Compare the Empire Trracer and Tippmann Stryker AR1 Elite 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 Stryker AR1 Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Budget | Budget |
| Typical Price | $60-110 (used) | $120-160 |
| Operation | Pump (blowforward) | Mechanical inline blowback |
| Firing Modes | pump | semi-auto |
| Caliber | .68 | .68 |
| Feed | Gravity hopper | Gravity hopper |
| Air | HPA/CO2 | HPA/CO2 |
| Operating Pressure | ~300 psi | ~250 psi |
| Weight | 2.4 lb | 3.4 lb |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
The Empire Trracer and Tippmann Stryker AR1 Elite 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 $35 less, so budget-first buyers will lean its way. For a higher rate of fire and tournament-style play, the Tippmann Stryker AR1 Elite 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 Stryker AR1 Elite is built with milsim aesthetics on a budget and woodsball in mind. Bottom line: the Empire Trracer is the stronger all-round pick here, especially for a tight budget.