When it comes to selecting the right psi paintball tank, players get confused between 3000 psi and 4500 psi air system.  You may think as 3000 psi is smaller than 4500 psi, so players who need more will use 4500 psi, and others will use 3000 psi. But it is not so simple. 

Not only in pressure but lots of more differences are there that players should know and then finalize which one to choose. What is the difference between 3000 and 45000 psi paintball tanks leaving the pressure difference? 

Scroll down to explore more. In this guide, I will discuss the differences between these paintball gear and more details that will help you in making the right decision.

What is the difference between 3000 and 4500 psi paintball?

A paintball air tank is an important piece of paintball equipment, just like a paintball gun, paintball mask, etc., you need for paintballing. There are two types of paintball tanks available to use, paintball co2 tank and air hpa paintball tank. You can read which is best, co2 or compressed air, and make your decision.

hpa air tank usually comes with two psi, 3000 and 4500 psi. There are lots of differences between these hpa compressed air tank, including construction, material, pressure, cost, and lots more. Let’s know them in detail.

Weight

Already guessed?

I know what you have guessed, and I also know you are wrong. 3000 psi paintball tank is lightweight, and 4500 psi is heavier; this is what you have thought, right? 

As I already said, you are wrong, and it’s true because the 3000 psi paintball tank is the heavier one while 4500 psi is lighter. How? 

The difference is in the tank material. A 4500 psi paintball tank is made with carbon fiber that is super lightweight, while most of the 3000 psi is made with steel/aluminum. I think now you know, among steel/aluminum and carbon fiber which one is lightweight. While carbon fiber is the most lightweight option, steel is the heavier.

So, a 4500 psi paintball tank is lighter than 3000 psi, which means the better easy-to-carry option.

Construction

Just as I said, 3000 psi paintball tanks are made of steel/aluminum, while 4500 psi tanks are made with carbon fiber. Now let’s dive a little deep into this construction. 

Steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber, all of this material are the safest ones that’s why they are used to store high-pressure compressed air. As a aluminum tank/steel tank is affordable, most of the 3000 psi paintball tank is made with these. On the other hand, 4500 psi tanks are made with costly carbon fiber.

However, a 3000 psi carbon fiber tank is also available, but only a few, and they cost almost the same as a 45000 psi tank. Similarly, some 4500 psi aluminum tank are also there that cost a little lower. Some manufacturers construct the inner of this type of aluminum tanks with aluminum, and then the outer shell is wrapped with carbon fiber.  

Capacity

Just like larger pressure, a 4500 psi compressed air paintball tank has a larger capacity than a 3000 psi. Now you may get confused again, as both the air tank can come in the same size; then how does the capacity differ? 

Due to its volume. 4500 psi tank has more volume than 3000 psi.

Let’s calculate and get to know more.

A 48 cubic inch 3000 psi compressed air tank volume = (0.0277778 cubic feet) x (3014.7 psi) / (14.7psia)= 5.69 cubic feet.

A 48 cubic inch 4500 psi compressed air tank volume= (0.0277778 cubic feet) x (4514.7 psi) / (14.7psia)= 8.53 cubic feet.

It means a 4500 psi air tank has almost double the (49%) air volume of a 3000 psi air tank despite being the same size. 

 Pressure 

As we know, compressed air means regular air that has been pressurized to a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure. So whether it’s a 3000 psi or 4500 psi paintball tank, both hold the same amount of regular air but not the same pressure. 

A 4500 psi paintball tank has 1500 psi more than a 3000 psi paintball tank. Wait, that doesn’t mean 3000 psi is a lower pressure. Both are high pressure air tanks. But it will give you less shot than a 4500 psi paintball tank. 

However, this pressure difference won’t affect your shot accuracy or speed because both 3000 and 4500 psi tank output pressure is the same, 750-800 psi.

Shots per fill

Now you have guessed it right, yes 4500 psi paintball tank offers more shots than a 3000 psi tank. But how much more? 33%? Nope. A 4500 psi paintball tank can give you double shots than a 3000 psi paintball tank. Yes, it’s 50%. Wondering how it is possible when the difference is about 33%.

Well, it’s very simple. Let’s calculate and know with proof.

With a 3000 psi paintball tank, you will get only 10 shots per cubic inch, while 15 shots per cubic inch with a 4500 psi paintball tank. If you buy a 68 cubic inch 3000 psi scuba tank, you will get up to 700 shots, and when it’s a 4500 psi tank, it’s double, minimum of 1200 to up to 1400 shots. 

One more thing the shots number varies depending on paintball guns. If your paintball marker is of good quality, you will get better and more shots. 

Cost

3000 psi tank is more affordable than a 4500 psi tank, it’s obvious, as it holds 1500 psi lower pressure. Again only the pressure difference doesn’t affect the cost; the 4500 psi tank is made with expensive carbon fiber and comes with a warranty. 

So it costs higher than a 3000 psi tank. When you can get a 3000 psi paintball tank at only under $100, you have to spend up to $150 for a 4500 psi air tank. If you buy the small size compressed air tanks, the cost will be small, and if big size then the amount is also bigger.

How many paintballs can you shoot with a 3000 psi tank?

It depends on which size 3000 psi air paintball tank you are using. A 3000 psi hpa paintball tank can allow you to shoot 10 shots per cubic inch. If you are using a 48 cubic inch tank, you can shoot a minimum of 480 paintballs, and if 68 cubic inch size, a minimum of 680 paintballs per filling.

How many shots can you get out of a 13 3000?

As we know, with a 3000 psi air tank, you can shoot a minimum of 10 shots per cubic inch. So if you are using a 13 cubic inch tank, you can get 130+ shots per filling.

How many shots are in a 48 4500 HPA tank?

With a 4500 HPA tank, you will get a minimum of 17 shots per cubic inch. So if it’s a 48 cubic inch 4500 composite tank, you can get 800+ shots per filling.

Is CO2 more powerful than air?

No, co2 is not more powerful than air. 

CO2 paintball tank is filled with liquid co2, which later turns into gas in air gun. It has many drawbacks like freezing in cold weather, inconsistent performance, can’t be used in bb gun, airsoft gun or modern markers, run out faster, etc. But it is also a good option for new paintball players. A CO2 tank is an affordable option, and unlike compressed air, it can be filled in any local filling station or using a hand pump/paintball air compressor.

3000 psi vs 4500 psi paintball tank, which one you should buy?

After knowing the differences between 3000 and 4500 psi tanks, I think now it has become easier to make the decision. Let me make it easier for you.

If you are a new player who wants to play frequently, a 3000 psi paintball compressed air tank can be the best paintball tank. It costs lower than a 4500 psi paintball tank, and this is the main reason most newcomers choose to go with this. 

But if you want to go a long way, a 4500 psi carbon fiber compressed air tank is the better one. It costs more than a 3000 psi paintball tank but gives you up to 50% more shots. It means you will get more shots in less filling. Plus, it’s lightweight, so you can easily carry this portable air tank and play with it for a long time without feeling tired.