Co2 vs. HPA/Nitro Bottles
Co2 is the classic propellant used in paintball guns. However, High Pressure Air (HPA) or Nitrogen (Nitro) is beginning to become more prevalent. This is because Co2 has some serious downfalls. These downfalls typically stem from the fact that the Co2 begins as a liquid and is converted to gas.
Sustained, high-rate firing can cause the temperature in a Co2 tank to lower. This, in turn, can cause the pressure in the tank to lower because of a slower vaporization (turning from liquid to gas) rate in the Co2. This can lead to liquid Co2 getting pulled into the marker. This can freeze plastic parts (like o-rings) and break them. Also, the difference in the tank’s pressure leads to more paintball breaks and inconsistent distances (which leads to inconsistent aim).
The big plus for Co2 is that the tanks are inexpensive. HPA tanks can cost a pretty penny for the beginning player. Plus the downfalls aren’t such a big deal for a beginner. On top of all that it is difficult to find filling stations for HPA and Co2 can be filled at almost any hardware store.
HPA has great performance but can be expensive. Also, usually the only places that can fill them are paintball places and even all paintball shops don’t have the tanks. However, they are becoming more prevalent and there continue to be more sources for the fill-ups. Also, many tournaments have a “free air all day” policy where they will refill HPA tanks for free on the day of a tournament for competitors.