If you are a new player wanting to grab your own gear, the price tag of the new gear you are picking up may be a major factor in picking up a new paintball gun. Not only that, you will need some money to pick up a decent mask, hopper, and air tank while having enough left over to actually go to the field a play.
I have used an abused plenty of budget friendly gear over the years and have had a few guns literally fall apart in my hands while using them on the field. Thankfully, there are some great options available on the market for those just getting in the sport or just wanting another affordable paintball gun that is going to last.
Here are my 6 recommended paintball guns under $200.
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Azodin Blitz 3
If you are looking for a great affordable paintball gun with some of the features found in higher end gear, look no further than the Azodin Blitz 3.
This is an electronic blowback paintball gun that operates at a lower pressure than most other blowbacks. It is easy to use, quickly field strips, and comes with break beam vision to prevent any ball chops. Plus it is super light weight and compact in the hands making it perfect for tucking into bunkers.
You can pick one up on Amazon by clicking here: https://amzn.to/2R3C5kv
For a better price, check EBay for used gear here: Link to Ebay
Starting from the front, you get a nice 0.689 bore barrel with autococker threads that shoots great out of the box. You can upgrade it easily with any autococker threaded barrel on the market but I found that it isn’t absolutely necessary.
The Feather Regulator can work with either CO2 or HPA and is preset to the right pressure, so yo don’t have to worry about tuning it. It is more compact than previous versions and is easy to maintain. Velocity adjustment is done at the rear velocity adjustment screw on the back of the gun (see your owners manual for detailsd).
My favorite part this marker is the electronics, primarily the break beam vision to prevent chopping balls at high rates of fire. The sensors prevent the bolt from cycling if the paintball isn’t fully seated in the chamber or if there is nothing there.
The Blitz 3 has a few different firing modes to pick from as well:
- Semi Auto (up to 20 BPS)
- PSP Ramp (10.2 BPS)
- Mellenium Ramp (15 BPS)
- CFOA Semi (10.2 BPS)
The only thing I found confusing at first was the board has a “Safe Mode” after you power it up. So once you turned the Blitz 3 on (press the top button) it wont start shooting until you turn safe mode off (press the bottom button). This works like a mechanical safety and is a nice feature to have once you know what to do.
GOG eNMEy
The eNMEy is a great crossover between low end and mid-range paintball guns. You have the pricepoint of the basic gear but a nicer bolt system found in higher end setups.
You can pick one up on Amazon by clicking here: https://amzn.to/2xDS2XS
For a better price, check EBay for used gear here: Link to Ebay
If you want a really nice shooting mechanical marker at a great price, the eNMEy has you covered. This smooth shooting, easy to maintain, lightweight paintball gun is an excellent choice for anyone new to the sport or anyone just wanting a solid mechanical paintball gun.
Out of the box you get a low pressure, quiet, mechanical paint flinger that will blow all other mechanical paintball guns under $150 out of the water! It is super easy to maintain and when paired with a barrel with more porting, is whisper quiet.
There are 2 versions of the basic eNMEy on the market, the V2 shown above and the V1. If you have the choice, pick up the V2 version as it has some nice updates for ease of maintenance and a more reliable solenoid housing. The V1 is a great setup, but I noticed that they like to develop a leak around the front bolt.
I do highly recommend upgrading the barrel as it leaves a lot to be desired. A great option is the Custom Products Classic Barrel with Ion/Luxe threads. You can pick up one on Amazon by clicking here: https://amzn.to/2JyiswN
Planet Eclipse EMEK
This may be a hair over $200, but there is so much value to the Planet Eclipse EMEK that I can’t leave it out of the list. If you want a paintball gun that you can just pick up and shoot without having to worry about reliability issues, the EMEK is the answer.
You can pick one up on Amazon by clicking here: https://amzn.to/2JyrytI
For a better price, check EBay for used gear here: Link to Ebay
Of all the paintball guns on the list, this one has the most advanced and reliable internals bar none. It has a few really nice features more commonly found on more expensive paintball guns like a hoseless design, clamping feedneck, and low pressure operation.
Maintenance is easy and simple, just unscrew the back cap and remove the internals in one motion. You don’t have to do much maintenance as the Gama Core bolt system is super reliable and just keeps working.
This also has the added feature of being able to use the PALs hopper, which is an affordable agitating hopper that only works with PALs compatible paintball guns.
The only thing to keep in mind is that this mechanical paintball gun can only use HPA, so don’t screw in a CO2 tank.
Tippmann 98 Custom
No Best under $200 paintball gun list is complete without the proven Tippmann 98 Custom. This paintball gun is an absolute workhorse and is highly upgradeable! With all the upgrades and parts on the market, you have a nearly unlimited amount of options available to make this what ever you want.
You can pick one up on Amazon by clicking here: https://amzn.to/2UB9Uvm
For a better price, check EBay for used gear here: Link to Ebay
I have used this paintball gun in nearly every configuration imaginable and the only real issues I had were from overuse and normal wear and tear. This thing can keep up with the best of them and keep on trucking.
The only real issue I had with it was the stock barrel, it definitely needs to be replaced. Any barrel with 98 Custom threads will get the job done.
Tippmann Cronus
The Tippmann Cronus is a perfect choice for anyone wanting an awesome looking paintball gun for a great price! Not only that, the Cronus uses the long time proven internals found in the ever popular Tippmann 98 Custom. You can run this thing hard all day long and it will just keep going.
You can pick one up on Amazon by clicking here: https://amzn.to/3dK6hLi
For a better price, check EBay for used gear here: Link to Ebay
If you are a beginner, this is a perfect choice as it requires very little maintenance and has some cool upgradeable options like a neat barrel shroud, buttstock, and rail options!
This is purely mechanical and is extremely simple to use. Just screw in either a CO2 or HPA tank, add a hopper with paint, and start shooting! No batteries involved and has a very simple push button safety.
The only things I wasn’t too impressed by was the stock barrel. Being completely honest, it isn’t all that great and should be replaced. Make sure you use an A5/X7 threaded barrel with a 7/8″ outer diameter so you can use the stock shrouds and screw it into the shroud lock. J&J and Trinity make some decent barrels that will fit just fine.
Azodin Kaos 2
For an absolute budget friendly option that can keep up with anything else on this list, the Azodin Kaos 2 is a perfect choice. Made for the beginner in mind, you will be all set to hit the field and have a good time!
You can pick one up on Amazon by clicking here: https://amzn.to/2R3Xmup
For a better price, check EBay for used gear here: Link to Ebay
This is a no frills paintball gun but shoots very well for what it is. It comes right out of the box with a nice barrel, easy to disassemble, and can use either CO2 or HPA.
There isn’t much to this paintball gun, but for the price it is very hard to beat.
Full Beginner and Starter Paintball Setups
If you are getting your first paintball setup, here are some great options at various price brackets. Each kit listed below was put together to provide quality equipment for the player and keep the price within reason.
Each of the setups below will have everything a player will need to hit the field with and have a good time. All the gear is of good quality and are made to last. I also went and found you the best prices and options for each setup so that you get the best bang for your buck.
– Full Starter Paintball Setup Under $200
Empire Helix with Thermal Lens – https://amzn.to/36LjkJ0
Azodin Kaos 2 Paintball Marker – https://amzn.to/34MhC8v
Tippmann 48/3000 HPA Tank – https://amzn.to/2Q16798
Empire Splitter Hopper – https://amzn.to/2WTtmDm
– Full Starter Paintball setup Under $300
V-Force Grill Paintball Mask – https://amzn.to/2Cng3S6
GOG eNMEy Paintball Marker – https://amzn.to/2pTBhEz
Tippmann 48/3000 HPA Tank – https://amzn.to/2Q16798
JT Revolution Electronic Paintball Hopper – https://amzn.to/2NR8Ejr
All the masks listed above have more advanced anti-fog features so that the players vision won’t be obscured while on the field. This is highly important for both having a more enjoyable game and safety.
All the tanks listed above are the standard 48 cubic inch 3000 psi (48/3000) Paintball tanks that every field is equip to fill. HPA tanks are the current industry standard and most paintball guns on the market are designed to use compressed air, not CO2.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy Prepackaged Starter Paintball Kits
I don’t like to suggest the paintball “starter kits” marketed to new players as they usually only give the super basic paintball masks that are just unpleasant to wear and come with obsolete CO2 tanks that very few fields will fill. Plus some of the starter kits only give one time use tanks that can’t be refilled, so you will have to purchase replacements or a whole new tank later on.
You will eventually spend more money on a prepackaged starter kit just to make it halfway decent than if you just purchased a good kit to begin with.