EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GEL BLASTER BALLS

What are gel balls?

Gel balls, also referred to as gellets or hydrogel balls, are water-absorbing beads that expand when soaked. They are primarily used as ammunition in gel blasters, which are toy guns similar to airsoft or paintball guns*.

These small, biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-staining polymer-based spheres are environmentally friendly. Indeed, they are safe for outdoor use and less likely to cause injury compared to harder projectiles used by other gun toys.

*To learn more about the differences between gel blasters, airsoft, and paintball, check out our dedicated article.

How do gel balls disintegrate?

When fired from a gel blaster, gel balls burst upon impact with a hard surface or target, leaving behind only a small amount of water.

Most gel balls today are made from biodegradable polymers. When exposed to natural elements such as sunlight, heat, or moisture, they gradually decompose over time.

How long do gel blaster balls last?

Gel blaster balls can last for years if stored properly, but their lifespan largely depends on the storage conditions.

How long do hydrated gel balls last?

During the gameplay, Gel balls break upon impact, meaning they are single-use. For the game, make sure your gel balls are well hydrated, as they will perform better and last longer.

Hydrate them only when you need to use them, keeping in mind that:

• Under-hydrated balls can break apart more quickly.
• Overhydrate balls can become too soft and break easily.

Once fully hydrated, gel blaster balls typically last from a few days to a couple of weeks. Keeping them submerged in water helps maintain their size and softness. However, be sure to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can cause them to dehydrate more quickly, reducing their durability.

Which key characteristics to check when buying gel balls?

Choosing the right gel balls is a crucial step for an enjoyable gel blasting experience:

• Match the gel balls to your gel blaster: Gel guns have varying specifications, so it’s essential to choose the right gel balls for your blaster to ensure optimal performance.
• Quality and safety: Make sure the gel balls you buy are of high quality and comply with local laws and regulations related to gel blasters. Low-quality can cause accidents and damage your gel gun.
• Composition: Choose gel balls made from superabsorbent polymers, which allow the balls to absorb water and expand in size.
• Size: Gel balls typically measure between 7-8mm after soaking in water. They are initially small (around 2-3mm in diameter)
• Softness, as there are both hard and soft gel balls.
• Colors, as they are available in a variety of colors, including glow-in-the-dark options.

Hard or soft gel balls: How to select the ideal gel ball hardness?

Opt for hard gel balls if you're looking for accuracy and range. Their firmness makes them less likely to burst on impact, though they may feel less comfortable when you're hit.

Choose soft gel balls if you prefer a more cushioned impact, making the game more enjoyable. They are the perfect choice, especially for beginners, kids, or casual players.

How many balls does a gel blaster gun hold?

The number of gel balls a gel blaster gun can hold depends on the model, size, and type of magazine or hopper used. Therefore, always refer to the specific model and type of gel blaster you own.

To give you an approximate breakdown:

• Standard magazines typically hold around 100 to 200 gel balls.
• Drum magazines have a larger capacity and can hold up to 400 to 600 gel balls.
• Hoppers, commonly used in some models for extended play, can hold up to 200 to 400 gel balls or more.

How many gel balls do I need?

It really depends on your playing style and how often you fire your blaster.

Other factors to consider:

• Longer games often require more gel balls.
• Automatic blasters tend to use gel balls quickly.

And of course, be sure to check your gel blaster's magazine capacity to estimate how many rounds you'll need.

How to store gel balls?

It’s crucial to store gel balls properly in order to maintain their quality and prevent them from drying out. Gel balls are primarily made of water and a polymer that holds the water. If left exposed to air for too long, they dry out, shrink, and eventually break apart into powdery residues.

As fresh and hydrated gel balls perform better and are less likely to break upon impact, it is important to follow these recommendations for proper storage when they are dry:

Keep your gel balls in a dry place

Ideally, store your gel balls in an airtight container to ensure they maintain their shape and consistency.

Keep them away from humid environment

Don’t expose them to moisture to prevent them from expanding prematurely, which would reduce their effectiveness.

Keep them away from direct sunlight

While low temperatures can make them brittle, both direct sunlight and high heat can cause gel balls to expand. A dark storage space with a moderate, consistent temperature is the best choice for keeping gel balls in good condition.

In conclusion, when stored in a cool, dry place, gel blaster balls can last for several years. However, in warm, humid conditions, they may only last a few months.

Final tips: Last but not least, we suggest rotating your gel ball stock to ensure you use the oldest ones first.