Paintball tanks come in various sizes, and the options can seem overwhelming.
When you’re thinking about buying a compressed air tank, there are two essential questions to consider: “How many shots do I need?” and “What size do I prefer?”
If you’ve played paintball before, you might have a good idea of how many shots you’ll take during a game.
However, new players typically use around 250 shots per match. At most paintball fields, players engage in 2 or 3 games before taking breaks. Keep in mind that this can vary widely; some players are more conservative with their shots, while others are quick on the trigger. For most new players, it’s a good idea to look for a tank that can provide about 600 shots to last you through a series of matches.
Tanks that I’ve used and like
- HK Army Aluminum 48/3000: The HK Army 48/3000 is an affordable aluminum HPA tank, its a great first tank or for someone on a budget.
- Ninja Lite Carbon Fiber 68/4500: The Ninja Lite is an affordable carbon fiber tank, its come with the great Ninja regulator and is made in the USA.
- HK Army Alpha Carbon Fiber 68/4500: The HK Army Alpha tanks are some on the lightest in the game, the come in a few size but the 68 in the most popular.
There is a quick rule that can tell you how many shots you can get from a tank, simply multiply the volume by 12 for 3000 PSI tanks or 17 for 4500 PSI tanks. For example a 48 CI / 3000 PSI (48/3000) would be 576 shots.
Once you’ve figured out the smallest tank volume you need, it’s time to consider the various tank sizes. There are multiple sizes for compressed air tanks, ranging from 13 cubic inches to 90 cubic inches, each designed for specific purposes. I’ll use myself as an example. I don’t shoot a lot; maybe I take about 700 shots in a session, so I could use almost any tank size. I could opt for a 45/4500 tank, which is very compact and lightweight, but for me, it’s a bit too small. It’s just too tiny and makes the marker feel too short. Therefore, I prefer the longer feel of the 68 cubic inch or even the 77 cubic inch tanks.
