It’s a tale as old as time.
You played constantly as a teenager. Maybe into your mid-20s. Then life happened. The sport got expensive. Your local field closed. You moved. You “retired.”
Now you’re older. Maybe you’ve got a little more disposable income. Maybe you’ve got a kid you want to introduce to it.
Good news: you can absolutely come back.
Here’s what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what you need to know.
💰 Paint Is More Expensive (Yes, Really)
Paint has crept up in price. Depending on the field, expect $60–$100 per case.
Most fields offer season passes with paint discounts. If you’re planning to play more than a handful of times a year, look into one. It usually pays for itself faster than you think.
🔧 Your Marker Probably Still Works
If your old marker has been sitting in a gear bag since 2012, there’s a solid chance it still works.
You’ll likely need:
- Fresh O-rings
- A little lube
- Maybe a new battery
Do that basic TLC before showing up and you’ll save yourself some embarrassment.
🚨 Your Tank Is Probably Toast
I’m sorry.
Air tanks must be hydrostatically tested every 5 years to remain legal and safe.
- If you have an old aluminum tank? It’s probably not worth testing.
- If you have a carbon fiber tank? It may be worth getting it re-tested.
Check the hydro date stamped on the tank. If it’s expired, fields won’t fill it.
⚙️ Field Rules Are Largely the Same
Not much has changed here:
- Most fields cap FPS at 285
- Most cap BPS between 11–13
You are not walking back into 2006 uncapped ramping chaos.
👥 The Player Base Has Shifted
Many fields have seen a decline in overall player numbers. Some small. Some significant.
That means:
- Open play is often one larger combined group
- Rental and owner players are mixed
- Refs work hard to balance teams by skill
Regulars are generally very welcoming. They want new players to stick around.
So please… don’t bunker the 13-year-old rental kid every single match. You know who you are.
🏭 Brand Landscape Update
GI Sportz is now part of Kore Outdoor, which owns brands like Empire and JT.
Still strong options:
If you’re diving back in hard, the Luxe line remains a premium marker choice.
Magfed and pump are still absolutely baller ways to play, and arguably even cooler now.
🎯 What Hasn’t Changed
It’s still incredibly fun.
There is no other adrenaline quite like it. The mix of strategy, chaos, teamwork, and getting shot (a little) still hits.
If you want to ease back in, come to open play. Rent gear. See how it feels.
We’re still running Tippmann 98s. You might even get the same one you used 15 years ago.
Just… maybe bring some Advil.
You’re not 19 anymore.
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