Beginner paintball help needed

[RebellioN]

Okay, so I've recently been interested in paintball after playing it a bit, and I'm interested in getting some gear instead of renting.

I'm really not looking to spend more than $200 on the mask and the marker. My friends recommend the Tippmann 98 custom. Any thoughts on this? Also, what would you recommend for a new barrel? I've been told that a lot of markers come with a barrel that could probably be replaced by something better.


Reps for help.

[mmattax]

I have been playing in paintball tournements for 4 years now and know a lot about paintball so PM me if you need more info.

A tippmann 98 / A5 are great begginer to amatuer guns: very reliable, easy to fix, and easy to upgrade.

the 98 was my first gun.

I'd go with a 98 custom, it allows more upgrades then the regular 98 (such as the RT and LP kits). Trust me once you get into playing, your going to start tweaking and upgrading your marker.

JT makes good masks, however I think it would be worthwhile to spend some a tad more and buy a DYE invision. Invisions are great masks, small, and never fog up.

Usually the first upgrade will be a new barrel. you can spend anywhere from 50 - 200 dollars on a barrel, for a cheaper yet nice barrel i'd look at the j&j cermaic or 2 peice. They are made of cermaic so when you break a ball in the barrel the barrel will clean itself after a few shots.

Your also going to need a hopper and CO2 / N2

Since your a begginner I would get a 20oz CO2, and the gun should come with a basic hopper. you can purchase a 9v or 12v hopper that will feed balls faster, but this is only needed if you upgrade your gun to shoot faster, such at an RT kit.

N2 is used in tournment applications as it is far more consistant with the markers and does not need to turn into a gas to be used (compressed CO2 is a liquid in the tanks)

Hope this helps, let me know if you need anymore advice.

[achievasc92]

I would buy a Spyder. Cheap, easy to clean/field strip, and upgrades and repair parts are easy to find and real cheap.
The J&J ceramic barrel is a real good deal, I was happy with mine.

[mmattax]

I would buy a Spyder. Cheap, easy to clean/field strip, and upgrades and repair parts are easy to find and real cheap.
The J&J ceramic barrel is a real good deal, I was happy with mine.

Spyders are ok, but they are cheaper and less durable then a Tippmann. A Tippmann is way easier to disasemble and take care of then a spyder.

[achievasc92]

Spyders are ok, but they are cheaper and less durable then a Tippmann. A Tippmann is way easier to disasemble and take care of then a spyder.

It's all down to personal preference I think. I never liked The feel of tippmans when I held them