• Aspects to Consider When Buying a Paintball Marker

    Ego08Buying a new paintball gun is an important investment. It is the main tool you use during paintball to both defend yourself and eliminate opponents. With this in mind, you want to get one that does what you need it to do and compliments your play style.

    With hundreds of markers on the market, choosing the gun that will work best for you can get overwhelming. There are countless brands, models, and features to choose from. With this in mind, AC Paintball has devised this guide to help you think about various aspects you will want to consider when purchasing a gun.

    Where to Buy From?

    The first aspect you will want to consider is where to buy from. The last thing you want to do is get excited about a deal that is too good to be true and receive a marker that is not as good as you thought. A good way to avoid this buying from a sporting goods site you can trust. If you choose to look at markers on Amazon, Ebay, etc., be sure to carefully read through the reviews and use your best judgment.

    Overall, be sure to do research before deciding on a place to purchase your marker. If you need advice, talk to an experienced player or AC Paintball’s staff.

    Level of Commitment

    Another aspect you will want to consider is your level of commitment. If you plan on playing multiple times a week, you may want to invest in a better, more durable gun that will last you a long time. On the other hand, if you only play a few times a month, you may choose to use the rentals from AC Paintball instead. You will also want to consider becoming an AC Paintball member so you can save on paintball case purchases.

    Price

    A marker is not the only piece of equipment you will have to buy. You may also want to buy a mask, tanks, belt pods, add-ons, or padding. With this in mind, you will want to plan a budget. The marker should make up the majority of your budget, but you should leave some space to work with.

    USMC-06477The other aspects on this list should also help determine your budget. For instance, if you are a serious player, you may be willing to spend a bit more. Be sure to compare all the other aspects to determine if it is worth it to buy your own marker or if you should just rent your equipment from AC Paintball.

    Quality

    Most of the time, if you want a good price, you have to sacrifice quality. Quality is not something you want to sacrifice. If you get stuck in an AC Paintball game with a malfunctioning gun, you won’t last much longer in the game. You will want a durable marker that you can depend on. One popular brand experienced players prefer is Tippman.

    What Facility You Play At

    Different facilities you may play at in southern New Jersey have different rules and regulations. You will want to check on their website or with their staff before buying your own gun. For instance, AC Paintball’s rule is that the marker cannot fire above 280 paintballs per second and cannot be fully automatic. This rule is in place for our player’s safety. One of our primary goals is to provide and safe and friendly place to play paintball.

    What Games You Like to Play

    The types of games you like to play at AC Paintball can also affect the type of gun you should use. For Woodsball you may want a marker that shoots longer distances accurately. Speedball requires a marker that can fire multiple shots quickly and accurately. If you decide to play a specific scenario game, you may want to pay closer attention to the aesthetics of your gun. Overall, you should think about your environment and what marker will help you succeed.

    Position

    Finally, you will want to think about what position you would like to play. You can be more successful if you think about what you need to accomplish in your position and what marker feature will help you reach your goals. For instance, a sniper may want a gun that can shoot long range. A frontman or runner will want a marker that is not too heavy. You can learn more about choosing the right equipment for your position with this AC Paintball blog: https://acpaintball.com/2016/07/18/paintball-equipment-guide-for-each-position/.

    With the right marker, you can be more successful and help lead your team to victory.

  • Tippmann Custom 98 Marker vs. Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker

     

    98customtippmann valken_paintball_gun1

    One of the biggest choices you have to make after deciding to play paintball is what type of gun you want to use. AC Paintball in Southern New Jersey offers two types of guns for rent: the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker. Both are great guns for beginners, but how do you choose which one is right for you?

    Size and Weight

    If you are planning on playing for a long time, it is better to choose a smaller and lighter marker so you can keep up your drive and momentum throughout the entire period of play. If you choose a heavier model, your arms will likely become tired faster, causing you to sacrifice your accuracy. Although the Tippmann Custom 98 and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 are both a decent size and weight, the Valken V-Tac SW-1 is a bit lighter and shorter making it more manageable for long periods of play.

    Aesthetics

    Some players care about the appearance of their gun while others only care about power and accuracy. The Tippmann Custom 98 Marker has a unique design that differs from the average paint gun. It is longer than the average model and has a sleeker design. The Valken V-Tac SW-1 has a more traditional look than the Tippmann model. It is shorter and has a rugged look.

    Durability

    When you are playing in Southern New Jersey, the weather is constantly changing. It can be hot and humid, cool and rainy or even cold and snowy. Varying weather conditions call for a durable gun that won’t malfunction easily. The Valken V-Tac SW-1 is a fairly sturdy gun with a corrosion-resistant aluminum and polymer construction, but the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker has a reputation for unparalleled durability. Some players claim that you could run over it with a car and it would still function properly. It is made of high-quality metal and can withstand extreme conditions. If you consider yourself a rather reckless paintball player, the Tippmann Marker may be the best choice for you.

    Shooting

    Shooting is probably the most important aspect of a marker. Different players use different techniques and if you want to be successful, it is good to find a gun that works well with your technique. As for the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker and the Valken V-Tac SW-1, they are very similar. Both are semi-automatic, have an effective range of 150+ feet, run on CO2 or compressed air, can shoot up to 8 balls per second and have little to no problems with chopped paint or jams.

    The two models do have slight differences, however. Some say the Valken model is a bit stiff and tight while shooting while the Tippmann is looser, but has more of a recoil which can affect the aim when firing consecutive shots. If you are the type of person who likes to fire rapidly, the Valken V-Tac SW-1 may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, the careful player who likes the conserve their paintballs and takes their time to aim may prefer the Tippmann Custom 98.

    Reputation

    While both Tippmann and Valken make some quality gear, Tippmann has a better reputation in the marker department. Tippmann Custom 98 markers have been in use since 1998 and are legendary for their durability. Many paintball facilities across New Jersey, including AC Paintball, offer the Tippmann Custom 98 Marker for rental because it is an easy-to-use quality gun for beginners as well as a popular choice for seasoned players.

    Field

    The AC Paintball field you decide to play on may also affect your gun choice. If you plan on playing the Hyperball Field or the Red Dawn Woods Field, you may want the Valken V-Tac SW-1 because it can shoot rapid shots with more precision. If you decide to play more strategy-based fields such as the Speedball Tournament Field, the Black Ops Pentagon Woods Field or the Blue Thunder Woods Field, you may want the Tippmann Custom 98 because it is durable for tougher games and terrains.

    Whether you choose the Tippmann Custom 98 or the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker, you are sure to have a fun time playing at AC Paintball. Both choices are quality guns that are sure to set your friends and family ablaze in colorful hues. For more information and opinions visit AC Paintball in Southern New Jersey.