CO2 vs. compressed air

[Grayrock]

I have a couple of paintball guns that I want to start using. I have only used the disposable CO2 cartridges. If I spring for refillable tanks what will be the most economical choice: CO2 or compressed air? Cost of acquisition. Cost of refills. Number of shots per type of gas. Longevity of the tank. Ease of filling. Any other information I might need to make an informed decision? Thanks.

 

[Zygodactyl]

CO2 PB tanks are cheaper than PB compressed air tanks. You have to have the CO2 tanks filled or buy a large CO2 tank with a dip tube and the adapter to fill the PB tanks. You have to have the compressed air tanks filled or have a scuba tank and adapter to fill the compressed air tanks and a place to fill the scuba tanks. Once you have the large tanks it is cheaper to fill the compressed air tanks compared to CO2. When I played, I stuck with CO2 while many others went to compressed air. All tanks have a limited life before they have to be tested to insure they are safe. We played woodsball and a tank would usually last the whole game. I carried a spare tank and would change out if the fight got too insane.

 

[jmorris]

It doesn’t take a lot to turn a hand pump into a compressor.



This is also a nice resource if you just want to buy a SCBA tank and have it filled. You can see if you are close to a high pressure air source.

http://www.warpig.com/forums/fields/index.shtml

 

[Lazlo Homer]

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=yong+hen...x=yong+heng,aps,297&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_9

 

[oldschool45]

Grayrock, you're in Texas so cold weather Co2 issues won't be a problem. You can also get bulk Co2 tanks filled from your local fire-extinguisher or beverage supply house and bulk 20# steel tanks for kegerators are fairly cheap. Might want to get a siphon tube installed because dealing with them valve down to feed liquid Co2 is a bit nerve wracking. Co2 fill stations for paintball guns run ~$40 on Amazon. Also if you are only filling your own tanks you can kinda disregard the DOT about hydro testing the cylinders you are filling. Just get a good scale to get your fill weights right.
I've been playing paintball on and off since Bush 41 was President.