Paintball

[Mar]

I agree: try the sport a few times first, go out to a field and rent/borrow equipment.

I would advise your first 'major' purchase to be a quality mask: you can't hit what you can't see....

Welcome to the forums, hope you enjoy the sport as much as we do.

[sdawg]

Tippmann 98 or AutoMag.

[Brinstar]

Originally Posted by Mayvik

It's much cheaper for new players in general ($10 tank vs $50 tank), and is usually available at all fields. Some fields do not offer HPA fills, so it's a good idea to check out where you'll be playing to find out what they can and cannot fill (CO2, 3000psi HPA, 4500+psi HPA).

Flip side of that...Some fields have all day HPA for a flat fee, but charge per fill for CO2. Also, since a lot of places don't bother using scales, CO2 fills can be a crap-shoot depending on the person filling them. Our local field can't seem to manage to fill the smaller (3.5 & 4oz) tanks very well. If you can last the day on one fill, CO2 will probably save you a bit of cash, but if you get a smaller tank or shoot a lot, the all-day air will eventually offset the added cost of the HPA tank. As previously mentioned; check your local field before making a decision.

I would borrow or rent for the first time or two to see if you even like it. Afterwards, I would pick up a decent used mechanical marker (tippmann, mag, f2, vm, alleycat, sentinel, viper m1, etc) for ~$100, a good mask, whatever air system you decide on, and a non-stock barrel. Roll with that for 6 months or so to see if you think you will stick with it. During that time, talk to people at the field and try to test-fire or borrow a few different guns to see what you might be interested in picking up in the future.

I wouldn't worry about doing upgrades (other than the barrel and possibly a regulator) to your first gun. Some people go nuts putting 300 worth of upgrades on a $50 gun only to find out they really didn't make it shoot much better and will be lucky to recoup half the cost when they try to sell it.

[Stevanj1993]

the angels are about a minimum of 500$

[Chachi]

Originally Posted by Stevanj1993

the angels are about a minimum of 500$

There's actually a 2k or 2k1 Angel Fly on eBay right now with a buy it not price of $175

that being said, you shouldn't rush into buying a gun before you play your first game.

[brycelarson]

1. get a mask
2. borrow or rent for a few months (or the rest of the summer)
3. if you love the sport - then buy something that's good enough to be a good introduction to the game - but be sure to save enough to play regularly. You're going to need to have cash to buy paint and air - as well as pay for field fees. It doesn't matter if you have a great gun - if you can't play.

[Mayvik]

Originally Posted by brycelarson

It doesn't matter if you have a great gun - if you can't play.

Or (if you hang out on the MCB B/S/T a bit) if you've got 30 great guns and can't afford to play!

One more thing...if you're not buying a new gun, either make sure you get the manual or find an electronic copy online. It's amazing how many people screw up their guns by doing improper maintenance (i.e. wrong lube, bashing it to get it apart, etc) due to not reading the manual.

[funsi00]

Buy a good mask and pod pack. rent for the summer, if you go to different fields. Might be a possibility of trying different types of markers. Or borrow from your friend's and relatives also. Then make a decision on your marker choice.

[C_losjoker]

I also highly recommend not buying equipment until you have played a few times and are sure you like it and want to continue to play. You -will- lose money if you decide to quit after playing twice and realize your $300 gun is now worth $150 because it's used. Paintball is super amazing fun, but it's also a huge money sink.[/quote]

I totally agree with this, go and play couple of times with rented or borrowed equipment. Just make sure its something you like and see yourself doing for a long time even if your friends are not into it. I have met some guys out there, spend their money on paintball set up, anywhere from 250-450, play once and find out it hurts to much for them.

Also the other thing to consider is if you want mechanical or electronic. with mech you will be spending less money up front and in the long run. Electro, you will be paying more upfront, but also still will be paying more in the long run for batteries, better hopper(more batteries) and if you are triggger happy like alot of ppl with electros. lots of more money for paint each time you go out.

Like a few said, rent or borrow. Unless you come across a really great deal. I would say start with a mech gun, tippman, autocker, automag(my new fav), and spider. If you do end up liking the sport and want to upgrade later to an electro, you have a solid mech as your back up down the road.
Joker

[Listessa]

I'm with the group in favor of renting or borrowing stuff a bit before committing with money down. It's worth it to try on a few masks, find one that fits you well, and go from there.

Opinions (particularly on paintball forums) are like *******s, everyone has one and they can all stink.

Finding something right for you is about getting to physically hold/test/shoot/play with stuff and experience it. There's no point in shelling out a ton of hard earned cash only to end up selling the gear off at a loss in a few months if it turns out you hate it. If you're nice to other players at the fields many of them will let you at least hold and test shoot their guns around the chrony.

Go, mess around, follow the safety rules, and have a good time with your friends.