best beginner paintball gun – beginners to Pro Buying Guide

We can all agree that paintball is one of the most exciting sports. Whether you are new to paintball or have played for years, you must upgrade your equipment.

We know it might be a difficult to search for the paintball guns, so we’re here to make your search easier. After a lot of time and effort, we have put together this detailed guide to help you choose the best beginner paintball guns.

IMAGE	PRODUCT	RATING	PRICE
BUDGET PICK	Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker Semi Auto firing Vertical Grip Durable	4.7	Check on Amazon
Beginner’s Choice	Tippmann Stormer Elite .68 Caliber Dual Feed Modular Design A5 Barrel Thread High-Performance Barrel	4.7	Check on Amazon
EDITOR’S CHOICE	Tippmann TMC MAGFED Paintball Marker In-line bolt system Built-in picatinny rails Dual feed Option	4.7	Check on Amazon
MID-RANGE CHOICE	Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker 4th Gen Polycarbonate Eye Self-cleaning System Bolt O-Ring	4.2	Check on Amazon
PRO CHOICE	Empire Axe 2.0 Paintball Gun Multiple Firing Modes ON/OFF ASA Regulator Anti-Chop Eye	4.3	Check on Amazon
PREMIUM CHOICE	Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R Paintball Gun Spool Valve Operation 4-Point Trigger OLED Graphic Interface	4.8	Check on Amazon

Top 6 best beginner paintball guns 2023

How can I know which paintball guns are the best? The answer is really simple: always consider your skill and playing style. In comparison, woodsball players may want tactical or simulation-style equipment. Speedball players typically choose models with auto cockers and rapid-fire e-triggers.

Let’s first look at the current top six list, though. We’ve included best paintball guns for beginners to Pro in case you need a secondary weapon. Keep in mind that safety must come before fun.

Tippmann Cronus Paintball Marker

Features

• Weight: 3.7 lbs
• .68 Capacity
• CO2 & HPA Air Capability
• The mechanical button
• 9 Inch Stock Barrel
• Black and tan tactical exterior dessert op
• Gravity Feed Paintballs
• Blow Back Open Bolt

Most paintballers agree that Tippmann is one of the top gun manufacturers, and Cronus reinforces this opinion. The Tippmann Cronus paintball gun is a good beginner paintball gun due to its high accuracy, ease of use, and dependability.

The Cronus weighs 3.7 pounds, making it more cumbersome than lighter weapons. But it is quite sturdy and won’t break easily.

Even those without experience with paintball guns may disassemble and clean the Cronus without difficulty. The Cronus has a gas line that runs through the barrel instead of underneath it and uses Tippmann’s superior in-line bolt mechanism.

Users will have a better grip and a more pleasant experience if the line moves inside the gun, especially during longer sessions.

The Tactical Edition is a wonderful option if you buy a Cronus but would also like some preinstall improvements. It features a remover grip on the front of the gun in conjunction with, or in place of, the primary grip.

It has a collapsible stock on the back to adapt the rifle to new situations and settings. A rail and sign are already attached to the gun’s stock, right above the barrel and shroud. The gun has rails on all four sides and at the base, making it a good candidate for a laser attachment.

Many paintballers upgrade to a different barrel, and the A-5 is included in the Tactical Edition. The Tactical Edition consists of a barrel sleeve and a pull-through squeegee to help with cleaning and maintenance.

The Tippmann parts kit includes oil or lubricant, Allen keys to attach and detach attachments, and replacement O-rings.

My Review

As previously noted, it intuitively makes the Tippmann Cronus is the best beginner gun in big paintball. It does not chop paintballs, which might reduce your accuracy and cause disassembling the gun for cleaning. Given that it is a Tippmann paintball gun, you can rest assured that you are receiving a high-quality item.

This is one of the cheapest gun on the market. Our Tippmann Cronus review aims to be as honest as possible, and we hope you find it useful in making your decision.

Tippmann Stormer Elite .68 Caliber Paintball Marker

Features

• Gas lines inside the building
• Adjustable grips
• Comfortable handling
• No extra wires
• Air efficient

My suggestion for a first paintball gun for a woodsball player is the Tippmann Stormer. I have heard that Tippmann paintball guns are so durable that people have driven over them and continued using them. That’s how well-crafted they are.

Like all Tippmann’s other entry-level markers, the Stormer’s internals is identical to those of the 98 Custom. There is a notable difference between the Tippmann Stormer and the 98 Custom. The most famous is that the Tippmann Stormer is offered in not one but two variants, the Stormer and the Stormer Elite.

The Stormer, in its usual hopper-fed form, is quite similar in feel and function to the Tippmann Cronus. However, the Stormer Elite is the magfed paintball gun for rookies. The Stormer Elite may not be able to fire First Strike rounds, but it’s hard to grumble about the price.

The Stormer Elite has many features, including a loader-to-magazine conversion kit, a six-position collapsible stock, 20-round magazines, top, and bottom Picatinny rails, an internal gas line, high-impact composite body, front and rear flip-up sights, and a high-impact composite body.

My Review

Stormer Elite combines a stylish tactical appearance with a smooth grip, accuracy, and minimal upkeep requirements. It has a simple internal mechanism that a beginner can maintain. Also, its easy control will allow you to compete in long-format matches despite the weather or other obstacles.

In addition to being easy to use, this paintball gun features a dual-feed option and an in-line bolt system. That is so reliable that you rarely have to replace a broken ball.

Tippmann TMC MAGFED Paintball Marker

Features

• Full-pneumatic marker
• Successful In-Line Bolt System
• Hopper/Magazine Feeding Option
• Very AR-like
• The charging handle works
• Over-molded Rubber Grip
• 12′′ High-Performance Muzzle Break Barrel

If you’re searching for a high-end paintball gun, the Tippmann TMC MAGFED is your best bet. My paintball marker can outlive and outshoot the rest of the pack, and that’s why I’m so pleased with my purchase.

The absence of electronic parts in this weapon classifies it as pneumatic. The fact that it can only fire in semi-auto is disappointing. But I can live with it because the gun lasts far longer than other electrical guns.

I appreciate that it is built to last, with robust metal serving as the backbone of its design so that it can withstand a lot of abuse without breaking. Metal is used for construction throughout this paintball gun.

The polymer components of this marker will always maintain their performance. The high quality of the polymer utilized is another factor in its longevity and strength. It can shoot accurately and reliably no matter what the weather is like.

This rifle can use both a hopper and a magazine is impressive. Also, it can give the user the impression that they are holding a genuine AR-15 weapon. The charging handle is also completely functional, which is another point of pride.

My Review

This review of the Tippmann TMC Magfed is based on my experience with the marker and feedneck from other shooters. In most situations, the marker does an excellent job, even beating out some significantly expensive versions.

It’s great for saving bullets in a magfed competition, thanks to its pinpoint accuracy. Put in some attachments and update the barrel, and you’ll have a marker that’s easy to use for you but devastating to your opponents. At the same time, not everyone has experienced malfunctions with the hopper-fed mechanism. I recommend considering it only as a magfed choice.

Dye Rize CZR Paintball Marker

Features

• DYE UL on/off airport
• 4th Gen eye pipe
• Dual density sticky grips
•  Aluminum adjustable trigger

The Dye paintball guns are a solid choice because they provide high-quality performance at an affordable price. The price is right for someone just starting who wants to make some improvements.

The 14-inch, two-piece barrel offers decent accuracy with its adjustable trigger and tacky grips. As well as its anti-chop eyes and 4th Gen Eye pipe, this marker is great because it can clean itself in the event of a paint spill. While not ideal, it beats removing the barrel and cleaning it in the middle of the action.

Plus, it uses compressed air rather than CO2 to fire 68-calibre paintballs. More advanced players should try one of the other options we’ve given.

Empire Axe 2.0 Paintball Gun

Features

• Poppet-engine-regulated pressure
• Laser-protected, anti-chop eyes
• Trigger Adjustment
• ASA Switch On/Off
• Install the front OLED Board
• Tool-free motor Maintenance
• His shots are always consistent
• Fragile or low-profile
• 10% lighter than its predecessor
• Aluminum-bodied
• No-hose air transfer
• Waterproof foregrip

When Empire Paintball released the Axe in 2011, it caused a major stir in the professional paintball scene. The Empire redesigned the weapon based on the community requirements and started with the success of the first Empire Mini.

The news that Sacramento XSV and Chicago Infamous, two professional paintball teams, would be using Axe paintball markers on the professional field came as a shock to the industry.

To gain an advantage over the competition, professional teams shoot high-end (often very custom) firearms. You’ve got to do what it takes to win.

The makers that cost more than $1,000 used professional paintball teams to market them, but in this case, Empire sent their professional teams. With what turned out to be a high-quality paintball marker available for a low price.

Rapid testing confirmed that the Axe was a high-quality paintball gun, with all the features of paintball markers costing at least twice as much but at a much more reasonable price. After some scepticism, these professional teams dispelled doubts about the Axe paintball markers’ viability.

In 2017, Empire unveiled the updated Empire Axe 2.0 paintball gun. The gun came with everything you could want right out of the box, costing slightly more than $500.

For better control in wet and slick environments, the new slim design of the front grip is waterproof and textured. They were able to shave off about 10% of the gun’s mass thanks to updated milling technology and a more compact forward grip design.

The Empire Axe comes pre-loaded with several different firing modes. These include semi-auto, multi-shot burst, ramp mode, and an adjustable rate of fire. The boards are programmable and come with a tournament lock in case you compete in a series of events.

The firearms are long-lasting, need little in the way of upkeep, and are simple to clean and maintain. Pair this paintball marker with an 80 CI or 4500 psi air system if you expect to fire more than that during the game. They take up about the same space as a 68 but deliver vital oxygen in the event of a siege.

My Review

If you’re on a budget but still want to have a blast with high-quality gear, the Empire Axe paintball gun is a fantastic option. This firearm will function flawlessly on both amateur and professional baseball fields.

Planet Eclipse GTEK 170R Paintball Gun (HDE Earth)

Features

• Gamma Drivetrain
• Spool Valves
• Bolt quick-release
• Air Transfer Hoseless
• Working Pressure 135PSI

This is a fast-firing, lightweight paintball gun with exceptional controllability. Even though it doesn’t have a voice-activated control panel, it has many features that are usually only found on more expensive guns.

The gun can accurately shoot a ball from the same distance away with every shot. The OLED display, which is protected from moisture, is built into the circuit board, making adjustments much simpler. You can program the board on a Windows PC via USB Mini.

Larger hands will appreciate the generous trigger guard. The body is slightly longer than the Empire Axe 2.0 options we offer, making it easier to grip and swing.

Lucky for you, the XLS gun has a 14″ Freak XL barrel that’s as accurate as they come. Otherwise, it would be best if you prepared to spend a few extra bucks to get the whole set. It’s well worth the money to get the Bore master XL kit.

There has been a significant reduction in pressure from previous models to this shock absorber, which now operates at only 140 psi. In the end, this resulted in a quieter shot than any of the RSX models we had tried. The Shockers use compressed air and.68-caliber paintballs to power their paintball guns. CO2 is a waste of time on these firearms.

The Shocker XLS is a fantastic option if you have some disposable income but aren’t ready to drop $1,700 on the Luxe. There is no talking board, tool-free grip removal, or magnetic eye covers, but you will save a thousand dollars.

This paintball gun falls somewhere between the extremes of the two other types. At the same time, the Shocker XLS paintball guns are overkill for a new player. Anyone who wants to make rapid advancements in skill or rain hell down on their opponent’s needs looks no further.

My Review

As I mentioned in my GTEK 170r review, it is one of the best mid-range paintball markers on the market. Even if you are starting, you should get the GTEK 170r if you have a budget of less than $1,000. It also shoots accurately regardless of the conditions.

Beginners to pro Paintball Gun – Buying Guide

You need to know a few things before purchasing the best paintball marker.

Marker accuracy

It’s impossible to hit targets with an inaccurate paintball marker. Accuracy should be your top priority because otherwise, you will have a terrible time. While having confidence in your ability to mark targets accurately with a paintball marker. It will help you perform better in the game; if your marker is inaccurate, the opposite is true.

Paintball Gun’s Weight

You can play in any weather with the peace of mind that your shoulders and hands are being taken care of by a lightweight marker. A heavy marker, on the other hand, makes prolonged play impossible.

Marker material and design

Avoid low-quality paintball markers, as their flimsy construction will quickly dampen your enthusiasm. Non-corrosive, high-strength, and lightweight are all characteristics of a high-quality paintball marker’s construction. In terms of weight and durability, high-grade plastic and aluminium or carbon fibre are ideal for a beginner.

Paintball marker grips

You won’t be able to use a marker to its full potential if the grip is slippery. So look for a high-quality material to prevent slipping. Also, the marker’s grips contribute to its accuracy; you use them to steady the marker, so if they lose their grip, your aim will suffer.

Maintenance

After a while, you’ll want to clean your maker, but you might get frustrated if the internal mechanism is too complicated. But, if your marker has a simple mechanism, you can clean it effectively without wasting time.

Feeding Options

Some modern markers have a dual-feed option to feed a magazine and loader. Mag feed is the way to go if you’re a military enthusiast who values realism, as loaders can’t deliver that.

While the magazine may not hold hundreds of paintballs, many mag-fed guns still feature a feed neck that can adjust the hopper’s capacity.

Marker’s Trigger

A premium quality material trigger is the best choice because this is the most sensitive part of the paintball marker. It needs to be smooth and easy to use, as some markers come with low-quality triggers that get stuck frequently, even during the match. Those aren’t good markers, so please don’t use them. The trigger should also have an upgrade option so that a player can add two or two separate fingers.

Click here to read Best Paintball Gun 2022

Specifics on the Gun’s Barrels

Different markers come with different barrel sizes and materials; you have to choose the one that is both super accurate and durable. However, novices can get by with fewer than 14 inches of barrel length. Those interested in exploring tremendous accuracy should consider a barrel length of 14 inches or more.

Paintball Marker Cost and Guarantee

A marker’s warranty indicates how long it will last. The manufacturer won’t offer a lengthy guarantee if he is not confident in its marker,s ability. Choosing a marker with a lengthy guarantee is essential.

Moreover, the price of a paintball marker should be midrange for beginners. As you begin your paintball career, you will try out various protective gear.

Getting out in the field and trying out a friend’s marker without spending a penny is a good way to increase your chances of getting the one you want.

FAQs

Conclusion

Even if you are starting in this industry and find it difficult to make sense of all the options available, selecting the best paintball gun does not have to be extremely stressful or difficult. You have a better chance of selecting the paintball gun that is the most dependable in the world. If all you do is read this article and take everything it tells you to heart.