As a guy brand new on the paintball scene, I am glad I went to a local shop. Did some research on markers out there, but went to the shop to talk about what I was looking for and what I was thinking about for the future. The guys at your local shop can tell you a few things you didn't know about the stuff you were researching i.e. available upgrades, customizability, durability, etc. From my internet researching, I was thinking of going with a Tippman Sierra One, but after chatting with one of the shop guys about my wish for the ability to add future upgrades or aesthetics, I ended up buying the Tippmann A-5 instead. I am most pleased with the advice, and the marker, thus far.