If you’re a paintball enthusiast, you may have wondered at some point whether you can use compressed air in a CO2 paintball gun. The answer to this question is yes – you can use compressed air in a CO2 paintball gun, but there are some things you need to know before doing so. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of using compressed air in a CO2 paintball gun and give you some tips on how to do it safely.
Concerns With Filling A CO2 Tank With Compressed Air
Shooting Issues
Compressed air, also known as HPA (high-pressure air), is pressurized to a much higher level than CO2 and can cause damage to your paintball gun over time. This increased pressure can lead to more wear on internal components of the gun, such as seals and o-rings, leading to frequent breakage or malfunctioning. Additionally, if your paintball gun was originally designed for use with CO2 only, it may not be able to handle the higher pressures associated with compressed air tanks. Before using a compressed air tank in your CO2 paintball gun, make sure you consult the manufacturer’s instructions. [1]
Tank Explosion
Using a compressed air tank in a CO2 paintball gun can also lead to safety issues, as it increases the risk of the tank exploding. When using a compressed air tank with your CO2 paintball gun, you need to be aware that the pressure is much higher than when using a regular CO2 tank. This increase in pressure can cause the tank to rupture if it’s not properly maintained and inspected on a regular basis for wear and tear. Additionally, make sure you’re following proper safety precautions when handling your tanks – always use protective eyewear, don’t smoke near them, and never fill them above their recommended capacities. [1]
The Best Way to Use Compressed Air For Your Paintball Gun
First off, make sure that your gun is specifically designed for running on compressed air. Not all paintball guns can handle the pressure of compressed air, so you must check your model to make sure it is compatible.
If your gun is built for compressed air, then you should be able to use a tank that has an output of 2000-3000 PSI. If you have an adjustable regulator on the tank, you can adjust the output PSI based on what your gun requires.
It’s important to note that when using compressed air in a paintball gun, the velocity may be higher than with CO2 tanks due to the higher pressure and constant temperature of the compressed air. This could mean more powerful shots and greater accuracy for your paintball game! [1]
Background on CO2 and Compressed Air
Paintball guns use either CO2 or compressed air to propel paintballs out of the barrel. The first and most widely used gas is carbon dioxide, which is a gas that has been pressurized into liquid form and stored in tanks for use by paintball guns. Compressed air, usually referred to as high-pressure air (HPA), is an inert gas like nitrogen or oxygen but it must be kept at higher pressure than CO2 and requires special tanks called “compressed air systems”. [1]
CO2 Advantages
Familiarity
There are many advantages to using CO2 in a paintball gun. First, it is familiar and easy for most players to use. Many recreational players have never used compressed air tanks, but they have all encountered the small 12-gram CO2 cartridges used in pellet guns and other toys.
CO2 also works well at higher temperatures than compressed air, which can be an issue during hot days on the paintball field. The gas is much more consistent within a wide temperature range as well, which makes it easier to regulate your shots during long games. [1]
Cost
In addition to being easy to find, CO2 cartridges are also much cheaper than compressed air tanks. Most CO2 cartridges for paintball guns cost less than five dollars each and can last multiple games. Compressed air tanks can cost anywhere from fifty dollars to more than one-hundred dollars depending on the size of the tank. If you plan on using your paintball gun often, these costs will quickly add up.
CO2 is usually available for purchase at most paintball fields or stores that cater to paintballers, making it quick and easy to get refills when necessary. [1]
Convenience
If you’re just starting out, CO2 is a great choice because of the convenience factor. Compressed air tanks are larger and require more effort to transport and use. Most paintball fields have CO2 refills available, but compressed air refills usually require special equipment or trips to specialty stores.
CO2 cartridges are also much easier to store as they take up very little space and can be stored in any cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Compressed air tanks need to be kept upright and in an environment that is free from dust and moisture.
Using CO2 in your paintball gun has many advantages over compressed air, including cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and convenience. [1]
Design of CO2 Tanks
CO2 tanks are designed differently than compressed air tanks. A CO2 tank has an internal regulator that regulates the pressure of the gas coming out of the tank, whereas a compressed air tank does not have this feature. This makes it easier to shoot from a CO2 tank because you don’t have to worry about keeping your shots consistent with different temperatures and pressures. [1]
CO2 Disadvantage
Using CO2 as a propellant has its drawbacks. It can cause your paintballs to become brittle, resulting in broken shells that won’t fire properly and chunks of paint on the field. Additionally, it can be expensive because you need to continuously purchase tanks filled with CO2 gas that are usually sold separately from the gun itself. [1]
Compressed Air Advantages
Consistent Pressure
The biggest advantage of using compressed air is that the pressure remains consistent no matter how much gas you use. With a CO2 gun, the amount of pressure changes depending on the temperature and altitude, so accuracy can be affected by changing weather conditions. Compressed air tanks are also less likely to experience inconsistent velocity due to variations in temperature or humidity. This makes them ideal for players who want increased accuracy from their paintball guns. [1]
Increased Accuracy
Compressed air tanks also have more even gas flow, making them better for accuracy than CO2. This is because the gas is released in a more consistent rate and does not fluctuate as much with each shot. Compressed air guns provide players with improved accuracy and range due to their consistent pressure when compared to CO2 paintball guns. [1]
Top Range
Compressed air tanks are also known to provide players with an increased range over CO2. This is because the gas flow is more consistent and the pressure does not drop off as quickly when shooting for long distances. Players who need more range from their paintball gun will find that compressed air gives them an edge in accuracy, distance, and consistency. [1]
Long-Range Cost
Although compressed air tanks are more expensive upfront, they can save money in the long run. This is because CO2 tanks must be refilled regularly and may need to be replaced from time to time due to wear and tear. Compressed air tanks last longer and can usually be refilled for a lot less than buying a new tank of CO2. [1]
Compressed Air Disadvantages
Tanks Are Not Compact
Although compressed air tanks are still lightweight and portable, they come in bigger sizes than the CO2 tanks. This means that carrying around a tank of compressed air can be rather cumbersome as compared to the small and slim CO2 tanks. [1]
Short-term Cost
Compressed air tanks may cost more than CO2 tanks in the long run, but in the short term, they can cost a bit more. Since compressed air needs to be filled up regularly, this means that you will have to pay for refills on a regular basis. This makes it slightly expensive and time consuming as compared to using CO2 which is much cheaper and lasts longer. [1]
How Much Shooting Can You Do With Compressed Air vs. CO2
When it comes to shooting, compressed air is the superior choice. Compressed air provides a more consistent and reliable velocity than CO2, which can fluctuate due to temperature changes. This means that you will be able to shoot longer with compressed air than with CO2 before having to refill your tank. Additionally, compressed air tanks are typically larger and last longer, meaning fewer trips back and forth to the store or field for refills. [1]
How to Fill Your CO2 Tank with CO2
Now that you know if you can use compressed air in a CO2 paintball gun, let’s look at how to fill your tank with CO2. Here’s what you’ll need: CO2 tank adapter, CO2 tank or cylinder, and either a CGA320-to-Paintball adapter or an ASME certified filling station.
Then, attach the correct adapter to the CO2 tank. Next, connect the ASME certified filling station to the tank or use the CGA320-to-Paintball adapter for smaller tanks. Finally, open up the valve of your C02 tank and let it fill up until it reaches its maximum capacity.
When your tank is full, close the valve and disconnect all of the components. Make sure you keep track of how much CO2 you’re using when filling up your tanks, as this will help ensure that you stay within your budget. [1]
FAQ
Can you put compressed air in a paintball gun?
Yes, you can put compressed air in a paintball gun. This is the preferred method of powering most modern paintball guns because it gives them more power, consistency and accuracy than CO2. Compressed air also allows for faster rates of fire, which is very useful in tournament games. However, if your gun is designed to use CO2 only then you should not attempt to use compressed air with that particular gun.
Can you use compressed air instead of co2 in a paintball gun?
Yes, you can use compressed air instead of CO2 in a paintball gun. Compressed air is the preferred method of powering most modern paintball guns because it provides consistent and reliable performance, better accuracy and greater power than CO2. However, if your gun is designed to run on CO2 only then you should not attempt to use compressed air with that particular gun as it could cause serious damage.
Can you use compressed air instead of co2?
Yes, you can use compressed air instead of CO2 in a paintball gun. Compressed air is the preferred method of powering most modern paintball guns because it offers better accuracy and increased power compared to CO2. Compressed air also allows for faster rates of fire which is very useful in tournament games. However, if your gun is designed to run on CO2 only then you should not attempt to use compressed air with that particular gun as it could cause serious damage.
Can co2 paintball tanks be filled with compressed air?
Yes, it is possible to fill CO2 paintball tanks with compressed air. However, you should be aware that not all paintball guns are designed to use both forms of power. If your gun is designed to run on CO2 only then you should not attempt to fill the tank with compressed air as this could cause serious damage. It is always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting any alterations or modifications to your gun.
What happens if you put compressed air in a CO2 tank?
Compressed air tanks are designed to withstand much higher levels of pressure than CO2 tanks, which means that if you put compressed air in a CO2 tank it may not be able to handle the increased pressure and could rupture or explode. Therefore, before attempting any modifications or alterations to your gun, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do I know if my paintball tank is CO2 or compressed air?
The easiest way to tell if your paintball tank is CO2 or compressed air is to look at the regulator. Compressed air tanks will have a two-stage regulator, while CO2 tanks will only have one stage. Additionally, you can check the manufacturer’s instructions for information about which type of power your gun needs.
Useful Video: Can a paintball compressed air tank replace a CO2 Tank- Tin’s Two Minute Tips
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is technically possible to use compressed air in a CO2 paintball gun, there are several factors that make this an impractical solution. Compressed air is more expensive than CO2 and requires additional components for the gun to function properly. This can add up quickly and defeat the cost savings of using compressed air. Additionally, there is the risk of potentially damaging or even ruining your paintball gun due to the increased pressure of compressed air.
For these reasons we strongly recommend against attempting to use compressed air in a CO2 paintball gun. Stick with what works best: stick with CO2 and you will be able to get the most out of your experience on the field!
References
- https://hobbystrategy.com/co2-paintball-tank-with-compressed-air/