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Lone Wolf Paintball started from humble beginnings over 40 years ago and has since grown to become the nation’s number-one source of paintball equipment. As such, we’re proud to be attending the NXL 2024 World Cup! 

The NXL World Cup is the must-attend event of the year and will feature some of the best players in the world, beefing it out on the field! The event, held in Kissimmee Florida, will be run from November 6th - 10th, and teams, players, fans, and companies will come from all over the world to attend, including Lone Wolf Paintball.

We’ll be there meeting with some of the biggest names in the sport, enjoying the friendly competition, and creating some of the best content we’ve ever produced! As one of the biggest sponsors of NXL 2024, we’re excited to attend and be a part of this amazing event and sport. If you also plan on attending, make sure you come say hi–who knows? You may even feature in one of the videos we’ll be shooting!

So far in this series of “firsts,” we’ve covered buying your first paintball gun, buying your first speedball paintball gun, and buying your first hopper. In this article, we’ll cover different things to consider when buying your first paintball mask as well as some great options to buy. The mask is one of the most important pieces of protective equipment because it protects the most vulnerable parts of your body during paintball–your mouth, eyes, and ears. There may be different considerations with price when it comes to paintball guns, loaders, and air tanks. However, one thing we don’t recommend skimping on is the piece of equipment that protects your vision. With that in mind, let’s jump into some different considerations and different masks.

Dye SE Mask

The Dye SE Mask is a great mask to get you all the essentials and keep you safe on the paintball field. This mask costs about $30 and is a basic molded mask whose only job is keeping your face safe. You won’t find any fancy extractor fans or thermal lenses, but if all you need is to keep your face safe on a budget, this is a great mask to do just that.

As a quick note to the reader–the Dye SE Mask is literally the cheapest mask to get you out onto the field. Many people look on Amazon for flashier masks that they can find at a lower price but these are NOT SAFE for paintball. We tested a popular knock-off mask on a YouTube video and the third shot actually broke the lens which is dangerous for two reasons. First, it will not protect your eyes from a paintball strike. Second, the broken plastic will shatter and turn into shrapnel which can then be blown into your eyes making it more dangerous than if you didn’t have a mask to begin with. Take a look at the shocking full-length video below:

HK Army HSTL

The HK Army HSTL mask sells for about $45 and comes with a dual pane thermal lens. The great thing about thermal lenses is that they minimize temperature differences inside and outside of the lens which helps reduce much of the fogging that can occur while playing paintball. One of our favorite features on this mask is the number of straps that you can find on it–a head strap, a chin strap, and a top strap to make sure that everything stays in place. This makes it a great option for younger players or players with smaller heads. The HSTL mask also comes with removable foam which is very important after you’ve been wearing it for some time. The foam will eventually break down, but, since it’s removable, you can remove the foam and simply replace it with new foam. This mask also has great ventilation which helps keep you cool and fog-free.

JT Proflex

The JT Proflex Goggles are the first goggles on this list that start to get into more advanced features. Priced at $85, these goggles are less rigid than the HK Army HSTL and the Dye SE which is important to reduce the likelihood of ball breakage. The other two goggles were made out of a single piece of rigid plastic. However the JR Proflex goggles have a rigid plastic section around the ears and eyes but the mouth and chin guards are made of a flexible composite. While this does provide moderately less protection, it does reduce the likelihood of ball breakage which becomes a greater concern than safety at higher levels of the game. In fact, most masks above this price point will have some sort of flexible protection or even minimal protection around the chin and neck to reduce the breakage. In addition to a more flexible protection, these goggles are also the most customizable on the market–you can change out the straps, lenses, ear protection, and more! 

Virtue Vio Ascend

The Virtue Vio Ascend goggles retail for $100 and are loved by players because of how easy the lens-swap system is. These goggles are very modular, so in addition to the lens swap, it’s easy to switch out the foam inside of the goggles whenever it gets worn out. For players who wear glasses while playing, these are an excellent option because of the foam configuration which allows the arms of the glasses to rest on your head without being pushed into your head. Furthermore, for those players who want an intermediate step between the rigid plastic and the flexible plastic, the VIO Ascend is a great option. The plastic neck and chin protection on these goggles is more rigid than the proflex, offering more protection. However, it’s not as rigid as the first two goggles on this list which still allows for balls to bounce off the neck guard rather than break on it.

HK Army SLR

The HK Army SLR mask is a great option for those who want some more features over the Vio Ascend. Retailing for $130, these goggles have a magnetic chin strap and a silicone pad on the back of the head strap. These two features help keep the goggles in place whenever you’re on the field. As for the flexibility, the SLR is about as flexible as the Vio Ascend which provides a good balance between flexibility and rigidity. There are also tons of different colors of lenses available to purchase and changing these lenses out is a breeze with the easy change system. This goggle system also has two-piece foam around the eyes and nose, making it ideal for players who wear glasses as well.

Empire EVS

The Empire EVS goggles are a big step up in quality and retail for about $180 and are a great workhorse of a mask. The first thing you’ll notice on the inside of the mask is the tri-layer foam which offers great impact resistance. For many paintballers with glasses, this is their #1 favorite paintball mask because of the comfort level provided. 

The neck and chin guards on the mask are also fairly flexible–like the other moderately flexible masks on this list. Breathability is also fairly solid on this mask and additional accessories such as visors can also be purchased with this mask.

Dye i5

The Dye i5 starts at around $200 and is one of the most popular paintball masks on the market. A note for players with glasses and larger noggins, this mask may not be the best selection for you since they tend to run a little tight. Like the other masks on the list, the foam is clip-in and interchangeable and might be the most comfortable foam on the marker. On the head strap, there is also a padded silicon section that helps with grip and to hold the mask in place during gameplay. The ears on this mask are also nice and flexible and the neck and chin guards are also semi-flexible. Finally, this mask comes with a camera mount so that you can record all of the action in POV.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of different considerations when purchasing your first paintball mask and other accessories. Above all, make sure that you don’t skimp on the paintball masks since you’re entrusting your vision to them–saving $15 by going to amazon is simply not worth it. So whether you’re looking for your first speedball paintball gun or any other paintball outfitting, head on over to our online paintball store. At Lone Wolf Paintball, we have the best selection of markers and accessories you’ll find anywhere. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable team who will point you in the right direction. 

Happy paintballing!

Walking the trigger is one of the most important skills that you can learn in the entire game of paintball. While it might just look like you’re wiggling your index and middle finger back and forth, this skill takes months if not years of practice to develop in order to reach high rates of fire. In this article, we’ll take a look at exactly how you can start learning to walk the trigger today. Additionally, take a look at our comprehensive YouTube video explanation of how to start walking the trigger: 

Practicing Walking the Trigger

The single best thing that you can do to learn how to walk the trigger and improve your speed is simply practice. This doesn’t mean that you need to go out and spend thousands of dollars on paintballs in order to practice. In fact, there’s an easy way to learn that costs you essentially no additional money (other than what you already spent on your marker). If you’re ever bored or just sitting around watching TV, simply grab your marker and without turning it on, just begin walking the trigger on your paintball marker. It’s as simple as that! With time, you will eventually get faster and be able to send more balls per second (BPS) down range.

Different Shooting Modes

When you “ramp” with NXL firing, the onboard electronics will automatically kick the rate of fire up to about 10 balls per second as long as you can pull the trigger more than about 3 times per second. This sounds fast, but it is actually doable for most beginner paintballers even without walking the trigger.

Using the semi-automatic firing feature on your marker is where walking really becomes important. Remember that semi-automatic simply means that for every pull of the trigger, one paintball is released.

Final Thoughts

Depending on your trigger, your paintball marker, and the rules of the game you’re playing, you may not even need to learn how to walk the trigger. However, it is still a great idea to learn how to walk the trigger since many players can reach higher rates of fire by walking rather than ramping. If you’re looking for the best selection of paintball triggers and paintball markers on the market, head on over to Lone Wolf Paintball’s online paintball store. You’ll get the best selection of paintball equipment anywhere to help outfit you for your next paintball match. If you have any questions about any of our products, please reach out to our knowledgeable sales team who will be happy to answer any of your questions. Happy paintballing!

Aiming a paintball gun is potentially the most important part of playing paintball–if you can’t hit the broadside of a barn, then you could be more of a liability than an asset for your team. However, when it comes to aiming your paintball gun, how you hold your gun, where you stand, and your ability to shoot the gun with both hands all play a role in your accuracy and effectiveness. Here are some tips on how to best shoot your paintball gun for maximum accuracy and effectiveness.

How to Hold the Paintball Gun

The first thing to think about when aiming your paintball gun is how you hold the paintball gun. The first thing is deciding where you want to put the air tank. Some players tuck the tank into their shoulders while other players tuck the tanks below their arms in their armpits. Some newer players rest the tank on top of their shoulders; however, this is generally not a great strategy. We recommend experimenting with putting the tank in your shoulder or below your arm, to begin with.

The reason that we recommend this placement is to help minimize the target that you present to the players on the opposite team. In the same vein as minimizing the target, wherever you decide to put the air tank, you should keep your elbow tucked down and in as much as possible. This may put your wrist and shooting hand at an awkward angle. 

However, you will still be able to shoot while minimizing the area of your body that can be hit by an opponent’s paintball. Some newbies, in the interest of eliminating the entire target, will try and shoot the paintball gun sideways. This will work for a shot or two, however after that, the paintball gun will fail to load since almost all paintball guns are gravity-fed.

When it comes to actually shooting, you may have to train with both your right and left hand. Most people are right-hand dominant, which works when you’re shooting from the right side of the bunker. However, when you’re shooting from the left side of the bunker, you’ll need to switch shoulders and hands so that you don’t present 70% of your body to the other team. 

This same principle applies on the opposite side for left-hand dominant players. It can be awkward to try and shoot with your non-dominant side, however, with enough practice you’ll become proficient and this will drastically reduce your chances of getting hit.

How to Find Cover and Cut Angles

A discussion about how to aim your paintball gun would be incomplete without touching on how to stay covered and cut angles. Many newbie players will jump out from behind the bunker and expose their entire bodies. This is a great way to get hit by a player who’s waiting for you to make just this sort of mistake. 

To keep as much of your body covered as possible, you’ll want to try and cut angles by presenting the tip of your marker first and hiding the rest of your body behind the bunker (legs included) to reduce the likelihood of getting marked. To do this, slowly advance around the edge of the bunker, making sure that you keep your legs covered and only reveal your marker and the outer edge of your goggles. This will still allow you to see opponents and shoot at them while minimizing the target.

How to Aim Your Paintball Gun

Finally, now that we’ve discussed movement, cover, and cutting angles, we can discuss how to actually aim your paintball gun. The first thing that you’ll notice about your paintball gun is that there are no optics or iron sights for you to use when aiming your paintball gun. You will also notice that your line of sight when looking along the top of the paintball gun is obstructed by the feedneck.

When shooting your paintball gun, in the absence of any aiming mechanism, you’ll want to make sure that the back of the barrel is parallel with the front of the barrel. This means that you should be able to see down the entire barrel as if it were a flat plane. The muzzle shouldn’t be elevated or your shots will go high. In the same way, the muzzle shouldn’t be below the rest of the barrel or your shots will go low. Anyone who has fired a shotgun with a bead sight will find that very similar principles apply when shooting a paintball gun. 

Next, instead of looking down the top part of the barrel, you will need to look down the side of the barrel given that the loader’s feedneck is in the way. If you’re shooting a right-hand dominant stance, you’ll want to be looking down the barrel at approximately a 2 o’clock position. If you’re shooting in a left-hand dominant position, you will want to be looking down the barrel at approximately the 10 o’clock position.

Final Thoughts

Aiming a paintball gun takes a few minutes to learn and a lifetime to perfect. The best way to learn as quickly and effectively as possible is to get on the paintball field and start throwing paint down range. For the best selection of paintball equipment, head over to our online paintball store and send us a quick message if you have any questions about which equipment is best for you. Happy paintballing!

Paintball chest protectors are essential protective gear designed to shield your torso with added padding and reinforcement. They not only defend against paintball hits but also protect your chest and upper abdomen from falls, scratches, and other mishaps during the game. Typically made from high-impact foam, gel, or similar cushioning materials, these protectors are combined with lightweight fabric to prevent unnecessary bulk. Many paintball enthusiasts consider chest protectors invaluable, as they have prevented numerous inuries from falls, impacts, and abrasions. We strongly recommend using chest protectors to reduce the risk of injury while playing paintball. Take a look at our list of the top chest protectors for paintball players.

For a comprehensive review of chest protector performance (and to see a Lone Wolf team member take a shot in the nads), check out the video below!

HK Army Crash Chest Protector

The HK Army Crash Chest Protector is crafted for high-impact performance, emphasizing comfort and flexibility. It boasts a contoured, dual-layered pad system that absorbs shocks and reduces impact. Constructed from durable, lightweight materials, it ensures fluid mobility and breathability. The 4-way stretch inner lining enhances coverage and acts as a cooling agent. Key features include high-impact padding, enhanced comfort and durability, custom HK Army trim, and flexible lycra side panels for improved mobility and fit.

Carbon SC Pro Top

The Carbon SC Pro Top is a lightweight compression protective top is crafted as an upper body layer for active use, made from a technical blend of 85% polyester and 15% spandex to enhance breathability and range of motion. The long-sleeve shirt is designed to stay in place and provide precise protection while cooling the body during intense activities. It features built-in dual-layer elbow pads and gauntlet-style thumb/wrist loops. Key features include 4-way stretch fabric for a natural range of motion, an extended relaxed fit torso for added comfort, and gauntlet-style thumb loops to minimize movement. The shirt employs flat lock stitching to reduce irritation, a low-profile compression fit for a minimalist design, and moisture-wicking, quick-dry material to keep the wearer dry and cool, which also dries quickly after use.

Dye Performance Top

The new Dye Performance Top features compression-formed responsive air foam for optimal protection without sacrificing performance or range of motion. It incorporates moisture-wicking fabric to regulate body temperature during intense play. Additional features include side vented gussets, upper chest mesh, and Coolmax for superior climate comfort.

Bunkerkings Fly Padded Compression Wear is made from four-way, moisture-wicking stretch fabric that offers protection and mobility during dives, crawling, and impacts. Its lightweight Air Hex pad technology eliminates the bulk of traditional pads, allowing unrestricted movement. The Variable Air Hex Technology ensures the pads remain lightweight, breathable, and flexible, providing natural movement and protection in impact zones. The Air Hex layers vary in thickness from 6 to 8mm, depending on the protection needed for different zones.

BunkerKings Fly Sleeveless Compression Top

The Bunkerkings Fly Sleeveless Compression Top is made from four-way, moisture-wicking stretch fabric that offers both protection and flexibility during dives, crawling, and impacts. The lightweight Air Hex pad technology eliminates bulk, allowing unrestricted movement. Variable Air Hex Technology ensures the pads remain lightweight, breathable, and flexible, with thickness varying from 6 to 8mm depending on the impact zone. These pads are designed to protect from impacts and dives without hindering natural movement, ideal for players who want the benefits of pads without the bulk.

The light compression fit makes Fly pads the lightest on the market, providing a snug but comfortable fit that’s easy to wear and transport. Moisture-wicking skin savers, constructed from smooth lycra, quickly move sweat to the outer surface, keeping you dry and cool. This design prevents irritation and discomfort, allowing all-day wear without pain from binding and pinching.

HK Army CTX Armored Compression Shirt

The HK Army CTX Armored Compression Shirt offers targeted padding for protection, featuring Dual Fusion Hex Padding that contours the arms for maximum impact protection during dives, crawling, or being shot. Lightweight mesh zones along the ribs and back keep you cool, while a robust Exoskin layer in key high-impact areas prevents wear and tear. The shirt also includes a half glove with gripping cells to ensure the sleeve stays in place.

Wrapping Up

Aficionados of both speedball and woodsball would greatly benefit from the use of a chest protector whenever they’re playing paintball. Not only do they help cushion the impacts from paintballs, they also help protect you from falls and other injuries. For the best selection of chest protectors, take a look at Lone Wolf Paintball’s online store for the best selection of protective paintball equipment anywhere. Happy paintballing!

CO2 tanks are a throwback to the early days of paintball and while many of the flagship markers are now using high-pressure air, CO2 is still a common propellant among entry-level markers. Surprisingly enough, there are a number of different markers that still use CO2–everything from regular paintball markers to paintball pistols and beyond into airsoft. Today we’ll take a look at all of the different CO2 tanks available for players to use.

Why Use CO2?

Entry-level markers like the Tippmann A-5 still use CO2 for a bunch of good reasons. First off, CO2 tanks are usually cheaper than high-pressure air (HPA) systems, which is great for beginners just starting out in the sport. The Tippmann A-5, known for being super reliable and easy to use, works really well with CO2. This marker is tough and can handle the temperature changes that come with using CO2, so new players get consistent performance without a hitch.

Milsim (military simulation) paintball markers like the Tippmann Cronus Tactical often stick with CO2 too. These markers are designed to mimic real firearms, giving players a more authentic experience. CO2 is popular here because it provides a consistent and realistic recoil, making the game feel even more immersive. Plus, CO2 tanks are compact, fitting right in with the tactical and streamlined setups that milsim players love.

CO2 paintball pistols have become a big hit with milsim paintballers as a handy sidearm. These pistols are small, easy to carry, and quick to reload. The 12-gram CO2 cartridges they use are super convenient and lightweight, making them perfect for players who need a reliable backup weapon. The rise in popularity of CO2 paintball pistols comes from players wanting more versatile and realistic gear for close-quarters battles and as a secondary weapon option.

Different Types of CO2 Containers

When it comes to CO2 containers, there are a few different options to choose from depending on your marker and style of play.

The traditional 20oz and 24oz CO2 tanks are the most common and widely used in paintball. These tanks are perfect for players who need a lot of gas to get through a long game without having to refill. They're great for standard markers and provide plenty of shots per fill. The 20oz size strikes a good balance between capacity and weight, making it a solid choice for most players.

For those who prefer something a bit more compact, the 12oz CO2 tanks are a fantastic option. These smaller tanks often fit into the stock of some milsim markers, which keeps the setup looking sleek and tactical. They’re lighter and easier to handle, making them a favorite for players who value mobility and want to stay nimble on the field. While they don’t last as long as the 20oz tanks, they’re perfect for shorter games or for players with better aim!

Then there are the 12g CO2 cartridges, which are most frequently used with paintball pistols. These tiny powerhouses are incredibly convenient and lightweight, making them ideal for sidearms. Just pop one into your pistol or magazine (depending on your paintball pistol), and you’re good to go. They’re easy to carry around, so you can bring a bunch with you and reload quickly during a game. These cartridges are perfect for close-quarters combat and for players who like having a secondary weapon at the ready.

Paintball Tanks

There are currently several different options for paintball tanks on the market.

GI Sportz / Tippmann 24 OZ CO2 Tank

The GI Sportz 24-ounce CO2 tank is perfect for players of all skill levels. With its Pure Energy Technology, this tank guarantees a consistent recharge rate, ensuring you get maximum shooting efficiency every time. It has a 24-ounce capacity and is crafted from lightweight, DOT and TC-certified aluminum, proudly made in the USA. The tank features a dependable Pure Energy Repeater Style Pin Valve, installed by qualified technicians to meet or exceed all industry standards. Plus, it comes with a five-year retest cycle and all its components comply with ASTM, DOT, TC, or CGA standards.

HK Army 20 OZ CO2 Tank

The HK Army 20 OZ CO2 tank is designed for paintball markers that accept CO2. These tanks feature a durable aluminum construction and come equipped with a pin valve and high-pressure burst disc. They have a 20-ounce capacity and sport a stylish HK Army screen-printed graphic, making them both functional and visually appealing.

GI Sportz / Tippmann 20 OZ CO2 Tank

The GI Sportz / Tippmann 20 OZ CO2 Tank is perfect for players at any level. Utilizing Pure Energy Technology, the tank ensures a consistent recharge rate for optimal shooting efficiency. The tank has a 20-ounce capacity and is made from lightweight, DOT and TC-certified aluminum, proudly manufactured in the USA. It features a reliable Pure Energy Repeater Style Pin Valve, installed by qualified technicians to meet or exceed industry standards. It also offers a five-year retest cycle, and all components comply with ASTM, DOT, TC, or CGA standards.

GI Sportz / Tippmann 12 OZ CO2 Tank

The GI Sportz / Tippmann 12 OZ CO2 Tank is ideal for players of all levels. With Pure Energy Technology, it ensures a consistent recharge rate for maximum shooting efficiency. The tank has a 12-ounce capacity and is crafted from lightweight, DOT and TC-certified aluminum, proudly made in the USA.

CO2 Cartridges

CO2 cartridges within a paintball context are almost always used for paintball pistols. Our favorites are the Umarex 12g CO2 Cartridges, the Crossman 12g CO2 Cartridges, and the JT Paintball 12g CO2 Cartridges. For those looking for a little less weight to carry around, the Leland 8g CO2 cartridges could be a great option for you.

Wrapping Up

Playing a more traditional version of paintball with CO2 markers can be a very rewarding way to play the game. Milsim events are also one of the best ways to enjoy the game with friends and potentially thousands of other enthusiasts on a field that has a high level of realism. Whether you’re looking to play paintball in your backyard or getting ready for a multi-day milsim event, make sure you grab a CO2 tank to stay in the game! For the best selection of CO2 products, make sure you take a look at the world’s #1 paintball retailer–Lone Wolf Paintball. Happy paintballing!