The New Kid has $150 Budget for a Used Paintball Gun. What to get?

[ATBen]

So we've got a new kid (22) that we've been playing with in our pack; ton of fun and plays hard. He wants to upgrade from a Spyder MR1 as it started leaking last game. Just needed an o-ring and TLC, so he's going to keep it as a backup. He's also got a knack for tinkering.

Anyway, he has $150-200 to spend. Should he save more or look for a used mini, A5, X7, Etha? We play mostly big games, recball and occasionally a 10 man or woodsball event. I do have most of a classic automag I'd be willing to give him just no valve. What would a decent shape used one go for nowadays? I know he'd be down for that, I saw him eyeing my minimag that day and he liked what he saw!

FYI He took our advice and bought a good mask (eflex) and we gave him a 12 Revy and a 68/4500 that he had retested this spring.

[punkncat]

Mags are going through what cockers went through a couple of years ago and are all slightly to more than overpriced right now. They are an excellent and rugged marker, particularly a classic valve, but can't recommend spending the 150-200 on a base one the way it has been going lately. (and that's one with composite frame).

I cannot recommend the Mini enough, and by way of design the Axe, based on which ergo fits you the best. The thing about going that way is that it's super smart to have an LP HPA tank and a good fast hopper for those. Any of the Eclipse markers of modern make are a good idea, but not sure you could find something on that budget. I am not a fan of the A5, but it's got it's plusses and especially if you run CO2, which would eliminate the above choices.
I tend to recommend people stay away from the "Rail" level of Dye spoolers. They suck long term. You might be able to locate an older DM for that, but be aware that the eye pipe models can be tough to find the insert for.
You might could score a base level Pro Stock cocker or the like...probably a trilly for that money without some luck.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Use a rental. Save some money and get an Emek. It’s not worth spending on anything cheaper really especially new for rec.

[Toestr]

I got my basic automag that was in rough cosmetic shape for $145 CAD shipped. Premium Paintball can probably hook you up with just the valve for a good price.

There's also a GOG enmey in Kitchener on Kijiji for $100 CAD, and he says he'll ship.

The only electros you're likely to get are ion based or maybe a DP or mini.

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[Shaftski]

Another 50-100 saved is probably the best option. Marker will need a barrel kit too in that price range.

Minis are great but if you are only playing recball don't make much sense, a lot of speed you won't need. Emek would be first choice if you can get your hands on a new one, shipments are flying off the shelf in hours. Cockers are a good investment right now.

[FredMnkyDad10]

Have him pick up the valve for the automag. Some on sale here and Ebay.

[punkncat]

Minis are great but if you are only playing recball don't make much sense, a lot of speed you won't need.

Trigger control. I know it's hard for many, but there is no reason a dependable and inexpensive electro can't fill this need.

[Meleager7]

You have a real chance here to show a player that a higher end mech gun like a mag, cocker, emek, etc is all a woodsballer really needs. That said there are a few decent priced trlilogy autocockers on eBay.ca right now. I might let my Gen 2 Micromag go for a decent price, I think $250 cdn sounds fair, let me know he wants any pics

[Jordan]

Did somebody say "Gen 2 Micromag"?

[Meleager7]

Yeah, i’m pretty sure it’s a Gen 2, it has a ptp powerfeed, and the double screw mounted detente assembly. You saw this gun last season, silver paint job, matching serial # micromag valve, proline 45 cut frame, benchmark double trigger, benchmark gas thru grip. It has the Warp Feed on it, but I think i’ll be keeping the Warp for a future gun/project

[Cdn_Cuda]

Depends on the guys tastes, but If it’s more milsim based a BT-T15 can be picked up for cheap. I’ve bought 2 with rip clips, both under 100CAD. They’re a Mini inside, so that helps as well. Easy to take apart but not much to them.

Something like an A-5 RT can be like picked up in the $150 range and has more little parts to tinker and monkey around with. Hard to screw them up as well. X7 Phenom are good as well if you can grab one.

I started with an A-5 and it got me into tinkering so I have a soft spot for them and owned a mag, played with it once, tried to fix it, spend money to fix it, couldn’t fix it and got rid of it, so not something so would suggest for starting to tinker on.

[Scougar]

Used Emek. Buy an o-ring kit, rebuild it, and he'll be set. They are machines. Cheap to maintain, which seems to be a good fit for this player.

And to be clear, I'm saying that having owned a fair few guns on that initial list in the first post. I will obviously take account of being associated with PE, but let's be honest, for the money, they are hard to beat.

Mechanical enmey is good shout as well, if he needs to save money.

[~kaos~]

I played a lotta ball over the last 27 years... speedball, scenarios, rec, etc. I'd usually bring 3-5 markers with me, and one of them was always the 'ol trusty Tippmann 98c. Say what you will but that marker always seemed to get loaned out every damn game because someone elses marker went down. I'd suggest to pick up a 98c... they're HELLA cheap and are reliable rain or shine. Have him use the 98 the rest of the season and save up some more $$$. then sell off the Spyder and add that money to his savings and have more like $300-400 to spend. Then he can buy something a little nicer and keep the 98c as a back-up for the next 10 years.

[ATBen]

Thanks everyone, we found a 98 custom for him, dug around in our parts boxes and came up with a pretty nice setup; Freak barrel, upgraded bolt and valve/hammer. He's going to keep saving for a used emek. He tried mine a few times and likes how easy it is to use and maintain.

I'll let you knoyou owe he makes out. Hopefully he doesn't have kids in 2 or 3 years and leave the sport for the next 10 or so. Gotta make sure this addiction sticks.

[Chuck E Ducky]

With a revvy, good detents and a good barrel that 98 will work great for him. I think it’s a good call saving a bit and getting an Emek they got to be the best bang for your buck in paintball right now. The 98 will do the job just fine to get his feet wet and it will be super reliable for him.

[punkncat]

^ I wasn't aware that the individual was looking for a lateral move. I think the 98 is likely one of the best markers ever made for pure durability and in particular the old metal power tube ones. They last for a LONG time and it appears the sear is about the only thing that will completely give up on it. Personally always liked the ergo of an STBB better, but anyway...glad he found something to use.

[FredMnkyDad10]

Thanks everyone, we found a 98 custom for him, dug around in our parts boxes and came up with a pretty nice setup; Freak barrel, upgraded bolt and valve/hammer. He's going to keep saving for a used emek. He tried mine a few times and likes how easy it is to use and maintain.

I'll let you knoyou owe he makes out. Hopefully he doesn't have kids in 2 or 3 years and leave the sport for the next 10 or so. Gotta make sure this addiction sticks.

Good call.

Tell him to hold off on kids until he is 30, get to really know himself, what's important to him and in his partner. And will likely be in better position work and life. I waited a little longer than that. Not sure if I would have been ready or better at a younger age, maturity, financial and view of things from a calm other prospective. For sure changes things at any age I think.

[Jonnydread]

Or you know, hold off indefinitely