7 Best paintball Tank Reviews + Detailed Buyer’s Guide

Need help finding the best paintball tanks for your needs? But, how can you know what paintball tanks are the best? It’s not just about style, color, or price. There are so many factors to consider!

The main objective of this article is to provide you with the most relevant information on the best paintball gun tanks and gear so you’re never confused again. The best paintball tanks are made from high-end materials, which creates a solid and long-lasting design.

Paintball tanks make your experience more exciting. They add a whole new dimension to the game, allowing players to launch paintballs further distances and perform cooler maneuvers.

So every player needs to pick the best paintball tanks according to his/her specific situation.

If you are here reading this article it’s because you want to find the suitable paintball gun tank for your marker. It’s a tough decision but at the same time, very rewarding when you find the perfect match for your type of gameplay.

Flip through why you need the top quality paintball tanks and what to watch out for. There are so many features to examine. But paintball tank capacity and overall durability will be most important to you.

PREVIEW PRODUCT PRICE
FOR PERFECT BEGINNERS
    Features:
  • Tippmann 1.38 Kilograms
  • Aluminum-Black
  • Use compressed air
  • HPA refillable tank.
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FOR INTERMEDIATES
    Features:
  • HK Army 1.34 Kilograms
  • Comes with Dual burst disc
  • 800psi output pressure.
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HIGH DURIBILITY
    Features:
  • Maddog 0.83 Kilograms
  • Aluminum
  • 800-1000 shots per fill.
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DISTINCTIVE CHOICE
    Features:
  • HK Army
  • 1.14 Kilograms
  • ‎Aluminum-800 psi output pressure.
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FOR FREQUENT PLAYERS
    Features:
  • Tippmann 1.85 pounds
  • ‎Aluminum-compressed air
  • HPA refillable tank.
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BEST FOR BEGINNERS
    Features:
  • Maddog 2.95 pounds
  • Stable pressure
  • consistent velocity
  • High pressure compressed air tank.
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BEST FOR ALL PLAYERS
    Features:
  • Ninja ‎3.11 pounds
  • 48ci/3000
  • PSI-ATSM compliant.
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Approved and Recommended Products 

Here are some of the approved and recommended options by a pro paintball player’s personal experience.

Best CO2 Tank on the List

I suggest this Aluminum CO2 Paintball Tank for all those who prefer carbon dioxide tanks for any reason. These are durable and high-performance tanks for players. 

Best Compressed Air Tank

One of the top paintball marker tanks in this category is Ninja Compressed Air Tank with Adjustable Regulator. It’s heavy duty and a high-quality paintball tank in 2023.

For Beginner to intermediate players 

I recommend this Maddog HPA Paintball Tank with Regulator to all the entry-level and intermediate players. It would be a great choice as a starter tank. 

Before you buy a paintball tank, you have to read this guide first.

7 Best Paintball Tanks Reviews 

Whether you are a beginner or a professional paintballer, you need to select the most suitable paintball tank for your paintball gun.

Read my comprehensive reviews of the best paintball tanks to find out which is right for you.

What are you waiting for? I have listed all the good and bad points of popular paintball tanks below!

1. Tippmann Empire Basics 48ci 3K Paintball Tank – Suitable for High-Pressure Air markers

TOP PICK
9.2/10 Our Score
  • Brand: Tippmann
  • Color: Black
  • Item Weight: 1.38 Kilograms

Use compressed air, HPA refillable tank. So if you are planning on buying this basic tank for yourself, be cautious. And inquire about these things beforehand. The best way to avoid these issues is to talk to customer support before placing an order. 

Tippmann is one of my favorite paintball gear brands. I have been using its paintball gear for quite some time now. So I ordered a paintball tank for my marker. And guess what happened? It came empty. And the brand’s customer support told me to get it refilled from a local HPA compressor. 

And when I went there to get it filled, they simply refused to refill it. Because the DOT number was not mentioned on the body of the tank. Though it was mentioned that it’s DOT certified. After all the hassle I had to return the product to get it replaced with another one. The second one came poorly packaged. But served the purpose for me. 

Tippmann Empire Basics 48ci 3K Paintball Tank - Best paintball tank describing tanks

So if you are planning on buying this basic tank for yourself, be cautious. And inquire about these things beforehand. The best way to avoid these issues is to talk to customer support before placing an order. 

Other than this, Tippmann Basic Tank is suitable for all beginner-level players. It’s functional and inexpensive. During my testing, it never leaked or failed to work in the field. Additionally, it came with a protective cover to save it from any damage. 

One major drawback is it’s heavyweight, unlike other advanced choices that are extremely lightweight. So it’s a good idea to carry it on your back in your backpack due to its weight. 

Pros
  • Comes with a paintball tank protective cover
  • Value for money
  • Easy refill mechanism
  • Doesn’t leak
Cons
  • Heavyweight
  • Very basic Tank
  • might come defective

I found it suitable as a perfect beginner option. 

Comes in various colors and sizes


2. HK Army Aluminum Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank Air Systems

FOR INTERMEDIATES
9.2/10 Our Score
  • Brand: ‎HK Army
  • Color: Black, Blue, Gunmetal, Olive, and Red
  • Item Weight: 1.34 Kilograms
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Capacity: 13ci/3000psi | 26ci/3000psi | 48ci/3000psi

Comes with Dual burst disc, 800psi output pressure.The HK Army paintball tank is lightweight and looks sturdy while on the field. Comes in striking color variants. 

The HK Army has made an update to the HPA tanks and the updated version is no better than the previous one. The previous was better in terms of bottle quality and refill nipple protection. I needed two low-profile tanks(one for my fellow player and one for myself) and I received one older and the other updated version. The updated version looked cheap and less sturdy. 

The older version came in good form. Again there was a packaging issue with this brand too. I have used various brands till now and most of them had packaging issues. No protective packaging for dents or product damage. 

HK Army Aluminum Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank Describing tanks

Overall this compressed air tank is a great choice for beginner-intermediate level players. This product is reasonably priced but works well in terms of functionality.

I found out that output pressure was slightly lower than 800psi but it was consistent. The tank is also very easy to refill with an HPA compressor. 

Pros
  • Sturdy and Nice look
  • Lightweight and inexpensive
  • Solid air pressure
  • Easy to refill
  • Has a nipple cover and doesn’t leak
Cons
  • Slightly low output pressure
  • Updated version has cheap paint

It’s a good alternative to higher-priced options. I recommend it to all beginner or intermediate-level players who want an affordable yet lightweight tank. 


3. Maddog 20 Oz Refillable Aluminum CO2 Paintball Tank – Lightweight and durable CO2 tank

HIGH DURIBILITY
9.8/10 Our Score
  • Brand: ‎Maddog
  • Color: Black and Red
  • Item Weight: 0.83 Kilograms
  • Material: Aluminum

Approximately 800-1000 shots per fill, suitable for entry-level to tournament pro. This Maddog CO2 tank has a great capacity and is known for its lightweight and high quality. . 

Maddog is another popular choice for players who want a CO2 tank that is durable. I chose this tank for my extensive research and testing due to its functionality. And found it suitable for all skill levels. After using it consistently for some months I can surely claim that it’s highly suitable for all players, be it a beginner or a pro-level player.

The only minor drawback is that the tank came with a low-quality refilling pin valve. And after using it for some time and getting it refilled by a local combat zone, the valve becomes loose. And eventually, I had to change it for some bucks. Another issue you might face is that there are fewer stores that offer to refill CO2 tanks. Because now most the players use compressed air tanks for their paintball guns. 

Maddog 20 Oz Refillable Aluminum CO2 Paintball Tank describing tanks

Other than that this refillable CO2 tank is a great value for money. It’s a great choice to buy as it is compatible with all paintball markers. The quality of the tank is also incredible. And I really liked using it as my go-to tank because of its lightweight.

If you are planning on buying a CO2 tank, go for the Maddog brand.

Pros
  • High quality
  • Easy to attach to the gun
  • Compatible with all paintball markers
  • Durable
Cons
  • Low quality refilling pin valve
  • Have to go to the store to get it refilled

I personally recommend this CO2 tank to all players who want a high-quality refillable tank at a fair price. 


4. HK Army Aerolite Carbon Fiber HPA Compressed Air Paintball Tank System

DISTINCTIVE CHOICE
9.4/10 Our Score
  • Brand: HK Army
  • Color: Black, Blue, Clear, and Red
  • Item Weight: 1.14 Kilograms
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 68/4500

DOT and TC approved, Five year hydro cycle, 800 psi output pressure. This Aerolite Carbon fiber tank has a large capacity and you can shoot thousands of shots after a single refill. . 

If you want to upgrade your previous aluminum tank with a carbon fiber tank, The HK Army has something for you. This tank has a large capacity of 68/4500 and offers a consistent output pressure. Another positive point of this tank is its durability and lightweight. Due to its durability, it hardly leaks and runs for a good time. Its HPA compressed air refilling mechanism makes it easy to refill it during the game on the field. 

This too comes empty and you would have to fill it before using it. The tank is solid and comes in vibrant colors. So for female players, it would be a favorite choice. 

But it doesn’t mean these tanks don’t have any drawbacks. There are a couple of negative points too about this version of the HK army paintball tank. 

The tank has a very basic regulator. The HK Army could have done better with a high quality regulator. And its regulator gauge doesn’t always work perfectly.

The O-rings on mine were peeling off after a few uses. And that was quite disappointing for the price I paid for this tank.

Pros
  • Vibrant Colors
  • Work great as a carbon fiber tank
  • Durable and Solid
  • Lightweight and cool design
Cons
  • Has a very basic regulator
  • Poor quality o-rings

I recommend this tank to all the players who want sturdy and fashionable paintball gear for themselves. It would be a good addition to your distinctive paintball gear. 


5. Aluminum CO2 Paintball Tank – Comes with Repeater Pin Valve to connect conveniently

FOR FREQUENT PLAYERS
9.8/10 Our Score
  • Brand: ‎Tippmann
  • Color: Black
  • Item Weight: 1.85 pounds
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 20 Oz 

Use compressed air, HPA refillable tank. This solid CO2  tank is easy to connect to the marker and remove for refilling.. 

These tanks have a five year life span unless you get them recertified after 5 years. And usually, we can get these certified two times. This means these tanks can have a maximum of 15 years of life span.

But usually, there are no systems to certify such smaller tanks so eventually, you would have to replace them with a new one. 

I ordered this for myself and received a bottle that was almost ten months old. This means I would be able to use it only for 4 years (almost one year has already passed). 

Aluminum CO2 Paintball Tank2 is a tippmann tank

So I recommend asking customer support about this before placing an order. 

The overall tank has a solid brass construction and comes with a repeater pin valve for easy and convenient connectivity with the gun. And I anticipate it would last longer. 

It was mentioned that I might get an Empire or Tippmann Tank but I received another third brand. (I guess they are not brand stores.)

But product quality is impressive and it’s a well-priced, multipurpose tank. Simply find a reliable store to get it refilled and you are good to go.

Pros
  • Solid brass construction
  • Has a safety purge valve to prevent leakage
  • Well priced
  • Multipurpose Tank
Cons
  • Could be of any brand other than Tippmann
  • Bottles might come older than 6 months

I personally found this tank suitable for more frequent players. It lasts longer and has a solid construction.


6. Maddog Aluminum Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank with Regulator

FOR BEGINNERS
9.1/10 Our Score
  • Brand: ‎Maddog
  • Color: Black and Red
  • Item Weight: 2.95 pounds
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Capacity: 48/3000

Stable pressure, consistent velocity, High pressure compressed air tank. This is a nice low profile compressed air tank with a regulator and a quick fit mechanism. . 

This is a nice low-profile compressed air tank. This HPA paintball tank has an average capacity of 48/3000. And we can easily shoot 500-800 shots with one complete fill. Another major plus is its quick-connect filling mechanism. 

The regulator was a bit low quality but overall it serves the purpose. The tank has a low capacity or size but it offers a stable output pressure and drives balls with a consistent velocity. 

Maddog Aluminum Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank describing shoot and tank

Again the packaging was a bit inadequate to save the tank from scratches and damage. Mine had a few minor dents probably due to its poor packaging. And it would be irritating or frustrating for those of you who have been keen on the style and sturdiness.

It won’t be a great choice for a woodsball scenario because of its weight. My gun feels more pulled down due to its heavyweight. It is a great choice for the beginner or intermediate-level players. But if any of you are into more mobile game scenarios, it won’t make a good deal. 

Overall after my detailed testing, I was happy with the quality and performance of the tank. And I would recommend this to my juniors or students. 

Pros
  • Drives paintballs with consistent velocity
  • Fits easily on paintball markers
  • High-pressure tank
  • Great choice for a starter player
Cons
  • Low capacity and heavyweight
  • Poor packaging

I suggest this tank to all beginner-level or starter players. It is a nice low profile tank for the price spent. 


7. Ninja Compressed Air Tank with Adjustable Regulator – Heavy paintball marker tank for more force and velocity

FOR ALL PLAYERS
9.4/10 Our Score
  • Brand: ‎Ninja
  • Color: Black and Alu
  • Item Weight: 3.11 pounds
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Size: 48ci/3000 PSI 

ATSM compliant Bonnet Thread/DOT Burst Disk/Restrictor, Bleed Hole, and Safety Groove. Ninja compressed air tank is famous for its heavy-duty performance and value for money. It’s a great purchase for more powerful shots. 

Finding something suitable for more forceful and accurate shots is a really hard nut to crack.

But lucky for you, I have found a suitable one for the purpose. This Ninja Compressed Air Tank is one of the best choices in this category. 

It is far better in terms of functionality than its counterparts. Ninja offers a very powerful regulator with this tank to subdue the issues of other brands related to low-quality regulators. 

The tank has a standard size of 48 ci /3000 psi. And it offers around 500 shots on average in a single fill. Though it’s not a hassle to refill compressed air tanks in the field, I still liked it for not wanting to be refilled now and then. 

It offers a consistent output pressure which really helped me shoot far away. I affirm it is well worth the money and its heavyweight.

As it is heavier in weight so it won’t be suitable to use on a lighter paintball gun. I recommend using it with heavier markers as it’ll give you more force and velocity. 

Pros
  • Good quality regulator
  • Easy to refill at most paintball fields
  • Value for price
  • High Performance
Cons
  • Only suitable for heavy paintball guns
  • Heavier

I recommend this paintball marker tank for all the players who are looking for more force and power in their shots. It’s a heavyweight compressed air tank and helps you shoot at higher velocity. 


Buyer’s Guide

Your paintball gun must be associated with the right kind of tank, otherwise, you will either have to change guns once your current one runs out or you won’t get sufficient power or trajectory.

A poorly chosen paintball tank will either make your gun unusable or make the playing experience very tough. You won’t find yourself winning those matches.

Follow my detailed guide on choosing the best paintball tanks for your gun.

It is important for you to understand what makes the best paintball tank for your gun. 

There are lots of factors to take into account so that you get the suitable paintball tank for your money. My easy-to-understand guide will answer any questions you have about buying paintball tanks and check off my list of must-have qualities.

Exact fit for your Gun

The tanks come in many different sizes and colors, but there are only a few that are designed to fit in your gun. You will have to do some research to find out which ones fit your gun.

Size

The important thing that you need to know about is the size of the tank. There are many different types of tanks available and they range from small to large. If you want a mini paintball  tank, then you will want to purchase one that has a cap on it to prevent it from leaking while it is being used. 

It should also be able to hold enough gas so that it will not run out while you are using it. If you need a large amount of gas, then you will want to purchase one that has two or three caps on it so that it does not leak when you use it.

Weight

Next, take a look at the weight of the paintball tank. You want something that will not be too heavy, but also not too light. A heavy tank can make shooting more difficult because it takes longer to adjust your aim properly and get off shots quickly enough. 

Lighter paintball tanks tend to be easier on your arm muscles over extended periods of time. The best way to test whether a tank is too heavy or light for you is by shooting with it several times before making a purchase decision. But if you are buying online, do check its weight.

Pressure Rating

The pressure rating of your regulator is crucial. Many regulators have adjustable output pressures, but most operate at around 800 PSI. If your regulator has a low output pressure, it will require less air per shot and allow you to shoot more shots than a higher-pressure regulator.

Material

Tanks usually come in steel or aluminum, but some tanks are now made from carbon fiber or other composite materials. If you don’t mind spending more money on your purchase, carbon fiber is lighter than steel or aluminum and more resilient than either, so it won’t break or dent as easily as the others. 

Steel tanks are cheaper and heavier than carbon fiber tanks or aluminum; they are also more susceptible to damage because they are not as hard as aluminum or carbon fiber.

Hydro Test Date 

One of the most important things that you must check before purchasing any paintball tank is its hydro test date. Paintball tanks are tested and certified every five years. And if you are buying a new one, make sure it’s not older than a few months. 

All the above factors needle to be considered before buying a suitable paintball gun tank. 

Read on to know more about primary types of paintball marker tanks.

Types of Paintball marker Tanks 

Paintball players use a variety of different gun tanks, and each of them has pros and cons.

Carbon Dioxide Tanks 

Carbon dioxide tanks are one of the least-expensive options for paintball gun tanks. These tanks contain liquid carbon dioxide that is turned into gas as it is released from the tank, which can create a freezing effect on the gun that may affect its performance.

The main advantage of using CO2 over compressed air is that it is cheaper and easier to fill up your tank at home or at a paintball field that sells CO2 cartridges.

Compressed Air Tanks 

Compressed air tanks are usually considered to be the best option for paintball guns. They are more consistent than carbon dioxide tanks because they are filled with gas from a compressor, so they don’t get cold when used like carbon dioxide tanks do.

Compressed air tanks are also more environmentally friendly than other types of paintball gun tanks, which can be an important consideration for some players.

Carbon fiber tanks

Carbon fiber compressed air tanks are smaller and lighter than aluminum or steel compressed air tanks, so they’re better for players who need to move quickly on the field.

Carbon fiber tanks usually have a plastic cover that wraps around the cylinder and screws on at the bottom so that you can refill the tank easily without having to remove the plastic wrap each time you need air.

FAQs:

Why do you need a paintball tank?

A good paintball tank can be the difference between a fun afternoon and a frustrating one. It can make your gaming experience more exciting and rewarding.

Is CO2 better than compressed air for paintball?

The most common type of paintball tank is the CO2 tank. This type of tank is relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and readily available at most local fields and stores. However, there are some major drawbacks to using CO2 tanks:
CO2 tanks must be filled from big refillable tanks called “bulk tanks”, which means you cannot fill them yourself at home or a gas station.

How long does a 3000 PSI paintball tank last?

The average compressed air tank has a pressure rating of 3000 PSI (pounds per square inch). Smaller tanks can have ratings as low as 1800 PSI while larger ones can have ratings as high as 4500 PSI. 
The size of the tank will determine how many shots can be fired before it needs to be refilled. Smaller tanks are able to hold less gas, meaning fewer shots, while larger tanks are able to hold more gas, meaning more shots.

CO2 Tanks vs Compressed Air

Paintball guns use either compressed air or CO2 to launch paintballs through the barrel and hit a target. The amount of pressure that is needed to propel the ball effectively varies depending on the gun. The more pressure that is used, the farther and faster the ball will travel when fired.

Paintball tanks are refillable canisters that hold compressed gas. They come in two main varieties — CO2 and compressed air. Both types of tanks need to be filled with gas in order to operate; however, CO2 tanks need to be refilled more often than compressed air tanks because they hold less gas.

Best way to fill paintball tanks

There are a few different ways to fill paintball tanks. You can do it yourself, you can do it in a field, or you can have a professional shop do it. The first option is the cheapest and most convenient, but it requires extra equipment. The second option is often free but requires you to go to the field. The third option is less convenient and more expensive than the second but is sometimes necessary if there’s no local field.

Fill Your Tank Yourself (Most Convenient Way)

The best way to fill your tank yourself is with a compressor. This route is quite cost-effective; depending on where you buy your equipment, filling your own tank could cost as little as $0.10 per 1,000 PSI. However, there are some drawbacks:

Paintball compressors are expensive and take up space

You can’t fill paintball tanks over 3,000 PSI

You need a safe place to set up your compressor (away from moisture and combustibles)

A safer alternative to using a compressor is a CO2 paintball adaptor kit that lets you use CO2 bottles to top off your HPA tank. You can buy these kits for around $20 online. The kit includes an adaptor plus all the hoses and fittings needed.

Paintball games can get intense, especially if you are playing a large-scale game with multiple players. It is important to be able to focus on the game without worrying about running out of air or having to change your tank in the middle of the game.

So it’s crucial for you to choose the best option possible to maximize the gaming experience. 

Harold Willoughby

Author: Harold Willoughby

I am a paintball enthusiast and a pro with over 12 years of professional experience in the paintball battleground. I have now dedicated my life towards training people in professional paintball competitions and tournaments.