when the power button is pressed into action. If that wasn’t enough, both the anti-jam release trigger and the skull power button can be easily installed in a matter of minutes. All these factors are what make it one of the most useful pieces of Matrix paintball gear for high-powered action.
Pros:
- Lightweight.
- Can be easily installed.
- Skull eyes light up when the power button is pressed.
- Comes in many colors.
Cons:
- Not very durable.
CRBN Carbon Paintball Backpack
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One of the most useful paintball gear for sale pieces is the CRBN Carbon Paintball Backpack. The 19-liter backpack possesses a packable and collapsible design, allowing you to store it and carry it very easily anywhere. Thanks to the weather-resistant exterior and interior, neither do your gear get dry nor does the backpack wear and tear on the outside. What’s more, the design also makes the backpack easy to clean and maintain. When it comes to beginners, they can stash all their paintball gear easily in the backpack and carry it around to different games. It even comes with a 15-inch padded laptop sleeve, which makes it useful if you have a laptop to carry around for work too. Wrapping up the features is the comfortable chest buckle that makes carrying even a heavy backpack easier as well as the protective lined sunglasses pocket.
Pros:
- Comfortable chest buckle.
- Sunglasses pocket.
- Weather-resistant inner and exterior.
- Laptop sleeve.
Cons:
- Lack of adequate external pockets.
Planet Eclipse Shaft FL Barrel Back/Insert
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One of the best pieces of Matrix paintball gear is the Planet Eclipse Shaft FL Barrel Back/Insert. The barrel back boasts a micro-honed rubber or aluminum construction and composition. It’s what makes it durable and long-lasting. Featuring an assembled length of 14.5 inches from the tip to the back, this barrel back is also available in a variety of bore sizes. Besides the above, the barrel back comes in a variety of colors too, and also fits all standard Autococker threaded markers. Only, it requires shaft FL backs or inserts for use. Finally, the thread can be reversed back to the tip interface for easier assembly as well as disassembly.
Pros:
- Fits all standard Autococker threaded markers.
- Various bore sizes and colors available.
- Excellent composition and build.
Cons:
- Slightly pricey.
Exalt Pod Swab/Squeegee
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One of the best cleaning paintball gear for sale as well as one of the best Defcon paintball gear pieces is the Exalt Pod Swab/Squeegee. It’s hailed as the best, most durable pod cleaner that’s ever been designed for paintball. The squeegee features a replaceable synthetic microfiber “sleeve” that cleans the inner area of any pod extremely thoroughly. This is thanks to the hundreds of microfiber fingers that the swab is made up of, which reaches every nook and cranny of every paintball gear. If that wasn’t enough, the sleeve can be removed for cleaning as well as replaced when its life is over. It’s fastened to a reinforced polymer shaft running the swab’s entire length for maximum rigidity and strength. Finally, each swab comes with an integrated polymer loop, complete with a laser-engraved carabiner for hanging on your gear bag.
Pros:
- Available in many colors.
- Cleans thoroughly.
- The sleeve is removable.
- Flexible.
Cons:
- Some users said that the cloth comes off the stick during a rough cleaning bout.
Bunkerkings Fly Strapless Paintball Harness Pod Packs
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Pod packs are one of the most useful pieces of paintball gear for beginners and professionals both, as they help enhance your play by keeping additional pellets close at hand. This Fly Strapless Paintball Harness Pod Packs from Bunkerkings is also one of the most popular pieces of Matrix paintball gear as well. Designed to make you win, this pod pack comes with a bounce-reducing system for bettered competitive performance. The pod packs are comfortable too and feature a four-way lockdown belt system for a secure fit, complete with a 300-degree grip print. It can be reloaded easier and faster too and features versatile Triflex functionality. Besides being available in lots of sizes and colors, it’s conveniently 100 percent strap-free and works with all pods sans any adjustment!
Pros:
- Comes in many sizes and colors.
- 100 percent strap-free, so no adjustment needed.
- Bounce-reducing system.
Cons:
- This doesn’t fit people with a larger waistline.
Dye Paintball Head Tie Headband
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Finally, we come to one of the most stylish pieces of paintball gear for sale – the Dye Paintball Head Tie Headband. If you’re someone who plays without a helmet, then this headband keeps the sweat and dirt out of your eyes. What’s more, it prevents lost opportunities on the field by keeping your field of vision clear from water, dirt, and other elements that could trickle down your face. The high-quality head tie is available in two nice camo and stealth colors of olive and commando and helps keep you out of sight, especially if you’re peeping out of your hiding place. The best part? This nifty piece of gear costs just $20!
Pros:
- Dye Head Tie
- Quality Dye Headwrap / Head Tie
- Prevent Lost Opportunities on the Field
- Keep Dirt and Sweat out of your eyes
Cons:
- None!
