Gel blaster pistols have the same characteristics as conventional handguns (but with special markings and features to delineate them from their lethal counterparts). People choose them because they are easy to use and allow them to draw them quickly in close encounters. 

Gel blaster pistols derive their power from electric motors or compressed gas. The former requires batteries while the latter uses CO2-compressed canisters to increase ball speed. Some models let you swap the power-generating components in and out for quick in-combat changes. For example, you can remove the depleted battery and insert a new one, which is helpful if you want to play longer. 

Semi-automatic firing is standard on most units, meaning each round shoots after one trigger pull. However, more advanced versions may offer automatic fire, with continuous pellet shots by holding down the trigger. 

You can use gel blasters for close-quarter combat (because of their inherent manoeuvrability) or as a backup weapon when your main blaster runs out of ammunition. Because of this, most players who are serious about the sport carry at least one pistol with them all the time, even if they spend most of their time using another weapon type. 

Pros

• Affordable option for those just getting started with the sport due to inherent mechanical simplicity and small size
• Quick drawing and firing for close-quarters combat in tight situations
• Ability to customise and modify according to match requirements
• More portable than most other gel blaster types – ideal for long-ranging or fast-paced matches
• Suitable for secondary weapon use and easy to holster safely

Cons

• Not suitable for combat in long-range situations, such as open fields
• Less power in each shot, reducing range compared to rifles
• Limited capacity to carry ammunition, meaning more time spent reloading
• Lower accuracy than blasters with longer barrels 

Rifles

Rifles are the gel blaster weapon of choice for many enthusiasts due to their ability to make combat fun at close quarters and longer distances. Most rifles come in the same shape as conventional weapons, making the experience more realistic. 

 

The variation between rifles can be extensive. Some look similar to AK-47s while others are more akin to M16s. You can also get turret-mounted versions (Gatling guns) to protect defensive battleground positions and prevent the enemy from getting through. 

 

Pros

• Suitable for extended range encountered
• Higher impact shots than pistols due to their increased barrel length and stronger motors
• More adaptable in various combat situations than smaller handguns
• More stable shooting compared to many guns and other weapons

 

Cons

• Bulkier and heavier than the majority of larger pistols and SMG gel blasters on the market
• Expensive due to their size, accessories, and internal complexity
• Less effective in close quarters than, say, pistols
• May require more maintenance of internal mechanisms

 

Snipers

Gel blaster snipers are special rifles designed for precision shooting at long range. These weapons are often considerably larger than pistols and are suitable for players who like sneaking around and attacking opponents from a distance. 

 

Snipers are much heavier than standard equipment. Partly, this is due to the fact they are larger, but it is also sometimes deliberate, with manufacturers adding weight to boost stability. 

 

Sniper gel blasters have a manual bolt-action firing mechanism that propels gel balls at high speed, with users having to retract the bolt to shoot again for a realistic sharpshooting experience. However, semi-automatic versions are sometimes available, even if they reduce accuracy substantially. 

 

As with pistols, sniper blasters derive their energy from compressed CO2. When the gas releases, it pushes the gel balls from the blaster’s nozzle at speed. This propulsion method is more reliable than conventional spring-launched alternatives (that may have broader tolerances). Most CO2 sniper gel blasters are accurate to a range of 30 metres or so, about twice as far as regular pistols. 

 

You can use sniper gel blasters in team-based games for support. Having the ability to shoot from a distance pins other players down, preventing opposing sides from outflanking you. However, sniper gel blasters are also handy for taking concealed positions. Other players often have no idea where the shot came from. 

 

Manufacturers make sniper gel blasters to look and feel similar to real-life guns, like the M28 and M82. However, some also have more experimental designs for a more fun and customised look. 

 

Pros

• Suitable for stealthier play based on superior positioning or hiding behind objects
• More realistic feel, with some weapons based on real-life weapons used in the military and elsewhere
• Provides your team with a strategic advantage, allowing you to shoot down high-value targets and range and provide covering fire to players closer to the frontlines
• Improved accuracy over long distances 

 

Cons

• Not suitable for close-quarters combat or arenas requiring rapid-firing
• Heavier, bulkier and generally more challenging to move around the battlefield
• Cumbersome to carry, which may make them unsuitable for longer matches involving more carrying
• Generally more expensive than equivalent pistols because of the need for accessories and more robust firing mechanisms
• More challenging to use and deploy than conventional pistols
• Turns you into a target in close-range encounters

 

Shotguns

Shotgun gel blasters are a rare breed of gel blaster that fire pellets of gel balls that spread out in the air to cover a broader target. As such, these weapons are popular among players who prefer a more aggressive play style. High-impact shots make their mark on the battlefield, with other players fearing you in close-quarters combat. 

 

Shotgun gel blasters usually have large cartridges you load into the barrels before firing. This action makes using them similar to conventional shotguns, where you load shots one at a time. When the hammer hits the cartridge, it kicks the pellets inside, causing them to move at high speed towards the target. 

 

Gel blaster shotguns have a short range, making them suitable for surprise attacks. However, enemies at longer distances will out-range you in a head-on confrontation. Therefore, it can help to combine them with other weapon types, such as sniper rifles. 

 

Most shotgun gel blasters are customisable and arrive with attachments like shell holders and sights. You can also upgrade their internals to improve firing precision and change spread patterns. 

 

Pros

• Powerful over a short range with a wide area of impact for point-scoring, including fast-moving opponents who might be running
• Realistic experience due to the cartridge loading mechanism, mimicking the action of real shotguns
• Suitable for players who enjoy role-playing while gel blasting
• Intimidating presence for players using pistols or other gel blaster types in close-quarters combat
• Low maintenance for manual versions due to fewer moving parts

 

Cons

• Bulkier and heavier than other short-range weapons, like pistols
• More challenging to carry around during long matches on the field
• Slower rate of fire and more time to reload compared to pistols and rifles
• Smaller capacity than pistols and rifles – most gel blaster shotguns only have space for one or two shots
• Unsuitable for long-distance encountered – maximum range a few metres at best

 

Kids Gel Blasters

 

You can also get kids gel blasters to encourage youngsters to get involved in the sport. These include toy-like pistols, rifles, sniper rifles, and submachine guns. 

 

Pros

• Safer for children with reduced power output to cut the risk of injury
• Encourages kids to get outside and enjoy the fresh air
• More affordable than adult versions, making them more accessible for parents wanting to experiment with whether their children will enjoy the game
• Teaches kids about the value of teamwork and strategy

 

Cons

• Still requires parental supervision in most cases to help kids use their blasters responsibly
• Limited power and range, making blasters unsuitable for use in arenas against adult guns
• Not as fun for older children who might want to graduate to adult gel blasters
• Limited customisation options 

 

SMGs

Finally, SMGs are another type of gel blaster. These often come with the ability to fire massive quantities of ammo in short order, making them a favourite among people who just want to let rip. 

 

Pros

• Higher rate of fire compared to most gel blasters, particularly shotguns and sniper rifles
• Easy to handle and lightweight for close-quarters combat
• Compatible with a massive range of accessories and other weapon-enhancing components
• May offer an automatic firing mode for continuous shots on target

 

Cons

• Less accurate over longer ranges
• May have smaller magazine capacities than conventional gel blaster rifles
• Frequent reloading requirements are an issue in extended battles 
• Accuracy issues, especially during spray firing at close range
• Can overheat sometimes if the electric motor is being forced to work for a long time

 

Gel Blaster Propulsion Systems

As discussed above, gel blasters come either electric or gas-powered. Which you choose is a matter of personal preference. 

 

This section describes how each method works and their pros and cons. 

Electric Gel Blasters

Enthusiasts celebrate electric gel blasters because of their reliability and ease of use. Most use a motor as a firing mechanism, with some being fully automatic. 

 

Electric gel blasters have a battery, usually nickel-metal hydride or lithium-ion, and an electric motor. Some also have a gearbox responsible for compressing the spring inside the blaster periodically, preparing it to fire the next shot. 

 

When you pull the trigger on an electric gel blaster, the circuit completes to activate the motor. The coil inside starts to rotate, activating the gears in the gearbox. These then compress the spring until it reaches the end of its travel before release. This action creates a burst of air that propels the gel ball out of the barrel, firing it at opponents before the recycling mechanism prepares the blaster for the next shot. 

 

The process sounds long and complicated described in words. But engineering is now so advanced it happens in mere milliseconds. As such, shots fire almost the moment you depress the trigger. 

 

Pros

• Easy to use and minimal effort required to operate (due to the electro-mechanical assistance)
• Motorised firing for enhanced and improved power and accuracy
• Exceptional consistency due to the motor’s precision engineering
• Easy to customise with modifications, including improved circuitry

 

Cons

• Requires regular recharging – some batteries may not last the length of a match before needing to be replaced
• Complex mechanical gear and motor systems that may be more prone to failure
• More operational noise from whirring internal components
• Higher weight from batteries, motors and other associated components

 

CO2 Gel Blasters

CO2 gel blasters use carbon dioxide-containing canisters to power the firing of gel balls. Systems have a CO2 cartridge in a dedicated compartment inside the blaster and a pressure regulator. The integrated gas release system is essential; it opens so blasters can release gas used to eject the gel ball and may activate a blowback mechanism (if there is one). 

 

Pulling a CO2 gel blaster’s trigger activates the valve system, causing it to release a burst of high-pressure CO2 gas. The gas then expands as it releases, increasing the explosive force further, and leading to a wave of energy pushing the gel ball out of the barrel. Then, the projectile flies through the air and toward the target at a speed determined by the initial gas push. When the firing action finishes, the valve closes and the blaster returns to its previous state. 

 

Because this process relies on the action of gas (not a motor), it happens almost instantly. When you squeeze the trigger, the CO2 canister releases a gas that propels the gel ball forward. It only takes a few microseconds. 

 

Pros

• Consistent, reliable power output based on the physics of gas expansion
• Higher velocity shots compared to manual or spring-loaded options
• Faster firing rate due to reduced time required to reset the firing mechanism
• Some models have a recoil mechanism using blowback that simulates using a real weapon

 

Cons

• Higher initial cost than most electric-driven gel blasters
• CO2 canisters are single-usage (unlike batteries) which may increase running costs and conflict with environmental responsibility
• The need to replace cartridges can reduce willingness to fire, reducing the fun factor
• CO2 can be temperature sensitive and may perform differently depending on ambient conditions

 

Choosing A Gel Blaster: What Type Is Best For You

Choosing the right gel blaster can be challenging. Therefore, you’ll need to consider what matters most to you. Remember, you can always carry more than one weapon on the battlefield, depending on your play style. 

 

Performance

Start by considering the performance you want. Rapid-fire SMGs might be better if you like automatic weapons, while bolt-action snipers could be superior if you enjoy hiding in bushes and waiting for your shot. 

 

CO2 gel blasters might also be an option for those looking for more power. This firing technology can generate high-velocity shots if set up correctly, making it more suited to long-range engagements. However, be careful with temperature changes. These can affect performance. 

 

Play Style

You also want to consider your play style when choosing a gel blaster. Pistols are ideal if you love lightweight and manoeuvrable combat while snipers are better for ranged attacks when you want to stay in a fixed position. 

 

Shotgun gel blasters are a rarer choice, but some players can make them work. These guns require you to plan shots carefully and take advantage of fast-moving close-range encounters. 

 

If you aren’t sure how you want to play, plain rifles are often the best place to start. These offer more flexibility and are suitable for a broader range of encounters. 

 

Budget

The gel blaster type you choose should also depend on your budget. That’s because prices can vary significantly from one to the next. 

 

The most affordable are pistols and kids’ gel blasters. Electric models are also often less expensive (especially long term) because of their rechargeable batteries. 

 

Premium choices include high-powered CO2 gel blasters and those with more advanced electric motors. For example, some rifles can cost up to $1,000. 

 

Customisation

Lastly, consider what customisation options you want to add to your gel blaster. Some types are compatible with more changes and upgrades than others. 

 

If you’re just interested in matches at the weekend, customisability might not be important to you. But if you are an enthusiast, having the option to play around with your blaster is usually preferable.