Explain HPA to me?

Ok, so Im planning on going HPA because I wont freeze balls, I'll shoot more accurately, I dont have to deflate my tank before inflating it.

But in HPA systems, what is the difference between 4500 and 3000, and then 44ci vs 68ci and so on. I'm trying to learn more on what each of these mean so I can then shop smarter for the needs that I'll have.

[rossl]

4500 and 3000 are the psi (pounds per square inch) of the tank. So it's how much 'pressure' the tank is 'rated' to handle. So a 68/4500 tank will shoot more shots than a 68/3000 because there is more air packed into the same size space.

44 and 68ci is the cubic inch, or size of the tank. So an 88 ci tank will be physically bigger than a 44 ci. HPA is nice because it is more consistant and does not liquefy like CO2.

So I was viewing tanks last night and I saw one that was 68ci/4500 low pressure. Is that an oxy moron then since the 4500 is higher pressure and the person is claiming it low pressure?

[Pr3claTol2]

You might would think that but low pressure is actually talking about the output pressure of the regulator(the top part of the tank with the threads, fill nipple, and guage).

Low pressure regulator output = about 450 psi
High pressure regulator output = about 750 psi

That's all it's stating when it says High Pressure or Low Pressure. I'm pretty sure any gun will run on either with the exception of the Angel. A few guns are low pressure--Angel, Marq--but the Angel is the only one I am aware of that needs specifically a LP(low pressure) tank.

Ross also had it dead on the money. Hope this helps too. Generally 68/4500 is the 'standard' tank. Alot of people use 45/45 these days and a few still use 88's and stuff. It's just personal preference.

So how will high pressure and low pressure the outcome of the paintball, the shot, and the duration of the tank? Will I be able to fire more shots with a low pressure tank over a high pressure tank? Will I shoot further/straighter with high pressure vs low pressure?

Sorry for asking so many questions, but hey, once answered, i wont have questions again and anyone can look up the answers 😁

[Z]

First off, output pressure referes to the pressure going into the gun. Which will be regulated by the guns components. HPA high or low will not effect the direct pressure on the ball.

High and low pressure may effect the direct operation of the marker. Depending on what marker you have. Some markers want a lower pressure input coming from the bottle. Intimidators for example. Makes it easier for the hpr/lpr to operate and get the marker and optimal working pressure.

From the sounds of it you might be running an autococker or some sort of spyder type marker. In that case you will want a high pressure regulator. Not a low pressure. With markers like that you want a higher pressure input because your marker will not operate with a lower pressure output.

Low pressure and high pressure from the bottle with not directly effect he accuracy of a paintball.

Compressed air is cleaner and more consistant. Thats what makes it better from CO2.

It only gets complicated once you reach the higher end markers where operating pressure can mean the difference between the marker working or blowing out orings/hoses/valves etc.

[Judd the stud]

the tank out put pressure doesn't affect the shot or distance of the marker, thats adjusted and determened by the reg. settings on the marker. the efficiency of the marker will determine how many shot you will get out of a tank. like pr3clatol2 said there are some markers that need to have lp tanks, i think that it has something to do with internal pressure tolerances, and they can also operate at lower internal pressures. which in turn makes them more air efficient and you can get more shots out of a tank. but again that is because of the marker not the lp or hp tank.

and don't feel bad for asking questions, we all started out the same way. the easiest way to learn about stuff is to ask, and more times than not it's the cheepest way to 😁 i hate learning my lessons the hard way.

heh z beat me to the reply 😛 😁 .