Here is something I found off Model98.net by PSUGhost.  I updated it with current products.

Alright, the number one debate of all debates anywhere with new players is: What Marker should I get? For many people they are entering a world of hundreds of acronyms, slang phrases, bright colors, and lack of knowledge. So try taking these steps first before slapping down the cash for that new gat.

Instructions: Find your value and then add all the numbers up, see the bottom to see what type of marker is for you.

Figure out your level of interest: Is paintball something you do only a few times a year? Do you play every month? Is it something you just do to shoot the neighbors cat? Or do you want to play pro some day? Paintball gear is a lot like cars. Do you plan to drive it to work and home? Do you want to race it? ect... Depending how involved you want to be can greatly determine the amount of money to invest. No point spending 4 digits if you're just playing by the creek downtown once a year.

Value:
0- I just shoot the cat… and sometimes the neighbor’s house.
1- I play 1-2 times a year
2- I play once a month
3- Every weekend if I can
4- Pro baby...it's the only way

Figure out your tech level: Many new players want to skip through the lower stage and go straight to the high end guns and while this is perfectly okay I spend a good portion of each weekend with their guns in a pile of pieces in the back of the shop. Technical know how is a must for some markers and it's always a good idea to start on something that most players started with and can help you out when you put the bolt where the hammer and valve goes.

Values:
0- I can't even tie my shoe you want me to do what?
1- I'm just starting but I think I can catch on.
2- I know my way around markers.
3- On my third gun or so.
4- I'm a tech, I can do it all blindfolded.

What is your skill level? No point in having a experienced player toting around a lesser gun. Yes it is true that the player makes the difference, but when you get to a point your equipment can be holding you back. It's a good idea to try and stay a step ahead of yourself equipment wise. In the same light, no point spending too much to get a high end marker when you don’t need it.

Values:
0- Never really played before, I just getting into the sport.
1- I’ve played a bit.
2- Been playing a few years
3- Been around a long time
4- I invented paintball.

Know your price range: Like a lot of things in this world if you want quality you have to pay for it. With the increase in speed, accuracy, consistency, ect... the price goes up, and then the higher you get the more you are going to pay for that extra 1-2 balls per second. Knowing your price range is very important so that you don't over spend and have nothing left for a hopper and tank.

Values:
0- looking for under $100
1- $200-300 range
2- $300-500 range
3- $500-800 range
4- Price? What is that? I'm loaded like Hugh Heffner.

What position do you play? This does actually affect your gun choice but not a whole lot. Front players are going to want to go with light weight, quiet, and accurate at short distance markers. Back players need high rates of fire. That doesn't mean backs can't have light weight markers, and fronts don't need rate of fire though.

Values:
0- I am the blitz...I need air in my hands.
1- I play front, I need light weight, but need accuracy
2- I play mid, I need light but I also need speed
3- I play back, I need something that can give me high speed.
4- I am a walking turret… I kill suckers!

Score it up:
0- The Victor 2 is probably your best bet. Try Wal-Mart, isle 12....

1-5- Your best bet would be to try for another low end Spyder like the Pilot or Imagine. If you want to spurge try the Spyder Fenix.

5-7- A Tippman may be the best bet for you. They are rugged, and only slightly higher on the tech tree.   Super easy to use and take apart, and a great place to start your learning about markers in general.

8-10- Check out the BKO, or the Autococker Prostock. These are great guns, and especially the Prostock has lots of room for upgrading.

11-14- You're looking for a higher end Autococker at this point. A Superstock, or a Bob Long Defiant.  Also, take a look at guns higher up the ladder.  These may be out of your price range, but look for them on eBay.

15-18- Top dogs need top gear. A Vision Shocker is for you, or a Timmy.  You can also go with another Smart Parts gun, like the Nerve.  Take a look at the Angel Speed.

19-20- The DM6, DMC, Ego, and Angel G7 are your friends...but you've gotta be sponsored by now, so what in the world are you reading this for?

After you have a place to start it's very easy to pick a marker. Just go to your local field, and ask around about how someone likes their marker. Most people are very proud of their gear and would be more then happy to tell you all the fine points of their gear. Ask to shoot some of your paint through it, or if they are really nice see if they will let you play with it a game. Once you know your level there isn't much difference between markers other then Personal Preference.

So slap your wad of cash down with confidence....

This article is originally from www.98central.net by PSUGhost.  This has been edited and updated by Yomillio from the http://www.tippmann.com/ - www.tippmann.com forums.

we should give this to ALL noobs

anwser alot of questions here

Sticky?

I've updated and edited it, check out the topic start.

There is only one problem, This is more focused twords Speedball, Im not complaining its just that: If a noob who will become a great woodsballer starts out with a spyder xtra or a vicor(or if its christmas, possilbly a prostock) theyre stuff wouldnt be able to work too great if they throw it in a river(Ahh! The rust!)or roll it around in rocks and dirt like you might if you are playing woods

I need to make something like that for us woodsballers even though the choice is really only an A5, 98 or possibly an arakion(Or if you have alot of money, an AT-85)

ANARCHY_SCOUT wrote: they should not have stoped making the orracle.

i love orracles

even the minis