Paintball manufacturers are popping up around just about every corner these days. They are all over the web and in paintball magazines. They’ve always got something better for your collection. Don’t get it wrong, the new stuff is really cool and advanced, with new options and upgrades to make every player feel like a pro.

Although it’s tempting to go out and buy the most expensive paintball gun in the shop, there are some important things to remember.

Skill level. Beginners should not think that the better marker will make them a better player. After time, it will help, but not now. Frequency. Rec-ballers play from once a year to once a month. Choose a marker according to how often it will get used. Look at it as cost per game. Packages. (For the beginner.) A great way to acquire the basic paintball equipment of mask, goggles, and gloves. Upgrades. Many paint guns come as the basic chassis with the chance to upgrade to different barrels, triggers, and grips. A good way to turn $250 guns into a customized $400 gun. Style of play. As your game progresses, it will be easier to understand what markers will be good for your game.

Many websites and stores have unlimited information on paint gun types, manufacturers, and upgrades. It’s up to you to gather the most knowledge you can. The best place to get that information is from fellow players at the field or practice range. Ask them what markers they have had luck with. The other player might even allow you to borrow their equipment to test it out.

The other players have probably had a chance to test out some other markers as well as the ones that they own. They are filled with advice for your buying expedition.

Recreational players just shouldn’t deal with paintball guns that need a lot of maintenance. The more complicated the marker, the more work it will need. Upgrades loaders and triggers require more maintenance to keep them working from day to day. A gun that takes longer to clean than it does to play just isn’t worth it.