Questions from a first time HPA user

[Foxhound]

I'm planning on picking up my first HPA system this weekend and I had a couple questions for the guys who have been using them for a while now.

1. Are there any known places in the Lansing area that will fill HPA tanks that you've used before? The threads I've seen haven't been updated too recently and didn't see anything in the Lansing area.

2. The tank that is coming with my setup is a Pure Energy 45/3000 but the hydro is expired, so far closest place I've found to get that tested is in Toledo, Ohio and is going to run ~$35 total after shipping. Is there any place in Michigan that you know does hydro testing? I'd rather not package it up and ship it but I will if that's the only way to get it done.

3. I'm planning on getting a second tank just as a backup, are there any suggestions for the size and brand I should get? I'd rather not shell out the $160 for a Carbon Fiber Ninja tank, I would prefer to keep it right around the $100 mark if possible.

4. Any other words of advice for a first time HPA user?

Thanks in advance guys.

[Gimpalong]

Hi Foxhound,

Welcome to the world of HPA. You'll love it.

1. I don't know anything about specific places in Lansing to get fills, but paintball places and SCUBA places typically fill tanks.

2. If you have a local SCUBA place you can always call them up and ask where they re-hydro tanks. If you are going to have to pay a significant amount to ship off your tank, it might be worth it just to buy a replacement 3000psi tank.

3. Before you buy a second tank find out what your local places and fields will fill to. In my area for instance most places only fill to 3000psi, so the extra amount that I spent on a nice 4500psi carbon-fiber tank was a bit of a waste. Granted my 4500psi tank is lighter than my 3000psi tank so there's some benefit.

In general, 3000psi tanks are made from aluminum or steel and usually retail around $60-$80 depending on the manufacturer. 4500psi tanks are usually made from carbon fiber and usually sell between $140 and $200+ depending on the size. Ninja makes some very nice "Super Lite" (SL) tanks that are very, very light, but also very expensive.

What type of HPA system are you getting?

[Gunny87]

Foxhound

I'm just going off of my personal experience of having owned 3 aluminum 62ci/3000psi tanks back when I owned a P* and now owning a carbon fiber 90ci/4500psi tank with my SMP, I personally prefer having the large carbon fiber tank. Yes it costs more, but it's lighter so you hardly feel it on you. It also gives you a higher shot capacity and eliminates the need to carry around 2 or 3 tanks. You don't have to worry about switching them out mid game. It will also depend on what HPA system you own and how it's set up to really determine your efficiency. Not all places can fill past 3k PSI, but many SCUBA shops are able to depending on their set up. The same goes with paintball stores/fields.

[Elvis]

1. I get my tanked filled up at capital city scuba, it is located in old town and I belive they charge $3 for my 3000 psi tank each time I go. I will add a link to there website soon.

2. -

3. I have thought about this for a while, it seems like a good idea to just get 2 3000 psi tanks versus a 4500 psi tank in order to save $50, but in the long run this may actually cost more. Assuming you are charged $1 a psi, it will cost you $6 to get those filled up each time and you will get ~4k shots out of them. A carbon fiber 4500 psi tank will cost $4-5 to get filled and give you the same amount of shots, being $1-2 cheaper a fill does not a sound like a lot, but if you are like me you will be there a few times a week. So, I am just trying to put a alternate spin on it I guess.

That's about all I can help with.

-Elvis

[Coldwave]

I think the dive shop in Flint does hydro static testing. I'm pretty sure that's who tests our SCBA's.

[Foxhound]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Now that I have it in hand I'm going to see what I want to do tank wise. If Capital City Scuba can fill a 4500psi tank I will probably bite the bullet and just get one of those so I don't have to carry around multiple tanks for the longer games.

Gimpalong, I just picked up a Wolverine SMP and so far I really like it.

Coldwave, I'll have to give them a call and see what they charge.

Again, thanks for all the feedback!