The first step to becoming a paintball player is to buy your paintball equipment. While there are many different brands and versions of paintball guns, masks, clothing, and the like — they all have one thing in common: they’re not so cheap.  So, how much does paintball gear cost? The paintball gear costs from $300 up to $600. It depends on the quality and manufacturer. However, finding the best gear at the best price is not easy. But we’ll help you to make your first paintball purchase easier.

How Much Does Paintball Gear Cost?

To play paintball, you need a few essential pieces of equipment. There are three primary types of paintball gear: offensive gear, field gear, and worn gear. Let’s look at the cost of each item:

Offensive gear includes a paintball gun, pellets, barrel, air tank, and other accessories.

Paintball Marker

There are three types of paintball guns or markers available pump paintball guns, electric guns, and mechanical paintball guns. So, the price of a paintball gun varies. 

Pump paintball guns cost about $15 to $500, while mechanical paintball guns cost around $50 to $600. Electric guns are expensive; they cost around $100-$1500.

Pellets

500 paintballs pack can cost anywhere from $10 to $30. You can buy a large case of paintballs for around $50 to $60.

Barrel 

The paintball gun barrel is usually made from aluminum, stainless steel, and carbon fiber. Depending on the different diameters, lengths, and materials of the barrel, it costs around $30-$100.

Co2 Tank

They come in different sizes, from 500 gm-1.5 kg tanks. Generally, a small aluminum tank may cost about $30-$50, while a larger one costs about $100-$150.

Sight or Scope 

Scopes are recommended for beginner to advanced players. An average paintball scope cost around $15-$100.

Worn gear, such as gloves, goggles, and masks, is worn by the paintball players. This gear protects the players and helps them move around the field.

Gloves

The price of gloves will depend on the material it’s made out of and if they’re open-fingered or closed-fingered. A pair of gloves typically costs $5-$35. Leather gloves are usually expensive.

Pads

While cheaper pads are out there, it’s essential to invest in better quality ones that will last longer. Primary pads will cost $20-$50

Boots

The best paintball boots are made of leather with a stiff sole. A good pair of paintball boots will cost anywhere from $80 to $150.

Protective mask

There are two types of paintball masks half masks and full masks. The price of the half mask is usually between $20 and $80, while full masks begin at around $120.

Goggles

The paintball goggle range can vary depending on the player and the game. The average quality goggles range from $15 to $60, while high-quality goggles cost over $200.

Field gear includes flags, inflatables, and many more. Usually, they’re provided by tournament organizers.

How Much Does a Paintball Setup Cost?

If you’re considering throwing a paintball event, you’ll want to find out how much it costs to rent a paintball field. We divided the paintball field setup costs into the construction, equipment, and other costs. 

Construction/Building Cost

These costs are pretty easy to estimate. Building a standard field will cost about $40,000-$60,000. This is for space rental, inflatables, safety equipment, and more.

Building a private field will cost higher because you’ll also need to purchase land and paintball equipment.

Equipment Costs

If you’re planning to rent paintball equipment to use, you’ve to invest as high as $15,000 or more.

Other Costs

You’ll have the costs for staffing, referees, insurance, and more.

Is It Expensive to Play Paintball?

Yes, it’s pretty expensive to play paintball. You should expect to pay around $15-$20 per entry at a rough average. However, besides the entry fee, you need to buy your equipment which could cost you another $300 – $600. 

Keep in mind this is just an average figure. Some paintball fields charge $25-$30 per entry, while some charge as high as $30-$35. As for the equipment, it all depends on how much money you want to spend and what level of equipment you want.

How Much Should You Spend on a Paintball Gun?

A paintball gun is expensive, and there are many factors to consider when buying one. It depends on how you’re going to be using the gun and what your budget is. You might have a recreational paintball gun or a professional one that costs up to $1500.

Usually, the more expensive paintball guns have better accuracy and fire faster. But not all of them are great.

However, we recommend spending at least $100 on a gun. Because otherwise, the quality of your gun will be poor. This can result in malfunctions, poor performance, and a lack of longevity with your purchase.

Do You Need Your Own Gear for Paintball?

It depends on your field and what type of paintball you are playing. Some fields require all players to have their equipment. 

While some paintball fields require that players wear a specific amount of protective gear to play the game. This is usually determined by the facility’s policies or the paintball playing on that field.

However, most paintball fields provide paintball masks, goggles, and paintball guns for rental or purchase. Some provide ballistic vests to wear, too.

What Kind of Gear Do You Need for Paintball?

You’ll need to know the right gear to ensure your gameplay stays safe and injury-free. Here are all the essential items you’ll need to bring with you:

Paintball Marker

A paintball marker is a gun that shoots paintballs. Without a marker, you won’t be able to play the game.

Protective Mask

The mask is an essential item to have. It protects your nose, mouth, and face from paintball impacts.

Goggles

You should get goggles to protect your eyes from paintballs. A hit from a paintball could cause some damage to your eyes.

Gloves

Having gloves on hand is crucial because they protect your hands from getting hit by a paintball. It also helps to grip your marker better.

Boots

If you’re playing in a field, you should wear sturdy boots with rubber soles. Make sure they have ankle support and overlapping toes.

Pads

You must also wear pads for your elbows, knees, and shins. You don’t want to get any paintball injuries in those areas.

How to Save Money on Paintball Equipment Costs?

Everyone enjoys playing paintball, but what happens when you’re on a budget? It’s hard to find a field that fits within your price range, so we’ve come up with some ways you can save money on paintball – 

  • Buy the least expensive paintball supply pack that is available
  • Do not buy extra paintballs
  • Play in an outdoor field
  • Rent your equipment and use it as long as possible
  • Instead of purchasing gear, rent it
  • Buy used paintball gear
  • Split the cost of getting an expensive field pass with your friends and family members

FAQs

What to look for when buying paintball gear?

Consider the price: high to low, manufacturer, comfortability and maneuverability, materials and quality, price of paintballs, paintball size, gun power, etc.

Should you rent or buy paintball gear?

The decision to rent or buy paintball gear depends on your budget. If you’re looking for more of a casual experience, renting paintball equipment is the way to go. But investing in your gear might be worth it if you’ve some extra cash.

Is it worth it to buy an expensive paintball gun?

It depends on what you play, where you usually play, and how seriously you take the game. If you play in a pro league, the quality of your paintball gun can make the difference between winning and losing. A poorly performing paintball gun will hinder your performance and annoy your teammates.

Final Word

It’s easy to be concerned about how much does paintball gear cost? When you’re going out for the first time. The games are fun, but they can also be expensive. However, don’t let concerns about cost stop you from going out. There are plenty of ways to save money.

If you are serious about playing paintball and buying your first set of equipment, getting some of the best paintball gear packages from your local paintball store is highly recommended.