Compare the Empire Trracer and Tippmann A-5 side by side: price, specs, firing modes, weight, and maintenance — and see which paintball gun is the better buy for your style of play.
| Empire Trracer | Tippmann A-5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Budget | Budget |
| Typical Price | $60-110 (used) | $170-230 |
| Operation | Pump (blowforward) | Mechanical inline blowback |
| Firing Modes | pump | semi-auto |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Gravity hopper | Cyclone Feed (sprocket) |
| Air | HPA/CO2 | HPA/CO2 |
| Operating Pressure | ~300 psi | ~250 psi |
| Weight | 2.4 lb | 3.2 lb |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
The Empire Trracer and Tippmann A-5 are both budget paintball guns, so the choice comes down to how each one fits your game rather than how much you spend. On price, the Empire Trracer runs roughly $75 less, so budget-first buyers will lean its way. For a higher rate of fire and tournament-style play, the Tippmann A-5 pulls ahead with its electronic firing modes, while the Empire Trracer keeps things simpler and more rugged. At 2.4 lb the Empire Trracer is the easier carry over a long day on the field. The Empire Trracer is built with casual pump and rec in mind. The Tippmann A-5 is built with scenario/milsim and players who hate batteries in mind. Bottom line: the Empire Trracer is the stronger all-round pick here, especially for a tight budget.