The Basics
Pump and stock play is similar to regular rec and semi play. The gear is just about the same with a few differences. Lets look at the basics you need in either case. Good sturdy shoes, *long pants,*gloves, elbow and knee pads, goggle system (always astm certified and in good condition), and a jersey or a long sleeve shirt.
The differences in stock and pump play is the marker, the harness, air sources and some of the extra accessories. Pump markers load one ball and require an action to load the next ball. The pump mechanism sets the next shot up. Stock Class goes a little further in specifying the marker configuration and play. Check the CCI site for more detail. Air sources such as HPA tanks and Co2 tanks can be the same as semi play. More likely players will opt for smaller tanks or 12 gram cartridges. You are shooting less paint and need less propellant so why not go with a small lightweight design. Stock and pump players sometimes use sights and scopes. Other equipment includes different harness and tubes and of course different tooling.
*Preferably gear designed for paintball. Gear designed specifically for our sport offers additional protection and greater movement in the areas where we need it. Not all paintball gear is necessary but some stuff is far superior because it was designed by players that understand the players needs.
Markers
The obvious differences between pump and semi play is the markers themselves. Starting out on pump play can be a little intimidating especially if your only experience with paintball has been semi play. The number one question I get is what kind of pump should I buy?
Budget is your biggest factor for your pump marker. Pump markers can be super cheap to super expensive. All work on the same basic principles but can offer numerous ways to get there.
Low End
Inexpensive and limited the low end of the scale markers have their strengths. They are affordable. They have their weakness to they are limited in what you can do with them and their performance. Also note that most low end markers may not even offer you velocity adjustment.
Brass Eagle used to make some premium pump markers. They were really one of the first industry players on the block that took a creative approach in designing and building their pump markers. Of course those days are gone but Brass Eagle is still making pumps and I salute them. They produce low end pumps. They are for the most part plastic and have limited upgrades and therefore locking their owner into a limited playing arena. Not too much can go wrong here but when it does there is little room for fixing it. A broken frame or plastic split and your marker is out for the count. However, I have a few BE pumps and I love them. They do the job and can still produce the needed results, your opponents elimination. I commend BE for staying in the pump arena and offering a great way into pump play, affordable and functional.
ACI offers the Maverick and the Hornet. Both markers are well designed, durable and affordable. They are better constructed than any of the lower end markers in their class. There are several upgrades and a few different configurations you can do. They are still limiting but a great markers and a great place to start as well. You can use your Maverick or Hornet for many years and find that it is consistent and has little down time. Both markers can easily be worked on and are a great entry point into the world of Marker Tech or Airsmithing.
There are a few other companies that put out some low end markers but I really like to focus on the companies that have been around and have proven gear. There have been a lot of companies that offer low end pumps that are the equivalent to a disposable 1 time use marker. These have there place too but not worth me drawing attention.
Mid Level
In the Middle of the pack are the markers that of course cost mid level. But I also look at function as well. And don't overlook that fact that your mid-level marker can easily end up being a high level demon after many hours and dollars of upgrades. As a rule this middle of the pack pumps offer greater upgrades and greater performance. The average pumper will live and play in the Mid Level range and be absolutely content. Let me list a few markers and I will add as I go. I am afraid to leave any of the fine manufacturers out but it is bound to happen (If you want to be included here give me a shout out).
I recommend to most players to look around the Mid Level kingdom of markers. You are most likely to stay with a Mid Level marker if you take the time to shop around and try lots of markers out. Mid Markers offer everything you really need as a player.
The Worr Games Sniper is brilliant. It shoots well, highly durable, SUPER upgrades, Perfecto for any air tech or any tinker king. The Sniper is a long time leader in the pump arena. If you like the Cocker than this is your marker. If you use an Autococker as your primary semi marker you can run a similar configuration when you play pump. Companies like CCM manufacturer aftermarket pump kits. WGP has a limited production of Snipers and 2005 might be the last year for any Worr Games Pump Marker.
Phantom is my pick. This marker can actually run in all 3 categories. The standard Phantom is affordable and an ideal place to start. As you work your way into pump play the Phantom can grow up with you. There are dozens of different parts that CCI offers (and other folks too) to change your marker set up. You can go from a standard hopper and a full size co2 tank to being completely stock class with a a few additional parts and a little bit of time. Phantom is reliable, durable, efficient, and just all around well performing.
Palmer makes a few mid level markers and they are superb. The Pug, for example, is a stock class marker. It is a pistol really but handles well. I'd say the Pug is my top pick for pistol type pumps. The Palmer Markers are very specific and custom built. Once you have set your sights on a Palmer you will find that you handle your pump a bit different than the rest of the world.
High End
The far end of the scale is reserved for the more expensive models. Carter and some Palmers really rule this area but there are many custom markers that can easily fit this bill. In this category you will find some beautiful chooses. Not only do these markers perform well but they look good and usually are built just for you. I tell most players to stick with the Mid Level stuff until you figure out all the ins and outs of your own pump game.
Harnesses, packs and others
When looking to buy a new harness for pump and stock play you have to try them on. First think about what you need to carry:12 grams? pods? stock tubes?
The most common harness is the stock type. It offer the belt with 2 straps that run down the chest. The rings hold 12 gram cartridges and stock tubes. This is a nice set up but it might not be right for you. Women usually do not go with this design as the fit is just not right.
Belt harness are really popular and offer the same loops as the stock type. The belt gives you more freedom in the upper body.
Wrist carriers are for those of us that might only need a few stock tubes and a few cartridges. This is great for quick games, limited paint events or just plain lightweight days. These carriers are the most inexpensive way to go.
Standard harness are still a go for those of you that will opt for a standard hopper. There are pump players out there that will burn through as much paint as a semi player. But for the most part pump players like to use less paint and get more kills. I like being able to limit my gear and wear smaller items and carry less paint but that's me.
Ronin gear has offers an Elite harness. This harnesses has adopted a similar configuration as the standard pod harnesses. The stock tubes line the harness and it fits on your backside like a standard harness does. The elite harness offers a like feel to the pod style harness.
The pocket is my stock tube carrying choice. I can fit my tubes and cartridges in my paintball pants side pockets. Watch out though a hard slide and you have broken all your paint. Sometimes I break out my belt and ammo pouch. This is perfect for carrying all my paint and cartridge needs. Usually only a few bucks and worth it if harnesses are not for you.
HPA or Co2
Most players prefer to outfit their pumps with smaller tanks or 12 gram cartridges. If you are intimidated by pump play you might want to stay away from the 12 gram cartriges. A constant air tank is better for someone converting from Semi to Pump. 12 gram cartridges require an adapter. Most adapter can be unscrewed to also fit a standard tank thread. This can take you from stock play to pump play. HPA tanks are not seen that often in pump play. Many of the pump markers were built for Co2 and run very consistent.
Paint
Okay big spender. Now that you have made the switch to pump play look for the RIGHT paint. Paintballs are important so important that without them we would look pretty silly shooting air at one another (we all do that from time to time anyway).
Good paint is usually more expensive but not always. Paint should be dimple free and have a nice round shape. The seam should be minimal and the fill consistent. A good paint to barrel match is a must. Paint should be snug but not tight. Your paint should not roll out of your barrel or be so tight that you get breakage.
I would try lots of different paint until you have at least 3 favorites. Keep an eye out too. Paint Manufacturers change ball size and fills a lot. A different fill will give you a different pattern. A different size can through your shot way off. Know your paint and always experiment.
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