Why is paintball expensive? - Paintball Ruined My Life (2024)

Paintball can be expensive for a few reasons:

1. Equipment Costs: Paintball guns, protective gear, paintballs, air tanks, and other accessories. Quality equipment often comes with higher price tags, and the cost can add up quickly, especially if you’re looking for performance and durability. There are however some very good value paintball guns like the Planet Eclipse Emek and Empire Mini GS.
2. Field Fees: Playing at commercial paintball fields usually involves paying for field admission and sometimes additional fees for equipment rental and paintballs. These costs can vary depending on the location and the facilities offered, but from entry paintball parks typically charge $25-$35.
3. Paintballs: Paintballs are the biggest cost when it comes to paintball, you can use your equipment for years, but you need to buy paintballs every time you play. Quality paintballs can be more expensive, and players often go through many of them during a game, adding to the overall cost of playing.
4. Insurance and Safety: Running a paintball field involves insurance costs to cover potential accidents and liabilities. Ensuring the safety of players requires investment in safety equipment, staff training, and maintaining the playing fields.

While paintball can indeed be costly, there are certainly some ways to keep the expenses manageable. Purchasing pre-owned equipment, buying paintballs in bulk, or opting for more budget-friendly fields. Moreover, when compared with sports like golf, motocross, and scuba diving, paintball comes out as a economical option, with an average day of play costing between $60 and $120.