Should I Use A Semi Automatic or Fully Automatic Paintball Gun
In some competitive sports, the equipment is always standard with little variation. For others, the equipment or gear each player uses or wears can really change the gameplay and outcome. Take the example of soccer. The soccer ball will be a standard size for all professional games, and the teams do not get to choose if this get switched up or not.
On the other end of the spectrum lies paintball. With paintball, there are many different pieces of gear and equipment available. And this isn’t just for each team or game played—it’s even among the team itself. If you know your skillset requires a fast-shooting automatic paintball marker, you will be sure to have that in your repertoire. Your teammates may have different preferences, and they can just use something different. But how do you choose which kind and style of paintball gun to use?
Opposite ends
To choose the best paintball gun or marker for the job, it’s helpful to understand what is available. The level of automation of your gun is the best place to start. Some may feel that there are two options to contend with: semi automatic or fully automatic, but there is also the pump paintball gun. Technology has really changed the way paintball is played over the decades, with new and exciting options available that pop up from time to time.
The pump paintball gun had its place in time and is completely manual. For each shot, the player would have to manually prep the pump with a new paintball. Although it’s a classic, that’s not our main focus here, but it’s good to know the roots. On the flipside of something completely manual is the fully automatic paintball gun, which is - as you might have guessed - completely automatic! A fully automatic paintball gun isn’t for the faint of heart. Once you pull the trigger, paintball after paintball will continuously fire, only stopping if there are no more or if you release the trigger. This is a popular choice for experienced competition players.
The semi automatic
Between these two lies the semi automatic paintball gun. One of the most popular options across the board and with a plethora of options to choose from, the semi automatic is a beautiful mix of fully automatic and pump. Each time a paintball is shot, a new one will automatically be placed at the ready for the player; all they have to do is shoot. Even though it’s not as fast flying as the fully automatic, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing! Semi automatic paintball guns are a fantastic option for many different game plays and scenarios, and players often enjoy the control they have over their paintball gun and their paintball stock.
Fitting within your needs
The next question to ask yourself is what type of player you are. Your skill level and desired usage will help you make the decision on what equipment or gear you want. For more social players who aren’t looking to go pro, a typical semi automatic like the Azodin Kaos 3 Semi-Automatic .68 Caliber Paintball Gun Marker is great all-around piece. Choosing a semi automatic lets you be in charge yet still gives you that extra competitive edge.
Going for it all
If you’ve tried it all and are ready for more, why not check out a fully automatic option like the Empire Axe 2.0 Electronic Tournament Paintball Gun Marker? Although it's often pricier, a fully automatic paintball gun stands out for certain game advantages, especially those that put the player on the attacking side.
Comparing available products and checking out various features and reviews from real-life players is a great way to get a feel for what you’re leaning towards. Look at the materials used for the various automations and the performance it boasts, and check that against your skill set and planned game action. It’s important to remember that for the most part, the paintball gun you choose won’t make or break your game enjoyment. You may wish there were some additional features, but you can always upgrade down the line. For now, choose what is comfortable for what kind of paintball player you are now, and keep your eyes and ears open to learn more about what’s available that you may want to try out in the future. After all, you may only be a novice now, but before you know it, you could be competing every weekend with plenty of paintball guns in your arsenal.