glh's Journal: Ask a (subset of) Slashdot: Paintball?

I am thinking about getting into paintball. I have some friends from church that play (same ones I play Halo 2 w/ online). I have played in the past, but it was quite some time ago (high school age). "Back then" it was pretty expensive, I remember paying like $20 for 200 balls and I had to rent the gun. Now days it seems like things can be a bit cheaper.

I want to buy a gun, but not top-of-the line per se. I want something that I can enjoy and has decent accuracy. If I really get into it, I can always upgrade later.

I saw this gun and it looks pretty cool, though it is "spring based". Ideally I'd like to get a gun that uses compressed air, especially if I can refill it myself (with an air compressor).

Any tips would be appreciated. A friend of mine wants to sell me his Tipson M-98 for $175, which includes the case and everything. However, that is a little too much right now. I'd like to spend no more than $100 for a gun. Ideally I'd like to get everything needed (including a couple hundred paintballs) for around that price.

hmm

[asv108]

A little over 10 years ago I was really big in to paintball. A lot has changed since then, but one variable remains unchanged, its going to be expensive.

A good paintball gun is going to cost some decent $$$. As far as recommendations go, I would stay away from the item you listed unless you plan on training for the national guard.

Tippman makes some decent guns in the 200-400 range. If your looking to buy a gun for around 100, you might me better off saving your money. I would only buy a $100 if your pla

Re:hmm

[glh]

Tippman makes some decent guns in the 200-400 range.

So there really isn't a good sub $100 option out there? Hmm, maybe it is too expensive then :) I definitely want to be able to have a "shot" on the field. And for as much as I think I'll be playing (ie, two-three times a year) it probably isn't worth the money.

Re:hmm

[asv108]

Yeah if your only playing 2-3 times a year, you might be better off renting a gun. At most places, your rental gun is going to be much better than anything that can be bought for under $100.