Atomic Paintball Reviews

From the new ‘baller to the more experienced, I get asked quite often “Should I be using CO2 or HPA?  Which One Is Better?”.  We’re going to examine both in detail so you can have a better understanding of what the main differences are between the two.

So whats the rundown with CO2?

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) tanks are usually what you will find with most “paintball starter kits”.  CO2 is actually in liquid form, in your filled tank.  When you pop a paintball out of your marker, some of the liquid is released and in the process and it expands into a gas (hence expansion chambers on quite a few markers).  The rapid expansion of gas also causes rapid cooling in your marker, and you will notice that your marker and CO2 cylinder will feel very cold (and may even frost up) after firing off multiple rounds.  Ideally your CO2 cylinder will produce the most pressure output in or around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  The liquid CO2 puts ~850psi into your marker when working around room temperature.  When the cylinder begins to cool, pressure output is affected.

So Should I Be Using CO2?

The biggest disadvantage of CO2 is the frost-up factor encountered with firing off multiple rounds.  When the pressure output drops in marker (encountered when the tank becomes colder), it is possible for liquid CO2 to start damaging O-rings in your marker.  On high rate of fire markers you’d really want to avoid CO2.  Since the liquid is constantly expanding in different temperatures, velocity of your paintballs output can vary as much as 20fps.  If your marker lacks a proper expansion chamber, then your definitely do not want to use CO2 tanks.  For the most part, CO2 is great for starting paintballer’s that are just getting into the sport.  Fills are relatively cheap (usually around $5-7), and a 20oz tank isn’t too heavy and lasts for some time.

Now When Should I Think About HPA?

By far HPA (Nitro), is a far more stable option for a paintball marker.  HPA tanks store pressurized gas and not a liquid, so there is no change of state occurring.  This eliminates the frost up problem encountered by CO2 tanks.  Most markers are designed to operate at about ~850psi, but with some experimentation with an HPA tank, you will find that you should be able to operate at HPA’s much lower pressure of about 450psi.  The lower air pressure will create better stability with shot patterns, and you will eat up less air per shot.

So whats the downside to HPA (Nitro) Tanks?

Well price comes in as a big factor.  HPA tanks are quite a bit more and come in three different materials: Steel, Aluminum and Fiber Wrapped.  The lighter materials are more desirable as it is less weight to carry around on the field; However the cost of lighter tanks are quite a bit more.  As well, ensure that in or around the fields you play at, somewhere can fill your HPA tank.  HPA requires a special multi-stage compressor which differs greatly from that of a typical garage compressor.

So there you have it, some basic information on CO2 and HPA Tanks.  Keep on ballin’.