First up - good first post Robbo. (apart from the stab at the bankers
)
Second - general comments:
- start with over the last 5 years - considering world markets, local economic factors, people's disposable income will be generally less - especially in the US where the effect of Fannie & Freddy was widely felt. (before you say it Robbo - yes, bleedin' obvious award again!)
- globally and cross markets, the effect would have been felt across may 'past-time' activities & industries not just paintball - anything as random as Kayaking to Motocross, people would be just less keen to invest in new kit as their priorities lay elsewhere
- the much cheaper kit available to new players to the sport allows players to compete at near enough the same level as high end products - at least at a local level. (eg. Mini / Ego)
- if maintained correctly, the kit available five years ago is still very very reliable - which may explain some players willingness to retain markers & accessories - meaning the 'new' cash going to retailers will be less. (Granted lots of players need the new shiny gat year on year)
- Global wealth is expected to rise by 61% by 2015. Enjoy the core data people:
https://www.credit-suisse.com/news/en/media_release.jsp?ns=41610
All credit to anyone re-entering the market, they may have this global data & novel ideas always sell.
Ciaran