Currently, the standard size paintball .68 caliber. Most paintball markers on the market are .68 caliber; this is also the size used as rental guns at commercial parks and most of the accessories available. There are also .43 caliber paintball guns as well. These are less common but still available, mostly as tactical paintball pistols and few rifles. As of recently, there are a few companies producing a new size of paintball; .50 caliber markers - giving us yet another size to choose from (or be confused by?). Unfortunately, the paintballs, parts and accessories for these different caliber guns are not interchangeable; which is the right one to choose?
Over the last ten years the popularity of paintball has been declining. A study was done to figure out the cause; two main points stood out. First of all, paintball can be an expensive habit. It can really add up fast after you purchase your paintball marker, paintballs, and accessories. It's even worse if you play at a commercial park, having to pay entry fees and exorbitant costs for paintballs. After your initial gear is bought, buying paintballs to play with is a constant expense.
The second reason for the decline of paintball is the fear of being hit; many new players are afraid of the sting associated with getting hit by the ball. Everyone has seen bruises left by paintball battles - not pretty! The fact is, being hit by a .68 caliber paintball less than 100 feet away definitely causes an intense sting. This is the main reason paintball is recommended for players over 18 years old; the game is simply too intense for younger players.
Several leading paintball equipment manufacturers (namely Kingman Spyder) began developing .50 caliber gear to combat this situation. As it turns out, .50 caliber paintballs, guns and gear are much less expensive and even less painful to get hit by. The only thing slowing up the popularity of this movement is that you will need all new gear as .50 caliber paintballs are not compatible with existing.68 caliber guns and gear.
According to the research, it should be well worth starting over with all new paintball gear. .50 caliber balls are not only cheaper and less painful, but they outperform .68 caliber by far. Since .50 caliber paintballs are much smaller, they require less force to shoot, resulting in 60% less impact than with the .68 caliber. These smaller, lighter paintballs also shoot farther, have fewer defects and are more accurate. The .50 caliber paintball is also four times more air efficient as well, allowing nearly double the amount of balls to be shot on the same size tank. Players can also carry more while playing, requiring less refill breaks.
Spyder (Kingman) is the main company beginning the .50 caliber movement. They are also producing stylish guns that are just as dependable as the .68 calibers they distribute. Spyder's .50 caliber paintball markers are a good match for everyone, no matter what experience they have on the field. GI Milsim is another company that is supporting the new .50 caliber movement. This company has a .50 caliber marker for whatever level you need, from a high tech pro level gun to a lower, beginner's marker. Both companies also provide great tactical markers for woodsball play.
If you're hesitant to try .50 caliber paintball because you don't want to have to buy all new paintball gear, don't worry! There are a number of easy to install conversion kits also being produced to convert.68 caliber markers to accommodate the new .50 caliber size balls. Currently a conversion kit for the Planet Eclipse Ego and Etek markers are available and more kits will be coming soon as the popularity of .50 caliber grows.
It is estimated that .50 caliber gear will completely replace the.68 caliber as more people get introduced to it. Playing with. 50 caliber guns and paintballs is cheaper, players can play longer with less interruption and the pain of getting hit is gone. At ChoicePaintballGuns.com you will find a complete selection of the best .50 caliber paintballs, markers and gear. Don't be the last one to take part in this exciting update.
