What does HPA stand for in paintball?

One of the most common questions beginning players ask is the difference between using Compressed Air (also referred to as Nitro, Nitrogen, N2, HPA or High Pressure Air) and CO2 tanks. In a nutshell, both provide pressure for a paintball marker to cycle and propel the paintball.

Can any paintball gun use HPA?

All Paintball guns need an air source to operate, but not all guns can use both CO2 and HPA. All paintball guns on the market right now can use compressed air, but only the basic paintball guns like Tippmanns, Spyders, and pistols can use both CO2 and compressed air.

What is HPA paintball tanks filled with?

CO2 and compressed air (HPA) are high-pressure gases that are required to power paintball guns. When CO2 is stored in a CO2 bottle, it is in liquid form. Letting only a little CO2 out of the bottle at a time allows for just gas to come out. This gas is what's used to fire the paintball marker or paintball gun.

What does HPA tank mean?

It is also known as High Pressure Air (HPA), or Nitro, N2 or Nitrogen Tanks since they originally used pure nitrogen. HPA tanks are pressurized up to the tank's rating of 3000 psi or 4500 psi (Pounds per Square Inch).

Is CO2 or HPA better for paintball?

HPA is the better investment in the long run. The benefits over CO2 in all-weather performance are well worth the additional cost. Besides, an HPA tank is a piece of equipment that can transfer to any marker you upgrade to. Determine what your needs are for your equipment and level of play and choose accordingly.

Paintball HPA Bottles Vs Co2 Bottles

Can paintball guns use both CO2 and compressed air?

The general rule is that electronic paintball guns generally only work with compressed air, and manual guns usually work with both CO2 and compressed air.

Are there paintball guns without CO2?

You cannot shoot a paintball without CO2 or compressed air. Whether the marker used is mechanically or electro-pneumatically operated, it will use propellant to propel the paintball out of the barrel.

What psi do paintball guns use?

In most cases, paintball guns use compressed air tanks with high pressure ratings, generally ranging from 3000 psi up to 5000 psi.

Can you fill a paintball tank with an air compressor?

Of course, you can fill other people's paintball tanks as well as scuba tanks, but for most paintball players, this option is out of reach. Don't even try to use your tire pump or a standard air compressor—it won't work.

How much psi can a paintball tank hold?

This pressure is what fires the paintball. Compressed air tanks are pressurized up to the tank's rating of 3000 PSI or 4500 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). The pressure is then regulated through the tank's regulator down to a lower PSI (450-850) to fire the paintball.

How many shots are in a HPA tank?

This compact lightweight HPA tank is Globally Certified, which means it's approved for use in the USA, Canada and Europe. Many paintball and airsoft players use this with a remote line setup. Expect to get 450 to 850 shots per fill with your paintball marker or 1900 shots with your Tippmann M4 Carbine Airsoft Gun.

Can you use propane in a paintball gun?

The PEP stands for propane enhanced performance. A marker is the politically correct way of saying paintball gun. With a 16-ounce tank of propane attached to the bottom line, the pump action marker can let you fire off 50,000 shots compared to a CO2-based canister, which usually empties after about 1,000 shots.

Do paintball CO2 tanks expire?

Paintball tanks need to be re-hydrotested because the tank expires about every five years, and you want to be sure the tank's pressure doesn't empty out. To have your tank re-hydrotested, you should take it to a paintball gun professional.

How often do paintball tanks need to be hydro?

Paintball cylinders need to be retested for its serviceability every three to five years. They also only have a lifespan of 15 years. HYDROSTATIC TEST or HYDROTEST – The tank is visually inspected for cracks then is pressurized with water to look for a drop in pressure or to see if there are any leaks.

How many FPS is a paintball gun?

The muzzle velocity of paintball markers is approximately 90 m/s (300 ft/s); most paintball fields restrict speed to 280–300 ft/s, and small indoor fields may further restrict it down to 250 ft/s. While greater muzzle velocity is possible, it has been ruled unsafe for use on most commercial paintball fields.

What size paintball tank should I get?

For most new players it's good to look for a tank that can get around 600 shot you can get through a set of matches. There is a quick rule that can tell you how many shots you can get from a tank, simply multiply the volume by 12 for 3000 PSI tanks or 17 for 4500 PSI tanks.

Can you use Tippmann 98 HPA?

Tippmann's 98 Custom Platinum Series . 68 Caliber Paintball Gun Marker with Maddog's Protective HPA Paintball Gun Accessory Kit has everything you need for field entry! Fill Your Tank, Add Some Paint, GAME ON! (Paintballs Sold Separately - Paintball Tank Must Be Filled Prior to Use).

Can you refill 12g CO2 cartridges?

The Tactical Refillable 12g CO2/Green Gas Cartridge is an economical alternative for all CO2 powered airsoft pistols. The reusable CO2-styled cartridge can be refilled with either green gas or CO2, allowing airsoft guns that have too high of a FPS rating to be brought down with green gas.

What gas do you use in paintball?

Paintball tanks are available using two primary compressed gas sources: high-pressure air (HPA) and carbon dioxide (Co2).