Welcome to the Paintball Ruined My Life guide to the best paintball guns for every player type! If you are a player that has been in the game since the 80s or you a newbie to the exciting game of paintball, finding the perfect gun can make a significantly difference to your game. From mechanical markers that offer simplicity and reliability to magazine-fed guns that bring a realistic military feel, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get strapped up for fun!
Beginner gun for more people
Tournament paintball gun
Mag-fed paintball gun
Mechanical paintball gun
Other great paintball guns
Best beginner guns
Planet Eclipse introduced the revolutionary GammaCore bolt system in the Gtek, and it has been a tremendous success, contributing to the Emek’s excellence as a great gun.
Trigger Type: Mechanical Barrel Type: Single Piece Barrel Length:10in Battery: None Weight: 878 (g) Operating Pressure: 135 PSI
The Emek from Planet Eclipse has taken the paintball community by storm, and has been the top selling gun for the past 6 years. And it’s easy to see why! Priced under $300, the Emek offers very good value.
With its GammaCore bolt system, the same bolt system that is found in Eclipse’s higher-end guns the 180R and CS3. The Emek operates smoothly at just 135 PSI, this translates to quiet shots, little recoil, and the ability to handle all types of paintballs.
Not only does the GammaCore ensure top notch performance, but it also makes the Emek one of the most reliable paintball guns on the market. Trusted by paintball fields globally as their go to rental gun, it proves its durability against the tough conditionals rental players put gear through.
Whether you’re a seasoned players, like myself, or a beginner looking for the best deal, the Emek delivers unbeatable performance, durability, and affordability. It’s a true game-changer in the paintball world.
Tippmann has been a trusted name for decades, renowned for crafting top-notch and dependable paintball guns. The Stormer continues this legacy.
Trigger Type: Mechanical Barrel Type: Single Piece Barrel Length:10in Battery: None Weight: 1729 (g) Operating Pressure: 750 PSI
Tippmann are globally known for making the toughest and most reliable paintball guns, and the Stormer proudly carries on that reputation. Made from a lightweight yet sturdy composite material, the Stormer delivers the same trustworthy performance as other Tippmann models but with a more agile feel.
One of the most popular features of the Stormer is its top picatinny rail, offering plenty of space for various attachments. Whether you’re looking to look more tactical, or and a scope, the Stormer has got you covered. Additionally, there’s a range of stock and barrel upgrades available, allowing you to tailor your setup to your liking.
With the Stormer, Tippmann maintains its reliability and durability while incorporating modern features and the freedom to personalize your paintball gun. It strikes the perfect balance of toughness, versatility, and adaptability for players seeking top notch performance on the field.
Best tournament level paintball guns
The CS3, Planet Eclipse’s top-tier flagship, boasts all the high-end features the brand offers. With the addition of the new OP core, Planet Eclipse has crafted the ultimate high-end gun of 2023.
Meet the Planet Eclipse CS3, the top-tier choice of paintball guns. Yes, it comes with a price tag of nearly $1,800.
The CS3 has the highest-end version of the GammaCore bolt system: The OP Core Drivetrain. the OP Core ensures top-notch reliability and efficiency, with consistent performance every time you pull the trigger.
Maintenance is a breeze thanks to the sealed console, and the customizable trigger lets you dial in your style. With the S63 barrel system and Bluetooth connectivity for custom settings, the CS3 is a game-changer. Grab your CS3 today and experience the next level of paintball excellence!
The Shocker paintball guns have been a top choice for the past two decades, and the latest model, ERA, is no exception. Featuring the renowned Freak XL barrel, it stands out as one of the lightest guns while being available at half the price of other high-end guns. Check it out!
Trigger Type: Electronic Barrel Type: 3 Piece Freak XL V2 Insert Barrel Length:15 Battery: Single 9v Weight: 815 (g) Operating Pressure: 110 PSI
The Shocker ERA brings several welcomed changed compared to its predecessor, the Shocker AMP.
These include a larger fore-grip and updated air transfer pipes.
The bolt design remains similar but with a few slight changes, featuring higher flow and an adjustable o-ring for improved cold weather performance. The bolt Twist-Lock design allows for easy, tool-less removal, simplifying maintenance. Operating at an impressively low pressure of 110psi, the ERA can handle delicate paintballs without breaking in the breech.
Whether you prefer electronic or mechanical, the ERA offers an optional mechanical frame that can be quickly changed with just one screw, aided by the higher flow bolt for mechanical operation.
Best mechanical paintball guns
Planet Eclipse hit a home run with the Emek, and now they’ve taken it up a notch with the Etha 3M – an upgraded version of the Emek. Sporting an on/off ASA, two-piece barrel, aluminum feedneck, and an adjustable trigger, it’s a solid choice for paintball enthusiasts.
Trigger Type: Mechanical Barrel Type: 2 Piece Shaft Barrel Length:14.5in Battery: None Weight: 905 (g) Operating Pressure: 135 PSI
Introducing the Etha 3m – the paintball gun we’ve all been waiting for! It’s an upgraded version of the Emek, boasting the same reliable GammaCore bolt system but with added enhancements.
Equipped with sought-after upgrades like a POPS on/off ASA for easy air tank removal, a quick-release bolt for hassle-free maintenance, an aluminum feed-neck for durability, a two-piece barrel for improved accuracy, and an adjustable trigger for a customized shooting experience, the Etha 3m offers incredible value. If purchased separately, these upgrades would cost over $300, but you can have them all in the Etha 3m for just $110 more than the Emek. It’s a fantastic deal that delivers top-notch performance without breaking the bank!
Best magazine fed paintball guns
The EMF100 stands out as the top choice for a magazine-fed paintball gun. It utilizes the Planet Eclipse Gamma Core bolt, the same system found in the Etha 3M, and is compatible with the Dye DAM Magazine.
Trigger Type: Mechanical Barrel Type: 2 Piece Shaft Barrel Length:14.5in Battery: None Weight: 1559 (g) Operating Pressure: 135 PSI
The Planet Eclipse EMF100 is a versatile paintball gun that can work with either a traditional hopper or magazines. Thanks to its Gamma Core drivetrain, you’ll enjoy precise and quiet shots perfect for tactical gameplay. Operating at a low pressure of 135 PSI, it delivers excellent performance that is comparable to high-end tournament guns.
It’s equipped with Picatinny rails on the barrel shroud and body’s top, offering the freedom to attach accessories like scopes or flashlights. Planet Eclipse all offer that additional PWR Stock, that accomidates a 13 CI compressed air tank, making for a clean and minimal setup.
Other great paintball guns
The top choice for a paintball sidearm is the Tippmann TiPX. With a limited selection of pistols in paintball, the TiPX has taken the lead since its release. It operates with 12-gram CO2 cartridges, accommodates various magazine lengths, and offers exciting upgrade options.
Trigger Type: Mechanical Barrel Type: 1 Piece Barrel Length:6.25in Battery: None Weight: 884 (g) Operating Pressure: 650 PSI
The Tippmann TiPX is a compact yet potent paintball pistol designed for ease of use and mobility on the field, making it the perfect sidearm for your mag-fed setup.
The standard TiPX includes 8-round magazines and operates on 12-gram CO2 cartridges. For added flexibility, you have the option to use larger magazines and incorporate the Remote Line Kit Adapter to utilize a larger compressed air tank.
The Mini GS stands out as one of the smallest and most cost-effective choices in paintball. Its compact size makes it ideal for kids. It delivers fantastic shots, features a great two-piece barrel, on/off ASA, and a superb magnetic trigger.
Trigger Type: Electronic Barrel Type: 2 Piece Driver Barrel Length:14in Battery: 1x 9v Weight: 883 (g) Operating Pressure: 180 PSI
The Mini GS has built a solid reputation as one of the best mid-range paintball guns priced under $400. It’s perfect for players wanting to upgrade without breaking the bank.
Designed with speedball in mind, but not limited to it, the Mini GS is versatile across all game types. It has useful features like an easy to use on/off ASA, a rubberized fore-grip, and a two-piece barrel. With its lightweight design, minimal kick, and multiple firing modes, it’s a top choice.
The Empire Mini GS offers stellar value for its price and has been one of the most popular models since its release. If you’re on the lookout for a reliable and affordable paintball gun, this one is definitely worth considering.
Trigger Type: Electronic Barrel Type: 2 Piece UL-S Barrel Length:14in Battery: 1x 9v Weight: 920 (g) Operating Pressure: 105 PSI
The Dye DSR+ is a high-end paintball gun designed to rival competitors like the Shocker ERA and Planet Eclipse 180R. Priced at $1000, it boasts advanced features that enhance your gameplay.
In terms of looks and feel, the DSR+ closely mirrors its predecessor, the original DSR, retaining the same trigger frame and fore-grip. However, it comes with notable improvements. The Edge2 trigger, though it may look a bit unconventional, performs exceptionally well. The ARC+ bolt ensures a smooth and remarkably quiet shot, and the new Solenoid Flow Restrictor (SFR) allows you to customize air usage according to your preference.
Overall, the DSR+ surpasses the original DSR, providing reduced kick and a quieter shot. If you’re in the market for a high-end paintball gun, the Dye DSR+ stands out as an excellent choice that won’t let you down.
