Budget baller question

[BigBalla23]

So, at the end of last year, I wound up having to sell all my gear due to financial hardship. I'm wanting to get two basic setups together, for around 2-250 total(gun loader, tank mask). My question is this: if you had $250 to spend on a setup (pump or mech semi), what would you go for? Thanks!

[autococker04]

Used Gog enemy for a semi, trilogy, 2k right feed, or a phantom clone for pump.

used tank and loader.

[Jellyghost]

This is a good question. What is the best budget mask?

[Toestr]

To clarify, this is $250 for both setups, or each?

Used Tippmann 98s or Trracers, Ninja 48/3ks, gravity hopper and one of the cheaper thermal masks. That's assuming $250 for both.

$250 each gives you much more leeway. Personally I'd go with the same as the other setup and splurge a bit on a mask, but it does give you other options for splurging on loaders, tanks, barrels and maybe a pod pack.

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[RAZRBAKK]

Used Profilers are everywhere.

[Trbo323]

This is a good question. What is the best budget mask?

Empire helix thermal, $40ish, same size/shape as the e-vents, same lens, cheaper foam.

2011 azodin blitz, $130

48/3k $50ish

I would throw a proto primo on top until you can afford something like a Halo too or spire ir, and use the leftover for a cheap pod pack and pods

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[BrickHaus]

I can confirm the helix is a good mask. I got one in a raffle back in the day and I loaned it out and or used it quite a bit. Id still have it,but I gave it to a buddy

[BigBalla23]

Yeah, I'm at 250 each, total of 500. Thanks for the suggestions, keep em rolling!

[Cdn_Cuda]

Toestr hits the nail on the head.

I would suggest BT-4s and A-5s as well. They can be found fairly cheap and are easier to work on than a 98. I just picked up two A5s and an air tank for $100 CAD locally.

If using Craigslist to search try spelling Tippmann like “tipman” or paintball as “paint ball” and you can find some good deals people have missed due to the spelling.

[Toestr]

For masks, Profilers and their hard plastic predecessors go for insultingly cheap. Not new and low profile or OG and memorable enough to have the kind of demand JTs have. There's a few listed locally for $20-30ish often in good condition with thermal lenses. If I were building a loaner fleet I'd use those.

The Helix is I think the cheapest thermal mask you can get. The stock foam is terrible though; way too thick for the density and hang very far off the face. Good for bigger heads but needs a foam change ASAP. JT foam fits.

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[Tinybear]

Personally I’d opt for a new empire helix mask. (Don’t think I be comfortable using a used mask) $30ish

then look for a used eNMEY marker(or if you can find a classic 68 Automag) $100-150
used 48/3000 tank $30
and ideally a 12v Revy hopper. Or a simple proto primo shake and bake. $5-30

and if you have anything left over just a simple 2 100rnd pod belt. $5-10

hell I been playing for over 20 years and that’s not all that far off from what I still use.

[Ego10Baller]

In the pump category, I'd go for a used KP3 for around $150 (sometimes you can find them for less and they're usually in excellent shape), then go with a ninja 13/3000 for around $45-50 used (or $70 new), a Planet Eclipse PALS 100 rd loader for $16, and an Empire Helix mask for $30 (I used this mask for several years and it is outstanding for the money).

Your total in the used category would be $246. Your total with more of the new/used mix is $266 (assuming my early morning math is correct here).

[glaman5266]

New Empire Helix ($40) or JT Proshield ($50)
used Tippmann ($40-60)
new 48/3k aluminum HPA bottle ($50)
gravity feed loader ($10?)

So $140-170 for everything. I say NEW mask because I wouldn’t trust used lenses and thermal lenses are about what the entire mask costs new anyway. Used Tippmanns can be had for cheap. May as well get the HPA bottles new so they have close to the full 5 year hydro. Tippmanns work well with gravity feed loaders, so that’s all that’s really needed. If you have the extra cash and want an electric hopper then a used Revolution is probably the best choice and will still keep the cost under $200.

Ill echo the others on the Empire Helix. Great mask for the money. The foam isn’t the best, but you can always replace it if necessary. Foam kits for Empire goggles were $10 or so on Amazon last time I looked, so it wouldn’t cost much.

[Tarsun2]

spyder ts (newer style) or Azodin
JT revo hopper
and the masks/ tanks listed above.

[Jonnydread]

Masks are easy to sanitize, the only 'new' mask I own I won at a big game raffle. I usually pick up used masks for cheap, replace the lens (and foam if necessary) and rock that.

If I were to pick up a full setup for $250 I would likely try to pick up a used OC Phantom, used tank (CO2 preferably, but I know there's a lack of availability these days for most people), gravity hopper and a set of Profilers or similar. That would give you a fun rec setup that allows for a bit more volume shooting than SC and would still be reliable. If I were to go semi I'd keep my options the same, but opt for a used eNMey.

[BigBalla23]

Thanks for the help all. I've got some good direction here!