Many novice players wonder what they must choose between CO2 tanks and HPA paintball tanks. They also speculate the benefits of each option over the other one. In fact, it’s a common query of every paintballer which is better- COs tank or HPA tank?
CO2 tanks and HPA tanks are different. A CO2 tank uses liquid carbon dioxide to fill the paintball gun. When you shoot, the air pressure in the tank is released and fills your gun with paint. The HPA (high-pressure air) system, on the other hand, uses nitrogen gas to fill the gun. In HPA systems, the air is pressurized in a reservoir tank and then fed into your paintball gun via a regulator.
HPA (High-Pressure Air) tanks are the most famous tank you will find on the market today. Why? Because they are convenient, reliable, and offer a great amount of performance.
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) tanks, on the other hand, offer all these qualities as well but with one major drawback: The loss of pressure due to low liquid CO2 levels in the tank, which can make your gun perform less accurately than it would when using HPA.
Benefits of using HPA tanks over CO2 Tanks
HPA tanks are the best paintball tanks to use for any paintball game. Here are some of the reasons why:
- HPA Tanks are easier to fill than CO2 tanks. An HPA tank can be filled using simple on-field equipment, while a CO2 tank requires special equipment to fill it. This is a big advantage when you have longer games and need more gas pressure.
- HPA tanks use less gas than CO2 tanks. An HPA tank will use between 35 and 50 percent less gas than a CO2 tank of the same size. This makes them much more economical to operate, reducing your operating costs significantly.
- CO2 tanks use liquid CO2 converted into gas to give pressure to the paintball markers. This liquid CO2 gas often leaks and damages the marker valve.
- HPA tanks have better and more consistent flow rates than CO2 tanks. When using an HPA tank, you will get more consistent air in your gun than when using a CO2 tank of the same size. This means that you won’t have to put as much effort into aiming or firing with an HPA tank compared to a CO2 tank of the same size tank.
- Another benefit of using an HPA tank over a CO2 tank is that it can be more portable since it doesn’t require multiple tanks and can be refilled easily.
- HPA tanks can be refilled with CO2 if needed. Though it affects air pressure in your marker.
- HPA tanks are compatible with most auto pneumatic guns/markers.
Cons of Using HPA Paintball Tanks
The disadvantage of using HPA tanks over CO2 tanks is that they take more maintenance and cleaning. They also don’t last as long as CO2 tanks do.
HPA tanks are more expensive than CO2 tanks. The lesser cost of Carbon dioxide tanks makes it easy to have multiple tanks for more supply of gas for a whole day of the paintballing experience.
Some older models of mechanical guns are not compatible with HPA tanks.
Here I have answered all your paintball air-related queries to clear the clouds of confusion around the topic.
Can you put HPA in a CO2 tank?
CO2 tanks can not be refilled with compressed air but HPA tanks can be filled with high pressure carbon dioxide gas. But CO2 gas does not provide consistent pressure in HPA tanks that cause imperfect shots and ball release.
Can any paintball gun use HPA?
Yes, most electro pneumatic markers are compatible with HPA tanks. Some older models of paintball markers are compatible with CO2 tanks only.
Final Thoughts
I have used both air sources for paintball and found HPA (compressed air) tanks more convenient than CO2 tanks. But you can choose any of the options according to your paintballing routine and needs.
HPA tanks are generally more pricey than CO2 paintball tanks. But if you’re looking for a tank that will give you better performance without sacrificing reliability or cost-effectiveness, then an HPA tank is definitely worth considering.
