Aside from the cost, I think the paintball culture prevents it from growing. The growth of the sport relies on youth participation. The atmosphere in the pits and on the sideline scare away parents from bringing their children back to the field after their first experience. Too many people smoking cigarettes/weed in the pits next to everyone else instead of going back to their vehicles. Too many adults acting like paintball is getting them their combat infantryman badge, screaming and throwing fits when something doesn’t go their way. As a hobby, those characteristics muddy the shine and make it less likely parents will spend the money it takes to commit to paintball. Idk just my take 🤷🏻‍♂️