Could Velocity Caps Reduce Gel Blaster Noise Levels?

Gel blasters provide a fun and intense gaming experience with none of the mess or pain of airsoft pellets or paintballs. However, the high pitched “pop” emitted by gel blasters when fired in rapid succession can be annoying at best and potentially hearing damaging at worst. For gel blaster owners who play in neighborhoods, enclosed spaces, or at night, reducing noise levels is a priority.

Velocity caps are a simple modification that screw onto the barrel and restrict the exit velocity of gel balls. While their primary purpose is limiting muzzle energy for safety, especially when playing indoors, some users have noted they also seem to dampen firing noise. But is there any actual evidence or data to support the idea that velocity caps reduce noise?

This article will analyze the available information on gel blaster firing noise with and without velocity caps. We’ll look at the physics involved, noise measurements, empirical tests, and user experiences. We’ll also overview other noise dampening mods like padding, wraps, and suppressors. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the current state of knowledge on reducing gel blaster noise using velocity caps and other methods.

How Loud Are Gel Blasters and What Causes the Noise?

Before investigating whether velocity caps reduce noise, it’s helpful to understand just how loud gel blasters are and what factors contribute to their noisy firing.

Independent tests using decibel meters have recorded gel blaster firing noise in the range of 130 to 160 decibels (dB) at close range. For comparison, that’s in the same realm as a military jet takeoff at 50 feet, which reaches 140dB. The rapid succession firing of gel blasters only compounds the noise intensity.

The two main mechanical forces that produce firing noise in gel blasters are:

• Compressed air propulsion – Gel blasters use compressed air to quickly propel the gel balls out of the barrel. The rapid air release creates a loud “pop.”
• Impact forces – The strength of the coil spring and impact of the piston creates vibrations and noise within the blaster body.

Higher muzzle velocity translates to more kinetic energy and greater impact forces during cycling. This suggests limiting velocity could dampen noise, but by how much?

Do Velocity Caps Actually Reduce Noise Levels?

With a basic grasp on the causes of gel blaster noise, we can now assess whether velocity caps make a measurable difference. Unfortunately, there is very little solid evidence available:

• No scientific studies – There are no published academic studies quantitatively analyzing gel blaster noise with and without velocity caps.
• Limited manufacturer data – Gel blaster manufacturers don’t provide noise level specs or test results.
• Minimal user measurements – Only a couple gel blaster forums mention users taking noise readings with decibel meters.

The lack of rigorous research means there is no “smoking gun” proving velocity caps reduce noise. However, we can analyze the available information and make some logical inferences.

User Experiences and Anecdotes

While not scientific, first-hand user accounts provide useful qualitative data points on velocity caps and noise reduction.

On forums like Reddit and GelBlasterForum, many users report perceiving lowered noise when using velocity caps compared to uncapped firing:

• “The noise is significantly quieter in semi-auto.”
• “Way less loud with the velocity cap on.”
• “I put a cap on and it made it a little quieter.”

However, not all user experiences align:

• “I didn’t notice any sound difference when I capped my blaster.”
• “In my experience, velocity caps don’t really reduce noise by any noticeable amount.”

So while many users do seem to hear a reduction, the evidence remains inconsistent and inconclusive. Quantifiable data would be needed to truly confirm if caps make a sound difference.

Muzzle Velocity and Noise Relationship

The relationship between muzzle velocity and noise points to velocity caps likely having some noise reduction effect:

• Faster shots = more noise – Muzzle velocity directly influences mechanical impact forces and air release noise. Faster shots logically produce louder noise.
• Velocity caps reduce velocity – Caps restrict air flow to reduce muzzle velocity, typically by 25-50 FPS.Lower velocities mean lower forces = less noise.
• Less kinetic energy = less noise – Cutting muzzle velocity even 100 FPS with a cap significantly reduces kinetic energy, and in turn peak noise at the muzzle.

So in theory, limiting velocity through caps should lower noise levels. But without decibel measurements, the degree of reduction remains uncertain.

Anecdotal Decibel Readings

There are only two forum posts where users claim to have taken before and after noise readings:

• User 1 tested their Straya SE blaster uncapped and capped. They recorded an uncapped peak of 148 dB, dropping to 140 dB with a velocity cap.
• User 2 said their Worker Hurricane averaged 156 dB without a cap, lowering to 152 dB when capped.

In both cases, capping allegedly reduced noise levels by 6-8 decibels – a noticeable but modest decrease. Factoring in these users’ admissions that measurements weren’t highly scientific, it’s hard to draw definitive conclusions. But the readings do provide some indication that velocity caps can lower noise to a degree.

Other Gel Blaster Noise Reduction Methods

While inconclusive on caps, evidence does clearly show other modifications and best practices can significantly reduce gel blaster noise:

Lubrication and Maintenance

Keeping your blaster properly lubricated and maintained is essential for function and noise reduction over time:

• Lube moving parts – Lubricate O-rings, seals, cylinder head, spring, and other components with silicone oil to prevent friction and vibration.
• Clean barrel – Clear any debris obstructions with a cleaning rod to allow unimpeded air flow.
• Replace worn parts – Swap out damaged O-rings, cracked pistons, etc. that can cause air leaks and noise.

Proper lube and maintenance reduces mechanical noises and friction that contribute to overall noise levels.

Padding and Wraps

Adding cushioning materials inside the blaster body or wrapped around the barrel muffles noise:

• Cylinder head pads – Padding the cylinder head area can reduce spring/piston impact vibrations and associated noise.
• Foam inserts – Lining the inside of the blaster body with acoustic foam dampens reverberations.
• Barrel wraps – Wrapping tape, foam, or other materials around the barrel traps noise escaping the muzzle.

These simple padding modifications are reported to noticeably reduce firing noise based on user reviews.

Suppressors/Mock Silencers

Attachment suppressors screw onto gel blaster barrel threads to muffle noise:

• Inner chamber – Gases expand into a larger chamber and slow down before exiting, dissipating energy and weakening noise.
• Baffles – Layers of plastic discs or washers obstruct then redirect air flow to reduce noise.
• Foam-filled – Foam lining absorbs vibration and dampens sound waves.

Suppressor effectiveness varies, but the best can reduce noise 15+ decibels for less than $20. Just ensure legality for your area first.

Ammunition Quality

Higher quality gel balls that fit the barrel precisely and have consistent sphericity produce less noise:

• Premium balls – Aftermarket balls (e.g. Mengun) have fewer shape defects and uniformity. This results in quieter firing.
• Factory ammo – Some stock brand ammo has low QA. Misshapen balls increase noise through excess air leakage.

Paying a bit more for quality ammunition helps minimize erratic ball flight and excess noise.

Firing Technique

How rapidly you fire can significantly influence noise levels:

• Controlled firing – Take time to re-aim between shots instead of “mag dumping” continuously. This avoids excessive repetitive noise.
• Short bursts – Limit yourself to 2-3 shots at once instead of 10+ shot full-auto chains for less noise barrage.
• Avoid rapid fire – The quicker you cycle, the louder it becomes. Practice restraint for lower noise profile.

While less exciting, disciplined firing technique greatly reduces noise compared to uncontrolled rapid mag dumps.

Key Considerations on Velocity Caps and Noise Reduction

If you’re thinking about installing velocity caps to make your gel blaster quieter, keep these factors in mind:

• Primary purpose is safety – Velocity caps are mainly intended to limit muzzle energy. Noise reduction may be a secondary benefit but isn’t their designed purpose.
• Some noise reduction possible – While inconclusive overall, velocity caps likely provide a small reduction in noise levels by damping mechanical impact forces.
• Other methods more proven – Proper maintenance, padding, mock suppressors, ammo quality, and firing technique are proven to reduce noise levels based on user evidence.
• Check local laws – In some areas, velocity caps or fake suppressors may be prohibited. Verify legality before installing any modifications.
• Test noise first – Use a decibel meter app on your phone to baseline current noise levels before and after adding a cap to better assess effectiveness.

So while the evidence is limited, installing a velocity cap is a relatively simple modification that may provide some incremental noise reduction. But proper maintenance and shooting discipline is likely more effective for controlling noise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Velocity Caps and Noise Reduction

Can you silence a gel blaster completely?

It’s unlikely that gel blasters can be truly silenced to extremely low noise levels. Some degree of air propulsion and mechanical noise is inherent to their firing function. However, velocity caps, suppressors, padding, ammo quality, and proper technique can significantly reduce noise to safer decibel levels.

Why is my gel blaster so loud compared to others?

If your blaster seems excessively noisy, it’s likely due to poor maintenance and build quality issues. Fix air leaks, lube parts, replace damaged components, ensure proper assembly, and use quality ammo. This will help normalize your noise levels.

Is it bad to dry fire a gel blaster to test noise?

Dry firing too frequently without ammo can damage the piston and seals. Limit dry fires, use dummy rounds, and lube regularly to avoid excess wear. Also, noise levels tend to be slightly higher when dry firing vs using ammo.

What is the hardest hitting and quietest gel blaster on the market?

Many consider the Gel Ball Maker Talon to be an ideal blend of power and low noise. It achieves high ~280 FPS velocities while maintaining lower noise courtesy of a well-sealed and padded body design. But expect to pay over $300 for this premium model.

While the evidence is not conclusive, installing a velocity cap could potentially help reduce gel blaster noise to some degree by limiting muzzle energy and associated mechanical forces. However, proper cleaning, lubrication, maintenance, ammunition quality, padding, and controlled firing technique are likely much more critical for effectively minimizing noise levels over the long term.

There remains a need for rigorous scientific testing of gel blaster noise output with variables like velocity caps, padded wraps, suppressors, ammo quality, and firing rates. This data would provide clearer guidance on optimal methods for noise reduction. In the meantime, responsible use and common sense modifications can help keep your gel blasting activities quieter and more courteous.

With the rising popularity of gel blasters, manufacturers have incentive to continue innovating and improving noise dampening technologies. Hopefully in the near future, new motors, sealed gearboxes, composite materials, built-in suppressors, and other advancements can make gel blasters even more realistically loud. In the right hands, and with considerate use, gel blasters can provide hours of safe, nuisance-free fun.