Tippmann Cronus Paintball Gun Review

Paintball is a thrilling pastime, an athletically demanding team-oriented sport, and a complex tech-oriented hobby all at once. This is why it has become popular among young and old, newbies and pros alike. The paintball guns themselves are endlessly customizable and modifiable, with an entire cottage industry devoted to the development of ever more complex and technologically advanced models. As this market can be somewhat daunting for outsiders to parse, we've taken a look at several similar models - some from competing manufacturers - and compared their pros, cons, and feature sets at various price ranges, with a specific focus on the Tippmann Cronus.

The Tippmann Cronus is paintball gun designed with an eye towards competitive play and usage whilst retaining the user-friendliness and accessibility one might expect of an entry-level, mid-price sporting good. It can accommodate long periods of use, modifications or accessories, and rough handling with high amounts of convenience and comfort.  

The Tippmann Cronus features a vertical grip for both stability and comfort as well as an in-line bolt design for time-proven durability. It possesses both front and rear fixed sights to allow the user to hit targets accurately even at a distance. Its high-impact composite body can take a hit, making it perfect for use under any environmental circumstances. It has an internal gas line, protecting sensitive components and further streamlining the design of the unit. For the purposes of modification and customization, multiple picatinny rails are incorporated, opening the model up to make easy use of the optionally available modification kit offered by the manufacturer. The barrel used is a high-performance ported barrel model and the color scheme of the unit is black and tan.
 

The Tippmann Cronus clocks in at .68 caliber, and sports an open bolt blowback valve system loading action. For air supply, the unit works with compressed air, nitrogen, or CO2, with a gravity-based paintball feed and semi-automatic mechanical trigger. This model's barrel length is 9.5", with the total length of the model measuring 27.5" with stock collapsed, and 31.5" without. The effective range of the Tippmann Cronus is 150+ feet, with adjustable velocity. The weight of the unit excluding air supply cylinder is 3.7lbs.

The models of paintball guns explored on this list range in price from $100-$325, with an increase in price coinciding with expanded modification functionality, durability and quality of build materials used, as well as viability for competitive play.

We picked a few similar models of paintball gun available on the market to see how they compare at both mid-range and higher end price points with regards to their accuracy, range, and general design quality, as well as the warranty coverage offered by the manufacturer.

The Tippmann Cronus is an excellent entry-level model that is both affordably priced and competently manufactured, offering an accessibility and modifiability that will satisfy beginners and more skilled users or hobbyists alike

This mid-range model from the same manufacturer as the paintball gun above features a less specific and more highly customizable design, with a feature set that makes it an excellent choice for use out in the woods or far away from home. It makes use of a Cyclone Feed system, which loads and fires 15 paintballs per second without the need for any type of external energy source.

On the outside, the model is ergonomically designed with a long front grip, lighter than average body weight, and easy to remove push pins for the sake of field stripping in under 60 seconds without tools. This makes it ideal for a scenario that requires quick decision making. There is a two-position selector switch, which allows the user to toggle between safety and firing modes quickly.

This model is a .68 caliber paintball gun, with a semi-automatic open bolt blow backloading action, which makes use of either compressed air, nitrogen, or CO2 as an air supply. Its total hopper capacity is 200 paintballs. The barrel length is 8.5", with the total length of the unit measuring 20". The total effective range of the unit is 150+ feet, with a cycle rate adjustable from 8 to 15 paintballs per second and adjustable velocity. The weight of the unit without air cylinder is 3.23lbs.

This higher-end model incorporates a top-of-the-line feature set making use of precision-machined components and electronically advanced circuitry, as well as various features designed for the convenience and ease of the user. This model makes use of a DYE UL Hourglass 45 frame, which incorporates sticky grips and an adjustable aluminum trigger. The body of the unit is designed to easily unscrew apart, and it features conveniences such as a self-cleaning M2 eye pipe with color-coded O-rings to expedite the maintenance process. All of these components work together to prevent miss feeds and double-feeding in a sleeker and easier to maneuver design.
 

This model is a .68 caliber paintball gun, with spool valve operation at a pressure of 155psi, making use of HPA as an air source. It has an external hose. An autococker barrel thread is incorporated, with a total barrel length of 14" and a barrel bore size of .690 with a matrix style feed neck thread. The full length of the model is 17.5". The velocity of paintball firing is adjustable to up to 285 feet per second.

This model is an excellent option for those looking to upgrade from a less advanced model to something competition ready without sacrificing convenience and portability. It sports a valve system capable of shooting up to 1500 shots from a single 20oz CO2 tank, with a high impact polymer clamping feedneck. It makes use of a two-finger trigger for additional control over the firing process with an aluminum trigger frame, as well as a polymer M14-style vertical fore-grip. It features an external air hose line. 

 
This model is a .68 caliber paintball gun, with a gas blowback operation and an operating pressure of 800 psi. It is capable of making use of either Co2 or HPS air sources, and can be deconstructed and reconstructed without the use of additional tools. The barrel length is 12", with a barrel bore size of .689 and a complete length of 26.5".

Paintball's accessibility has secured its position as both a common pastime and hobby, as well as an advanced and ever-developing athletic scene. Although it's easy enough to get involved, it's important for you as the consumer to be sure that your purchase most effectively suits your intended way of play, whether that's customizing your paintball gun with the coolest accessories, or seeking out the complete package for the most effective competitive gameplay. 

 
Your preferred style of use should also be taken into consideration, with scopes and slower firing rates associated with careful aim and a patient shot, while high firing rates coincide with a slightly reduced accuracy but a more intense and perhaps more effective competitive edge. We hope that by examining the various aspects of these models more closely and comparing their pros, cons and different price ranges, we've made it easier than ever to choose the ideal paintball gun model for you.