Powerlet


A Powerlet cartridge, commonly referred to as a CO2 charger, is a small disposable metal gas cylinder holding of compressed CO2 and often a small quantity of lubricating oil, used as a pneumatic power source for certain air guns, airsoft guns, paintball guns, and for quick inflation of various devices, such as a personal flotation device. Originally developed and the trademark owned by Crosman Corporation and introduced to the market in 1954, the Powerlet cartridge has become the dominant source of power for inexpensive, rapid fire air guns from many manufacturers.
A Powerlet container typically provides 20 to 40 shots in an airgun, depending on the gun and environmental conditions. The first 10 shots from a new bottle are consistent, with subsequent shots losing power. For paintball markers, fewer shots are produced due to the greater weight of the paintball compared to an airgun projectile.
For modern paintball guns, this technology is considered outdated, as they cannot fire as many shots as a modern carbon dioxide| tank can provide, though some still use Powerlet cartridges for stock paintball. They are also still favored for paintball pistols, for players wishing to run 'light' with considerably less weight.