The Paintball Gun That Started it All

If you’re new to paintball in 2026, finding the best beginner-friendly paintball gun can be overwhelming with so many choices. You want something reliable, easy to use, affordable, and still current — not an old model that’s been discontinued. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you make the right choice.

Your paintball goggle lens is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you own. While markers and air systems get most of the attention, your lens is what protects your vision every time you step onto the field. Knowing when to change your paintball goggle lens is critical for both safety and performance.

In this guide, we’ll break down the signs it’s time for a replacement and how often you should upgrade your lens.

If you’re getting into paintball or upgrading your setup, one of the first questions you’ll run into is CO2 vs compressed air (HPA). Both power your marker, but they behave very differently on the field. Choosing the right air source can impact consistency, marker performance, and overall reliability.

Let’s break down the key differences between CO2 tanks and compressed air systems so you can decide what’s best for your paintball style and equipment.

When it comes to paintball, few pieces of gear are as important as your goggles. A good paintball mask doesn’t just protect your eyes and face — it affects your comfort, visibility, breathing, and overall performance on the field. Whether you’re new to the sport or upgrading your setup, choosing the right paintball goggles can make a huge difference in how much you enjoy the game.

Here’s what to look for when selecting the perfect pair of paintball goggles.

One of the most common phone calls we get at Cousins Paintball is:

“Do you fill CO2 tanks?” or “Do you fill paintball tanks?”

The answer is simple — yes, we do!

If you’re looking for reliable CO2 tank filling or high pressure air fills in Deer Park, NY, you’ve come to the right place. We offer fast, convenient fills with no appointment required.

When it comes to paintball accuracy, consistency, and air efficiency, players often focus on markers, barrels, and paint quality—but paintball bore sizing is just as critical. Choosing the correct barrel bore size for your paintballs can significantly improve shot consistency, reduce breaks, and help you get the most performance from your marker. Matching your paintballs to the correct barrel bore size can dramatically improve accuracy, consistency, and air efficiency. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding bore sizing can help you get the most out of your setup.

Let’s be honest: what’s the best paintball gun to use? That question hits every beginner’s mind the moment they dive into the sport — and a fair few seasoned players still chase that answer with every new gear release. It’s a question that feels like it should have a clean, objective answer. Something like: “Buy this one, and you’ll dominate the field.”

So that’s what we’re here to figure out, right?

The idea of a “best” marker isn’t just enticing — it feels essential. But before we crown a king of paintball guns, let’s look at the contenders. Each class of marker brings something different to the table. The top-tier pick might just be hiding in plain sight.

As any seasoned paintball player knows, keeping your goggles clean and protected is key to staying safe and performing at your best. Here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years to keep my goggles looking and working great: