As I stepped onto the paintball field for yet another exhilarating match, a thought struck me: How long do these colorful pellets of fun last, anyway? It’s a question that has perplexed many paintballers, from rookies to seasoned players like myself. Let’s face it, we’ve all rummaged through our gear bags, questioning the integrity of those little balls we bought months ago.
Do paint balls really have an expiration date? And if they do, how can we tell when they’re past their prime? More importantly, what happens if we dare to defy the hypothetical expiry date and shoot with those ‘expired’ paintballs?
Let’s demystify the enigma surrounding the longevity of paintballs together. Join me on this thrilling journey as we unveil the mysteries behind their lifespan and unlock the secrets that every player should know.
How Long Are Paintballs Good For?
Not all paintballs are made the same way. Think of them like snacks—some are fresh and crunchy, while others might be a bit stale. Depending on how well they’re taken care of, paintballs can last in top shape for as long as 3 to 6 months- even longer, depending on their quality, storage method, and condition.
Yet, if they’re not treated right, they can start to disintegrate, develop cracks, or get deformed after just a few months. In my experience, this is especially true if they are exposed to sunlight, water, or heat.
Now, these paintballs are made of stuff that won’t harm the environment, which is great! But even though they’re eco-friendly, they do have a shelf life. It’s like when you have some vegetables in your fridge—after a while, they just aren’t as good as they used to be.
So, it’s important to use paintballs before they hit their expiration date. Using ones that are past their prime might make them act up, messing with your game and making it harder to hit your targets.
Related: What Are Paintballs Made Of?
Do Paintballs Expire? Here Is The Truth
Yes, paintballs do have an expiration date. Typically, they stay well for about 3 to 6 months, depending on the specific product and brand. However, this can vary depending on how they’re handled, where they’re stored, and other similar factors.
As they get older, they can become fragile and more prone to breaking, and their performance might suffer, too. You might notice they don’t shoot as straight as they used to.
Before I gear up for my paintball adventure, I always take a glance at those expiration dates. Using them past their due date could mess up my game, and nobody wants that. Also, make sure to store them properly to keep them in good shape for as long as possible.
But, How To Tell If Paintballs Are Bad?
To figure out if your paintballs are still good to use, you’ll want to take a close look at them. Here are some important things to check out, making the whole process simple and smooth.
1. The Paintballs Are Unclean
If your paintballs are dirty, they could end up causing some serious damage to your gun or barrel, which can be a costly problem to fix. Even though a little dirt doesn’t always mean they’ve gone bad, it’s better to stay on the safe side and not use them.
Also, I always keep an eye out for any paintballs that look like they’ve lost their round shape, as that could be a sign they’re not in their best condition.
2. Check For Swelling, Dimpling, Bounciness & Squishiness
If paintballs get wet or come into contact with other environmental factors, they can puff up or swell. This can mess up their shape and affect how well they work, making them less accurate and messing with their overall performance.
If you notice any dimpling or distortion on the surface of the paintballs, it could mean they’re not the best quality or that they’ve gone bad. Dimpling can happen if they are too old or if they’ve been exposed to extreme temperatures. I noticed that most of those round balls do not fly straight, can break easily, or might even cause my gun to jam.
When you give them a little squeeze, if they feel too bouncy or too hard, it could mean they’re not in the best shape or they’ve expired. Paintballs that are too soft might not go where you want them to, while those that are too hard can cause some painful bruises. Try a little test run with your marker to see how they hold up.
3. Look For Flattening, Shrinkage, And Divots
If paintballs aren’t stored right or get too much sun or pressure, they might end up getting flattened or squashed. This can make them lose their nice round shape and become all wonky, messing up how well they work and how accurate they are.
Sometimes, if pellets get damp or are kept in a really dry place for too long, they can shrink in size. This can mess with how well they perform when you shoot them out of a paintball gun.
Divots or small cavities in the paintball’s surface can indicate that the pellets are of poor quality, they have some issues from manufacturing, or they’re just past their best time.
These dents might happen if the pellets weren’t manufactured properly or if they were stored all squished together for too long. They can make the paintballs fire in weird ways or break apart when they hit something, which isn’t great for the players out on the field.
4. Are The Paint Balls Brittle?
When paintball pellets expire, they can become delicate and easily break, leading to a messy and potentially game-ending situation. I always check this by doing a drop test from about 5 to 6 feet or dropping them gently from my shoulder. If the balls develop cracks after just a few drops, they might be too fragile to use. However, this doesn’t always mean they’re expired.
For your safety and the safety of others, it’s a good idea to stick with high-quality paintballs. If you have any doubts, it’s better to steer clear and opt for a fresh batch.
Pro Tip
When deciding if your paintballs are still good to go, you don’t just have to rely on what the manufacturer says. You can do a quick check yourself to be sure.
- First, take a good look at them. Check for any cracks, bumps, or anything that looks out of the ordinary. If you spot any of these, they might cause some trouble when you’re out on the field, like getting stuck in your paintball gun or making a big mess when you least expect it.
- Next, take a couple of paintballs and give them a gentle squeeze. If they’re old or they’ve gotten too damp, they might have become brittle and lost their bounce. Expired paintballs can even break apart with just a little pressure. If you have them stored in a container, give it a soft shake. If you hear any strange sounds, it could mean these balls have cracked or become too delicate to use.
- Then, load some of them into your gun and take some shots, around 80 to 100 feet. If they break too easily, leave gunk in the barrel, miss the target, or don’t go where you’re aiming, they might not be the best to use.
Try this for at least 10 paint balls and conclude the result. After doing all this, you’ll have a good idea of whether your ammo is still up to snuff for your next paintball fight.
Why Should You Never Use Expired Paintballs?
Even though it might feel like a good idea to use expired paintballs to avoid wasting them, it’s not really a wise move. Here are some of the issues you might run into:
Problem 1: Clogging Inside Paintball Gun Barrel
Expired paintballs can clog up the barrel of your marker. When they are too brittle or too soft, they might break inside the barrel, causing a blockage. If a ball breaks in the barrel, it can be tough to remove and might require you to take apart the entire gun for a thorough cleaning, which can even lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
Problem 2: Inaccurate Shots
Using old paintballs might not give you the same speed or FPS (feet per second) as fresh ones. This could make it trickier for players to hit their targets and affect how the game turns out. Air resistance or rain can also quickly alter how they travel through the air.
Problem 3: Breakage Of Paintballs
As the stock gets older, it can become too fragile or too soft, which means it might break when it hits the target or inside the paintball gun. This can be risky for the player and anyone else nearby.
Problem 4: Poor Performance And Potential Risks
Using expired paintballs can make the gun function poorly, leading to misfires, increased friction, and other problems. In my first-hand experience, this can seriously affect the gaming experience and make it hard to have a good time. They might also contain harmful substances that can cause infections if they come into contact with the player’s skin or eyes.
How To Store Paintballs To Solve These Problems?
Taking care of your paintballs is super important so they work their best when you’re out having fun. How you store them really matters, because stuff like the weather can mess with their quality. Here’s what you need to do to keep them in top shape:
Control Temperature and Humidity
Alright, let’s get real about paintballs. Think of them like picky houseplants—they thrive in a cozy room temperature, around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit (15-21 degrees Celsius).
Oh, and humidity matters too! Shoot for 50-60% to keep them from getting too bloated or brittle. And hey, no sunbathing or extreme weather exposure for these little guys. They prefer a chill spot, just like we do!
Use Airtight Containers
Time to get those paintballs snug! Opt for airtight containers or resealable bags that work hard to block moisture and air, so your stock stays in tip-top condition and lasts longer.
Also, keep it clean! Before you store them away, make sure those containers are not just clean but bone dry too. This step helps prevent any contamination and moisture buildup, keeping your paint balls ready for action when you need them!
Avoid Unnecessary Agitation
Steady as she goes! Find a secure spot for your paintballs to prevent unnecessary jostling and damage. Remember to handle them with care, avoiding rough treatment and refraining from stacking heavy objects on their containers. This way, they’ll stay in good condition for when you need them most.
Regular Inspection Keeps Problems Away
Keep a watchful eye! Don’t forget to give your stored paintballs a regular once-over for any squishing, dimples, or swelling. If you spot any issues, it’s time to bid those batches farewell.
And quality matters too! Make sure you’re using the good stuff to keep your game on point and your opponents on their toes!
Proper Ventilation Is Essential
Let’s get some air in! It’s important to have good ventilation in the storage area to stop any funky fumes from the paintballs building up.
Find that sweet spot! Make sure the humidity is just right—enough to keep things dry but not too dry. You want to strike a balance between keeping moisture at bay and letting enough airflow to keep those paint balls in top shape.
Make The Storage Elevated
Let’s lift them up! Storing your paintballs on elevated shelves or pallets helps steer clear of ground moisture seeping in. By keeping them like this, you’re safeguarding them from potential water damage and ground-level humidity.
Rotate Your Stock
Implement a “first in, first out” (FIFO) approach- MY FAVORITE, using older paintballs before newer ones to prevent any deterioration over time. Regularly using older stock ensures continuous circulation, maintaining their freshness and usability.
Following these tested storage tips can make your paintballs last longer and stay top-notch when you’re ready to use them. Stick to these guidelines, and you’ll be all set for an awesome experience while making your supplies go the distance.
Also Read: What To Do With Old Paintball Guns And Tanks?
Tips To Maximize The Lifespan Of Paint Balls
To keep your paintballs in top shape, store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. It’s best to use an airtight container to prevent heat and contaminants from getting in.
Always check the expiration date and set a reminder. Depending on the brand, paintballs typically last for 6 to 8 months. Before using them, double-check the date and dispose of any that have expired.
Paintball pellets can absorb moisture from the air over time, leading to more cracks and making them more prone to breaking when fired. To avoid moisture damage, it’s crucial to store your stock properly. Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from any dampness.
Because paintballs are fragile, handle them with care. Avoid dropping or vigorously shaking them, and be gentle when loading them into the marker.
Regularly cleaning your gun can help maintain the shelf life and performance of your paintballs. After each use, clean the barrels and ensure it is stored appropriately when not in use.
Be mindful not to overpressure your paintball marker. Excessive pressure when firing your gun can cause the balls to break inside, leading to issues.
Apart from those tricks, a great way to take care of your paintballs is to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. However, it’s important to note that not all balls come with a storage guide.
Sometimes, the package containing this information might be overlooked or discarded in the excitement of the moment. Manufacturers have the most knowledge about the quality of their products, so their guidance can be invaluable.
The Takeaway
Even though paintballs are safe and environmentally friendly, they do have expiration dates. To ensure they last as long as possible, it’s best to use them within 3 months of their manufacturing date. However, I have seen that proper storage can give them a lifespan of even a year!
This is crucial to carefully examine them for any signs of damage or defects before use. Moreover, the force and speed of an expired paint ball may differ from that of a fresh one when shot from the same marker.
By following these guidelines, paintballers can have a safe and enjoyable experience while getting the best performance out of their equipment. While paintball expiration might seem like a minor or overlooked issue, it actually has a significant impact on the game and should be taken seriously.
