Editing Paintball equipment (section)

== Propellant systems ==

Conventional paintball markers use compressed gas to propel paintballs.

The principal systems are carbon dioxide and high-pressure compressed air.

=== Carbon dioxide ===

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) was the predominant propellant used during the early development of paintball.

Early markers commonly used disposable 12-gram CO₂ cartridges.

Larger refillable cylinders subsequently became widespread as semiautomatic markers and high-capacity loading systems developed.

Carbon dioxide systems remain associated with certain recreational, historical and stock-class markers.

Changes in temperature can affect CO₂ pressure and marker operation.

=== Compressed air ===

High-pressure air (HPA) systems use compressed air stored in refillable pressure cylinders.

Modern compressed-air cylinders commonly have nominal service pressures of 3,000 psi or 4,500 psi, depending on their construction and certification.

Cylinders are usually fitted with regulators that reduce the stored pressure to a level suitable for the marker.

Compressed-air systems have largely replaced CO₂ in modern tournament paintball because they provide more consistent gas delivery across operating conditions.

Cylinder materials include aluminium and composite construction incorporating fibre-reinforced wrapping.

Compressed-gas equipment is subject to specific design, inspection and handling requirements. Further information is provided in [[Paintball safety]].