CO2 is the OG paintball propellant and many entry-level paintball markers still use CO2 as their source of power. Furthermore, many paintball pistols, which have been gaining popularity in mil-sim events, use 10g CO2 cartridges to fire paintballs downrange. While the number of paintball guns that still use CO2 is shrinking, there are still several legitimate reasons to use CO2 in your paintball gun and several accessories you should consider buying.

Frequently asked questions by paintballers…

Can you use CO2 on an HPA marker?

No. Because of the varied operating pressure and the temperature differences between an HPA and CO2 marker, you cannot use these tanks interchangeably. The main issue arises in the temperature difference; when CO2 is released, it causes a drop in temperature which can cause the o-rings to shrink and stop working when used on an HPA marker. Make sure you use CO2 with CO2 markers and HPA with HPA markers.

Can you refill a CO2 tank?

Yes! Large CO2 tanks are refillable. However, it’s important to note that the 10g and 12g CO2 cartridges are single-use and cannot be refilled. There is a thin metal strip at the tip of each cartridge which is punctured when the cartridges are engaged and this strip cannot be repaired to refill it.

Is CO2 better than compressed air?

Not necessarily, CO2 and compressed air are just different. As a general rule, compressed air is better for paintball markers because it gives a more consistent shot. However, CO2 is the best option for paintball pistols due to the cost-effectiveness and portability of the CO2 canisters.