Help for a beginner...

[Newbb]

Hey there guys, I've been considering taking up paintball as a sport ( tournaments ) and was wondering whats the best/cheapest gear I could get? Markers,Gear,Hoppers... etc
I found a few guns what I liked and that were cheap but I was wondering if anyone could confirm the quality of these guns and if they would be able to cope in tournaments.
http://shop.dyepaintball.com/dye_gb/2011-rail-blue.html
http://smartpartspaintball.co.uk/online-paintball-shop/product.asp?prod_urn=1484

It would be really helpful if anyone could give some suggestions or good/cheap gear that I could buy and that would be eligible for tournaments....

Many Thanks

Showdin

 

[Talfryn]

Check out the eclipse etha and etek 4, just about the best you'll get in their price range.
http://shop.planeteclipse.com/show.asp?show=catsub&sc2=180
http://shop.planeteclipse.com/show.asp?show=catsub&sc2=185

 

[Big Mac]

Use the for sale forums on here. You can pick up some great markers for much less. The resale value of Dye markers seems to have crashed so it's a great opportunity if you fancy something by Dye. A DM11 went for £390 the other day...

 

[Newbb]

Thanks for your feedback guys!!! Just to let you know I've been watching a few reviews the Proto Rail and it seems pretty damn awesome, I would love to know where to get a decent/cheap air system from!

Many Thanks

Showdin

 

[mrb2287]

http://www.store.justpaintball.co.uk/air-co2/3000psi-0-8l-air-system.html

Basic but does exactly what you need it to

 

[Newbb]

Thanks bro , but I got told I need a 4500psi system? That correct?

Many Thanks

Showdin

 

[mrb2287]

depends what and where you play. most walk-ons will only fill to 3000psi

 

[Tom]

Thanks bro , but I got told I need a 4500psi system? That correct?

Many Thanks

Showdin

You don't 'need' a 4500psi air system, but they have their benefits

If cash is spare then go for a fibre wrapped 4500 air system
If not save over £100 for your marker or paint by getting an aluminium 3000psi system

3000psi always wins on price

4500 costs about £150 to start, then needs two 5 yearly hydro tests for at least £25 per test (excluding post) they have a maximum life of 15 years

3000 costs about £40 and are cheap enough to be 'disposable' and replace, but if you can sort tests without postage then they can be viable to test and then last forever

At most sites you will only get 3000 air fills so you dont get the benefit of 4500psi, however cylinder capacities vary so you could get a bigger 4500 cylinder, thus getting a bit more air even when at 3000psi

At most 'events' you can get 4500psi fills so them get the full benefit of the extra pressure
There is a diverse range of sizes & shaoes of cylinder so if you have a long or short arm reach then you could match a cylinder for comfort

Advice for a starter though would be go aluminium 3000, you save over £100. It's true that you may want to upgrade later but you have only spent up to £40 on something you have as a spare of can be sold on or loaned to mates when you are encouraging them to play

 

[maca]

Alright mate

Have a look at the Empire Axe, they are high end markers with a mid range price tag and they do come up on the for sale section now and again for around £250- £300 As mentioned before you don't have to have a fibre wrapped tank but if you can stretch to one then i would get one on here for around £100 as you will probably end up buying one a couple of months down the line anyway.
There are decent Halo style Loaders on here all the time for around £30 that are great loaders and well up to the job but just usually take a little more time to get apart for cleaning and that than a Rotor or prophecy 2 which are top end and go on here for £90-£110
Masks are different for everyone as one mask might fit someones face shape perfectly and not for someone else whos got a big head like me
so it's definately worth getting to try a few on and seeing not just which one looks the best but which one you would feel most comfy in all day.
Playing kit and packs also come up on here all the time cheap enough and a lot of the time are only a season old as the teams will get new kit every season

Hope to trade paint with ya some time in the future and good luck with your search for gear

 

[Wile E Coyote]

picked up an axe not a few days ago for £230. played with it for the first time yesterday and its a wonderful marker. seriously, get on it!