How Much Is Paintball Per Person? A Comprehensive Exploration of the Cost of Play

Paintball is an adrenaline-filled activity enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It requires players to use specialized markers to shoot non-lethal projectiles at opponents. The activity is widely played in groups both professionally and recreationally, and is growing in popularity every year. However, many players are unsure of how much they should budget for their paintball expenditure. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the cost of paintball per person, and explore the many associated factors which readers should keep in mind when preparing for their next game.

Paintball Equipment Covering the Basics

The single biggest factor in working out the cost of paintball per person is the equipment. Each player requires their own personal marker (or gun) for use in the game. When buying a marker, it is well worth investing in a quality model, as this will help ensure that it is comfortable, lightweight and easy to maneuver. Prices for quality markers can start from around $80, depending on make and model. All players must also wear protective clothing, which includes eye protection, gloves, and sturdy shoes (the kind used for running or hiking). Other add-ons, such as chest protectors and elbow pads, are optional but may be worth considering.

Projectiles and Accessories

Of course, a marker is useless without something to propel it. All paintball players must also buy ammunition, which takes the form of round, non-toxic paintballs which come in various colors. Depending on the game being played, the balls can be either biodegradable or non-biodegradable and come in differently-sized capsules. On average, players should budget around $20 for a bag of 500 paintballs, although this can vary depending on the type of game being played. Alongside the pellets, each player should also remember to bring a few spare accessories such as a cleaning brush, a squeegee (for cleaning off the lay) and gas cartridges for powering the markers.

From Courts to Cover Fees: Paintball Venue Costs

The cost of paintball per person also includes the cost of rent fees for the game area. The price of a rented paintball court varies depending on locality and time of day. Most paintball venues offer all-day passes which can be shared with friends and can often prove to be the most cost efficient way to play. Most game centers also require players to pay a cover fee, which typically ranges between $25 to $45, depending on the facilities on offer.

Other Factors to Consider

Most paintball venues limit the number of players per game, and so a larger group of friends might have to split up into separate teams, each with their own court reservation. In this case, the cost of paintball per person will be slightly increased by the cost of renting out extra courts. For those looking for a unique gaming experience, many centres also offer add-ons such as night games (played under floodlights) or advanced equipment such as smoke devices.

Insights

The cost of paintball per person can vary widely depending on what equipment a player wishes to invest in. Although more expensive equipment often brings substantial benefits to players, many beginners might opt to start with a cheaper option. Ultimately, the biggest expense comes from the court rent itself as well as the associated cover fee. However, this one-off expense is well worth it, as paintball is an immensely enjoyable activity. So, do some research on venues local to you, bring some friends along, and most importantly have fun!