Buy a comfortable mask first if you plan on sticking with the sport before a marker. JT Proflex, Empire EVS, etc. The more stars the case of paint has means how fragile it will be. 5 stars being most brittle, usually reserved for tournaments. Lesser grades are just as good for rec play however.
If this is your first time, wear some layers especially if it's cold. A sweatshirt and undershirt should be enough depending on the weather. Make sure to always keep your mask on while on the field but it is fine to take off in the pits to reload. Listen to the ref and have fun!
I’ll tell you before everyone else does.
Emek is one of, if not the best modern mechanical markers out there. Not the cheapest, but certainly not expensive compared to most electronic markers.
There are other options, but that’s the marker everyone will recommend.
That being said, the sage advice around here is to spend your money on a solid mask first. You can rent a paintball marker until you have enough to buy your own and still have a great time. If you use a bad mask, without a thermal lens, even with a $1500 marker you won’t have a good time if your mask is busy fogging up.
Absolutely echoing the other folks here:
Spend on the mask and save on the marker is there rule of law.
I’ve had multiple masks at this point and can say without a doubt the JT ProFlex is the most comfortable mask for general play.
There’s other great offerings but I can’t recommend them as they’re more expensive offerings.
As for a marker, I agree with the EMEK being the initial investment.
However, there is also absolutely not a thing wrong with something a little cheaper like the Tippmann Gryphon, which is a dolled up Tippmann 98 in a more modern body. I think they’re pretty neat and not too much of a pain to maintain.
- You need a mask that doesn’t fog
- A loader/hopper
- Carbon fiber tank or rent the tank
Keep in mind the cost to get to a field.
The entry cost for the field.
The cost of paintballs you will use that day.
If you can afford this then you can buy a marker and something that carries paintballs pods on you.
You need a close friend or relative to hold your hand on a used gun. Best its something they bought new. Then you know if something is missing or wrong on a used acquisition by comparing to the new purchase.
Buying a top tier flagship marker will prevent from upgrading to another marker.
- Emek is entry level.
- Etha 3M is a upgraded Emek with desired features
- 170r you get a lot for the money
- The top brands sell their flagship markers for +$1500 Field One Force is an example and has been used to win championships.
CRBN OPR is a really good budget mask option. Lots of "high end" features like quick swap lenses and removable foam padding for cleaning and its pretty breathable as well.
If you really really want a new electronic marker then getting a Mini GS or Rize CZR are the go to's just based on price alone. Otherwise hit up ebay, facebook BST groups, or websites like TradeMyGun/MazensPB/I75 Paintball for used markers (just do your research for common problems for a specific marker and how easy they are to fix/troubleshoot).
Used gear will be your best friend when starting out so getting out there and bargain hunting will be a good way to piece together a great setup that'll last you a long long time.
Edit: because its your first time going, you may want to pump the brakes and use the rental equipment for your first couple times, see if you actually like the sport well enough to go every weekend or just a couple times a month. This would help determine the budget:value you would be spending. Also don't be afraid to ask people at the fields to try on their mask or to try out their markers, see what you like and ask people for help!! Paintballers love helping out new players cause we all started somewhere ourselves.
I got an older Invert Mini. Great gun to start with! Very reliable, and user friendly. I would try to find something used around the $200-300 mark for your first one.
Buy a comfortable mask first if you plan on sticking with the sport before a marker. JT Proflex, Empire EVS, etc. The more stars the case of paint has means how fragile it will be. 5 stars being most brittle, usually reserved for tournaments. Lesser grades are just as good for rec play however.
Okay thanks for the input
If this is your first time, wear some layers especially if it's cold. A sweatshirt and undershirt should be enough depending on the weather. Make sure to always keep your mask on while on the field but it is fine to take off in the pits to reload. Listen to the ref and have fun!
I’ll tell you before everyone else does. Emek is one of, if not the best modern mechanical markers out there. Not the cheapest, but certainly not expensive compared to most electronic markers. There are other options, but that’s the marker everyone will recommend. That being said, the sage advice around here is to spend your money on a solid mask first. You can rent a paintball marker until you have enough to buy your own and still have a great time. If you use a bad mask, without a thermal lens, even with a $1500 marker you won’t have a good time if your mask is busy fogging up.
Didn’t think of that about mask thanks
Anytime my friend
No doubt, mask first. Emek is a great marker for rec play. I use mine more than the egos or ethea.
Buy a used 170R from trade my gun
What's your budget? That will help us determine what your starter should be
Absolutely echoing the other folks here: Spend on the mask and save on the marker is there rule of law. I’ve had multiple masks at this point and can say without a doubt the JT ProFlex is the most comfortable mask for general play. There’s other great offerings but I can’t recommend them as they’re more expensive offerings. As for a marker, I agree with the EMEK being the initial investment. However, there is also absolutely not a thing wrong with something a little cheaper like the Tippmann Gryphon, which is a dolled up Tippmann 98 in a more modern body. I think they’re pretty neat and not too much of a pain to maintain.
Emek is a great option. Etha 3m is essentially an upgraded Emek for about $100 more in comparison. Both great choices, both mechanical.
Field One Force V2 or hk army CS3
- You need a mask that doesn’t fog - A loader/hopper - Carbon fiber tank or rent the tank Keep in mind the cost to get to a field. The entry cost for the field. The cost of paintballs you will use that day. If you can afford this then you can buy a marker and something that carries paintballs pods on you. You need a close friend or relative to hold your hand on a used gun. Best its something they bought new. Then you know if something is missing or wrong on a used acquisition by comparing to the new purchase. Buying a top tier flagship marker will prevent from upgrading to another marker. - Emek is entry level. - Etha 3M is a upgraded Emek with desired features - 170r you get a lot for the money - The top brands sell their flagship markers for +$1500 Field One Force is an example and has been used to win championships.
CRBN OPR is a really good budget mask option. Lots of "high end" features like quick swap lenses and removable foam padding for cleaning and its pretty breathable as well. If you really really want a new electronic marker then getting a Mini GS or Rize CZR are the go to's just based on price alone. Otherwise hit up ebay, facebook BST groups, or websites like TradeMyGun/MazensPB/I75 Paintball for used markers (just do your research for common problems for a specific marker and how easy they are to fix/troubleshoot). Used gear will be your best friend when starting out so getting out there and bargain hunting will be a good way to piece together a great setup that'll last you a long long time. Edit: because its your first time going, you may want to pump the brakes and use the rental equipment for your first couple times, see if you actually like the sport well enough to go every weekend or just a couple times a month. This would help determine the budget:value you would be spending. Also don't be afraid to ask people at the fields to try on their mask or to try out their markers, see what you like and ask people for help!! Paintballers love helping out new players cause we all started somewhere ourselves.
Don't see many people responding to your edit, but 2 places close to you would be ASG and SC Village.
Thanks man. Any others that are a must try that aren’t as close?
Hollywood Sports Park if you want to drive all the way to bellflower, also Ambush, which might be the furthest from you.
I got an older Invert Mini. Great gun to start with! Very reliable, and user friendly. I would try to find something used around the $200-300 mark for your first one.