Paintball is a very tasking game. There are a lot of gears and requirements it has. Getting the right gear for the game makes it fun and enjoyable. The paintball comes with two types of propellants that can be used to power the gun. One is Co2, and the other one is High-pressure air.
The Co2 is cheap and readily available, but its service cannot be compared to the HPA. If you want to play at the top of your game, then HPA is the right choice. The compressed air is far more consistent when it comes to pressure output than Co2. When you play in different weather, the Co2 will change dramatically, which is different from the HPA.
The good thing about the HPA is that it’s lighter, easier to refill, and great for the marker. That may be true, but getting the right HPA is not that easy. You will have to consider many things, including whether it requires low or high pressure. With these in mind, we have selected some of the best HPA In the market and got them reviewed to give a clear view of what they are made of and their capability.
What Is A HAP tank?
The HPA is compressed air and worked in a specific tank made for it. Nitrogen, Nitro, and N2 tanks are filled with compressed breathable air and sealed. They can hold the compressed pressure of up to 3000psi and 4500psi. They are usually made of aluminum or carbon-wrapped aluminum.
How a paintball HPA tank works
The HPA tanks have been built with a valve that lowers the tank pressure to give a usable output for the paintball gun. The pressure the paintball tanks hold is not the output pressure but how the pressure the tank can hold. That’s why the valve is very important when it comes to output pressure. It adjusts to the pressure you want and releases.
The standard pressure output is 850 psi, but it can be adjusted from 300 psi to 1100 psi depending on the regulator valve yours has been designed with. The HPA tanks are used as a substitute for the Co2 to handle the temperature effect since it’s not affected.
What is the difference between 3000 and 4500 psi paintball?
The tank type also determines the difference between 3000 and 4500 psi. Some tanks are designed to hold onto more pressure, while others are not. The Carbon fiber tanks are allowed to have more psi which is generally 4500 psi, which will give you around 15 shots per cubic inch.
The aluminum tanks are mostly essential tanks with a regulator and are made to hold up to 3000 psi. the 3000 psi tanks give you a 10 shot per cubic inch
How To Fill an HPA Tank at home? Step by Step
Check the indicator
The first thing you need to do at home is to check the Tanks PSI indicator. Make sure it has an indicator. Ensure the tank holds up to 4500 and does not go beyond that. For the Co2, ensure its temperature is stabilized by refrigerating it.
Release tanks air
Open the valve of the tank and release the tank’s air. But before that, you must ensure the place is well ventilated. You will then have to connect the tanks and the compressor nozzles. Make sure they are well connected and no air is leaking.
Check the compressor again
After connecting, you will have to ensure the compressor is properly connected to the power cable and turn it on when it’s okay. You will have to check again to see if the gauge attached to the compressor and the gun are working properly
Check the levers
The button levers are pushed too much. They could be a hot fill. The gun will appear to have been filled but then reduces the moment it’s disconnected from the gauge. The hot fill will cause the indicator to rise up quickly and destroy the tank. You have to be patient and refill it slowly.
Release the extra air
Push the valve attached to the compressor to remove the excess air from the compressor. If you fail to handle the excess air, it will lead to nipple damage.
Remove the hose
Remove the hose from the tank fill nipple. Do it carefully and slowly and place it somewhere safe. It’s not hard to fill the tank, and you can do it easily at home with the right equipment
Top 9 Best HPA tanks For Paintball In 2022
Best one for the money – Ninja Paintball Compressed HPA Air Tank
Ninja paintball compressed HPA air tank is one of the best in the market when it comes to quality and its general performance. If you want something that can make your game spice up and score more points, then it’s the right one. Ninja paintball tank should be your number one choice with its lightweight and easy use.
Ninja Paintball HPA Air Tank allows you to carry it easily and run around the field without any hindrance. It’s best for those in the game, and winning is their goal. The tank is made with Carbon fiber, which makes sit incredibly good for durability and can hold more pressure. The tank is well-designed and sturdy, allowing you to fill it quickly. As we said, its large capacity is one of the best features of the paintball tank.
You can use it for a long while running without stopping in the middle. It allows you to play for a long time and is not affected by temperature. It gives you enough paint to play with, and you can go for several matches without worry.
The tank is made affordable, and you don’t have to spend too much on it. The affordability and the performance go hand in hand. The material is good, but it’s prone to dents when playing the really rough game.
The paintball tank is worth every penny you will be spending on it. It won’t disappoint you, and you will enjoy the game for a long time before its expiry. The tank comes with a regulator to allow you to measure the pressure you want in every game. The 4500PSI pressure capacity is enough for a long game and several rounds.
Lightweight DOT & TC certified – Empire Paintball Basics 68/4500
Empire paintball basics is another incredible paintball tank you don’t want to miss out on in the market. It is made lightweight with DOT and TC-certified carbon fiber cylinders. The certification makes it a great one and safe to use. It’s designed to use pure energy technology regulators that give stable pressure output and efficiency and what you need for the game.
It has installed low and high-pressure rupture disks to give the highest level of safety. What makes it even better is the five-year retest or expiry. You could take the tank back for a hydro test for reuse or buy a new one. This is one of the best-rated paintball tanks you should check.
The Carbon fiber compressed air tank is able to work in a different environment without being affected by the temperature. It could be a fantastic upgrade if you want an excellent, durable replacement. The carbon fiber material makes it lightweight and sturdy, making it easy to carry around. It has a regulator made of aluminum, making it lightweight for convenience.
The pure energy technology regulators employed by the tank offer excellent efficiency and consistent pressure release. It’s one of the safest to use and handle. It has a 4500 PSI capacity and an incredible 800 psi output. You can stop playing to refill the tank. You are all set and can play multiple games while at it.
Best High Presure – HK Army HSTL 68/4500
Are you looking for an upgrade for a better HPA tank? Look no further. The HK Army HSTL air performance paintball tank is your ideal paintball tank. It’s an incredible compressed air HPA tank for the marker and long years before reset.
It features five years hydro cycle with constant flow. It has a carbon fiber bottle for a durable and sturdy tank.
The HK Army HSTL Aerolite HPA paintball tank has been paired with lightweight carbon fiber and a reliable aluminum regulator. It has an output of 800 psi. The HK Army HSTL paintball tank has been designed lightweight and approved by the DOT. It has 1.8K and 7.5K Burst Disks for safety.
It’s a reliable paintball tank for your use with more shots while playing. It has a stamped date on the tank for those wishing to know when it might expire. It’s good to know when the tank was manufactured. When you buy the paintball tank, it comes in empty, and you will have to fill it prior to use. It’s incredible how the game could be so enjoyable with the right tank and shots. It has greatly enhanced accuracy with the consistent velocity with outstanding performance. It’s best for all weather.
A quality tank for a decent Budget- Aluminum Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank
Getting a refillable tank is excellent. The HK Army compressed air HPA paintball tank has been designed in aluminum material able to hold up to 3000psi. It’s compatible with all standard paintball gun markers. This could be what you are looking for in an upgrade.
The accuracy of the HK Army aluminum compressed air HPA paintball tank is superb and what you need. Consistency is also another aspect that will surprise you. Each time you press and measure the pressure you want and wish. It always has higher performance in all weather conditions, contrary to what Co2 does. When you buy the HPA paintball tank, it’s shipped empty and must be filled prior to use.
He is known to be the most known and used paintball tank in the market, with great reviews from most users. This shows how extraordinary it is when it comes to performance. It does not matter what your standard gun is. You could use it. If you are looking for a budget-friendly tank, this is the right one. It is an alternative to Carbon fiber which is slightly expensive.
The tank is made easy to use as well as safe. It has a flat bottom for upright storage whenever you want. The tank’s regulator has a great flow and efficiency to give standard 800psi output. Also, it’s been tested and DOT approved for safety. It has a 5-year hydro cycle. The date was stamped on the tank when it was manufactured. This helps you to know when they will be hydro-tested again.
Best For Cheap, heavy and works perfectly – Tippmann Empire Paintball Tank
Tippmann Empire basics is one of the best HPA tanks for paintball in the market, designed with the user in mind in different aspects. The features the paintball comes with are superb. Its lightweight aluminum material makes it easy for you to carry and run around with. The size is standard and suitable for different people.
The Tippmann paintball tank has been certified by the DOT and TC cylinders to be safe for you to use. When buying the paintball tank, most people look for different things, including certification. It’s important to check the certification to know if the one you are using is safe.
The aluminum tank is made to hold up to 3000 psi capacity. It’s excellent with an 800 psi output pressure. It gives you control over your game and how much pressure you want to play. The tank uses a replaceable bonnet. The Tippmann could be said to be an ideal paintball tank for any marker and works in very high pressure.
The paintball tank 48 cubic inch tank is what you need as a beginner to enjoy the game. It’s made cheaper and affordable for you. The durability is decent when compared to others of the same category. Its lightweight feature is good for runners while playing. You don’t want to crash your shoulder carrying a bulky tank and gun playing.
Best For Protector Combo – Maddog HK Army 48ci/3000psi
Maddog is not a new name in the market. It has been there for a while and is known by many for its quality and features. Sometimes when going for something, it’s good to look for reviews done by those who have used the product. Their experience affects how you view the product and get some information you may miss. The HK Army 48 ci HPA 3000psi HPA compressed air tank is outstanding. The capability of the tank makes it suitable for everyone. If you are a beginner, you don’t have to worry about using it. It’s easy to use and handle. It has a Maddog fill Nipple protector. Sometimes when filling in the tank on your own, you will have to be careful not to get the nipple damaged.
The Tank bottle is designed durable with aluminum material to make it lightweight and easy to use. The aluminum material is suitable for lightweight and durability, but it could dent when playing without even knowing. The 800psi out the pressure of the paintball tank is fantastic and gives you the pressure you need at that moment.
The 800 psi is the standard output pressure. You could control the pressure you want the tank to release with the regulator. If the tank does not come with one, you will have to buy one. The tank has a five-year hydro test stamp. You will have to know when the tank will expire. The tank comes with a flat bottom for more accessible storage on upright positions or on tables or flat surfaces.
The tank is refillable, can be done from home, and is an excellent alternative for carbon fiber. This is mainly due to the price
Best For Beginner – Maddog 48/3000 Aluminum Compressed Air HPA
The Maddog HPA aluminum compressed air is an amazing paintball tank in the market with a regulator. It has enhanced accuracy, allowing you to shoot your opponent and get him right with the correct moves. It has higher performance and works well in all weather conditions. This is much different from the Co2 tanks, which is affected greatly by the weather condition. You must know when you ship the tank, it comes empty and has to fill before use. It’s a high-quality 48ci 3000psi aluminum. The 3000 pressure capacity is enough for a number of games before you refill again. You have 5 years off use before the tank is hydro-tested.
The Maddog 3000psi aluminum paintball tank has been certified by DOT as safe to use and handle. It comes with an industry-standard 3000psi regulator with exceptional flow, accuracy, and stable and efficient pressure. The paintball tank has a stamped date of manufacturing but no expiry date. From that date, you could know when the tank would expire in the last five years. It will need to be hydro-tested again after that period. This tank was specially built for paintball giving you total control of your game.
It has the enhanced accuracy and velocity you need in all weather conditions. That’s one of the beautiful things about HPA paintball tanks. Amazingly, you control the pressure it’s releasing out while playing.
The paintball is compatible with all standard markers that work with high-pressure air. If your marker is one of them, you could use the Maddog paintball tank.
Best For Pro Players – Aerolite Carbon Fiber HPA Paintball Tank
Sometimes getting the right paintball tank is not about what you need but what the tank means. Do you want a tank that can make the game easy and convenient, or just for getting a tank? There are tanks designed in lower-quality material that are prone to damage while playing. The HK Army Aerolite Carbon Fiber HPA paintball tank is one of the best in the market. Its performance and durability have been measured and enhanced to make it suitable and outstanding. It has a 48 cubic inch lightweight carbon fiber bottle and a pressure capacity of 4500 psi. It’s incredible how much it can hold and serve you for a long while before you refill.
The regulator of the HK Army Aerolite is made from aircraft-grade aluminum material, making it lightweight and easy to manage. The five-year hydro cycle is also great. You could use it for that long before thinking of getting another paintball tank. It also depends on how you handle your paintball tank. When well taken care of, it will stay for that long, and hydro test it again. The 800 psi output pressure is only the standard pressure regulated. The output does not mean you cannot control how much pressure you need while playing. It is DOT approved for safety and is easy to use. It’s certified to be safe, and a go was given to be used in different areas and guns.
Best For Lightweight Users – Aerolite Carbon Fiber
HK Army is one of the best-known military gears of different types. From pants, shirts, boots, and even paintball tanks. Suppose you’re looking for a capable paintball tank that gives excellent performance and durability. It has a 48 cubic inch lightweight carbon fiber bottle and a 4500 psi capacity.
The 4500 pressure capacity is what the tank is able to hold at its maximum. With a regulator, it’s much easier to know if the pressure is what is required when you refill on your own. When you exceed the required pressure, the tank is at risk of exploding. It has a reliable aircraft-grade standard aluminum regulator for measuring the pressure released and on the tank.
The regulator can help decide the pressure you want when playing. It makes the use of the tank convenient and easy. It has a five-year hydro cycle. When you buy the tank, it has the manufacturing date where you will know when the hydro cycle will happen.
The standard 800 psi output pressure is incredible in the middle of the game. You control the pressure you want the regulator to release. Whether powerful or lower pressure shot. The DOT has approved the Aerolite Carbon fiber HPA paintball tank to be safe. The air system has been designed with performance and affordability in mind for you. You have to afford it and get the best of it in the game.
2 – Pack Tippmann Basics 47 / 48ci 3k Aluminum HPA / Nitro / Compressed Air Tank
The 2-pack Tippmann basics 47/ 48 ci is one of the best aluminum high-pressure air systems designed to make your paintball gaming stand out. It has been designed with aluminum, making it cheaper than Carbon fiber tanks. The high pressure enables you to throw powerful shots for long distances.
It is capable of a 48 cubic inch cylinder and a pressure capability of 3000psi. This means you could throw 10 shots per cubic inch. The shots are not as much as the carbon fiber, but it’s due to the pressure holding capability. It’s a fantastic tank for beginners. It comes with a potent regulator proven to provide stable and consistent pressure when playing.
It has a grand Nickel-plated bonnet for durability. The Aircraft-grade aluminum regulator is another one to look at. It’s all the best features that make it worthy for you to buy. Paintball games could be played anywhere in different weather conditions and terrains.
Sometimes it would lead to dents without even noticing. The aluminum paintball tank’s limiting factor is it is prone to dents. It has a standard 800 psi output pressure when playing. You have control over the pressure your tank is releasing. The tank can be used by beginners and intermediate players in paintball gaming. It’s what you need for an amazingly fast and involving game.
10 Things to consider when choosing a perfect HPA tank for paintball
Tank Size
Getting an HPA tank for paintball is not easy without the correct information and needs. You have to look and consider the tank size you want and what you need. The tank comes in a different size. You should know how small or big you want your tank to be. A bigger tank could allow you to play longer but could be challenging if you had other stuff to carry along. The ideal size of the tank should reach your elbow. But that does not limit you. It should be how comfortable you are with the size or how you play.
Certified
The tank you are looking for should be certified. You are dealing with the important stuff, and you have to be sure they are measured and certified to be safe to be used. There are many HPA tanks in the market, and if you are not careful, you could bring in something not certified, and the effect could be negative.
Tank Type
The other factor that you have to consider is the type of tank you are going for. What do you want to experience with the tanks? There are the HPA tank and the Co2 tanks. Both are great in their own ways, but one outweighs the other. The Co2 is excellent, but the limitation is the effect of the temperature change. The HPA was built to handle the issue with Co2. You can lay for longer without it being affected by the temperature. That means you can play in different weather conditions with it.
Tank Material
The tank material matter a lot when the pressure is being used. The material used should be of high quality with a sturdy feature. With inferior material used, it will not bring in the desired effect. Due to too much pressure, the tank may experience leaking or even explode on you. The materials used in most paintball tanks are aluminum and carbon fiber. The aluminum tanks are lightweight and less expensive. It’s a great tank type used by beginners and intermediate players. They tend to dent easily and can be damaged if not careful while playing. They are designed to have a pressure that exceeds 3000PSI. Carbon fiber, on the other hand, is expensive and can carry more than 4500PSI. Carbon fiber is durable, light, and easy to carry around.
Tank Weight
The weight of the tank is very important. You don’t want to carry heavy tanks while playing on the field. It could limit your movement s well as enjoyment of the game. It’s good to go for something you can carry along with and run effectively as long as you are comfortable with the weight well and well. A lighter tank is convenient for you when you want to be fast and dodge the incoming attacks from your opponents.
Regulator included or not.
Some of the tanks come with regulators, while others don’t. You should consider this before making the decision. It’s very important. A regulator allows you to control the output pressure of the paintball tank while playing. It gives you the pressure you want. You may want more pressure for a powerful shot or a slower shot. It gives you control of the pressure you release while playing. A tank with a regulator is helpful and more convenient for you. You can also buy the regulator separately if you wish. It gives you control over the pressure you want to be released while playing on the field.
Durability
The durability of the paintball tank you are going for should be outstanding and worthwhile. For how long are you going to use it? Durability is contributed by different things, including the material used as well as the quality. The life span of the paintball tank is five years. It would not always go for that long. Go for a paintball tank that is able to withstand the different harsh conditions while playing the game.
Easy To use
Ease of use is very important to consider when going for the best HPA tank for paintball. It could make your use enjoyable or make it a disaster. The tank you are going for should be easy to use and handle. There are cases where you have to refill the tank on your own. It could be a problem if the tank is not easy to use. This is so since the instructions have to be followed strictly and patiently to refill to avoid some dangers.
Check the expired date.
The paintball tank comes with a date on it. This shows the amount of time you have before the tank is hydro-tested. Most of the paintball tanks are hydro testes in between three and five years. This ensures you can use the paintball tank for longer before buying a new one. The expiry time is very important. It shows how long the tank is going to last and if it’s worth going for.
In your Budget
What is in your pocket? What are you able to fish out to buy the paintball tank? Or what is your budget?
How much are you willing to spend on a paintball tank? Well, you will have to get a paintball tank that you can afford and are willing to spend that much on. There are cheaper paintball tanks as well as expensive ones. The Carbon fiber tanks are expensive, while aluminum ones as cheaper and best for beginners.
FAQs (Frequently Ask Questions)
Is HPA or CO2 better for paintball?
The HPA is excellent for paintball. It was designed to handle the weakness discovered in the Co2. The temperature effect
Is it okay to leave air in the paintball tank?
No. it’s good to remove the air in the paintball tank
Can any paintball gun use HPA?
Yes. It’s all about what you want to use.
Can I put CO2 in an HPA tank?
The HPA tank can’t be used with anything that runs on straight liquid Co2 because it needs a very high pressure to work.
Can I use a CO2 tank on an HPA paintball gun?
Electron paintball guns work with compressed air, but manual guns work with the Co2 and the HPA.
How many shots are in an HPA tank?
It depends on the size of the tank. The tank that is able to hold 4500 PSI can shoot 15 shots and 3000 PSI giving 10 shots.
Can you fill your own HPA tank?
Yes. with a few steps, you are able to do it at home.
Can CO2 paintball guns use HPA?
It probably could not work well. It depends on the type of gun. The electronic ones would not work with it.
Can I fill an HPA tank with an air compressor?
Yes. It’s easy with the correct procedure and tools.
Can HPA tanks explode
Yes. They can explode when not handled well.
Do HPA tanks need a cover?
Yes. An added cover help to keep the tank protected or adds a layer of protection.
Do HPA tanks need to be hydro-tested?
Yes. after a period of time, the HPA tanks need to be hydro tested every 3 to 5 years of use.
Does tac city fill hPa tanks?
Yes it does
Final words
Paintball tanks are hard to buy if you don’t know how to use them and also which one to look for. There are different types, and Co2 and HPA are the most used. You can decide to get an HPA paintball tank or go for a Co2 one. They both work to give you an excellent game but on a different level. The HPA is considered the best bet for those looking for a fast, high-pressure paintball tank.
There are lots of the best HPA tanks for paintball. It’s a matter of you getting the right one. Know how it works and how much you are likely to spend purchasing it. With the above review, it’s much easier to get the exact one you are looking for. Knowing what you want also helps a lot in making the decision and what you really need.
Meet Leo Roman, a dedicated paintball enthusiast hailing from the United States. He started as a casual player but quickly became a fierce competitor known for his strategic prowess and precision shooting. Beyond the thrill of the game, Leo values the camaraderie and sense of community in paintball.
He’s a respected figure who not only excels on the field but also volunteers to introduce newcomers to the sport. Follow Leo on our paintball blog for insights and stories from the world of this high-adrenaline adventure. Learn more