If you’re familiar with the hobby/sport then you already know PAINTBALL CO2 TANKS are the staple and a must have to at least be able to shoot or play the game competitively, recreationally, and at your leisure. Traditionally paintballs are powered by CO2 which is carbon dioxide; a liquid under pressure but sublimates and becomes CO2 the gas form once it goes through a state of change from liquid form to the gas we shoot.  Paintball CO2 tanks come in various shapes and sizes, but the one that is right for you, all depends on your preference. Typically for beginners they will use paintball CO2 tanks ranging from size 3.5 oz (ounce) to 24oz., and again the difference in size is depends on the individuals’ preference.

Paintball CO2 tanks sizes are referred to by the amount of CO2 (the combination of liquid and air) that the particular tank is designed to hold. The smallest refillable CO2 cylinder available for paintball use holds 30 grams. The largest common tanks hold around 20 ounces. As a result, some tanks that hold the same amount of CO2 can be different sizes. For example, some 9 ounce CO2 tanks are long and narrow, while others look like smaller versions of 12 ounce tanks in the interest of comfort.

Expectations for how various size Paintball CO2 tanks will perform is determined by the size.  For example a 24oz paintball CO2 tank will deliver anywhere from 1500 – 1600 shots per fill, great! However the drawback is, at fill capacity this tank will weigh about 3.5 pounds, which could be quite heavy if you are not a big or strong guy, and presents the possibility of altering your shot accuracy.  The most commonly used CO2 tanks are the 20oz tanks which are normally seen on paintball fields primarily because they weigh less and will give you between 1000 – 1150 shots per fill which depending on how selective or wasteful you are with paintballs could easily last you at least 2 games without needing a refill. Then you have your 16 oz, 14 oz, and 12 oz paintball CO2 tanks that will give you enough shots to last you a single game from 400 to 900 shots per fill again depending on wasteful or selective you choose to be.

There are quite a few paintball CO2 tank brands out there and with simple search and comparison of prices (including shipping), you can get a great bang for your buck. The most popular brands paintball co2 tanks I’ve seen has been the Pure Energy brand however Tippman, PMI, Spyder and Brass Eagle are all competitors in the paintball CO2 tank market.

Whichever brand you choose, treat your Paintball CO2 tank as the investment that it is, and take care of it.  The o-rings on your tank should always be replaced as soon as you notice any CO2 leaks, or you observe any cracks or warping of the rubber. Keep a supply of tank O-rings and gun oil and as a preventative maintenance measure keep your o-ring oiled lightly.  There are also several methods and products available to keep the threads of your paintball co2 tank safe from being worn down or worn out and never ever force your paintball CO2 tank in or out of your gun, as this will lead to an extremely costly repair.  For you weekend warriors both rookies and veteran player never keep you or expose your Paintball Co2 tank to extreme heat from being left in trunks of cars, next to heaters or boilers as this will cause the CO2 to expand in the tank and could present a safety hazard or health concern, one more small note to self, paintball co2 tanks do not last forever, the will need replaced every few years for safety measure.

Understanding your paintball co2 tank and which one is right for you will save you time and money, allowing you to focus and master the your skills of playing the game.

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