Why Are Retailers Refusing to Sell Controversial Gel Blasters?

Gel blasters, often called gel ball blasters or gelsoft guns, have been growing in popularity in recent years. However, these controversial toy guns that shoot water-filled gel pellets have also raised concerns, leading some major retailers to refuse selling them. This article will explore the key factors behind this retail dilemma.

Gel blasters burst onto the scene as an exciting new outdoor hobby and sport for adrenaline junkies. However, the controversy surrounding them has left retailers in a quandary. Should they cater to customer demand or refrain from selling the contentious toy guns?

Why Are Gel Blasters Controversial?

Gel blasters are considered controversial for several reasons:

Realistic Appearance

The gel blasters are designed to look very similar to real firearms like pistols and rifles. Constructed of metal and plastic materials, many models are nearly indistinguishable from the real thing at first glance.

The ultra-realistic appearance has led to gel blasters being mistaken for actual guns by law enforcement, the public, and even retailers. This confusion has raised concerns over safety.

Risk of Injuries

Although gel blasters shoot water-filled pellets rather than live ammunition, they can still cause pain and injury, especially when misused. The velocity at which many models shoot is high enough to break skin, cause bruising, and even damage eyes if proper protective gear is not worn.

This poses risks for recreational players as well as concerns over intentional misuse. There have been reports of people using gel blasters to shoot at those unaware that the guns only shoot gel pellets.

Security Issues

The incredibly realistic look coupled with the potential to cause injury has led law enforcement and security professionals to view gel blasters as security threats in some cases.

When gel blasters are mistaken for real guns in public, it often leads to massive police response and anxiety. Some criminals have also painted real guns to look like toy gel blasters to try and conceal weapons.

Legal Gray Areas

Laws and regulations surrounding the sale and use of gel blasters vary greatly depending on the country, region, and city. In some areas, it is illegal to carry or use gel blasters in public, but in others, there are no rules at all.

This legal gray area makes it risky for retailers to sell gel blasters. The lack of consistent regulations raises concerns over liability if someone misuses a gel blaster after buying it from their store.

Gel Blaster Lawsuits Creating Controversy

Several high-profile lawsuits revolving around gel blasters have added even more controversy and likely made major retailers hesitant to sell them:

Hasbro vs. Gel Blaster Inc.

In 2022, major toy company Hasbro filed a complaint accusing gel blaster startup Gel Blaster Inc. of patent infringement over their gel ball blasters. Hasbro claims the gel blasters copy air-powered toy gun patents they hold.

This lawsuit is still pending, but if Hasbro is successful, they could potentially gain the right to prohibit other companies from importing and selling gel blasters in the U.S. This looming threat makes retailers wary of carrying gel blasters while the case proceeds.

Trademark Disputes Over Name

There is also controversy over the term “gel blaster” itself. Gel Blaster Inc. holds the trademark for the name in relation to pressurized air guns and has sent cease and desist letters to other retailers threatening trademark litigation if they also use the term.

These disputes over naming and branding rights have left some retailers uncertain if they can even legally call the toy guns “gel blasters” without facing lawsuits.

Safety Concerns Driving Retail Restrictions

The risk of injuries and perception of gel blasters as security threats has led to sales restrictions and bans in various regions of the world:

Australia

Australia has been at the forefront of gel blaster regulations. In July 2021, it became illegal to own, manufacture, or sell gel blasters in Queensland due to growing safety concerns. Other territories like New South Wales require permits and licenses to own gel blaster replicas.

These strict new laws have effectively banned major retailers in Australia from selling gel blasters. Fines for violations are extreme, as much as $40,000 in Queensland.

United States

While not federally regulated, several U.S. states have introduced bills to restrict or ban gel blasters, including Arizona, California, Michigan, and New Jersey. Cities like Philadelphia and Washington D.C. have also implemented strong gel blaster regulations.

This patchwork of local laws has made national retailers approach gel blaster sales cautiously. Big chains like Walmart have pulled gel blasters from shelves, concerned over liability.

Canada

Canada banned replica firearms that shoot over 500 feet per second in 2020, encompassing nearly all gel blaster models. The restrictions effectively outlawed retail sales nationwide. Police also discourage carrying gel blasters in public due to the replica firearm concerns.

Without clear regulations allowing gel blaster sales, major Canadian retailers have erred on the side of caution and do not offer them.

What Issues Do Retailers Face Selling Gel Blasters?

Given all the controversy and legal uncertainty surrounding gel blasters in many regions, retailers face a dilemma over whether to sell them. Some of the issues they have to consider include:

• Legal liability – If a gel blaster purchased from their store is misused to injure people or used in crimes, the retailer could potentially be sued or face prosecution themselves in some areas. Without clear protections, selling gel blasters poses major financial and legal risks.
• Reputational damage – Carrying controversial products like gel blasters could hurt a retailer’s brand image. They have to weigh potential backlash and PR problems from anti-gun groups versus pleasing customers who want to buy gel blasters.
• Inventory problems – If gel blasters are suddenly banned in a region, retailers could be stuck with large numbers of now illegal stock. Some places like Australia have not allowed businesses to return or even destroy remaining inventory if a new ban takes effect.
• Insurance issues – Retailers may see their liability insurance costs rise significantly or have policies canceled if they sell non-traditional shooting sport items like gel blasters. This added business expense provides more disincentive to stock them.
• Workplace safety – Having replica firearms in stores could potentially endanger staff who are threatened or unable to determine if a criminal is wielding an actual pistol or gel blaster during a robbery. It can put employees at risk.

Why Are Customers Demanding Gel Blasters?

Despite the many concerns, customer demand for gel blasters remains extremely high. Here are some of the factors driving consumer appetite for the controversial toy guns:

Thrill of Action Sports

Gel blasters are used for in competitive combat simulations and target shooting games similar to paintball and airsoft. The action-packed, adrenaline-pumping gameplay has huge appeal as an outdoor sport. Players are eager to own the latest high-powered blaster models.

Tactical Training Alternative

Gel blasters provide a far less expensive and more accessible option to train for tactical shooting and maneuvers compared to firing real guns at gun ranges or taking professional courses. Enthusiasts see them as a tactical training tool.

Realistic Appeal

The ultra-realistic gel blaster designs draw in collectors and hobbyists who love the ability to simulate real guns without the lethal dangers. For some, owning lookalike models offers the excitement and appeal of firearms without the same consequences.

Creative Play

Parents may prefer the softer impact and washable nature of gel pellets over rigid plastic BBs for interactive gaming with kids. Gel blasters can fuel creative backyard adventures for children and families.

What Alternatives Exist for Consumers?

With major retailers shying away from gel blasters, what options are left for consumers looking to purchase the controversial toy weapons?

Specialty Stores

Smaller, specialized tactical and outdoor gear shops are more likely than big chains to stock controversial items like gel blasters. Local specialty retailers may fill the gap in areas where regulations still allow sales. However, prices are often higher.

Purchasing Direct

Some gel blaster manufacturers sell directly to consumers through their own ecommerce shops. Purchasing directly cuts out the retailer middleman. However, there are risks buying from unknown companies, especially overseas manufacturers.

Secondhand Marketplaces

Rather than stores, many buyers turn to secondary markets like Craigslist, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace to find used gel blasters, especially in places where retail sales are banned. The peer-to-peer market lacks oversight or regulations.

Do-It-Yourself

For the mechanically inclined, guides and kits exist to build homemade gel blasters from parts and molds. This DIY approach lets hobbyists customize blasters. But the process can be complicated and finished products may not match store quality.

What Does the Future Hold for Gel Blasters?

While the controversy rages on today, what could the future look like for gel blasters and the retail landscape surrounding them? Some possibilities include:

• Increased state/national regulation – More coherent gel blaster laws at higher government levels would give retailers clarity. Smart regulations that balance safety and business concerns could enable wider sales.
• Industry compromise – Gel blaster manufacturers work with regulators on safety improvements and restrictions like blaze orange muzzle markings in exchange for retail sales access.
• Special licensing – Some areas may require licenses and permits to purchase gel blasters, similar to hunting and firearm licenses. This could open sales by putting more responsibility on buyers.
• Evolving designs – Newer gel blaster models may move away from precise real-gun mimicking in favor of more futuristic, gamified aesthetic while retaining function. This could reduce security concerns over ultra-realism.
• Growing legitimacy – If gel blaster sports continue growing as organized leagues, they may gain more mainstream acceptance as valid recreation. Retailers could view them as they do paintball guns.

The path forward is filled with uncertainty. But with care and cooperation on all sides, potentially a balance can be struck that allows consumers to enjoy gel blasters safely and legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gel blasters legal?

The legality of gel blasters varies greatly depending on where you live. They are banned in Australia but remain unregulated in most U.S. states. However, dozens of American cities and some states like California restrict gel blaster sales and usage. Be sure to check your local laws.

What is gel made out of?

The gel pellets that gel blasters fire are normally constructed from a water-based, biodegradable polymer material similar to water beads. Some versions may contain sodium polyacrylate. The soft gel rounds soak targets rather than damaging them like plastic BBs.

Are gel blasters safe for kids?

While safer than alternatives like airsoft, gel blasters do shoot at high speeds that can potentially injure eyes or skin, especially at close range. Young children lack the judgment to use gel blasters properly. Experts recommend age 10+ with adult supervision and protective eye wear.

Can gel blasters kill or maim?

Though there are rare reports of deaths from gel blasters, these incidents involve misuse at extremely close range. Gel blasters lack the force to penetrate skin or vital organs. While they can cause welts and bruising, gel blasters pose significantly less lethality risks than real firearms or traditional air guns.

How do police tell the difference between gel blasters and guns?

Police must use visual and tactical cues like weight and safety switches to distinguish gel blasters from real firearms. Lawmakers are also pushing to require blaze orange muzzle markings on all gel blaster designs to help officers make faster visual distinctions. Advocates argue gel blasters should not be manufactured seeking maximum realism.

What are better alternatives to gel blasters?

For those seeking safe recreational combat sports, popular gel blaster alternatives include paintball markers, Airsoft, Nerf guns, splatball, and laser tag systems. These options provide immersive live-action gameplay with reduced realism and increased oversight compared to controversial gel blasters.

Conclusion

Gel blasters have quickly grown from niche hobby to widespread controversy. While customer enthusiasm remains high, concerns over safety and injuries coupled with legal gray areas have led many major retailers to shy away from offering the polemical toy guns for sale in their stores.

Still, with proper regulations and improved, less realistically modeled designs, gel blasters may still have a future in mainstream retail. For now, the debate rages on over what to do about thisShooting gel balls obviously offers a safer recreation than live ammunition. However, the line between harmless fun and danger remains blurred. Retailers, manufacturers, lawmakers, and consumers must continue seeking solutions to legally and safely satisfy public demand. The path ahead for gel blasters stays filled with both obstacles and opportunities.