Guide to Buying Your First Paintball Pod Pack
Paintball pod packs, also known as paintball harnesses, are important parts of the paintball game since they allow you to carry extra ammunition. With many players shooting 10-20 balls per second, a hopper full of paintballs will last for about 10-20 seconds. Considering that the average match lasts several minutes, it’s important to carry more paint with you so that you can remain in the fight after all the paint in your hopper is gone.
If you’re just getting into paintball, you may be wondering which pod pack is the best option for you. Today, we’ll take a look at several different options on the market along with important considerations for newer and experienced paintballers.
For a video guide of buying your first paintball pod pack, take a look at our YouTube video below:
Tippmann Sport Series Pod Pack
The Tippmann Sport Series Pod pack costs $13 and is the most entry-level pod pack on the market. This “what you see is what you get” pod pack will hold two or three pods—depending on the configuration you select—securely around your waist. This pod pack is adjustable and fastens with a traditional clip. It is a great option for new players or players on a strict budget.
Tippmann Sport Series Harness
The Tippmann Sport Series Harness is a step up from the Sport Series Pod Pack and retails for about $40. The added benefit of this pod pack (harness) is the additional carrying capacity for four paintball pods instead of two, and an additional air tank, which is great for scenario players who run remote lines. This harness has a dual belt system that helps secure the harness around your midsection. The arms of the harness are also long enough to fit most body circumferences. Players should note that, for both harnesses mentioned so far, there is no padding or additional consideration for comfort.
Gen X Global Deluxe Tactical Vest
The Gen X Global Deluxe Tactical Vest is a great option for magazine-fed paintball markers but may not be ideal for speedballers because of the extra bulk it adds. This vest is fully padded with mesh ventilation, which is important for scenarios that may drag on for hours. The straps on this vest are also adjustable with Velcro and will fit almost any sized paintballer. The versatility and carrying capacity of this vest make it stand out. There’s a chest pouch for storage, ammo tubes for pump-action paintballers, sleeves for magazines, and more. On the back of the vest, there’s also a pouch for a water bladder, so you can stay hydrated during long stints on the field. There is also a place for a tank (an additional tank or a tank to run a line from) and several pouches for pod packs, all of which are detachable with Velcro.
Empire Omega 4 Pod Harness
Moving on to speedball pod packs, the Empire Omega 4 Pod Harness is a great option for paintball players who need speed and a low profile. These harnesses retail for only $25 and are a great entry point for newer speedballers. The padding on this is lacking a little; however, for the price point, it’s about what one would expect. This harness also comes with elastic bands that help to push the pod out when you release the Velcro strap.
Valken Fate GFX 4+3 Harness
The Valken Fate GFX 4+3 Harness retails for $35 and is a great option with some more advanced features than the Empire Omega 4 Pod Harness. This harness has a double belt system, which the Omega doesn’t. However, the padding on the Valken Fate is still fairly minimal, which can make a difference when carrying seven pods of paint and sprinting on the field for a few hours. The main benefit of this harness, besides the double belt, is the extra carrying capacity offered—three additional pods.
HK Army Eject
The HK Army Eject retails from $75-$80 and comes in 3+2, 4+3, and 5+4 configurations. However, there are two additional sleeves on both sides (four in total), making these harnesses more like a 3+6, 4+7, or 5+8. In addition to excellent carrying capacity, this pod pack has a dual belt system as well. However, the real benefit of this harness is the additional padding and ventilation, which come in handy while carrying large numbers of paintballs. On the inside of the belt, there’s also silicone tacking that helps to keep the harness in place while on the field. A quick note for bigger paintballers: this harness does have a circumference limit, which makes it a better harness for small and medium-sized waists.
HK Army Magtek Harness
The HK Army Magtek Harness retails for $95 and is an excellent harness option for more experienced and even professional players. This harness comes with two belts but also has additional tightening systems to help keep the pods stable and as close to your body as possible. Underneath the removable back padding, players will find different tension control options to help secure different-sized pods. Like the Eject, there are also four additional sleeves on either side of the main sleeves. Furthermore, the main sleeves are secured with strong magnets rather than with Velcro, which makes pod removal and cleaning more convenient.
HK Army Zero G-X
The HK Army Zero G-X is the most elite harness on this list and retails for $110. For those who want to carry nearly an entire extra case’s worth of paintballs, this is the harness for you. The padding on this harness is excellent, and the four different belts with Velcro will keep this harness closer to you than some of your internal organs. In terms of comfort, this harness has three different pads—two hip pads and a lumbar pad—all of which are removable. Underneath the back pads, there is full tension control if you plan on using different-sized pods. Without a doubt, this is a great option for serious players.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of different considerations when purchasing your first paintball pod pack and your other accessories. Above all, make sure that you get a vest that fits well and has solid support. 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.