Always saddens me to see a gel ball retailer go down or away. Competition is good, and variety is better.
I had wondered how tac edge would survive after Peter’s unfortunate passing. Hope to see them rebuild and remain.
Seems a lot of retailers recently just haven’t been getting anything that’s piquing people’s interest… or aren’t getting anything at all for extended periods.
If we are picking a last retailer standing my monies always been on X-force. Vas is a passionate owner operator with an actual interest in what he sells, not just in making a profit.
That and the massive diminishing customer base. It is hard, very hard, can’t run a business when things are like this, people are scant on $$, regulations keep getting tighter and and.
Good to see X-force is still standing, I knew something was up with M4A1 years ago when Scooter jumped ship. They have always been good, I buy stuff from them whenever I can.
Sometimes I fall asleep during Vas’s videos of a new blaster, but I’m just busy and got my own business to run LOL
Unfortunately, think they’ll all be forced to scale back or change direction as stock runs out. Some of their alternatives are interesting but don’t think anything is firmed up yet
Everyone’s pretty much in the same boat now unfortunately. I suggested to my vendor to start thinking of alt plans before the sun sets and hay goes to pasture so speak.
One particular vendor thinks that this is just another ‘fear tactic’ that will sort itself out and back to normal - ignorance is not just bliss, but fatal for business.
Heard Scotty from XFORCE is barracking hard against these changes through one of the senators. Apparently the feedback he’s been getting from the other poli-ticks are pitiful to say the least.
Whilst there has always been competitive rivalry between stores, now is the time for vendors to set aside their indifference (real or perceived) and also join in on the fight.
Vendors are already working together e.g. the session at Tac-Edge tomorrow) and the stores I am aware of are already planning changes for when existing stocks dwindle. At least one vendor is keeping an unprofitable store open to support the local players.
Unfortunately this is a federal issue being run by those in the Canberra bubble who are far removed from reality and don’t give a poop about anything that doesn’t correspond to their naive opinions. A problem that has existed since the 1970’s
I received a PM from a referral of theirs - but as to whether they decide to apply or not is another. No idea who they are or where they’re from either.
After years of unforgettable games, events, friendships and memories, Gelsoft Australia will be entering its final chapter.
Due to ongoing changes to firearm regulations and importation laws in Australia, alongside Tactical Edge Hobbies transitioning to an online-only future, Gelsoft Australia will also be concluding field operations on Sunday June 21st.
As many of you know, Gelsoft Australia has always operated alongside Tactical Edge Hobbies, sharing not only the same location, but the same community, passion and vision.
This is not the outcome we hoped for, and it’s incredibly difficult to put into words what this place has meant to us.
From first-time players to regulars who became family, birthday parties, competitions, late nights, laughs and unforgettable moments on the field — Gelsoft Australia became far more than just a venue.
It became a community.
To every player, staff member, supporter and customer who walked through our doors over the years: thank you.
You helped build something truly special, and we’ll forever be grateful for the memories created here.
While the field may be coming to an end, the friendships, memories and community built around it will always remain.
