Paintball is a super fun game in which you aim at and hit your mates with a marker without worrying about injuring them, assuming the game is carefully managed. From its beginnings as a casual and friendly sport played to pass the time, paintball has become a competitive, professional game among some teams.
If you are already a pro, you must have participated in at least a handful of paintball tournaments by now. And, if you are a beginner, you may be eager to join the professionals soon. While practice is something we can’t help you with, we can definitely help you know more about the gear required for the absorbing game of paintball.
It is essential not to compromise on your paintball gear if you want to take up the sport seriously. Whether looking at protective equipment or kit required to play the game at a professional level, there are various items you need to buy.
One such important item is the paintball barrel. A barrel is a long cylindrical tube that is fitted over the end of the paintball pistol. This helps increase your shot’s accuracy, which is crucial if you want to win the game.
The best paintball barrel can drastically change your game and give you an edge over your opponents. Of course, since all professionals use barrels on their guns, you will not only need the best model but also the skills to go with it. Or, perhaps you think that skills aren’t an issue to worry about? Perfect, we’ll focus on the barrels.
And we can definitely help you find the best paintball barrels from among the countless varieties available on the market. We are here with a list of the top five best paintball barrels on the market, along with their features and benefits in detail.
We have also shared a buying guide with factors to consider when buying a paintball barrel together with a few tips about maintaining and cleaning the barrel. After all, if you don’t take care of your equipment, it will not be able to deliver its best in the game, right?
Table of Contents
- 1 Table of Contents
- 2 Quick Comparison Table!
- 3 The Best Paintball Barrels For The Money
- 4 #1 DYE Precision GF Boomstick Barrel - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- 5 #2 Deadlywind Fibur-X Carbon Fiber Autocker Threaded Paintball Barrels - Best Ultra-lightweight option
- 6 #3 DeadlyWind Null Carbon Fiber one Piece Paintball Gun Barrel - Best Value for Money
- 7 #4 GOG Carbon Fiber Freak in-Line - Best Durability
- 8 #5 Tippmann Sniper Barrel - Best for Accuracy
- 9 Buying Guide for the Best Paintball Barrels
- 10 Wrap Up: Our Choice
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table!
4.6
The Best Paintball Barrels For The Money
#1 DYE Precision GF Boomstick Barrel - EDITOR'S CHOICE
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The first paintball barrel on our list is the Precision GF Boomstick by the DYE company. As the name suggests, the barrel promises and delivers accuracy without compromising on sound. Yep. This barrel, on top of other excellent features, is not noisy. Isn’t that great? Looks like this model has a lot of offer, doesn’t it? Let’s take a look at the features in detail.
Features & Benefits
Design
The boomstick barrel is made of both stainless steel and glass fiber. How is that possible? Simple. This is a two-piece barrel and allows you considerable accuracy and power. One piece, called the insert, is made of stainless steel, while the other is made using high-quality glass fiber.
The vent design, also called the porting system, is steady and provides a stable build up of pressure when using the paintball gun. This results in the barrel being silent while not compromising on speed or power.
Key features
- The Precision GF Boomstick barrel comes in a multitude of colors. You can take your pick of hues, ranging from pink to green.
- The barrel is both scratch- and corrosion-resistant. You can use it for quite a long time if you clean it regularly and keep it in a good working condition.
- The barrel length ranges from 8 to 15 inches.
- The barrels are available in two bore sizes, namely 0.684 and 0.688.
- Due to the use of fiberglass, the barrels are lightweight and easy to use with paintball guns.
- This barrel is comfortable and can be used by players with varying skill levels. However, this model is mostly preferred by professionals because of the accuracy and durability it provides.
- Another aspect that makes beginners hesitate is the price. This is an expensive model, and not all beginners will want to invest in something so costly when they are still learning paintball.
Pros
- It is a lightweight model
- It comes with a 2-piece construction
- Made of fiberglass
- It is durable and accurate
Cons
- This is an expensive model
#2 Deadlywind Fibur-X Carbon Fiber Autocker Threaded Paintball Barrels - Best Ultra-lightweight option
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
Deadlywind offers quite a few paintball barrels, most of which are popular in the market. As you can see, we have listed two models by this company for good reason. But first, let us find out more about the Fibur-X, which is famous for being one of the best ultra-lightweight barrels. It is silent, accurate, durable, and delivers results. The model is also a little expensive, but it is definitely worth the price. Shall we go on and look at the features in detail?
Features & Benefits
Design
Did you know that Deadlywind offer a lifetime guarantee on this model? Yep, that’s right. The company is certainly confident about its products. Creating a design that is durable yet not heavy can be tricky. The 12-inch barrel weighs 1.58 ounces, and the 14-inch barrel weighs 1.76 ounces.
The barrel has a three-layer build. The interior layer is smooth and slick (made of silk fiber) and this ensures that the accuracy of the shots is not compromised. The second/ middle layer is a uni-directional fiber layer and has a multi-vector pattern. The external layer is 2*2 twill. The best thing about this barrel is that it can sustain rough use and still work accurately.
Key features
- The barrel can be changed to various options by using an insert. You can use the insert with other barrels as well.
- The barrel uses Freak replaceable inserts.
- Compared with other brands, the Fibur-X doesn’t offer a lot of range, for example you cannot rely on it in large playing fields.
- You don’t need to worry about missing shots; the shot goes perfectly straight every time.
- The Fibur-X is easy to clean and maintain. It comes with a swab for cleaning.
- You will need to use the barrel with a thread adapter (autocker) to fix it to any paintball pistol. You cannot use the barrel without an autocker.
- This is a great model for beginners, even if it is costly. You will find it easy to use and you can change the barrels for different kinds of shots.
- Made in the USA, the Fibur-X looks good and works equally well.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight barrel
- Silent action
- Optimal accuracy
- Durable
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Not a long range
#3 DeadlyWind Null Carbon Fiber one Piece Paintball Gun Barrel - Best Value for Money
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The third paintball barrel on our list is another model from Deadlywind. This one is called Null and is made of quality carbon fiber material. It is lightweight, stable, and accurate while also being durable and budget-friendly. If you want a totally silent barrel, this one is for you. Similar to the above model, Null also has a three-layer construction. Let’s take a look at the features in detail, shall we?
Features & Benefits
Design
The bore size of the barrel is 0.688. The barrel can be used without inserts which makes it easy for beginners to use. The outer layer of the barrel (also known as the deaf layer) is made of satin twill. The second layer has a multi-vector pattern to give it stability and durability. The innermost layer is made of super-slick silk fiber.
You can use the swab that comes with the barrel to clean the interior. The barrel is made in the USA and tested for quality before being released into the market. The Null also comes in two lengths, a 12-inch barrel and a 14-inch barrel.
Key features
- The Null is also famous for its appearance, as with the Fibur-X. It looks good and adds to the paintball pistol’s attractive appeal.
- This model is preferred by regular, hobby players since it is so easy to use. The 14-inch barrel weighs 1.76 ounces and is considered lightweight.
- Just as the previous model by Deadlywind, the Null barrel is robust and can sustain wear and tear. Don’t worry if you are a little rough with it, the barrel’s efficiency will not be affected.
- However, you cannot fully customize the Null as you can other barrels in the market. You can certainly make a few changes, but the options are limited.
- The Null is definitely worth the price and is an affordable model for newbies.
Pros
- Suitable for beginners and regular paintball players
- Top level of silent action
- Affordable price point
- Can be used without inserts
Cons
- Fewer customization options than other barrels
#4 GOG Carbon Fiber Freak in-Line - Best Durability
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The fourth paintball barrel on our list is by GOG. It is viewed as being among the most durable models on the market and is used by paintball players at varying skill levels. There are many advantages of using this barrel; it is pocket-friendly, durable, lightweight, and accurate. While it has a few disadvantages, the benefits outweigh these by a greater margin. Let’s take a look at the design and features, shall we?
Features & Benefits
Design
This barrel is also made of carbon fiber, as other picks we have suggested are, and is thus lightweight and durable. However, it is not too expensive. It also comes with eight inserts suitable for different types of paintball pistols. You can use the barrel with various guns, though you will need to use the autocker to fix the barrel to the gun’s end.
While some people see it as a disadvantage, we recognize that this feature makes the Freak in-line a versatile paintball barrel. The barrel is made in the USA and has been proven to be one of the reliable models that can be used in paintball tournaments.
Key features
- The paintball barrel is 14 inches long, though you can also find a barrel of 16 inches in the same model.
- The barrel can be used in tournaments where it’ll be exposed to some rough conditions. Don’t worry that it’ll break; the barrel is quite sturdy and can sustain wear and tear.
- The unique barrel porting design makes it a viable model suitable for beginners, intermediate players, and professionals alike.
- The barrels’ threads are made of aluminum and designed to suit different paintball guns.
Pros
- Several inserts
- High accuracy
- Can be used by all players
Cons
- Can only be used with autocker
- Consistent and precise
#5 Tippmann Sniper Barrel - Best for Accuracy
- Quality
- Price
- Our Rating
The final paintball barrel on our ‘best of’ list is by Tippmann. This is yet another company that has released different types of barrels into the market. While Tippmann barrels are best suited for the guns by the same company, they can also be successfully used with other paintball pistols. This model has been created with beginners in mind, though it is quite expensive for a newbie. Still, the sniper barrel would make a good accompaniment to learning paintball. Shall we take a look at the features in detail?
Features & Benefits
Design
The barrel has been designed to minimize noise. It is also great for long-distance shots, though the range is not as long as we’d have liked. The barrel comes in two sizes, 14 inches and 16 inches. If you prefer extra-long paintball barrels, give this model a try.
If you like to shot paintball from a hidden position, you might get superior results using this barrel. The sound will not give you away, and the aim will be accurate and steady.
Key features
- This barrel is made of aluminum and is a lightweight model.
- The iodized black exterior surface and the smooth interiors ensure high accuracy and stability. The barrel has been micro-honed for consistency.
- This model can be used with the Tippmann 98, A-5, X7, and X7 Phenom, along with other Tippmann Pro paintball pistol models.
- The barrel can be used for some great spin shots due to its design.
- The exterior design may seem intimidating to beginners and intermediate players, but the design is deliberately to look sleek and meaning business.
Pros
- Good model for beginners
- Accurate long-distance shots
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Durable and functional
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t offer a long range
Buying Guide for the Best Paintball Barrels
Well, wasn’t that an interesting list of paintball barrels? You might be wondering how you can choose the best among the best. But, before we take a look at the factors to consider when buying paintball barrels, let us see how to keep them clean.
Paintball barrel maintenance
Cleaning paintball equipment is as important as buying and using it, right? The best thing here is that cleaning a paintball barrel is very easy. It hardly requires any effort. The only thing you need is a squeegee.
Hold the paintball gun/ pistol/ marker in your hand and remove the barrel. Then place one end of the squeegee into the barrel and push it until it comes out of the other side. Do it a few times to ensure that the interior is fully clean. Wipe the exterior as well using a bit of water and a cloth.
What if you don’t have a squeegee?
You can use a swab stick instead. The point is to get rid of the paint and dirt sticking to the interior walls of the barrel so that they don’t reduce the efficiency of the gun or cause it to jam.
Once you are done, check the barrel to see that it is perfectly clean. If you insert a fresh swab stick, it should come out clean without any traces of paint. Don’t forget to also clean your paintball pistol before you fix the barrel onto it.
Factors to consider when buying a paintball barrel
Now, we take a look at the different factors that will affect the performance of the paintball barrel. Some factors do not have any fixed rules, they vary depending on how experienced you are and which models you prefer.
Barrel length
Why is the length of the barrel important? Because it determines the distance your paintball pellet will travel. A longer barrel will invariably help you cover more distance, but a shorter barrel will give you more accuracy. However, the ideal barrel length is about 14 inches. Some people prefer to use barrels that are only 12 inches long, while others like 16 inch long barrels. It’s depends whether you want greater accuracy or a further distance.
Material used
The material of the barrel will also affect its weight. That’s the reason a lot of barrels in the market are made of aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight and cheap to use. As a newbie, you might find it trouble-free to use paintball guns with aluminum barrels. You don’t have to spend much money on them, either.
A professional paintball player, on the other hand, will not mind a heavier gun. That’s why you will see many professionals using stainless steel barrels. These barrels are sturdy and durable. They also ensure that the professional gives it their best shot.
You can also find ceramic barrels that are lightweight and require no cleaning. But, these are delicate items and can break easily. If you get a little rough with the paintball gun, a ceramic barrel is most likely to break.
So, what if you want a durable and efficient barrel, but something that’s not as heavy as a stainless steel one? We’ve got a solution for this. You will need to buy a carbon fiber barrel. These are quite expensive but offer the best of aluminum and stainless steel models. A carbon fiber barrel is lightweight, durable, sturdy, reliable, and efficient.
Bore diameter
Also known as bore size, this is a crucial factor to consider when buying a paintball barrel. Similar to other features, barrels commonly have a bore diameter of 0.68 inches. But, it is not that easy to decide the correct bore size of the barrel. Why?
Well, for one thing, the size of paint pellets tend to vary. This could be due to the gun used, the humidity and changing temperature, or other external conditions. Second, using a barrel that’s either too small or too big will affect your performance. A larger barrel will not be accurate and not offer a perfect trajectory. A smaller barrel will struggle to release the paint and it might end up jamming the gun.
So, how do you choose the right bore size? Hold the barrel vertically and drop a paint pellet through it. If it falls straight to the ground, the barrel is too big. If it gets stuck and refuses to move even when you blow it out, the bore size is too small. The right bore size is where the paint pellet gets stuck at first but moves out when you blow once.
Vents
Vents are the tiny holes you see on the barrel. These are very important and found on every barrel. They help release the excess pressure that builds inside the barrel and the paintball gun as you continue to fire shots.
The location of the vents also plays a vital role. If the vents are close to the gun, the shots will be silent but less powerful. And if the vents are towards the outer end of the barrel, the shot is going to make some noise but is going to be quite powerful in hitting the target.
So, how do you decide which barrel is the right one for you? Well, don’t select just one. We use both kinds, depending on the stage of the game. That’s why professionals prefer to buy a barrel kit with barrels of different sizes, lengths, and designs and change them as and when needed during the paintball game.
Interior finish
Another important factor is the interior finish of the barrel. The finish has to be smooth and polished so that the paintball pellet will not be dragged across the surface. Continuous dragging will reduce the accuracy of the shot as well as the lifespan of the barrel.
One vs. two
Are you wondering what one barrel vs. two barrels is about? You are most likely a beginner if you are asking this question. Back when paintball was still a minor sport, guns only had one barrel. But, as the game became famous across the world, the equipment was upgraded to deliver better performance and attract more people to the game.
A two-piece barrel is used by professionals. They can choose which pieces to fit at the front and back of the barrel. Depending on how, where, and why the player needs to use the paintball gun, the barrels are changed during the game. Power, accuracy, range, size of paintball pellets, and noise are the major factors considered when changing the pieces.
Threads
The threads are located at the end where the barrel is screwed onto the gun. A good quality barrel will have threads that perfectly suit different paintball guns. If the barrel doesn’t sit properly at the gun’s end, it will affect the efficiency of the shot.
Using inserts
As a beginner, you might wonder if you can use inserts with your barrel. The answer is yes, you can. Even a paintball pellet that usually fits perfectly may cause trouble for various reasons. In such cases, you can use the inserts (these come with the barrel kit) so that the bore of the barrel matches the pellet and gives you the desired results.
Wrap Up: Our Choice
Have you decided which paintball barrel to buy? Are you still confused? In that case, let us recommend the DYE Precision GF Boomstick Paintball Barrel as the leading and most reliable paintball barrel on the market.
Accuracy, stability, low noise, multiple colors, lightweight, and different customization options- all these and many other features make this model a wonderful choice for both intermediate and professional paintball players. The DYE Precision GF Boomstick Paintball Barrel is surely worth the price you pay for it.
