Paintball can be a fun activity among friends looking for an exciting hobby. However, you should note that paintball requires a bit of investment. You would have to look for a location and purchase appropriate gear. For instance, when booking a paintball field, you would have to look for a secluded area. Generally, paintball fields charge per person, but you could be lucky and secure a package deal.
Beginners tend to start small and invest very little, while experienced players spend a lot to get the newest equipment. Below are some aspects of the paintball game where you’d need to invest and make your gameplay worthwhile.
Equipment Cost
If you regularly play paintball, you need your equipment which would mean an initial and recurrent cost. You need to know that although at first, you could get inexpensive equipment, you would need money to continue enjoying the game.
Buying Gear
A player needs two items when playing paintball. First, you need to wear a protective mask to cover your face. Though you could buy additional safety gear, you must have a paintball mask. Depending on the type of mask you get, you could buy one that shields your face and throat.
Another essential item is the paintball gun which uses carbon dioxide or HPA. These paintball guns come in different designs and sizes. You can get a paintball gun with pump rifles. Generally, pump rifles are less accurate and slow. However, they are ideal for beginners. Another option for beginners would be semi-automatic paintball guns. Other paintball guns available to advanced players include the fully automatic and ramping.
Some stores have a simple pump pack that includes a hopper, mask, pump rifle, and disposable carbon dioxide canisters. Once you make your shot, you have to replace the canister. If you use a low-quality gun, you can expect the paintballs to disintegrate inside your barrel. A pump rifle could be an inexpensive option as you’d only need to part with $30 to $50.
Recurrent Costs
Besides the charges you have to pay at the paintball field, you need to set aside some money to cater for the dispensable items. Whenever you play, you should factor in the cost of paintballs purchased in large units.
Generally, paintballs are available in 2000 cases ranging from the .50 to .80 caliber round. You should note that eco-friendly and nontoxic materials are used to make paintballs. However, the quality of your paintball depends on the thickness of your paint and shell. It also depends on the spherical degree of your shell.
In high-quality rounds, you can expect a fully spherical and thin shell. These features ensure the shell bursts upon impact. Also, the paint is thick with a bright color. Often, the paint will have metallic elements and corn starch. That way, when a player is hit, you can quickly identify them.
At the same time, you need to set aside some money for your air canisters which come in different sizes. Carbon dioxide was traditionally used in these air canisters. However, HPA is becoming a more popular option since it is more eco-friendly and stable.