Best Paintball Barrels of 2025

Arlen Smith Avatar
Arlen Smith
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Paintball barrels are a vital component of any paintball gun. These barrels come in a variety of styles and lengths, each designed to enhance the accuracy and performance of the gun. Longer barrels offer increased accuracy and range, while shorter barrels are more maneuverable and can provide a faster rate of fire. Many paintball barrels are also designed with special features like porting or rifling to further improve accuracy and reduce noise. With so many options available, players can easily find a paintball barrel that suits their style of play and helps them dominate the field.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Smart Parts Freak XL Carbon Fiber One Piece Barrel - Autococker/AC - 16" Cover #TOP 1
Smart Parts Freak XL Carbon Fiber One Piece Barrel - Autococker/AC - 16"
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Smart Parts Freak XL Barrel Cover #TOP 2
Smart Parts Freak XL Barrel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Tippmann 98 Custom Pro Flatline Barrel Cover #TOP 3
Tippmann 98 Custom Pro Flatline Barrel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Paintball Barrels

#TOP 1

Smart Parts Freak XL Carbon Fiber One Piece Barrel - Autococker/AC - 16"

Smart Parts Freak XL Carbon Fiber One Piece Barrel - Autococker/AC - 16" Cover
Smart Parts Freak XL Carbon Fiber One Piece Barrel - Autococker/AC - 16"

The Smart Parts Freak Carbon Barrel is a high-quality paintball barrel that is both lightweight and efficient. Made from pure carbon fiber, this barrel offers all the advantages of the aluminum Freak with half the weight. It is available for Freak 8" Inserts and is known for its accuracy. The Freak Carbon is the highest quality carbon fiber barrel in paintball, making it a must-have for any serious paintball player. Its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver, while its high-quality construction ensures that it will last for years to come. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the Smart Parts Freak Carbon Barrel is the perfect addition to your paintball gear.

What We Like
Lightweight
Accurate
Efficient
#TOP 2

Smart Parts Freak XL Barrel

Smart Parts Freak XL Barrel Cover
Smart Parts Freak XL Carbon Fiber One Piece Barrel - Autococker / AC - 14"

The Smart Parts Freak Barrel is designed to enhance your paintball experience. Weighing only 0.1610 lbs, it offers a lightweight option without compromising on performance. With full-sized porting, this barrel delivers shooting accuracy comparable to traditional Freak barrels, ensuring you hit your target consistently. The Freak System features a variety of bore sizes, each meticulously finished for a smooth shooting experience. This means you can enjoy unparalleled accuracy, making it easier for you to improve your game and enjoy every match.

What We Like
Lightweight design
Exceptional shooting accuracy
Variety of bore sizes
Smooth finish for performance
#TOP 3

Tippmann 98 Custom Pro Flatline Barrel

T202017
Tippmann 98 Custom Pro Flatline Barrel Cover
Tippmann 98 Custom Pro Flatline Barrel for Platinum Series

The Tippmann 98 Custom Pro Flatline Barrel is a paintball barrel that can shoot over 250 feet and puts backspin on the paintball. It also includes an extra Picatinny rail for non-Platinum Series 98s. Made in the USA, this barrel is easy to install.

What We Like
Shoots paintballs over 250 feet.
Puts backspin on the paintball.
Includes an extra Picatinny rail for non-Platinum Series 98s.
#TOP 4

Riakrum Airsoft Barrel Covers (6 pcs)

Riakrum Airsoft Barrel Covers (6 pcs) Cover
Riakrum 6 Pcs Airsoft Barrel Cover Paintball Barrel Cover with Elastic Bungee Cord for Airsoft and Paintball Markers Accessories, 5.51 x 3.15 Inch (Red)

The Riakrum Barrel Covers come in a set of six, giving you plenty of options for daily use or replacements. Made from durable ballistic nylon, these covers feature an elastic cord that ensures they remain intact and reliable over time. Their bright red color with white lettering makes them easy to spot, promoting safety during airsoft or paintball activities. Designed to protect you and others from accidental shootings, these covers are practical for various fields and situations. With dimensions of 5.51 x 3.15 inches, they are straightforward to install and remove, providing added convenience for users.

What We Like
Durable ballistic nylon material
Bright and visible color
Good accidental shooting protection
Easy to install and remove
#TOP 5

Valken Paintball Barrel Swab Kit

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Valken Paintball Barrel Swab Kit Cover
Valken Paintball Barrel Swab Kit

The Valken Swab Kit is a must-have accessory for paintball enthusiasts. This kit includes a barrel swab that is designed to clean out any debris or paint from your paintball gun's barrel. The swab is made of high-quality materials and has a compact size of 2.54 x 8.128 x 42.164 cm, making it easy to carry in your paintball bag. The Valken Swab Kit is a perfect tool to keep your paintball gun in top condition, ensuring that it will perform accurately and consistently during gameplay. With this kit, you can maintain your paintball gun without any hassle, and focus on enjoying your game.

What We Like
Compact size
High-quality materials
Effective cleaning
#TOP 6

MELARQT Smart Parts Freak XL Barrel Kit

MELARQT Smart Parts Freak XL Barrel Kit Cover
Smart Parts Freak XL Barrel Kit - The Freak 14" - Autococker/AC - Black

The MELARQT Freak XL Barrel is a paintball barrel kit that comes with a range of inserts to match your paintball marker. The longer control bore helps transfer more energy to the paintball for improved accuracy and efficiency. By bore-matching your paintballs, you can get more shots from each fill-up. With a wide array of available inserts, you can match whatever paintball you're shooting. When the ball fits snugly inside the bore, it is propelled straight out of the barrel with maximum accuracy and minimal friction.

What We Like
Multiple inserts included
Improved accuracy
Bore-matching for efficiency
#TOP 7

Tippmann A-5 Flatline Barrel

T201017
Black
Tippmann A-5 Flatline Barrel Cover
Tippmann A-5 Flatline Barrel with Built in Foregrip

The Tippmann Flatline Barrel is designed to enhance your paintball experience by extending your shooting range by over 100 feet. This means you can hit targets from further away, making it ideal for long-distance shooting in wooded areas. Installation is a breeze, allowing you to quickly upgrade your gear without hassle. With its authentic MP5 design, this barrel not only performs well but also looks great on your marker. Made in the USA, you can trust in its quality and craftsmanship, ensuring a reliable addition to your paintball setup.

What We Like
Increased shooting range
Easy installation
Authentic design
Ideal for wooded areas
Quality American-made product
#TOP 8

Empire Mini GS Paintball Gun

Empire
17388
One Size
Empire Mini GS Paintball Gun Cover
Empire Mini GS Paintball Gun - Dust Green/Dust Brown 2-pc Barrel

The Empire Mini GS is designed with features that enhance your gameplay experience. Equipped with integrated break-beam anti-chop eyes, it prevents paintball jams, ensuring a smoother firing process. The wrap-around fore grip offers better handling and protection from the elements, allowing you to maintain a strong grip in various conditions. Its venting ASA regulator with an ON/OFF lever gives you easy control over air flow, making setup and adjustments hassle-free. Additionally, with only two hex wrenches needed for all screws, you can quickly make any necessary adjustments or repairs, keeping you in the game longer.

What We Like
Anti-chop technology
Enhanced grip and protection
Easy air control
Simple maintenance
#TOP 9

Valken Paintball Barrel Cover

Eggplant
Valken Paintball Barrel Cover Cover
Valken Paintball and Airsoft Daggers Barrel Covers (Eggplant)

The Valken Barrel Cover is an essential safety accessory for any paintball enthusiast. Made from durable, high-quality silicone, it ensures your paintball gun remains protected and secure. The adjustable tether means it can fit any paintball gun, providing you with a customizable experience. Cleaning is a breeze—just rinse it with warm water, making maintenance hassle-free. This barrel cover is not only a practical choice but also a safety requirement at all paintball fields, giving you peace of mind while you play. Plus, it comes in various designs to match your style.

What We Like
High-quality silicone material
Adjustable fit for any gun
Easy to clean
Essential safety device
Variety of designs available
#TOP 10

Valken Paintball Swab

28940
Valken Paintball Swab Cover
Valken Paintball Barrel Swab, Single Folding Swab

The Valken Barrel Swab is a must-have for paintball enthusiasts. With a package length of nearly 31 cm, it provides ample reach for cleaning your paintball barrel effectively. Its width of about 8.6 cm makes it easy to handle, while the slim height of just over half a centimeter allows for convenient storage in your gear bag. This swab is categorized under sporting goods, making it a reliable choice for maintaining your equipment. Keeping your barrel clean is essential for optimal performance, and this swab ensures you can do it quickly and efficiently.

What We Like
Effective barrel cleaning
Compact storage size
Easy to handle
Durable design
Buying Guide Image

Tips for Finding the Best Paintball Barrels

Introduction

Paintball barrels are an essential component of any paintball gun, and choosing the right one can greatly enhance your performance on the field. With so many different options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this article, we'll go over some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing a paintball barrel, as well as some tips for getting the most out of your barrel once you've made your decision.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a paintball barrel, there are several factors to take into account. First and foremost, you'll want to consider the size of the barrel. In general, longer barrels are more accurate than shorter ones, but they can also be more cumbersome to maneuver with. On the other hand, shorter barrels are easier to handle, but may not be as accurate. As a result, it's important to find a balance that works for your playstyle and the type of paintball gun you're using.

Another important factor to consider is the bore size of the barrel. This refers to the diameter of the interior of the barrel, and it can have a significant impact on the accuracy and consistency of your shots. In general, a smaller bore size will result in more accurate shots, but it can also be more difficult to clean. Larger bore sizes, on the other hand, are easier to clean but may not be as accurate.

Choosing the Right Material

Paintball barrels are available in a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and benefits. The most common materials used for paintball barrels are aluminum and carbon fiber. Aluminum barrels are durable and lightweight, making them a popular choice for many players. They are also relatively affordable, which is a plus for players on a budget.

Carbon fiber barrels, on the other hand, are known for their exceptional accuracy and consistency. They are also incredibly lightweight, which can be a big advantage when it comes to maneuverability. The downside is that carbon fiber barrels can be more expensive than aluminum ones.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Barrel

Once you've chosen the right paintball barrel for your needs, there are a few things you can do to get the most out of it. First and foremost, it's important to clean your barrel regularly. This will help to ensure that it stays in good working order and continues to perform at its best. Use a cleaning kit specifically designed for paintball barrels, and be sure to follow the instructions carefully.

In addition to cleaning your barrel regularly, it's also a good idea to experiment with different paintballs. Different paintballs have different properties, and some may perform better in your barrel than others. Try out a few different brands and see which ones work best for your setup.

Finally, consider investing in a barrel sock or cover. This is a simple piece of equipment that fits over the end of your barrel and helps to protect it from damage when not in use. It can also help to reduce noise, which can be a big advantage when playing in noise-sensitive environments.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paintball barrel is an important decision that can have a big impact on your performance on the field. By considering factors like size, bore size, and material, and taking good care of your barrel, you can maximize its potential and improve your overall game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do paintball barrels make a difference?

Yes, paintball barrels make a difference in the consistency of a paintball's trajectory. Longer barrels allow the paintball more time to straighten out its path, resulting in more consistent shots. However, longer barrels also require more air, making the gun less efficient.

2. Are paintball barrel kits worth it?

Yes, paintball barrel kits are worth investing in if you want to achieve the best accuracy with your paintball marker. A good barrel kit helps optimize the performance of your marker. It improves accuracy and overall shooting performance.

3. What size barrel is best for paintball?

For better accuracy, it is recommended to have a barrel that is at least 6-8 inches long. However, the quality of the paintballs and proper care also play a significant role in accuracy. Investing in high-quality paintballs and ensuring their proper storage and maintenance will contribute to better performance.

4. Is a longer barrel better for paintball?

No, a longer barrel does not necessarily mean better accuracy or distance in paintball. Testing has shown that an 8-inch barrel is sufficient to achieve the correct velocity without requiring very high pressures. Anything longer than 8 inches is a matter of personal preference.

5. Why are my paintballs exploding in the barrel?

The quality of the paintballs is the main cause of paintball barrel breaks. Fragile paintballs are more likely to break while being pushed down the barrel. Using low-quality paintballs in an entry-level marker can also contribute to this issue, as cheaper guns tend to have a rougher action.

6. Can paintballs go bad?

Yes, paintballs are perishable and their quality deteriorates over time. On average, they have a shelf life of three to six months, but proper storage can extend their lifespan. Factors such as humidity and temperature can affect the quality of paintballs, so it's important to store them properly to maintain their performance.

Editor's Notes

During our paintball barrel research, we found 24 paintball barrel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,722 customer reviews through our big data system to write the paintball barrels list. We found that most customers choose paintball barrels with an average price of $35.71.

The paintball barrels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paintball barrels, including Smart Parts, Tippmann, Riakrum, Valken, Empire. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 225 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Arlen Smith Avatar

Arlen Smith is a writer and a surfer who lives in Los Angeles, he runs a popular blog that focuses on surfing skills and popular surf spots around the world. He enjoys the sun, the beach and the feeling of surfing. His expertise ranges from categories such as climbing, swimming, boating and outdoor sports.