[rockinjosh]

Hey guys,

Have any of you all ever gotten your starter or first paintball guns from Amazon? It seems like they have a good selection (see here) but I have nothing to compare it to without knowing what else is a good store option.

Any sense of if their products and prices would be comparable to either other online shops or a brick-and-mortar store?

Thanks,

Josh

[calidrifter]

Ok, so the thing about amazon is that its like a central hub for finding deals from other online stores. If you look carefully you will see where the product is coming from.

As far as buying from Amazon I've never thought of buying a gun from there because my local shop offers a lifetime warranty and service policy (Critical Paintball). You might want to check with your local proshop about what incentives they offer if you buy in store.

If amazon is absolutely the only way you can shop than check the warranty on the gun. Most offer one year warranties.

[Zippin35]

Buy local. plain and simple, my home field has lifetime labor and just having someone to talk to makes the few extra dollars more than worth it.

[7paintball]

Always buy local. Help keep paintball strong

[jubba]

The shop that sells paintball equipment in my town also sells motorcycles. So when the economy got bad they really didn't bother buying or selling paintball stuff, but they sold a crap load of 49cc scooters. Due to this set back I bought and sold markers on eBay. Also check out Action Village or Trademygun.com

[eforce]

If you're buying your first marker, get it from a brick and mortar store. They can give you advice and support that online stores such as amazon can't even begin to compete with. It's well worth the slightly higher expense.

[Lamron]

Buy local(if you can) the higher prices are worth it(and they aren't that much higher) You get better warranties, some places have incentives and it keeps your local store/field in buisness. Which is better for you in the long run for the other things you need for paintball.

[rockinjosh]

thanks. this is all good advice. Especially the stuff about warranties, etc.

[spaz22colon]

buy local because then you can feel the gun itself and sometimes then you get free maintenance from the shop you get it from. thats what we did at the proshop at the field i worked at

[AndyDeelighT]

Buying locally also lets you get a feel for the marker.

[eforce]

Originally Posted by rockinjosh

thanks. this is all good advice. Especially the stuff about warranties, etc.

Here's the difference between an average online store and a local proshop. When you buy a marker and it breaks down, the online store sends you a phone number or email address to contact the manufacturer and tells you it's not their problem. The local proshop fixes it for you, probably free of charge if it's under warranty, and then goes over proper maintenance with you 1 on 1 until you know how to care for and repair your marker. What would you rather experience?

[r37r18u710n]

Originally Posted by AndyDeelighT

Buying locally also lets you get a feel for the marker.

This to me is the biggest (maybe only) incentive for going to a local shop, granted my local store is likely far worse than most. Being able to physically hold the marker and feel its quality is a big point for me.

However, I would advise against getting the marker you like on the spot. See what incentives that store offers in addition to the price, see what other local stores (if any) offer, and see about prices and offers online. Decide how much those actual incentives are worth and decide which place offers the most bang for your buck.

Regardless, I would avoid buying any special items off of Amazon. Amazon is great for general stuff and odds and ins, but if you're a true hobbyist it tends to be a place to avoid. This applies to just about anything, not just paintball.

[yuik (Banned)]

i would goto ansgear. not a fan of amazon.

check out your local shop and see what they offer and ask them why you should buy a gun there vs ansgear.

avoid wall mart sports authority dicks or amazon.

[4_STGDT_2 (Banned)]

Take a look at the gun you're interested at your local shop and buy it online for cheaper if you want.

I suggest always seeing the gun/equipment in person before purchasing anything online.

[americigerm]

Go local, or if you really need to buy one online, go to the BST section. You can get anything your heart can desire.

[yuik (Banned)]

Originally Posted by 4_STGDT_2

Take a look at the gun you're interested at your local shop and buy it online for cheaper if you want.

I suggest always seeing the gun/equipment in person before purchasing anything online.

THIS!

[o5pr3y]

Originally Posted by AndyDeelighT

Buying locally also lets you get a feel for the marker.

This, this, 1,000 times this.

I will refuse to buy any marker if it doesn't feel good in my hands. It could shoot amazing, but feel awkward to hold, and I'll pass without a second thought.

[azhector]

Local shop is best, it aids the local community as well as info on tech/maintenance, a free day of play (normally) and like a 1 year warranty. If not I like ansgear because they carry all the major brands, and a huge selection. Also if you need customer service you'll get more support from a paintball website then amazon, and ansgear has great service from my dealing with them

[dye3456]

I have bought a lot of gear and parts from amazon. I haven't had a problem with them.

[pbcustom98]

my local shop (although it is about 30-40 minutes) gives free labor work on all repairs if you buy the marker from them.

saving $$ online helps, but not when the money you save is lost in repair work.

support your local stores!

[WGPKnight]

First time buy should be local for every player if possible. Unparalleled service and a better chance that you'll actually stick around in the sport.