If you're familiar with BB guns and considering expanding your hobby, you might have come across gel blasters. While BB guns have been around for a long time, gel blasters offer a different kind of excitement. This guide will educate you on the differences between BB guns and gel blasters, helping you understand why gel blasters could be the perfect addition to your collection.
What Are Gel Blasters?
Gel blasters are toy guns that shoot 6-8mm, water-absorbent gel balls, also known as gel beads or hydrogel balls. These beads are non-toxic, biodegradable, and burst upon impact, making them a safer, cheaper, and more convenient alternative to BBs. Gel blasters have been popular in Australia for several years and are widely used for recreational purposes, particularly in skirmish and tactical games.
Key Differences Between BB Guns and Gel Blasters
1. Ammunition:
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BB Guns: Use small metal or plastic BBs. These projectiles are hard and can cause significant injury if not used with proper safety measures.
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Gel Blasters: Use gel balls that are soft and burst on impact. This makes them much safer for casual and competitive play.
2. Safety:
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BB Guns: Require strict safety precautions due to the potential for serious injury. Protective gear is essential.
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Gel Blasters: While safety gear is still recommended, the risk of injury is significantly lower due to the nature of the gel balls.
3. Legal Restrictions:
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BB Guns: Often face strict regulations, including age restrictions and licensing requirements. The legal landscape can vary greatly depending on the state or country.
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Gel Blasters: Generally face fewer legal hurdles in Australia, making them easier to purchase and use. However, it’s important to check local laws as there are still stringent restrictions in most states aside from Queensland.
4. Cost:
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BB Guns: Tend to be more expensive, both in terms of the guns themselves and the ammunition.
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Gel Blasters: More affordable, with cheaper ammunition that’s easy to replace.
How Gel Blasters Are Similar to Airsoft
1. Realistic Design:
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Like airsoft guns, gel blasters are often designed to look like real firearms. This makes them appealing for those interested in military simulations and tactical training. Some popular models include the M4, AK-47, and Glock replicas.
2. Tactical Gameplay:
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Both gel blasters and airsoft guns are used in skirmish games and tactical simulations. Players use these replicas to engage in team-based combat scenarios, often in designated fields or arenas.
3. Customization and Upgrades:
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Gel blasters, like airsoft guns, offer a wide range of customization options. You can modify internal components, add accessories such as scopes and tactical rails, and personalize the appearance to suit your style and improve performance.
4. Community and Competitions:
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Both communities are active and hold regular events, competitions, and meetups. Joining either community allows for social interaction, teamwork, and competitive play.
5. Safety Gear and Precautions:
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Players of both gel blasters and airsoft typically wear safety gear such as goggles, masks, and tactical vests to protect themselves during games.
Why Choose Gel Blasters?
1. Environmentally Friendly:
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Gel balls are biodegradable and non-toxic. This makes gel blasters an environmentally friendly option for shooting enthusiasts who want to minimize their impact on the environment.
2. Easy to Use:
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Gel blasters are simple to operate and maintain. Preparing the gel balls is as easy as soaking them in water, and the blasters themselves are straightforward to load and clean.
3. Community and Events:
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The gel blaster community in Australia is active and welcoming. There are numerous clubs, events, and competitions where you can meet other enthusiasts, make new friends, and engage in exciting skirmish games.
4. Versatility:
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Gel blasters are versatile enough for a variety of games and settings. Whether you enjoy tactical simulations, team-based competitions, or casual backyard battles, gel blasters offer a fun and engaging experience.
Conclusion
Gel blasters provide a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to BB guns. Their ease of use, lower legal barriers, and active community make them an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned shooting enthusiasts. At Azraels Armoury, we offer a wide selection of high-quality gel blasters to suit every need. Explore our collection and discover the exciting world of gel blasting today!
Visit Us
Ready to try gel blasters? Visit Azraels Armoury for the best selection of premium gel blasters. Our expert team is here to help you find the perfect model to enhance your shooting experience. Shop now and join the gel blaster community!
