Having a hard time deciding which paintball gun you should buy? Maybe you want to buy a PMI Piranha paintball gun, but you’re not really sure? With so many manufacturers and specifications, we understand that it can be overwhelming sometimes.
Kingman Spyder MR100 Pro paintball gun is a great option too. But so does Tippmann Stormer, Empire MINi GS, and Kingpan Spyder Victor. Many well-built markers from other brands also seem to contribute to this tall task of choosing. Fret not! We’ve compiled a list of the best paintball gun brands to guide you through the decision process. This way, you don’t have to spend much time and energy doing your own research.
We dive deep into each brand to understand its product and the philosophy behind it. We even list a pink paintball gun for those who are into cute markers. Now, it’s going to be easier for you to pick the best paintball gun. Whether you’re a professional paintball player or just starting out, there’s always a perfect marker for you. If you also happen to look for a paintball marker for your kids, we recommend checking these paintball guns for kids.
Each brand usually has a product for every level from beginner, to intermediate, to pro level. Emek paintball gun is excellent for professionals. However, Tippmann has plenty of selections for beginners and intermediate players. So, just check out the list below and pick one that best suits your needs.
How to Choose the Best Paintball Gun Brands
With so many excellent markers available on the market today, you have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you like the PMI Piranha paintball gun, Kingman, or Tippmann, there’s no poor choice. All manufacturers keep innovating to present all the paintball players with the best markers to help them perform maximally. And not only in the field, but a paintball marker can also be used to defend yourself. In that case, check out these best paintball guns for self-defense.
Price Range
Before anything, you need to set your budget. Paintball markers are priced anywhere from $50 all the way to $1000. So, you have more options that suit your budget. Emek paintball gun is great for pro players, but you’ve got to pay a premium price. Mercury Rise Venom and Tippmann offer a reasonable price for beginners.
Gun Type
Once you’ve set your budget, you can now pick a gun-type. There are two paintball marker types: an electro-pneumatic gun and a mechanical marker. The former is great for professional players who want to be more competitive. This type of gun is powerful and packed with sophisticated features. But if you’re playing just for fun, a mechanical marker is good enough, and it’s also cheaper. The Kingman Spyder MR100 Pro paintball gun is an excellent example for beginners.
Ease of Use
Maybe you want a pink paintball gun because it looks cute. But what’s the point of a unique design if it’s hard to use? You got to make sure the marker you buy has a simple mechanism, especially if you’re just starting out. And in addition to that, don’t forget to consider the weight and the durability of the marker.
After-sales
There are many excellent paintball guns, but some of them don’t come with good after-sales services. When buying a paintball marker, make sure it’s covered in a warranty. This way, you’ll save yourself from headaches when there’s a problem with your paintball marker. The Emek paintball gun is one of the best markers that come with a reliable after-sales service.
What is the most accurate paintball gun?
The PMI Piranha paintball gun is one of the most accurate markers available on the market. But if you’re looking for other options, Tippmann and Empire also produce some of the most accurate and best paintball guns.
What is the number one paintball company?
It’s pretty hard to define just one winner when it comes to paintball guns. Many brands constantly strive to make the best markers in the world. However, we would say that the Emek paintball gun is one of the top brands we highly recommend.
Can paintball kill you?
No, a paintball gun won’t kill you. So, you don’t have to worry about that. However, you still need to be extra careful and wear proper protection. If you’re reckless, it can cause a severe injury. Especially if you use a pro-level Kingman Spyder MR100 Pro paintball gun. This machine is powerful enough to cause serious injuries. For better protection, we highly suggest you get one of these outfits for paintball.
Valken
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If you’re looking for a paintball gun brand that produces excellent markers for all levels, the answer is Valken. You have an option at any price point, making it easy for you to get a superb paintball marker no matter how big or how small your budget is. Unlike the Emek paintball gun that usually comes with a premium price tag, Valken embraces all players from beginners to professionals. Especially if you’re just starting out, Valken has many least expensive options so that you don’t have to break the bank.
Even its pro-level marker, the Valken M17 Magfed, is still more affordable than the Emek paintball gun, which is usually priced above $500. This excellent marker operates on a fully mechanical internally regulated blow forward system. This system makes the Valken M17 very reliable and provides you with unmatched consistency.
What We Love
Very reliable with easy maintenance.
Pros:
- Mechanical Semi/Full Auto Action
- Polymer CQC shroud
- Ambidextrous magazine release
Cons:
- A bit lacking for range
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JT
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Even though paintball markers from JT mostly come with a premium price tag, its products are always top-tier. You know you can expect the best durability and overall performance as well as after-sales service. The marker from JT is comparable to the Emek paintball marker. They both deliver the most excellent performance compared to paintball guns from other brands. But don’t worry, JT also has some entry-level markers that are pretty reliable.
JT SplatMaster Z18 is one of its entry-level lines designed for beginners. People who are just starting out usually prefer a marker with a less aggressive design. This youthful design looks attractive and eye-catching. The JT SplatMaster Z18 doesn’t come with many color options. So if you’re looking for a pink paintball gun, it’s not available. However, the lime color also looks catchy. It’s suitable for those who want to look more youthful.
What We Love
A simple paintball marker with a catchy color.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easier pump action
- Improved low impact experience
Cons:
- It doesn’t shoot fast enough
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Brass Eagle
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Brass Eagle is one of the most legendary brands when it comes to paintball. This brand has been around since 1993, and it started as a small company in Canada. In the beginning, it was famous for its Brass Eagle Nightmare line. The collections were a huge success. And in 2010, Brass Eagle shifted its focus to a low-cost entry-level brand. If you’re looking for an alternative for the PMI Piranha paintball gun, you should consider this brand.
One of the most famous markers from Brass Eagle is the Brass Eagle Liberator. It’s a small semi-automatic paintball marker with a custom-designed trigger guard and a blade double finger trigger. This marker also features a high-impact polymer frame for superior performance. Even though it isn’t as powerful as the Kingman Spyder MR100 Pro paintball gun, the Brass Eagle Liberator is still worth the price.
What We Love
Small and lightweight, but offers superior performance.
Pros:
- High-impact polymer frame
- Blade double-finger trigger
- Integrated custom barrel
- Adjustable velocity
Cons:
- You can’t remove the barrel to clean it
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First Strike
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Based in Indiana, First Strike is one of the few brands that produce high-quality paintball markers with a realistic look and feel. And not only that but the products from this brand are known for their accuracy and power. The paintball also has a unique aerodynamic design, making it blazing fast. We think even the PMI Piranha paintball gun won’t outperform the First Strike markers.
Suppose you’re looking for an excellent quality marker that’s much better than a popular marker like the Kingman Spyder MR100 Pro paintball gun, the First Strike FS Scout is for you! This great paintball gun features a Nelson-based engine with auto-triggering functionality. Takedown targets easily using this consistent and efficient marker.
What We Love
A decent paintball marker with a realistic design.
Pros:
- Re-Hydro every 5 years
- All Aluminum Construction
- Mlok 10” Hand Guard
Cons:
- Very expensive
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HK Army
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HK Army should be your choice if you’re getting more serious in paintball and ready to invest in a more high-quality marker. It’s usually far more expensive than a PMI Piranha paintball gun, but you get what you paid for. The high price tag actually translates to quality and performance. If you’re looking for the best reliability and accuracy, this one’s for you!
HK Army Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R is one of the latest releases from the HK Army. It’s packed with the most sophisticated technology to ensure great maneuverability on the field. This is a pro-level marker, but it doesn’t look plain black like most professional markers. Even though it’s not available in other colors, especially if you’re looking for a pink paintball gun, the marker looks fantastic in ocean blue.
What We Love
A pro-level marker with an attractive design.
Pros:
- Gamma Core Drivetrain
- Revolutionary Spool Valve Operation
- Slick blade trigger
Cons:
- Only suitable for professional players
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Mercury Rise
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With more than two decades of experience in the paintball industry, Mercury Rise is a very well-known paintball marker manufacturer. The products hold 65% of the US paintball gun market share. And this brand constantly strives to improve the quality and invests heavily in upgrading the technology. You can expect a fantastic paintball marker straight out of the box. Mercury rise marker is comparable to the Emek paintball gun.
The Mercury Rise Venom Semi-Auto .50 Caliber is one of this brand’s best sellers. It sets a new standard for semi-auto .50 caliber markers. This excellent paintball gun features a dustproof cocking design, so dirt won’t get in easily. And the comfortable ergonomic design ensures great maneuverability on the field. The Mercury Rise Venom is as good as the PMI Piranha paintball gun in terms of accuracy.
What We Love
An ergonomic semi-auto marker with a dustproof design.
Pros:
- Molded grip for stable shooting
- Tool-Free Plug Design
- Steel Braided Hose
- External Velocity Adjuster
Cons:
- It may feel too small for people with big hands
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Dye
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This is a classic paintball gun company with a wide variety of high-quality products. People know Dye for its precision manufacturing and sleek design. All its products are always well-built and well-designed. You definitely can’t go wrong with Dye markers. They’re all built to last and easy to maintain. Just like the PMI Piranha paintball gun, it’s one of the best paintball marker brands on the market.
If you’re looking for something better than the PMI Piranha paintball gun, we highly recommend getting the Dye Rize CZR. We tell you, this marker is a beast! It’s packed with features typically found in high-end markers. However, it comes without the premium price tag. This paintball gun is definitely a steal when it comes to price to value.
What We Love
A professional marker without the pro-level price tag.
Pros:
- Hyper3 regulator
- 4th Gen Eye Pipe
- Nylon reinforced feed neck
- DYE Ultralite on/off
Cons:
- The O-ring is quite fragile
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Empire
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Looking for a high-performance marker that’s better than the PMI Piranha paintball gun? Empire is the answer! This brand is the leader in high-performance and a high-quality paintball marker for the past few years. The most well-known markers from Empire are the Empire Axe and Empire Mini.
The Empire Paintball Mini GS is currently the most popular paintball marker from Empire. It’s the next generation of a paintball marker legend. If you love its predecessor, the Empire Mini, you’ll love the Empire Mini GS even more. It’s developed to be much more powerful. Besides, the design is also improved. Even though it’s not available in pink if you’re looking for a pink paintball gun, the dust tan color is just as gorgeous.
What We Love
A powerful marker in a small and lightweight design.
Pros:
- Pressure controlled poppet engine
- Integrated break-beam anti-chop eyes
- Wrap-around foregrip
Cons:
- More expensive than other brands in the same category
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Planet Eclipse
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If you’re a professional paintball player, you should go with Planet Eclipse Marker. Especially if you like the Emek paintball gun, this is another top-tier paintball marker you can find on the market. So if you have the budget, we recommend checking out Planet Eclipse markers. Its markers are built with high-quality materials and super low tolerances to ensure the best accuracy and reliability. However, if you’re just a casual player, the Kingman Spyder MR100 Pro paintball gun may be enough.
If you want to be more invested in the game, get the Planet Eclipse EMEK EMF100. The Planet Eclipse EMEK EMF100 is one of the most extensively tested markers in the world. It features the most advanced technology for outstanding performance.
What We Love
A top-notch marker for the best performance in the arena.
Pros:
- Pressure Soft-Touch Bolt
- MagFed
- Hoseless Air Transfer System
- 3-Way Valve Glass
Cons:
- Premium price
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Azodin
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We love Azodin for its wide variety of markers at different specs and price points. Azodin markers typically have a small form factor. That’s why they’re ideal for close-quarters play. And the best thing about this brand is that no matter the price, the markers always have nice finishes. Azodin is also known for its simplicity and ease of use. Just like the PMI Piranha paintball gun, Azodin is very reliable on the field.
If you’re an eccentric person looking for a cute pink paintball gun, this pink Azodin KP3.5 KAOS is the one to buy. Not only does it have a unique design and color, but it’s packed with all the features to help you tackle the mission. The Azodin KP3.5 KAOS ushers a new level of performance and refinement for a better experience.
What We Love
A high-performance marker with excellent precision.
Pros:
- Integrated ZeRO Assembly
- Dual Pump Rods
- On/Off ASA
- Acoustic Bolt
Cons:
- It’s pretty loud
PMI Piranha
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The PMI Piranha paintball gun was one of the most popular markers available on the market. Sadly, all the PMI Piranha products have been discontinued. PMI doesn’t produce new markers anymore. However, you can still find PMI Piranha markers in some places. We still put this brand on the list because The Piranha by PMI is one of the greatest markers for newbies. And the good thing is, it’s also easy to upgrade.
If you love the PMI marker, we highly recommend you getting the Piranha Eforce EXT. This marker is designed to deliver the most reliable, durable, and consistent performance. It’s an excellent entry-level marker seasoned with a veteran-looking design. Though if you’re looking for a pink paintball gun, it’s not available in pink. However, the navy blue also looks catchy, and you’re going to love it.
What We Love
A simple marker with reliable performance.
Pros:
- Interchangeable threaded aluminum barrel
- Compressed Air Systems
- Wear-resistant Teflon coating
Cons:
- The cocking process isn’t that seamless
Kingman
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Kingman is one of the most popular paintball guns of all time. This is a very well-known brand for its high-quality entry-level markers. If you’re just starting out, Kingman offers some of the greatest selections. Also, the markers usually have simple internal and external components. We highly recommend the Kingman Spyder line. Today, it’s still one of the best-selling markers in the world. The quality is comparable to, if not better than the PMI Piranha Paintball Gun.
If it’s your first time buying a Kingman marker, we suggest you get the Kingman Spyder MR100 Pro paintball gun. It’s a military-style paintball marker with Air Efficient Eko Valve System that shoots up to 1500 shots from a 20 oz CO2 tank. And with endless customization options, it’s easy to make it entirely your style.
What We Love
A military-style paintball marker packed with advanced technology.
Pros:
- High Impact Polymer Vertical Fore-Grip
- One Piece Velocity Adjuster
- EKO Valve Technology
Cons:
- Some components are not repairable (you have to buy a new component if it breaks)
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Tippmann
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It should come as no surprise that Tippmann sits on top of the list. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Fort Wayne, Tippmann always produces high-performance, durable, and affordable paintball markers for everyone. Did you know that Tippmann was the first manufacturer in the world to build a semi-automatic and fully automatic paintball marker? It makes sense why many players prefer this brand. Tippmann is even more popular than the already well-known Emek paintball gun.
You can never go wrong with Tippmann markers. However, we recommend buying the Tippmann Stormer Elite. It’s an excellent paintball gun for all levels of play. It’s made of high-impact composite material and features a high-performance in-line bolt system. You really get a lot for what you pay for. It’s comparable to the Kingman Spyder MR100 Pro paintball gun. However, we still prefer the Tippmann Stormer Elite because it’s looking more realistic.
What We Love
A high impact and ultra-durable marker
Pros:
- Go Magfed
- Tactical Front Shroud
- Over-molded rubber grip
- Multiple Picatinny rails
Cons:
- It’s heavy
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