There has now for some time been alot of buzz going around the new .50 caliber paintballs and markers that where showcased in World Cup. The mantra has been how lower production, shipping and storage costs for .50 caliber paintballs will save the industry thats struglin in US with the economy going as it is. Arguments are there but will just 20-30% lower retail price for paintballs make that much of a difference?
After the initial novelty and premium prices everyone still ends up with the usual profits while compeating for customers. If you are betting on the increasing number of new people getting involved in paintball just because of lower paint prices, then it soon starts to look more like an gamble.
For active players already involved in our sport one of the main question has been how these .50 caliber compare to existing .68 caliber paintballs. So far there hasnt been much field testing or raw comparison numbers but now there is an interesting topic going on in PBNation with some ballistic graphs.
On global scale one main issue might also be local legislation. As of now its seems that for example .50 calibers arent legal to use in Sweden.
Below graphs that are available at PBNation. Here is also some interested readin from Tom Keyne.
