The Cost is in the Paint

Everyone in America is aware of the current prices of gas and how expensive everything that has to be shipped has become. While this affects everyone on a daily basis when it comes to the prices of food, paintball isn't exempt from the situation. As many of you have noticed, the price of many types of paintballs have increased over the past year. Prices at local shops and even at my local Wal-Mart have jumped in the past year. While the price hasn't doubled like the cost of gas, it is noticeable and I'm definitely more aware of how much paint I shoot.

I realize that fuel prices have forced companies to raise their prices just so they can stay in business, but the sad reality is that people already have less money to spend on leisure activities and paintball is already on the chopping block in many homes. Iincreasing the cost of the paint can literally be the last straw that keeps people from playing the sport. It's sad, but that's what happens in a slow economy.

The number of people participating in paintball has dropped over the past few years and I'm sure it's going to drop more when the 2008 numbers come out. It's a tough time for many. Hopefully everyone who currently plays will be able to weather the storm.