Modifying Gel Blasters: Beginner Tips and Tricks

Gel blasters, also known as gel ball blasters or gelsoft guns, have exploded in popularity in recent years as a creative and exciting hobby. These toy guns use hydrated polymer balls called gel balls instead of traditional BBs or pellets, allowing for safe recreational fun. With a huge array of customizable parts and accessories available, modifying gel blasters has become a highly rewarding pastime for amateurs and experts alike.

This comprehensive guide will provide gel blaster owners with beginner-friendly tips and tricks for making both internal and external modifications. You’ll learn the basics of upgrading various components to enhance accuracy, range, fps (feet per second), and reliability. Guidance is also included on properly researching, purchasing, and installing accessories to take your blaster to the next level. By the end, you’ll have the fundamental knowledge needed to start modifying your gel blaster like a pro.

Whether you’re looking to boost performance and power or simply want to customize the aesthetics of your blaster, this guide will walk you through the key considerations for planning and executing mods. You’ll be able to enhance your marksmanship and outshoot opponents on the field by following these beginner modification principles. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Start with Simple Modifications

When you’re new to gel blaster modifications, it’s best to begin with minor upgrades and enhancements. This allows you to get comfortable with taking apart your blaster and swapping components before moving on to more advanced mods. Here are some ideal starting points:

Upgrade the Battery

One of the easiest mods with a significant performance gain is upgrading to a higher voltage battery. Most stock gel blasters come with either a 7.4V or 8.4V battery. By switching to a 9.6V or 11.1V battery, you can experience noticeably increased rate of fire and fps. Just be sure to choose a battery that fits your gel blaster’s battery compartment. Always follow electrical safety guidelines as well when handling lipo batteries.

Install a New Hop-Up

The hop-up gives backspin to gel balls to improve range and accuracy. Installing an aftermarket metal hop-up unit can further boost precision shooting. Popular options like the FALCON Fire Pigeon Hop Chamber offer enhanced design and quality over stock plastic hop-ups.

Replace the Barrel

A barrel replacement is straightforward but can also make a significant difference in accuracy at longer ranges. High quality inner barrels like Maple Leaf or PDI with precision manufacturing lead to excellent shot consistency.

Step 2: Research Thoroughly Before Purchasing Parts

Perhaps the most critical step before you buy any upgrade parts or accessories for your gel blaster is to thoroughly research for compatibility. With the wide variety of gel blaster models and configurations on the market, not all internal components and external add-ons are necessarily interchangeable.

Here are some tips for effective research:

• Consult your blaster’s instruction manual or contact the manufacturer directly to verify which parts work with your particular model.
• Read product details and descriptions carefully when browsing online shops to ensure compatibility.
• Check gel blaster forums and Facebook groups, where you can often find details on modding different models from experienced owners.
• Reach out to the company you plan to purchase from if you have any uncertainties about whether a product will properly fit your gel blaster.

Taking the time upfront to properly research parts for your model of gel blaster will prevent headaches later on. You’ll avoid wasting money on components that don’t fit and can have confidence that your upgrades will seamlessly install and deliver the intended benefits.

Step 3: Follow Disassembly Instructions Carefully

When you’re ready to dive into actually modifying your gel blaster, one of the keys is to take it apart methodically and with care. Always follow the manufacturer provided instructions for properly disassembling your particular blaster model. Rushing through taking apart the various components or ignoring recommended steps can cause irreparable damage.

Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

• Work slowly and gently when separating the shell and accessing internal pieces.
• Pay close attention to how each part fits together so you can correctly reassemble later.
• Keep all screws, springs, and small components in labeled containers to avoid losing any pieces.
• Only use screwdrivers and tools specifically designed for disassembling gel blasters to avoid stripping screws.
• Consult disassembly videos on YouTube for your specific model if you need visual guidance.

Exercising caution and patience when taking apart your stock blaster will make the process of swapping in new components much smoother. The initial investment of time also pays off since you’ll understand your blaster’s internals better for future modifications.

Step 4: Upgrade Internals for Improved Performance

Once you’re comfortable with the basics of disassembling your gel blaster, upgrading internal components is the best way to meaningfully enhance performance. The gearbox, motor, piston, and other internals have the largest impact on power, precision, and velocity.

Gearbox

The gearbox houses the gears and gear shaft which control the velocity of gel balls exiting the barrel. Installing a full metal gearbox kit like this one from WorkerKit improves durability and consistency compared to stock plastic gearboxes. High speed ratio gears also increase the blaster’s rate of fire.

Motor

Higher torque motors have more rotational force to improve power on each shot. Popular brushless motors like the ZCI High Torque translate to better trigger response and faster cycling. Make sure to match your battery voltage to the motor’s specifications.

Piston Head

A CNC machined aluminum piston head optimizes compression efficiency and airflow. Combining this with a full cylinder and upgraded spring enhances power on each gel ball fired. This mod does require carefully disassembling the piston gear teeth and reconnecting with the new piston head.

Spring

A heavier spring directly translates to stronger force behind each shot, thus increasing fps. Start conservatively with around a 20kg upgrade like this Worker spring and work your way up to experiment with higher fps. Always check your field’s regulations on limits.

With the right internal upgrades installed properly, you can tack on an extra 50+ fps or more compared to stock configurations. Just be sure to work methodically and adhere to compatibility for your specific gel blaster when choosing parts.

Step 5: Add Accessories for Enhanced Functionality

Beyond performance-enhancing internal mods, gel blasters have a massive selection of rail, grip, stock, sight, light, laser, and other accessory options to truly customize your build. Here are some of the most popular add-ons:

Optics

Adding a red dot sight or scope can make a world of difference for precision aiming and target acquisition. Make sure to choose optics designed specifically for gel blasters like this sight from Gel Blaster Parts. Also invest in lens protectors so gel ball splatter doesn’t obstruct your view.

Lasers and Lights

Mounting a laser module below your barrel provides a visible point of impact on targets and lets you precisely trace shots. Lights, either mounted on rails or held in the off hand, help illuminate dark areas and locate opponents. When wiring electrical accessories, consult a guide to ensure proper installation.

Grips

Adding a tactical grip like the Magpul M-Lok Vertical Grip gives you improved control and ergonomics compared to basic gel blaster grips. Test different positions to find the most comfortable fit for your fingers and shooting style.

Stocks

Adjustable stocks like the Magpul MOE Mil-Spec allow you to customize the length of pull for your arms and body type. Collapsible stocks also enhance maneuverability in tight environments. Upgrade to the stability and quick adjustments you need.

Triggers

For faster and more responsive firing, swap out the stock trigger for an aluminum speed trigger kit. Combine this with an upgraded battery and motor for maximum increase in shots per second.

Choosing accessories that seamlessly integrate with your gel blaster based on mounting compatibility and intended usage will let you put together a truly custom build. Get creative and transform the aesthetics and functionality!

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult are gel blaster modifications for beginners?

The majority of basic gel blaster mods like batteries, hop-ups, and barrels can be performed by total beginners with no prior experience. Just be sure to follow all instructions carefully, thoroughly research part compatibility, and work slowly when disassembling your blaster. Start with simpler modifications before attempting more complex gearbox upgrades.

Where can I buy gel blaster upgrade parts and accessories?

Many online retailers like Tactical Edge, Gel Blaster Parts, and Blasters Mods offer a huge selection of internal and external mods. You can also find lots of custom 3D printed accessories on platforms like Etsy. Always verify with the seller that parts are compatible with your specific gel blaster.

What tools do I need to modify a gel blaster?

At minimum, you’ll need small Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, an array of Allen keys, needle nose pliers, gloves, and eye protection. A tool kit like this 28-piece set covers all the essentials. A vice to hold the gel blaster securely also helps when disassembling.

Can I increase the FPS of my gel blaster?

Yes, upgrading internal components like the spring and piston as well as using a more powerful battery can potentially increase muzzle velocity by 50 fps or more. Always check your local field and community regulations – many have limits around 280-300 fps for safety reasons. Start small and chronograph test to avoid exceeding limits.

How do I know which upgrades will work with my gel blaster?

Always thoroughly research for your specific blaster model before purchasing. Find forums and groups with owners of the same model who can recommend compatible upgrades. You can also reach out to retailers to confirm whether a given part will properly fit before buying. Knowing your blaster’s internal configuration is key.

Conclusion

Modifying gel blasters provides an incredibly fun and fulfilling way to take your marksmanship to the next level. But it does require starting with beginner-friendly mods and building up your expertise over time. Upgrades like batteries, barrels, hop-ups, and ergonomic accessories offer simple ways to enhance blaster performance and enjoyment. For those ready to dive deeper, gearboxes, motors, pistons, springs, triggers, stocks, sights, and other parts can radically transform functionality when properly installed.

By following this guide’s tips on research, disassembly, compatibly, and incremental modifications, you’ll be able to avoid common beginner mistakes and successfully upgrade your gel blaster. Your family and friends won’t stand a chance against your modified, tricked out blaster on the field! Just be sure to keep safety as your top priority by adhering to fps limits and wearing protective gear. The journey into gel blaster modifications can become a lifelong hobby as you constantly innovate and experiment.