First Strike Hero tank.

[rjoe]

New guy to PCPs. In a spur of the moment move, I bought a used, wood stock, non adjustable, both side cheek piece, 22 cal Marauder with hand pump. One session with the gun and pump, convinced me another method off filling the gun is mandatory. So, here goes the first of a gazillion questions. I saw an add for a First Strike Hero carbon fiber tank for about $210. Its 100 cubic inches, 5 yr hydro, 37(?) year service life, and ultra light. There is a 68" version of the tank on Amazon for $100! WHAT'S THE CATCH? Even with the cost of a fill station this seems cheap. What am I missing? 
Thanks in advance for the help, Rjoe

 

[crittahitta]

Hey Joe. Pumping sucks! But that is a paintball gun tank. I looked it up. Yes it holds 4500 psi but paintball gun tanks USUALLY let you fill to 800 or 1000 psi I believe. This one did not say what the output pressure was regulated to. So I would not buy that until you find out. Also that little tank will only give you a handfull of fill for your gun. Which means multiple trips to a fill station and the cost will skyrocket. I would save a little more and get a 74 cubic foot tank and will fill your gun probably 30 or 40 times. This sport is expensive but sometimes it is worth waiting to get the right product. I have a 90 cubic inch air venturi tank set up for 2900 psi output. It is great but runs out quick. I just ordered a 98 cubic foot one . Good luck and do lots of research before pulling the trigger!

 

[JCD]

Agree with above plus... assuming the regulator is meant to directly supply a PB gun, it simply won't work for filling anything beyond a 10m rifle/pistol airgun and even then to minimum requirements. 

Regulator can be changed but figure $100 for a reg, or $200 for a valve as used on dedicated fill tanks.

Beyond that.... If you shoot much.... you'll be going to the PB shop pretty often to get enough air to power the rifle. I think I shoot a lot compared to most but I run my compressor to fill a Great White and a Guppy tank, every 5-10 days...(See AirTanksForSale.com for prices and specs. There are others but that's what I have.)

Cost vs benefit is up to you. Tanks and fills are expensive.... Pumps are work but less cost (and need to be rebuilt eventually, but then again.... so do compressors. I'm up to 6 years maint free but also have the 'investment' in the scuba compressor...) My compressor cost about the same as 20 (good) new pumps would have....

 

[rjoe]

Thanks for the responses guys. Things that appear to good to be true usually are. I'm trying to find out if this sport is something I'm going to stick with without spending to much $$$. I was thinking of the "Hero" tank as similar to the 90 cu inch benjamin for field carry. I'm thinking either a small field tank plus a large scba (100 cu ft) tank, OR, a small field tank plus a compressor would be the most practical for my use. It's hard to decide with no hands on experience. All help greatly appreciated.
The learning continues, Rjoe.