Along with speedball, woodsball is one of the most popular forms of paintball. As the name would suggest, this variety of paintball is played outside in wooded or forested environments. It is the preferred style of play for paintballers who enjoy military scenarios and tactical tournaments, requiring advanced strategy in order to succeed. If you are looking to partake in woodsball, you will need a marker designed specifically with this type of game in mind. Continue reading for our guide on what you need to consider when looking for the best woodsball paintball guns.
Military Aesthetics
Woodsball is also commonly referred to as tactical paintball. It is the game of choice for fans of MilSim paintball and players generally tend to favour marker aesthetics inspired by authentic military firearms. There is no shortage of MilSim markers out there. You will find a wide selection of tactical markers from leading manufacturers, ranging from simple pistols with magazine rounds to more advanced semi-automatic paintball guns. More expensive markers tend to come with a decent amount of accessories already mounted on the marker frame, boosting their functionality and enhancing the overall aesthetics.
Customisation
Those looking to play tactical paintball scenarios will definitely want a marker that allows for a good level of customisation. Therefore you will need to invest in a paintball gun that includes picatinny rails as a standard design feature. These rails allow you to mount a variety of different accessories. Things like sights and scopes will increase your range in the field and are particularly important when playing in wooded areas.
Ammo Feeding Systems
Another thing to consider when shopping for woodsball markers it the ammo loading system. The most basic of paintball guns will include a hopper at the top of the paintball gun itself, which uses a gravity-assisted mechanism to feed paintball rounds into the firing chamber. While hoppers are relatively reliable and provide you with larger ammo capacities, they do take away from the level of realism of a marker.
Magazine-fed markers are therefore the preferred choice of woodsball players. MagFed markers use a magazine that houses several paintball rounds. As with a conventional semi-automatic weapon, magazines are loaded into the marker and need to be replaced once all rounds are fired. The drawback of MagFed markers is that players are limited to little more than eight rounds per magazine. However, most tactical scenarios are intended to challenge players, so this is a more a feature of the game, rather than a drawback.
Product Reviews
Need a new marker for woodsball scenarios? You might want to consider our selection of some of the best woodsball paintball guns currently on offer.
Tippmann A-5 .68 Caliber Paintball Marker
You can always count on a quality build and impressive performance from Tippmann. This Tippmann A-5 marker is a particularly good option for anyone looking to excel at woodsball. The Cyclone feed system means you can look forward to incredible firing rates. With this superior feed system, you can expect to unleash up to 15 balls per second, even without the use of batteries.
This marker is also very practical and designed with user-friendly maintenance in mind. You can field strip it in less than minute, allowing you to carry out crucial repairs during a game. This can also be done without the need for any tools, meaning your harness does not have to be weighed down with unnecessary extras.
This marker also handles well, with a design bolstered by enhanced ergonomics. A longer front grip makes this marker particularly easy to hold and handle, while the lighter frame makes it preferable to bulkier models. The push pins utilised in this design are also incredibly easy to remove. If you want a marker that combines rapid firing with user-friendly design and hassle-free operation, the Tippmann A-5 could be the way to go.
Empire BT Omega Marker
If you are looking for a realistic marker for MilSim scenarios, this Empire BT Omega paintball gun could be an ideal option. This quality marker is made from hard-wearing aluminium, bringing you the benefits of a lighter carrying weight, without you having to settle for second-rate durability. This versatile marker has been designed to accept both high pressure air and CO2 tanks, meaning you will never be left without a suitable tank source, no matter where you are playing. This woodsball marker also includes a multi-position adjustable stock as a standard feature.
The Empire BT Omega also offers scope for upgrading. This particular marker can be further enhanced by upgrading to the Empire BT electronic grip frame, giving you something to look forward to if you are prepared to spend a little more money down the line. This BT Omega marker is also widely compatible with a host of different accessories and paintball gun components. This marker is both APEX barrel ready and compatible with rip clip loaders.
Maddog Tippmann Cronus Tactical Corporal Paintball Gun Package – Black/Tan
The Tippmann Cronus Tactical is an absolute classic. If you only rented equipment before, chances are you have probably played with a variation of this marker in the past. If not, you are in for a treat. This popular paintball marker is manufactured to a very high standard, with the durable composite body able to withstand even the most substantial of impacts. Although the Cronus Tactical is not the cheapest option out there, you can count on it holding up well to regular use.
This marker will also perform well, with reliable firing rates and little chance of blockages. The .68 calibre design of this marker makes it suitable for most gameplay scenarios, while the authentic finish makes it a solid bet for those looking to indulge in MilSim scenarios. Although it might look substantial, this marker is relatively lightweight and easy to carry around for long stretches at a time. The vertical grip makes handling even easier, particularly when it comes to lining up your targets from a distance.
Planet Eclipse EMEK 100 Mechanical Paintball Marker – Black
If you are looking for a mechanical paintball marker for all gameplay scenarios, the EMEK 100 from Planet Eclipse is a suitable choice. Lightweight and low-profile enough for woodsball, this hard-wearing marker will serve you well for m any a game to come. Despite its compact build, this marker is incredibly durable thanks to its robust GRN construction. It also very easy to care and maintain. The Gamma Core bold system will also ensure consistent firing performance, making this marker a reliable option for those who never want to caught short in the middle of a gruelling game of woodsball.
This marker is designed with user-friendly operation. The safety can be turned on or off at the touch of a button, while the mechanical operation makes firing incredibly straightforward, without the need for a battery. This must-have marker is also PAL loader and EMC compatible, allowing you to shape it to your individual requirements.
Tippmann TMC MAGFED Paintball Marker – Black 16402
If you are looking for an authentic marker for military simulation scenarios, this Tippmann TMC MagFed marker might be the perfect option. This superb marker offers you the convenience of a dual feed loading option. You can use the traditional hopper feed or turn to the MagFed loading system for when you are looking for more of a challenge. Despite the incredible performance you can expect here, this marker is relatively easy to operate and requires minimal maintenance.
This semi-automatic marker has an adjustable firing rate, ranging from 250 to 325 FPS. This should provide you with plenty of scope for all gameplay scenarios. Other crucial features include the 12-inch high-performance barrel, an internal stainless steel gas line and front and rear adjustable sights. Integrated accessory rails also allow you to add a wide variety of upgrades with ease.
Valken M17 Magfed Paintball Marker
This Valken M17 MagFed paintball marker will definitely give you the edge the next time you head out for a woodsball game. This marker is a very versatile choice of paintball gun and is compatible with both FSR and .68 calibre paintball rounds. The 190mm smooth bore bull barrel is on hand to ensure consistent firing with high levels of accuracy, while you have a choice of firing modes on offer. It is easy to switch between mechanical semi-automatic and full automatic action, providing you with exactly the kind of firing output you need in any given situation.
This marker is also one of the most durable in this list. A polymer CQC shroud ensures this paintball gun is incredibly hard-wearing, with the robust finish staving off everyday damage so your marker remains in pristine condition. This is also a suitable selection for those looking for an authentic finish, with this realistic marker an ideal choice for military simulation scenarios. Looking for a paintball gun that is easy to maintain and care for? This marker can be field stripped in moments, with you only needing to remove two pins in order to get to the interior and do what you need to do.
Tippmann Stormer Elite .68 Caliber Dual Fed Paintball Marker Black 14913
The Tippmann Stormer Elite makes a mean first impression with its impressive aesthetics and does not disappoint when it comes to firing performance. This marker utilises a dual feed modular design, allowing you to instantly switch between hopper or magazine fed operation. This not only provides you with a versatile loading option for various gameplay scenarios, it also allows you to readily alter the aesthetics of your marker. The internal gas line and reliable inline bolt system also ensure consistent firing performance and superior levels of accuracy, game after game.
This marker has been manufactured to withstand even the most intense games of woodsball. The high-impact composite body will hold up well to even the hardest of impacts, while also preserving the first-rate military aesthetics. This marker is also a good long-term investment for anyone looking to upgrade their paintball gun at a later date. Accessory rails are included as standard here, allowing you to upgrade with essential extras and marker accessories with relative ease.
Action Village Tippmann US Army Alpha Elite Foxtrot Paintball Gun Package Kit
Get yourself completely set for a great game of woodsball with this Action Village Tippmann US Army Alpha Elite Foxtrot marker package. The star of the show here is the Tippmann US Army Alpha Elite marker. This premium paintball gun includes a red dot sight and carry handle, making it particularly effective when it comes to precise firing and portability.
This set also includes an Action Village 20-ounce CO2 tank, as well as a folding grip that makes the marker frame even more convenient and user-friendly. You will also find a 4+1 paintball harness included, providing you with essential on-the-go storage for all of your paintball accessories. Four 140-round paintball pods are also thrown in, meaning you never need find yourself without ammo during a game.
In addition to the Tippmann US Army Alpha Elite Foxtrot marker, this set includes a GXG 200-round loader. A pull-through squeegee is also included for those essential maintenance tasks. In need of some protective gear? This great value set also includes a GXG XVSN paintball mask, as well as a paintball wrist band.
