So you need a new paintball air tank for your paintball marker. You’re looking at your options and you notice that High Pressure Air is more expensive than CO2. And what about carbon fiber tanks? You may even hear whispers about how it is “better” than its CO2 counterpart. Well, truth be told, just because something is more expensive, doesn’t mean it will serve your needs better.
First off, CO2 is more commonly used. It is found in a lot of beginner kits. They are simple to use and refill. If you’re just getting used to the sport you don’t want to mess around with all the specifications. CO2 should suffice until you earn your ranks among the more experienced players.
Also take note that CO2 is more temperature sensitive. If your marker operates at lower pressures it can actually end up being more effective. In the paintball air tanks the carbon dioxide is stored as a liquid. As it releases, it instantaneously converts to gaseous form because it boils at -78 degrees Celsius. It will propel the paintball out of the barrel quite efficiently.
Now, as for tanks, carbon fiber tanks can be filled up to 4500 psi, which is more than scuba tanks. They also weigh about a third of scuba tanks. They are easy to transport and can also be filled in most paintball shops and fields.
So there you go. Those are some basic things for you to consider when getting your next air tank.
IMPORTANT NOTE: CO2 as a liquid can sometimes enter the gun and ruin 0-rings and internals on high markers and especially high end markers. There are regs and siphons specifically designed for this issue.
so co2 wont freeze up guns at high rates of fire and is actually more efficient?