New to the Sport (sort of)

[Carnage Inc]

Im not exactly brand new to paintball. I've played on and off with friends for years. I have a little Spyder Xtra with a nice barrel, but I want to upgrade because I want to actually get into the sport. What would you suggest as a good starter marker? My brothers have a couple automags, a cocker, a proto slg, and an invert mini, and I was thinking of a gun that can compete, but I need to get it on a low bankroll (under 200 for the whole set up. gun/loader/air). I could buy the like new proto from my bro for 160, but should I shop around first for a better deal?

Thanks for the help. :)

[DanMan]

The big question is if you have easy access to a paintball field or shop that fills compressed air. If you do, then will you always be playing at an organized field or will it be outlaw ball?

[Carnage Inc]

The big question is if you have easy access to a paintball field or shop that fills compressed air. If you do, then will you always be playing at an organized field or will it be outlaw ball?

Yeah, I have a field near my house. I dont go there to play often, but that will probably change with a new gun. Any advice?

[DanMan]

And they have compressed air?

[Carnage Inc]

And they have compressed air?

Yes Sir.

[DanMan]

Ok, $60 steely air tank, $120 classic mag, $20 revvy hopper. That should work will for you.

[devildog]

dont get a mag. go on ebay and find a cheap used ion or another marker of the same target market. with a mag you might as well keep your spyder and just invest in a decent air tank.

[michbich]

Why not a used SLG? Seems like decent low priced markers.

[Smoothice]

you should just borrow your brothers gear. Use all of what he has to offer. See if you like 1 more then the other.

Honestly the gun doesn't make the player. If you are having fun with your spyder then use your spyder. You could pick up a cheap eframe for it for probably $50 if you feel you need to shoot more paint.

The less you spend on buying new equipment you don't need is more you can spend on paint and field fees.

[vivalamexico]

troll craigslist in your area as well I see decent tournament level markers on there all the time at downright unbelievable prices. Although I would focus more on practice, practice, practice... in fact get a pump ha!

[Carnage Inc]

Thanks for all the feedback. Ill stick my spyder till I find the right price. I might go with the SLG. Its solid. I keep looking to find someone emptying out a gearbag to get a decent hopper and air tank at a good price. What are your thoughts on Ion vs Invert Mini vs SLG?

[vivalamexico]

Thanks for all the feedback. Ill stick my spyder till I find the right price. I might go with the SLG. Its solid. I keep looking to find someone emptying out a gearbag to get a decent hopper and air tank at a good price. What are your thoughts on Ion vs Invert Mini vs SLG?

no ion. the other two are fairly on par with each other. Go try them out and see which one feels better. people complain about the mini's trigger being sloppy sometimes, its all about personal preference. Never be embarrassed about something you like and dont let forums, figures, or fakirs validate your choices.

[L3MUR]

I haven't tried the slg, but I do like my mini a lot. It comes with the features that you need and its an all around good gun. The only thing that bothers me is it being quite off balance. Most of the weight is in the regulator which becomes a problem when you screw a tank into it. The stock trigger isn't great, but upgrades are cheap. I picked up a cp sling for 30.

[Carnage Inc]

no ion. the other two are fairly on par with each other. Go try them out and see which one feels better. people complain about the mini's trigger being sloppy sometimes, its all about personal preference. Never be embarrassed about something you like and dont let forums, figures, or fakirs validate your choices.

Thanks for the tips. I've shot them both and the shoot great. I could feel the light trigger on the invert mini, but it wasn't a problem. I'll probably go with the Proto. Where do you think I can find the best prices on an air tank and hopper?

[ultralight]

I passed on the Mini to get the Proto because i found the mint ot be too , well, mini.

The calssified section here is a pretty good place to get gear. You can pick up a used tank really cheap if you grab one that's out of hydro. You can then take it to your local welding shop and they should be able to get it hydroed for around $15. I'd inquire at the welding shop first though.

happy hunting.