0
Price and Budget...This is when you need to figure out what kind of budget you have. Even the cheapest markers usually run over $100. That kind of money no one likes to spend on something they will not be happy with. Realizing your budget will also help narrow your search. Make sure the marker has all the features you would like to have for that price range. And if the "ideal marker" is out of said price range, wait, hold off on your purchase until you can save the money to get what you want. Don't let anyone pressure you into buying your marker prematurely. You'll more than likely regret it. Buying new will ensure you just that, it's new, hasn't been used, however this will cost more than buying used. Buying used can normally get you a higher end marker or a marker that has "ups" already added to it for the same price as a lower end new model. And when you've found the marker your interested in, online retailers more often than not offer better deals than offline retailers do...!
Performance...Can the marker achieve your expectations? Does it have the rate of fire you looking for? Whether its fully automatic at 10-15 bps or burst shooting at 3 rounds per trigger pull. Can you change firing modes? Does it run high pressure or low pressure? Can these things be achieved with add-on components?
Appearance...Does this marker have the overall look you would like. If not, can you customize it to have the look you want to achieve? Some markers offer a plethora of add-ons that change the look of your marker, where as others don't have much in the way of after market parts. Some markers have parts available made from the manufacturer only, where as others can accept parts and accessories from real fire arms, such as sight, lights, rails and handles...!
Ease of use...Is the marker out of your league in terms of technicality? Electro-pneumatic markers can be very tricky, needing constant tinkering and tuning, where as blow back markers are of the simplest designs and much easier to work on yourself. Air-smiths and repair shops can be quite costly, so being able to "work" on your own marker is an asset...!
Other Factors...How heavy is the marker? Can you lug it around for a days worth of playing? Do you really need to make this purchase? If you only play once in a blue moon, do you really need to invest in your own equipment? Will it collect dust more than you use it? Sometimes just renting is the way to go unless you play often enough to warrant the purchase...!
Conclusion...There are many great markers on the market today, and finding the one that is right for you is of the utmost importance when making a purchase. Before you buy, do as much research as possible. Go to your local paintball supply shop and ask to look at their products. Examine them, hold them, see if they have the right "feel" that your looking for. You can also go to your local paintball field and ask questions. More often than not marker owners are more than happy to answer questions you may have regarding their particular marker. Never settle for anything less than what your after. Only you can decide what that may be...!
Play hard and most importantly play safe...!
lol jk Also, in my opinion for starter players it is better to purchase a Bt Combat, Omega, or Tippmann A5. These guns are all great for beginners, are easy to maintain, and are all very customizable. They all are fairly average in weight, and are not huge investments. For most starter paintball players I ask, they say that they don't continue playing paintball for the cost.. well it is true that paintball is an investment, but it is what you do with that investment. Some of my fondest memories for me with my family are on the paintball field. It's what you do with the time you are given, right? That's what makes said guns very wise choices. No one should be buying a tm15, tm7, autococker, eteck, etc. as their first gun. That's as silly as a beginner guitar player buying a Les Paul or Gibson. Start small, work your way up. I started with a US Army Alpha Black 3 years ago, and I still love it! In the world of paintball size doesn't always matter.. though it definitely helps your ego haha
