Which Hurts More Airsoft or Paintball?

When it comes to outdoor recreational activity, few offer the combination of thrill, excitement, strategy and, yes, even pain like Airsoft and Paintball do. But which one is more painful? While both pain is relative, here are some things to consider when deciding between either to stay safe, and have a good time.

Similarities

At the root of Airsoft and Paintball are the same basic componentsshooting the opposition with a markerin which player take aim with a manually-powered gun and fire a sem-solid projectile (plastic pellets for Airsoft, paintballs for Paintball) at an opposing player wearing appropriate protective eye gear.

Type of Guns

The type of gun used for both Airsoft and Paintball can differ, too. For Airsoft, the pellets are fired from a manually-powered gun, like a spring-loaded gun, or from an electric-powered gun, or AEG. Paintball players can use mechanical guns, which are powered by the gas released from a compressed gas cylinder, or an electronic gun, which is powered via a battery and a solenoid valve.

Marker's Velocity

The velocity of the markers is another important factor in the Airsoft vs Paintball debate. Airsoft markers use air pressure provided by a spring to fire the pellets at their target; Paintball markers use compressed gas instead. The velocity can vary from 250400 feet per second (fps) for Airsoft guns, and 200300 fps for Paintball guns.

Differences

Despite similarities, there are a few key differences between the two forms of gameplay that make Airsoft and Paintball stand apart in terms of pain.

Ammunition

The main difference between Airsoft and Paintball lies in the ammunition used. Airsoft markers fire plastic or biodegradable pellets, which are not as dense as paintballs. Paintballs are traditionally filled with either an oil-based or water-based paint, which is much more dense than the plastic pellets used in Airsoft. These pellets are larger and heavier, so they travel with more force.

Protective Gear

The protective gear worn by Airsoft and Paintball players also plays an important role in pain-level differences. Paintball players typically wear more body armor than Airsoft players, which can reduce the impact of any hits they take. Airsoft players, on the other hand, tend to wear lighter clothing, such as BDUs or T-shirts and shorts.

Safety Measures

No matter which game you choose to play, safety is of the utmost importance. In both Airsoft and Paintball, it is essential for players to wear protective eyewear at all times to ensure no injuries occur due to shattered equipment or randomly-fired pellets. Other safety measures include avoiding the use of non-approved ammunition, such as BBs or paintballs from different manufacturers, and following all the rules and regulations of your local facility.

Brief Recap

When it comes to Airsoft vs Paintball, there are many similarities and differences that should be taken into consideration before committing to either. Both forms of recreation involve shooting a marker to tag the opponent, however the type of gun, ammunition, and protective gear can make either game more, or less, painful. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, follow all safety measures, and if you're not sure about any aspect of the sport, consult with an expert.