• The Parts of Your Paintball Marker

    When it comes to any sport, the quality of your equipment and your ability to use it can contribute to your success during your game. This is very true when it comes to your paintball marker. 

    There are many different models of paintball markers and many customizations you can add. With this in mind, it is good to know the basics of the different parts and the choices you have. This way you can customize your marker to complement your skills and help you be more successful during your AC Paintball game. To help you do so, AC Paintball has compiled this guide to paintball guns and their parts.  

    The Body

    The body of your marker is pretty much a frame for all of the other components and helps hold everything together. It also makes up most of the aesthetic aspects of your gun. This is an aspect you will want to pay attention to when choosing a marker for your AC Paintball game. Bright colors look cool, but they also stand out more if you are trying to hide. Therefore, if stealth is one of your main goals, you may want to opt for a camouflaged marker or at least a dark color. 

    The Hopper

    The hopper holds the paintballs. When it comes to paintball guns, there are three types of markers, force-feed, gravity-feed, and agitating loaders. If you want a high firing speed, force-feel or agitating loaders might be what you are looking for. However, it is worth noting that these types are also more prone to battery failure and moisture damage. The gravity-feed hoppers, on the other hand, are more durable, but also may experience more ball breaks which can jam the barrel. 

    The Tank

    The tank is what propels the paintball out of the barrel when you pull the trigger. There are two types of tanks, CO2 and compressed air. Sometimes you have a choice between the two and other times you have to use a specific one if you don’t want to risk damaging your gun. Most paintball players choose CO2 because it is cheaper. However, compressed air tanks have a more consistent firing power than CO2 tanks. This means that you can be more precise and get better velocity when firing. 

    The Barrel

    The barrel guides your paintball out of the gun after you pull the trigger. The barrel can affect how far the paintball flies, how accurately it flies, how fast it flies, and the loudness of your marker. For instance, longer barrels help make your shot more accurate and are quieter for players who are trying to be stealthy. On the other hand, shorter barrels can fire more rapidly and are typically a better choice for close combat. Be sure to keep these aspects in mind when choosing what marker to use for your next AC Paintball game. 

    Bolt, Sear, and Hammer

    The bolt, sear, and hammer work together to fire the paintball when you pull the trigger. The bolt controls the paintballs falling into the barrel. The hammer controls the release of the CO2 or compressed air in the tank. The sear is the part of the trigger that holds everything back until you pull it to command the gun to fire. 

    To cock the gun before firing, you have to pull the bolt back towards the hammer. Then you have to push the two forward together. When you pull the trigger, everything will move in tandem to help propel the paintball out of the barrel. 

    Barrel Cover

    Last, but not least there are barrel covers. Barrel covers protect the barrel and keep it from firing when you don’t want it to. You should always have the cover on when your marker is not in use. This way you can help ensure the safety of other AC Paintball guests. 

    Questions? Contact AC Paintball

    If you have any questions or would like to schedule an AC Paintball game, you can contact us here: https://acpaintball.com/schedule-paintball-game/. You can also call us at 609-561-3883. We look forward to seeing you at our facility near Atlantic City, New Jersey!

  • Renting vs. Buying Your Paintball Equipment

    The equipment you choose in paintball can make a big difference in how well you play the game. Different equipment models work better for different games and for different players. There are many choices out there when it comes to equipment, but one of the first decisions you need to make is how you are going to get your equipment. Do you want to rent your equipment or buy your own equipment?

    AC Paintball’s Equipment

    AC Paintball in southern New Jersey offers all of the paintball equipment you need for rent. We offer two different markers. This includes the Tippman Custom 98 Marker and the Valken V-Tac SW-1 Marker. You can rent either of these guns for $10. We also offer goggles, tanks, and pod belts. You can view them here: https://acpaintball.com/paintball-rental-equipment/.

    Knowing What You Want

    To help you decide if you want to rent or buy, you should first figure out what you want. If you don’t know what you want, you can narrow down your choices by simply renting one of AC Paintball’s rentals. This will allow you to get a feel for a marker and determine what you do want in a gun. If you like AC Paintball’s rental guns and eventually want to get one for yourself, you can get the same or a similar model.

    If you do know exactly what you want and are looking for specific features, you can make your decision based on if AC Paintball’s guns offer what you are looking for. If they do have features you are looking for, it may be easier to rent your marker. If it does not, you can look into buying the marker that is right for you.  You can learn more about AC Paintball’s marker models here: https://acpaintball.com/2016/04/28/tippmann-custom-marker-vs-valken-marker/.

    How Often You Play

    Another aspect that can help you determine whether you rather buy a marker or rent from AC Paintball is how often you plan on playing. If you only play at AC Paintball a few times per year, it is more cost effective to rent your equipment. However, if you play often, buying your own gun may provide more benefits. If you want to make the most cost-effective choice, research the equipment you want and compare the price to how often you play at AC Paintball.

    If you do play at AC Paintball often and are looking for even more savings, consider joining our AC Paintball Club. Members enjoy discounts on paintball cases as well as 10% off of field admissions (not applicable with qualified group discounts).

    Moving and Storing Your Equipment

    You will also need to consider what it will take to move the equipment around and store it. If you have a lot of your own equipment, it can take up a lot of space. Do you have room at home where you can keep your paintball organized or will you have to rent a storage unit and pick it up before your AC Paintball trips? If you choose to buy your own equipment, this is something you will want to plan for.

    Meanwhile, if you rent from AC Paintball, the equipment is already there and ready for you. You just have to focus on wearing the right clothing and maybe bringing some snacks, a towel, and sunscreen.

    Making a Decision

    If you have considered all of the topics above and still can’t make a decision, AC Paintball is here to help. Overall, if you are new to the game and don’t know how often you will play or what kind of gun you want, you are best off renting for now. Once you figure out what your needs are, it will be easier to make a decision.

    On the other hand, if you do decide to buy your own marker, make sure you can use it at the facility where you plan on playing. If you plan on playing at AC Paintball the limit is 280fps and the marker cannot be fully automatic. If you have any questions, please search AC Paintball’s website or ask a member of our staff.