| Currently, the standard size paintball .68 caliber. Most | | | | starting over with all new paintball gear. .50 caliber balls |
| paintball markers on the market are .68 caliber; this is | | | | are not only cheaper and less painful, but they |
| also the size used as rental guns at commercial parks | | | | outperform .68 caliber by far. Since .50 caliber paintballs |
| and most of the accessories available. There are also | | | | are much smaller, they require less force to shoot, |
| .43 caliber paintball guns as well. These are less | | | | resulting in 60% less impact than with the .68 caliber. |
| common but still available, mostly as tactical paintball | | | | These smaller, lighter paintballs also shoot farther, have |
| pistols and few rifles. As of recently, there are a few | | | | fewer defects and are more accurate. The .50 caliber |
| companies producing a new size of paintball; .50 caliber | | | | paintball is also four times more air efficient as well, |
| markers - giving us yet another size to choose from | | | | allowing nearly double the amount of balls to be shot |
| (or be confused by?). Unfortunately, the paintballs, parts | | | | on the same size tank. Players can also carry more |
| and accessories for these different caliber guns are | | | | while playing, requiring less refill breaks. |
| not interchangeable; which is the right one to choose? | | | | Spyder (Kingman) is the main company beginning the |
| Over the last ten years the popularity of paintball has | | | | .50 caliber movement. They are also producing stylish |
| been declining. A study was done to figure out the | | | | guns that are just as dependable as the .68 calibers |
| cause; two main points stood out. First of all, paintball | | | | they distribute. Spyder's .50 caliber paintball markers |
| can be an expensive habit. It can really add up fast | | | | are a good match for everyone, no matter what |
| after you purchase your paintball marker, paintballs, and | | | | experience they have on the field. GI Milsim is another |
| accessories. It's even worse if you play at a | | | | company that is supporting the new .50 caliber |
| commercial park, having to pay entry fees and | | | | movement. This company has a .50 caliber marker for |
| exorbitant costs for paintballs. After your initial gear is | | | | whatever level you need, from a high tech pro level |
| bought, buying paintballs to play with is a constant | | | | gun to a lower, beginner's marker. Both companies also |
| expense. | | | | provide great tactical markers for woodsball play. |
| The second reason for the decline of paintball is the | | | | If you're hesitant to try .50 caliber paintball because you |
| fear of being hit; many new players are afraid of the | | | | don't want to have to buy all new paintball gear, don't |
| sting associated with getting hit by the ball. Everyone | | | | worry! There are a number of easy to install |
| has seen bruises left by paintball battles - not pretty! | | | | conversion kits also being produced to convert.68 |
| The fact is, being hit by a .68 caliber paintball less than | | | | caliber markers to accommodate the new .50 caliber |
| 100 feet away definitely causes an intense sting. This | | | | size balls. Currently a conversion kit for the Planet |
| is the main reason paintball is recommended for | | | | Eclipse Ego and Etek markers are available and more |
| players over 18 years old; the game is simply too | | | | kits will be coming soon as the popularity of .50 caliber |
| intense for younger players. | | | | grows. |
| Several leading paintball equipment manufacturers | | | | It is estimated that .50 caliber gear will completely |
| (namely Kingman Spyder) began developing .50 caliber | | | | replace the.68 caliber as more people get introduced |
| gear to combat this situation. As it turns out, .50 caliber | | | | to it. Playing with. 50 caliber guns and paintballs is |
| paintballs, guns and gear are much less expensive and | | | | cheaper, players can play longer with less interruption |
| even less painful to get hit by. The only thing slowing | | | | and the pain of getting hit is gone. At you will find a |
| up the popularity of this movement is that you will need | | | | complete selection of the best .50 caliber paintballs, |
| all new gear as .50 caliber paintballs are not compatible | | | | markers and gear. Don't be the last one to take part in |
| with existing.68 caliber guns and gear. | | | | this exciting update. |
| According to the research, it should be well worth | | | | |