New to the world of paintball and not sure where to begin? If you’re a parent seeking the best gear to get your child started, you’re in the right place! Join me, and lets explore the top beginner paintball guns that are perfect for young players.

First a quick brief on types of paintball guns

Low Impact: Low impact paintball guns are just that, paintball guns that have about half the impact compared to a traditional paintball gun. Low impact guns shoot the smaller .50 caliber paintball, compared to the traditional .68 caliber.

Mechanical: Mechanical paintball guns, are guns that do not is a type of paintball gun that operates purely through mechanical means, without the use of electronic components. They are and have been popular since paintball started.

Electronic: Electronic paintball guns, are a type of paintball gun that uses electronic circuitry to control the firing mechanism. They also have more advanced features.

Best low impact paintball guns
Best mechanical paintball gun
Best electronic paintball guns

Best low impact paintball guns for kids


The SplatMaster line is designed to introduce younger kids to paintball gently, minimizing intensity and pain. These guns are basic, spring-activated, without fancy electronics. They shoot slower and use smaller .50 caliber paintballs, perfect for kids under 11 or 10.


Trigger Type: Mechanical Barrel Type: Single Piece Barrel Length:8in Battery: None Weight: 1160 (g)

The SplatMaster line is crafted with the aim of easing younger kids into paintball with less intensity and pain. These guns are simple, spring-activated, without any fancy electronics. They shoot slower and use the smaller .50 caliber paintball, making them more kid-friendly, ideal for those under 11 or 10.

With the Z18 rifle, you’ll receive the gun itself, a barrel, safety plug, cleaning rod, and a handy target. The target’s coated for easy wipe-off, ensuring durability. You also get a handful of 50 Cal paintballs, expandable if needed, along with an instruction manual.

Operating the gun is straightforward. It features safety, grip, trigger, pump system, and feeding mechanism.

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

Equipped with a built-in lithium-ion battery and ultra-fast USBC charging, Surge ensures hours of uninterrupted gameplay, perfect for keeping kids entertained for hours on end. Its high-performance, precision-engineered gears and durable internals allow kids to push the limits without hesitation, promoting creativity and strategic thinking.

With over 800 gellets in its chamber, Surge enables rapid-fire action that can reach beyond 100 feet, providing an exciting outdoor activity that encourages kids to get moving and explore their surroundings. Reloading is a breeze, and making gellets is as simple as adding water, offering an educational aspect to the fun.

Cleanup is a thing of the past; gellets evaporate without a trace, making it parent-approved for mess-free play. Plus, Surge allows for customization with different colors and accessories, fostering imagination and personal expression.

Best mechanical paintball guns for kids


Planet Eclipse EMEK

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 by Planet Eclipse has taken the paintball world by storm. Priced affordably at under $300, the Emek offers exceptional value while boasting a design that’s perfect for kids.

Equipped with the renowned GammaCore bolt system, also found in the 180R and CS3 models, the Emek operates smoothly at a mere 135 PSI. This results in quiet firing, minimal recoil, and a gentle touch that’s ideal for handling delicate paintballs with ease.

Beyond its impressive performance, the GammaCore technology ensures the Emek stands as one of the most dependable paintball guns on the market. Trusted by paintball fields worldwide as their preferred rental option, it demonstrates unwavering durability, even in the hands of novice players.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran seeking a reliable backup or a newcomer searching for the ultimate bargain, the Emek delivers unmatched performance, resilience, and accessibility. It’s a true game-changer, especially with its simple design that makes it a hit with younger players.

Tippmann Stormer

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’s reputation as a leader in making durable and dependable paintball guns shines with the Stormer. The Stormer upholds Tippmann’s legacy with its resilient construction, blending lightweight materials with unwavering strength for a nimble yet robust performance.

The Stormer is perfect for newcomers to paintball, but it’s especially well-suited for kids. With its adjustable foregrip, the Stormer allows you to customize the gun’s length to fit anyone comfortably.

The Stormer is its top picatinny rail, providing ample room for a variety of accessories. Whether you’re aiming to boost accuracy with a scope or illuminate dim environments with a flashlight, the Stormer stands ready to accommodate. Moreover, a selection of stock and barrel upgrades are at your disposal, enabling you to customize your setup to perfection.

With the Stormer, Tippmann stays true to its heritage of reliability and toughness while integrating modern amenities and the flexibility to personalize your paintball experience. It strikes an ideal harmony between ruggedness, versatility, and customization, catering to players who demand nothing but excellence on the battlefield.

Best electronic paintball guns for kids


The Mini has been a long-standing favorite in paintball for many years. The newest Mini GS model will continue the tradition of the Mini GS.


Trigger Type: Mechanical Barrel Type: Two-Piece Barrel Length:14in Battery: 1x 9v Weight: 883 (g) Operating Pressure: 200 PSI

First off, its compact size sets it apart in the world of paintball guns, weighing in at just 1.95 pounds. That’s about 20% lighter than other electronic markers, making it an excellent fit for younger players and those with a smaller build.

But don’t let its small stature fool you—this gun packs a punch in reliability. With its inline-poppet design, it requires minimal o-rings, making repairs a breeze and spare parts budget-friendly.

Performance-wise, the Mini GS doesn’t disappoint. Its low-pressure operation delivers top-notch performance akin to higher-end markers, boasting minimal kick, quiet operation, and a gentle touch on paintballs—perfect for players who prefer a tournament-style experience. Plus, it comes equipped with an upgraded two-piece barrel for pinpoint accuracy.

And let’s talk about bang for your buck. While other markers like the Planet Eclipse Etha 3 or Empire Axe 2.0 may be tempting, they come with a higher price tag and simply can’t match the affordability of the Mini GS. So if you’re looking for a reliable, high-performing marker that won’t break the bank, the Empire Mini GS has got you covered.

Author

Yo! My name is Brad Johnson, I'm the author/creator/owner/janitor of Paintball Ruined My Life. I worked in the paintball industry for over 16 years, before starting this website and my YouTube channel.