Find the Perfect Paintball Tank
We may earn commission when you click certain links.
Embarking on the quest for the ideal paintball tank? Your search ends here! In our comprehensive roundup, we examine the top-tier CO2 paintball tanks, premier HPA tanks, and five additional standout selections that cater to every kind of marker, guaranteeing you’ll find your perfect match.
A stunning Planet Eclipse Etha 2 or any high-quality marker is but a decorative piece without a well-chosen, high-performance tank. Elevate your gameplay by equipping your marker with the finest air tank that not only complements its capabilities but also aligns with your budget.
Join us as we unveil our expertly curated list of the best paintball tanks, each promising to enhance your performance on the paintball battlefield.
The Best Paintball Tanks
#1: Maddog 20 oz Refillable Aluminum CO2 Tank
Best CO2 Tank For Paintball
- 1 PACK** 20 Oz REFILLABLE CO2 PAINTBALL TANK – Lightweight Aluminum 20 Oz Capacity CO2 Tank
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL STANDARD CO2 POWERED PAINTBALL GUN MARKERS – Approximately 800-1000 Shots Per Filll So You Won’t Run Out of Air Mid-Game! Entry level to tournament pro, Maddog’s got you covered!
- GUARANTEED FRESH MANUFACTURED DATES – 5 Year Re-Test Cycle – The date stamped on these tanks is the date the tank was manufactured, NOT an expiration date. Tanks are good for 5 years until they will need to be re-hydrotested – Exceeds All Industry Standard Safety Requirements – DOT and TC Certified – All CO2 tanks are shipped empty to comply with Department of Transportation laws
- SPECIFICATIONS: * Industry Standard Repeater Pin Valve * 10.5″ Length x 3″ Width * Empty Tank Weight: 1.75 lbs * Filled Tank Weight: 3lbs
- BUY MULTI-PACKS and RELOAD ON THE GO! Tanks Are Shipped Empty, Must Be Filled Prior to Use.
The Maddog 20 Oz Refillable Aluminum CO2 Paintball Tank is an excellent choice for players seeking long-lasting, reliable performance. Its 20 Oz capacity ensures that you can take approximately 800-1000 shots per fill, reducing the chances of running out of air mid-game. This makes it a suitable choice for players of all levels, from entry-level to tournament pros.
The tank’s compatibility with all standard CO2 powered paintball gun markers increases its versatility and utility. It features an industry-standard repeater pin valve and is lightweight, with an empty tank weight of 1.75 lbs and a filled tank weight of 3 lbs. Its dimensions (10.5″ length x 3″ width) make it easy to handle and use.
The Maddog CO2 Tank guarantees fresh manufacturing dates, and it operates on a 5-year re-test cycle. The date stamped on the tank indicates its manufacturing date, not an expiration date, ensuring its longevity. Exceeding all industry-standard safety requirements, it’s DOT and TC certified. Please note, all CO2 tanks are shipped empty in compliance with Department of Transportation laws. Opt for multi-packs for easy reloading on the go and fill before use.
#2: Ninja Paintball 68/4500 Carbon Fiber HPA Tank
Best 4500 PSI HPA Tank
When discussing top-tier paintball tanks, one name that consistently comes to the forefront is Ninja Paintball. Known for their exceptional quality and innovative designs, Ninja Paintball sets the standard in the industry. Their 68/4500 Carbon Fiber HPA Tank is a testament to their commitment to superior craftsmanship and performance. Widely regarded as the best High-Pressure Air (HPA) tank on the market, this tank brings together a blend of high capacity and unparalleled reliability that is simply unrivaled.
The 68/4500 Carbon Fiber HPA Tank is constructed with the needs of a seasoned paintball player in mind. Weighing 2 lbs 10 oz when filled, the tank manages to balance capacity and comfort without compromising on either. Measuring 10.5 inches in length, it offers a compact profile that is easy to handle and maneuver during games. This feature ensures that players can focus on their strategy and opponents rather than wrestling with bulky equipment.
But the true excellence of this HPA tank lies in its technical specifications. It comes equipped with an adjustable regulator that allows players to vary the output between 450 to 850 PSI, giving them full control over their shooting velocity. The high-volume, high-pressure design of the tank translates to exceptional shot capacity. Capable of delivering up to 1,000 shots per tank at 850 PSI, it outperforms many competitors in its class. This substantial shot capacity reduces the need for frequent refills, providing players with more time in the game, contributing to an overall enhanced paintball experience. With the Ninja Paintball 68/4500 Carbon Fiber HPA Tank, players get the very best in terms of performance, durability, and ease of use.
#3: HK Army 48/3000 Aluminum HPA Tank
Best 3000 PSI HPA Tank
- REFILLABLE HK Army 48ci/3000psi Aluminum Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank BUILT FOR PAINTBALL! Compatible with all standard paintball gun markers. Enhanced accuracy, more consistent velocity, and higher performance in all weather conditions over CO2! All Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tanks are Shipped EMPTY and must be filled prior to use.
- Most Popular Compressed Air Paintball Tank in the Industry! The perfect tank for any standard Paintball marker. Great alternative to expensive carbon fiber systems. Industry-Standard. Safe and Easy to USe. High Quality 48ci 3000psi Aluminum Compressed Air Tank with Flat bottom for Upright Storage or On Tables at the Field!
- KNOW WHEN YOU’RE LOW PRESSURE GUAGE – 3000psi regulator has excellent flow and efficiency | Industry-Standard 800psi Pressure Output – DOT / TC Safety Certified
- 5 YEAR HYDRO RE-TEST CYCLE – Date stamped on tank is the date the tank was manufactured, NOT an expiration date. Tanks are good for 5 years after the stamped date, at which point, the tank will need to be re-hydrotested.
- All Compressed Air HPA tanks are shipped EMPTY to comply with Department of Transportation laws. Tanks Must Be Filled Prior to Use. | Designed w/ Safety as a top Priority!
Take your paintball game to the next level with the HK Army 48ci/3000psi Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank Air System w/Regulator. This refillable, aluminum compressed air HPA paintball tank is built specifically for the sport, offering compatibility with all standard paintball gun markers. One of the significant advantages of this tank over its CO2 counterparts is its ability to deliver enhanced accuracy, more consistent velocity, and superior performance in all weather conditions.
The HK Army HPA tank holds the title as the most popular compressed air paintball tank in the industry, and for good reason. It’s the ideal tank for any standard paintball marker and serves as a fantastic alternative to more expensive carbon fiber systems. The high-quality 48ci 3000psi aluminum compressed air tank is designed with a flat bottom, facilitating upright storage or use on tables at the field. Its design is industry-standard, safe, and easy to use, making it a favorite among beginners and seasoned players alike.
The tank also boasts a low-pressure gauge feature, ensuring you’re always aware of your remaining air. The 3000psi regulator provides excellent flow and efficiency, and the industry-standard 800psi pressure output guarantees a reliable performance. This tank is DOT / TC Safety Certified, putting safety at the forefront of its design. It follows a 5-year hydro re-test cycle, with the date stamped on the tank representing the manufacturing date, not an expiration date. The tanks are shipped empty, as per Department of Transportation laws, and must be filled prior to use. With safety as a top priority, the HK Army 48ci/3000psi Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank provides a reliable and high-performing solution for your paintball needs.
#4: HK Army Aerolite 68/4500 Carbon Fiber HPA Tank
Best Budget 4500 PSI HPA Tank
- 68 Cubic Inch Lightweight Bottle w/ 4500 psi Capacity
- Reliable Aircraft Grade Aluminum Regulator
- Five-Year Hydro Cycle
- 800 psi Output Pressure
- DOT & TC Approved Cylinder
Experience top-tier performance without breaking the bank with the HK Army 68ci/4500psi Aerolite Carbon Fiber HPA Paintball Air Tank. This affordable high-pressure air (HPA) tank stands out in the industry, demonstrating that high quality and budget-friendly can indeed go hand in hand.
The HK Army Aerolite HPA Tank is equipped with a 68 cubic inch lightweight bottle that boasts a 4500 psi capacity. It’s crafted from carbon fiber, which although more costly than aluminum, guarantees durability and high performance, justifying its price tag. However, the HK Army has managed to offer this high-quality tank at a price point similar to the Ninja Paintball 45/4500 HPA Tank, but with a significant bonus – a 51% greater shot capacity.
At the heart of this HPA tank is a reliable aircraft-grade aluminum regulator, ensuring consistent air flow and efficient performance throughout your games. With a standard output pressure of 800 psi, this tank provides the optimal pressure for most paintball markers. Further adding to its credibility, the tank is DOT & TC approved, confirming its adherence to safety standards.
To ensure safety and performance over time, the HK Army Aerolite HPA Tank adheres to a five-year hydro cycle. This means that the tank needs to be tested for structural integrity every five years to ensure it can safely hold the high pressure.
In summary, if you’re seeking a cost-effective, high-capacity HPA tank without compromising on quality and safety, the HK Army 68ci/4500psi Aerolite Carbon Fiber HPA Paintball Air Tank is an excellent choice to consider.
#5: Tippmann 48/3000 Aluminum HPA Tank
Best Budget 3000 PSI HPA Tank
- 800 PSI Output Pressure
- Aluminum Tank
- PI and DOT Certified
The Tippmann 48/3000 Aluminum HPA Tank is a shining example of top-quality performance meeting cost-effectiveness. Featuring a compact 48 cubic inch volume and constructed from durable aluminum, this high-pressure air (HPA) tank brings affordability and reliability to the fore.
One of the tank’s key features is its reliable regulator. Designed to provide a consistent 800 PSI output, it ensures smooth operation and optimum performance. The regulator plays an essential role in maintaining pressure consistency, thus enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of your marker during gameplay.
The use of aluminum in the construction of the tank contributes significantly to its affordability. While offering considerable cost benefits, the aluminum construction doesn’t compromise on durability or safety, ensuring the tank is capable of withstanding the high-pressure demands of paintball games.
What sets this HPA tank apart is the Tippmann brand behind it. Known for their commitment to quality and innovation, Tippmann is widely recognized as one of the leading brands in the paintball industry. With their reputation backing this HPA tank, users can rest assured they’re getting a top-tier product.
Furthermore, the Tippmann 48/3000 Aluminum HPA Tank holds PI and DOT certifications, reinforcing its safety credentials. This means it’s undergone stringent testing and meets or exceeds established safety standards.
In essence, if you’re in the market for an affordable, reliable, and high-quality HPA tank from a trusted brand, the Tippmann 48/3000 Aluminum HPA Tank should definitely be on your consideration list.
#6: HK Army 13/3000 Aluminum HPA Tank
Lightest Paintball Tank
- REFILLABLE HK Army 13ci/3000psi Aluminum Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank BUILT FOR PAINTBALL & AIRSOFT! Compatible with all standard paintball gun markers. Enhanced accuracy, more consistent velocity, and higher performance in all weather conditions over CO2! All Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tanks are Shipped EMPTY and must be filled prior to use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT, COMPACT, & SAFETY CERTIFIED – Lightweight, Simple, & Affordable. Ideal for magfed markers, pump paintball guns, low-impact .50 caliber paintball, smaller players, etc. Smallest and Lightest Aluminum HPA Compressed Air System Available. High Quality 13ci 3000psi Aluminum Compressed Air Tank with Flat bottom for Upright Storage or On Tables at the Field!
- KNOW WHEN YOU’RE LOW PRESSURE GUAGE – 3000psi regulator has excellent flow and efficiency | Industry-Standard 800psi Pressure Output – DOT / TC Safety Certified
- HYDRO RE-TEST EXEMPT! Based on the size of the tank, hydro testing is not required. – Date stamped on tank is the date the tank was manufactured, NOT an expiration date.
- All Compressed Air HPA tanks are shipped EMPTY to comply with Department of Transportation laws. Tanks Must Be Filled Prior to Use. | Designed w/ Safety as a top Priority!
Enter the battlefield confidently with the HK Army 13ci/3000psi Aluminum Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank, a lightweight and compact powerhouse engineered specifically for paintball and airsoft enthusiasts. This refillable HPA tank is compatible with all standard paintball markers and stands out as a major enhancement over traditional CO2 tanks, offering improved accuracy, more consistent velocity, and superior performance in various weather conditions. Remember, these HPA paintball tanks are shipped empty and must be filled before use, in compliance with Department of Transportation laws.
Ideal for magfed markers, pump paintball guns, and low-impact .50 caliber paintball, this 13ci/3000psi aluminum HPA tank is also perfectly suited for smaller players. With its minimalist design, this tank represents the smallest and lightest aluminum HPA compressed air system available on the market. It has a flat bottom design, making it easy to store upright or place on tables at the field.
The tank incorporates a 3000psi regulator with impressive flow and efficiency, ensuring that you are well-aware of your pressure levels. It outputs an industry-standard 800psi, guaranteeing optimal performance for your paintball or airsoft encounters. Furthermore, the tank is DOT and TC Safety Certified, highlighting its stringent adherence to safety standards.
An added advantage is that this tank is exempt from hydro re-testing due to its size, making it an even more convenient choice. The date stamped on the tank is not an expiration date, but instead represents the date of manufacture.
In conclusion, if safety, performance, and convenience are your top priorities, the HK Army 13ci/3000psi Aluminum Compressed Air HPA Paintball Tank is a prime contender to consider.
Paintball Tank Buyer’s Guide
If you’re unsure of which paintball tank to buy, this next section is for you.
There’s a ton of variety among paintball tanks, which makes selecting the single best paintball tank an impossible task. As you’re shopping for paintball air tanks, keep these 4 features in mind:
- CO2 vs HPA: The propellant inside the tank
- Tank size: Measured in cubic inches and represented by “cu” or “ci”
- Tank pressure: Measured in PSI and more important to note for HPA tanks
- Aluminum vs carbon fiber: Material the tank is made of
One more note: HPA tanks are described with a set of numbers like “48/3000” where the first number is the tank size (48 cubic inches) and the second number is the tank pressure (3000 PSI).
CO2 vs HPA
CO2 and HPA are the two most common propellants used in paintball. Which you need is dictated by the paintball gun you’re using, and each has its advantages:
Advantages of CO2
- More affordable
- Refills are more widely available
Advantages of HPA
- Fires with more consistent pressure across a wider range of temperatures
- Virtually required on high-end electronic markers
- More flexibility because of the previous bullet point
- Easier to refill yourself
Our full CO2 vs HPA comparison has a ton more info.
Tank Size & Pressure
Paintball tanks come in a variety of sizes and pressures.
I’ll look at both size and pressure together because they work in tandem to determine your shot capacity before needing refills.
Let’s look at CO2 and HPA separately.
CO2 Tank Sizes
- CO2 tanks come in two types: single-use cartridges and refillable tanks.
- Single-use cartridges generally weigh 12 grams and can fire up to 35 shots before needing to be replaced.
- Refillable CO2 tanks generally range from 9-36 oz with 36 oz tanks firing up to 1,600 shots before needing to be refilled.
HPA Tank Sizes
- HPA tanks are rated by maximum allowable pressure (PSI) and come in 3000 PSI and 4500 PSI ratings.
- They also vary in volume, measured in cubic inches (cu or ci), and generally range from 13-90 cu.
- HPA tank shot capacity depends on both tank pressure and tank volume.
- On the low end, a 13 cubic inch HPA tank with 3000 PSI pressure (13/3000) can fire up to 500 shots before needing to be refilled.
- On the high end, a 90 cubic inch HPA tank with 4500 PSI pressure (90/4500) can fire up to 1,400 shots before needing to be refilled.
Aluminum vs Carbon Fiber
Paintball tanks are made from either aluminum or carbon fiber (also called composite tanks). Each has its advantages.
Advantages of Aluminum
- Much less expensive (often 1/3 the price of carbon fiber tanks)
- More durable
Advantages of Carbon Fiber
- Much lighter (about 1 lb less compared to similarly-sized aluminum tanks)
- Higher pressure rating up to 4500 PSI (aluminum is only rated to 3000 PSI)
CO2 tanks are made exclusively from aluminum.3000 PSI HPA tanks are made from both aluminum and carbon fiber.4500 PSI HPA tanks are made exclusively from carbon fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a paintball air tank regulator?
A paintball air tank regulator ensures the pressure flowing into your marker doesn’t exceed the marker’s upper limit, usually 750-850 PSI. This prevents damage to your marker and keeps shot velocities to the legal limits.
CO2 tanks are pressurized to about 800 PSI, so you don’t need a regulator.
HPA tanks are pressured to either 3000 PSI or 4500 PSI, so you do need a regulator. Some HPA tanks come with one. Some are sold separately. Most HPA tank regulators with down-regulate pressure to an 800 PSI output, but you can also buy adjustable regulators that let you change the output pressure, usually in a range of 450-850 PSI. Lower pressures mean more shots per tank but slower velocities.
Your regulator is an important part of your air tank assembly, so don’t overlook it. The best HPA tank regulators are lightweight and deliver consistent pressure from beginning to end, and consistent pressure means consistent velocities and predictable shot trajectories.
What stores refill CO2 tanks?
Welding supply shops (like Airgas) and sporting goods store (like Dick’s Sporting Goods) are two common places where paintballers refill their CO2 tanks. Just Google “CO2 fill stations near me” for a complete list.
Where can I refill compressed air tanks?
Places that refill HPA tanks aren’t as common as those that refill CO2, so a good first place to check is your local paintball field. Scuba shops are a great place to get HPA tank refills, but, obviously, not everyone has a scuba shop nearby. Ask local paintballers or check online forums for other places to refill compressed air tanks.