Best Paintball Markers 2022: A Comprehensive Overview

As the world of paintball continues to grow, choosing the best marker to suit you can seem like a daunting task. The version of best you're looking for can depend on many factors including your budget, preferred style of play, how often you'll be using it and more. To give you the best shot of getting the right product for your needs, let's dive into the world of paintball markers for 2022 and explore 8-12 pivotal themes.

Price Points

No matter what your budget is, there's likely a paintball marker out there to suit. Entry level markers offer a great way to get into the sport, but they're usually not upgradeable or customizable to allow for exploiting the best of the technology. That said, prices can range from $100 to over $1000 - whether that's an entry level marker or a tournament grade gun is up to you!

High-End Markers

For the more serious hobbyists, the high-end markers are where it's really at. With accuracy, customization and usability miles ahead of entry-level markers, no wonder these hogs come with hefty price tags! Quality high-end markers possess accuracy and features that will make them the envy of the field.

If you're buying new, be prepared to spend upwards of $1000 for the really good stuff, although high-quality used markers can be found for less. Always be wary though, and ensure you do thorough research on any used gear you seek to purchase. There's nothing worse than buying a marker, only to find out it requires costly maintenance due to prior wear and tear.

Mid-Range Markers

Mid-range models provide a great compromise and value for money. With solid build quality and usable levels of customizability, these units offer features more serious players look for in a decent marker. We've seen some bells and whistles, such as laser sights, onboard fans and even Bluetooth connectivity for applinked features. The better models can cost up to $500, however, they offer higher durability, accuracy and overall performance.

That said, mid-range markers will usually suffice for casual players who want something more than entry level. This segment of the market has been growing a lot in the last few years, so there are plenty of options to choose from. It is generally advised to buy from a reliable source who stands behind their products so you can rest assured what you're buying is quality gear.

Durability

No matter what level of marker you buy, durability and quality should always be up to par. This refers to the materials used, structure, finish, parts quality and more. At the very least, even the most basic marker should have an aluminum or steel body with an anodized or stainless steel finish to avoid rust. However, anodized parts are more susceptible to scratches and wear and tear, so higher end markers should use more robust treatments such as hard chrome and cerakoting.

Other Parts

Aside from the body, the other parts should be equally assembled with quality components. There should be a minimum of looses screws or fraying wires, and manufacturers usually offer warranties to guarantee the parts for a specific length of time. Again, do your research - in official boards and social media forums, experienced players often share how well (or how poorly) their markers have held up over the years.

Most importantly, as with all products, it pays to invest a little more for a product that stands the test of time. Reputable markers and brands often have a vested interest in not just delivering quality products, but also in standing behind their products in the event of wear and tear.

Customizations

The world of paintball has come a long way, and today's markers offer an incredible range of customizations. From milsim cosmetics and barrel upgrades, to adding different stocks and grips, to altering the trigger settings, there is something for everyone. Indeed, some high-end markers can even be customized to adjust the rate of fire, the range, and even the weight of the gun. For those who like to tinker, often times custom parts are available as well.

Third-Party Parts

If your marker doesn't come with all the customizations you'd like, many third-party parts are available, and they're often just as good as the original parts. Third-party parts are more affordable and in some cases even better than the original. This can include grip kits, stocks, optics, and a host of other modifications. Care should always be taken when investing in such third-party parts though, as the quality of some parts can be dubious and a major source of disappointment.

Potential Pitfalls

When it comes to customizing, always be aware of potential pitfalls. Its important to research the parts you're thinking of buying to make sure they're compatible with the marker you want to customize. For example, altering the trigger can lead to serious consequences if not done correctly, with no guarantee of future warranty coverage on the marker since the modification was not done by the manufacturer. Consider the risks before you customize and don't be afraid to consult a more experienced player before taking the plunge.

Insights

When it comes to buying a paintball marker for 2022, there are many considerations - from price point, to durability, to customizations. Entry level markers offer a great entry point to the sport, while higher end markers are powerful beasts that come with a hefty price tag. There are also plenty of mid-range markers which offer a great compromise of price and performance, and offer a variety of customizations. Ultimately, its important to research, compare and consider all the factors before deciding what marker is right for you.