Gel Ball vs Orbeez Blasters: What’s the Difference?

Gel blasters and Orbeez blasters have surged in popularity in recent years as safer, family-friendly alternatives to traditional airsoft guns. While they may look similar at first glance, there are some notable differences between these two types of blasters that prospective buyers should be aware of.

This comprehensive guide will examine the key differences and similarities between gel ball blasters and Orbeez blasters across a range of factors:

• Ammunition type
• Power source
• Speed and power
• Safety considerations
• Environmental impact
• Legality and regulation
• Tactical applications
• Cost and pricing

By understanding the unique pros and cons of each blaster type, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to select the best option based on your budget, local laws, playing environment, and intended uses. Whether you’re looking to play casual games with family and friends or take part in organized tactical scenarios, this guide will help you make the optimal choice between gel ball vs Orbeez blasters.

So let’s dive in and unpack how these exciting blaster platforms compare and contrast across critical categories. Read on to discover which one is best suited for your needs!

Key Differences Between Gel Ball and Orbeez Blasters

While gel ball blasters and Orbeez blasters may appear similar at first glance since they both shoot small, brightly colored, gel-like projectiles, there are some notable differences between the two when it comes to ammunition type, power source, velocity, safety profile, environmental friendliness, legality, and more.

Ammunition Type

The most obvious difference between gel blasters and Orbeez blasters is the ammunition they use.

• Gel blasters shoot small, round gel balls as ammo, typically 6-8mm in diameter. The gels balls are made of a water-based, non-toxic material such as a superabsorbent polymer hydrogel.
• Orbeez blasters use larger water beads as ammo, approximately 3-5mm in diameter. Orbeez are made of a non-toxic polymeric compound that absorbs water and expands into soft, squishy beads.

Due to their larger surface area, Orbeez tend to conform to the shape they hit and flatten slightly on impact. Gel balls retain their round shape even when hitting a target. The smaller, denser gel balls also tend to fly in a straighter trajectory compared to Orbeez.

Power Source

Another key difference is the power source used in gel blasters vs Orbeez blasters:

• Gel blasters are powered by rechargeable, removable lithium-ion battery packs. Higher voltage batteries can be installed to increase rate of fire and muzzle velocity.
• Orbeez blasters utilize built-in, non-removable lower voltage batteries which are recharged via USB cable. There is less ability to modify the power source and velocity.

This means gel blasters generally offer higher rates of fire and muzzle velocity potential compared to Orbeez blasters. However, the latter compensates with greater inherent safety.

Speed and Power

The power source ties directly into the speed and power profile of each blaster type:

• Gel blasters can reach muzzle velocities around 250-300 fps when using standard batteries. With higher voltage battery mods, they can reach up to 400+ fps.
• Orbeez blasters have lower muzzle velocities in the 100-200 fps range. Their water bead ammo limits power potential.

For comparison, airsoft rifles typically have muzzle velocities between 350-450 fps. So while far below airsoft power, gel blasters have the potential to approach airsoft-level ballistics with mods. Orbeez blasters purposefully remain much lower power.

Safety

Due to their reduced power and softer ammo, both gel and Orbeez blasters are safer alternatives compared to airsoft guns. However, there are some key safety differences:

• Orbeez are gentler on exposed skin, delivering only mild sting or temporary redness. They can be safely shot at unprotected skin.
• Gel balls may cause welts or more significant pain if shot directly against exposed skin, especially at close range. As such, protective gear and minimal exposed skin is recommended for gel ball wars.
• With protective clothing and eyewear, both are unlikely to cause injury. But gel blasters warrant extra caution due to higher potential for pain or harm, especially for younger players.
• Orbeez blasters are inherently limited in power output, keeping them within safer parameters. Gel blasters can be modified to unsafe velocities by hobbyists, requiring vigilance.

So while both gel and Orbeez blasters are safer alternatives to airsoft, gel blasters require more protective equipment and care to maintain suitable safety.

Environmental Impact

When it comes to environmental friendliness, Orbeez and gel balls differ:

• Orbeez are made of water-absorbing polymers and turn back into water beads when hydrated. This makes them biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
• Gel balls are made of more durable polymer compounds, meaning they do not biodegrade readily. This makes large-scale gel ball use less eco-friendly.

So if environmental impact is a priority, Orbeez blasters have a notable advantage over gel ball blasters due to the low environmental footprint of their ammo.

Legality and Regulation

There are also key legal differences between gel blasters and Orbeez blasters:

• In regions where airsoft guns are banned, gel blasters have emerged as a popular loophole or alternative. This has led some areas to introduce legislation restricting gel blasters.
• Orbeez blasters face fewer legal limitations and are more widely permissible since they fall into safer toy categories rather than imitation firearms.
• Gel blasters are treated akin to airsoft guns in terms of age limits and public brandishing laws. Orbeez blasters face fewer restrictions.

So those seeking an unrestricted, widely legal alternative to airsoft will find Orbeez blasters have legal advantages over gel blasters. But gel blasters fill the niche where airsoft-like experience is desired.

Tactical Applications

In terms of mimicking real firearms and tactical utility, gel blasters and Orbeez blasters again differ:

• Gel blasters more closely emulate actual firearm designs, controls, and recoil. This makes them more suitable for tactical training drills, target practice, simulations, and competitions.
• Orbeez blasters, while fun for recreational play, lack the verisimilitude and power output needed for rigorous tactical applications due to their colorful, toy-like designs.

So gel blasters fill the niche for realistic firearms training where airsoft and paintball are not feasible options. Orbeez blasters are better suited for casual recreational play rather than tactical uses.

Cost

Pricing and cost is another area of difference between the two blaster types:

• Entry-level gel blasters start around $150 but can range over $500 for more advanced models with metal components and enhanced performance.
• Orbeez blasters are more budget friendly in the $30 to $100 range for most models. More basic designs with manual pump action can cost under $30.

Higher-end gel blasters will generally outperform even the best Orbeez blasters, but require a higher budget. Orbeez blasters offer an affordable entry point into soft gel ball blasting without the premium cost.

So gel blasters appeal more to the high performance and competitive crowd, while Orbeez blasters are the budget-friendly option. But both can provide hours of fun recreational play.

Similarities Between Gel Ball and Orbeez Blasters

While gel and Orbeez blasters have some clear differences, there are also notable similarities:

Both Shoot Soft Gel Projectiles

The core similarity between Orbeez and gel blasters is that they both fire soft, gel-like projectiles rather than hard plastic BBs or pellets. This gives them a major safety advantage compared to air guns and airsoft guns while still providing a fun blasting experience.

Their squishy, absorbent ammo means they pose significantly lower risks of injury, pain, or harm when hitting exposed skin. They leave no marks or welts like airsoft or paintball.

Considered Safer Alternatives to Airsoft Guns

Due to their soft ammunition and reduced power, both gel and Orbeez blasters are widely considered safer substitutes to traditional airsoft guns.

While basic precautions like eye protection are still recommended, these blasters provide an exciting, adrenaline-fueled experience for recreational play and competitions that carries far lower risks than airsoft combat sports.

This makes them more suitable for a wider audience including children and families. Their ammo also makes them better for indoor use.

Popular for Recreational Play

With their bright colors, fun designs, and soft projectiles, both gel and Orbeez blasters are fantastic for recreational play ranging from family events to organized competitions and tournaments.

They bring new life to a variety of outdoor and indoor games, from capture the flag games to team battles and target shooting challenges.

Both provide exciting opportunities for friendly, competitive matches and events without significant injury risks.

Making the Choice Between Gel Ball and Orbeez Blasters

When it comes to deciding between purchasing a gel blaster or an Orbeez blaster, there are several factors to weigh:

Playing Environment and Conditions

Consider the environments and conditions you intend to use the blaster in.

If primarily outdoors in open areas, a gel blaster can better take advantage of increased range and higher velocities. For indoor use where shorter engagement distances prevail, an Orbeez blaster may suffice.

Also consider if you’ll be playing in wet conditions. Orbeez absorb water, which can impact performance. But gel balls also become slippery. Very cold conditions can stiffen both ammo types.

Budget and Cost Considerations

As noted earlier, Orbeez blasters start under $30 while gel blasters start around $150.

If seeking an affordable introduction to soft gel blasting, an entry-level Orbeez blaster is the budget pick.

But for those serious about high-performance recreational play or tactical training, the premium pricing of gel blasters offers advantages that justify the higher investment.

Local Laws and Regulations

Importantly, research if there are any federal, state, or local laws regulating or restricting gel blasters or airsoft-like devices where you live.

Gel blasters face more legislative scrutiny due to mimicking real firearms. Orbeez blasters avoid most legal restrictions.

Intended Uses and Applications

Think about how you intend to use the blaster. For harmless family fun, tactical training simulations, competitions, or just recreational plinking?

Here gel blasters excel for competitive match and tactical training uses where realistic firearm handling and power is desired. Orbeez blasters are best suited for casual recreational plinking.

The Future of Gel Ball and Orbeez Blasters

Looking ahead, both gel blasters and Orbeez blasters are poised for further growth and popularity as safe, pain-free alternatives to established airguns andMarkers for recreational users and professional training applications.

With their soft ammunition, they open up new possibilities for exciting simulated combat events and competitions indoors and out. Their minimal risks allow wider age ranges and demographics to participate.

Expect both technologies to continue advancing with maximized performance, accuracy, ammunition capacity, and rapid fire capabilities. Rechargeable batteries and electric gearboxes provide modern enhancements. Realistic weight and recoil is being replicated.

Yet key questions remain around the legality and public acceptance of gel blasters as they encroach into airsoft’s domain. Regulatory hurdles may loom. But Orbeez blasters avoid most of these concerns given their toy-like, unapolagetic designs.

Both platforms will likely carve deeper niches with new styles of competitive recreational leagues, tournaments, and public gaming events continuing to grow in popularity. Training applications may also expand among military, law enforcement, and security professionals seeking safer, more accessible alternatives to traditional firearms regimens.

Overall, the future looks bright for both Orbeez blasters and gel blasters as they stake claims within the exciting action-packed world of simulated combat sports and training. Just be sure to wear eye protection and have fun!

Conclusion

On the surface, gel blasters and Orbeez blasters may look quite similar as they both operate using soft, colorful, gel-like ammunition. But when exploring key factors like ammo type, power, safety, legality, and cost, some notable differences emerge.

Gel blasters fire small hydrogel spheres capable of higher velocities using rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Their power can be boosted with modifications to approach airsoft-level ballistics. But this requires protective equipment and care to maintain safety.

Orbeez blasters use proprietary water beads as ammo and built-in batteries delivering lower velocities. While lacking power for tactical uses, Orbeez provide a safe, budget-friendly, family-oriented option. Their biodegradable ammo also gives them environmental advantages.

For most recreational users, either platform provides endless fun. Gel blasters excel at competitive team matches and realistic tactical training simulations. Orbeez blasters are ideal for low-risk family blasting.

By understanding their unique strengths and limits, you can determine which of these exciting blasters aligns best with your needs and enrich your next foam warfare experience!