In paintball, tank location can make a big difference in how you play. For instance, a woodsball player will want to have his tank as a shoulder stock as opposed to a speedball player, where he will want a more compact marker. It is a matter of personal preference.

Drop-forwards:
There are many styles of drop-forwards, however they all serve the same function: change the marker’s center of gravity. The center of gravity is an imaginary point where the marker would balance perfectly on an infinitely small fulcrum. What a drop-forward does is shifts the center of gravity forward, usually just to the rear of the gripframe. This allows the player to control his marker better as well as reducing hand fatigue. A heavy tank can upset the center of gravity by as much as 6 inches. The drop-forward will reduce this factor a good amount and reduce strain on the gripframe and also the player’s hand.
There are three main types of drop-forward mounting techniques: Spyder, Standard, and Tippmann. Most markers use the Standard hole scheme, such as the AutoCocker and the Piranha series. Spyders and Viewloaders use the Spyder hole scheme. Tippmanns use a special mounting system and don’t usually require a drop-forward system.

When you choose a drop-forward, first figure out how much your tank affects the moment arm of your marker. You can calculate the “dry” (no tank, with a loader and barrel,) CG by moving your hand along the marker until it balances on a finger. This where your CG is. Now, when you put the tank on in the standard ASA configuration, move your hand along the marker until it balances. Measure the distance from the original CG to the new CG (with a tank). This distance, usually around 3-4 inches, is how much you’ll need your drop-forward to move the ASA. The height of the drop-forward is designed to accomodate the tank and all of its bonnet pieces (gauge, fill nipple, burst discs, etc…) and shouldn’t be a cause for much worry.

ASAs:
Having a good ASA (Air Source Adapter) can make all the difference. An on-off ASA is a good investment, as it allows you to save air if your marker is leaking and also prevents wasted air when you screw the tank on. It all depends on what you want. There really are no silver bullets for choosing the right ASA. Custom Products (CP) makes very good ASAs, as do Check It and PMI. It all depends on personal preference.

Overall, having the right tank setup can save your hide and your hands. Also, it doesn’t stress the gripframe too much when you have a heavy tank on it, and makes a difference with sliding and diving.

I accept no responsibility for what you do to yourself. If it happens to you, it’s your fault. Don’t sue me, I have no money…just some old paintball guns!