This is probably one of, if not, the most asked question by new players. The answer isn't easy. First, you should hold or preferably play with any marker you are even considering getting. It is important that you are comfortable with it in both short games and long scenarios. You need to choose something that fits the area you play in (i.e. is it cold in the winter? Can you get HPA fills or are you stuck using C02? Can it be serviced by someone within driving distance if it goes down?) There are many questions to ask, and it is best to have hands on experience with something before you buy it. I always advocate investing in a good mask before anything else, because rental masks suck. There's nothing like taking your new marker out for a day of rec ball and walking to the deadbox because you can't see through the fog of your rental mask. Seriously, get a good mask first.
Some things to remember when choosing a marker:
- Durability. If you will be jumping over logs and diving into rocks, get something that can take the abuse. Tippmanns excel here.
- Reliability. Check the paintball forums for what current users say about the gun you want. It is often wise to wait for a newer, updated version of the marker you want to be released. You don't want to get excited just so you can miss your first day out because you had to go to the tech shop instead of the field.
- Efficiency. You don't want to miss games because although you still have paint in your pack you are out of air again, do you? This is also a concern for anyone living a good distance from any shop that can fill your tanks as it limits the amount of practicing you can do.
- Complexity. You really don't want something complicated for your first gun. You need to be able to clean and service it yourself.
- Upgrade ability. For your first gun, you (like all of us) will want to trick it out as soon as you can afford to. Choose a marker that can grow with you. Remember the old function over form rule; if it doesn't help you put paint on target it is dead weight.
- Resale value. Was a newer version recently released? Is it out dated? Impossible to find parts for? All of this comes into play when you decide to sell it and get something else. Bare this in mind when you make your initial investment.
- Weight. You may have held it naked in the shop for five minutes, but have you lugged it through an all day scenario with a hopper full of paint and an air tank on it? I am referring mainly to our younger and smaller players here, this is something to consider. If you can't snap it up and fire because you're pooped from lugging it you will find yourself lugging it to the deadbox instead.
All in all, there are many things to consider. Chances are, if you are looking to start playing paintball then you know someone who turned you on to it. Ask them to borrow one of their spare markers for a day. Even if it isn't something you want, by playing a good, solid day of ball with it you will have a much better idea of what you do (and don't) want in a marker.
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