Which Hurts More: Airsoft Vs. Paintball

It's no secret that, regardless of the sport, injuries can and do happen. But when it comes to airsoft and paintball specifically, which of the two poses the greater potential for harm? Let's dive into a comparison of both activities to uncover which may cause more damage to its participants.

Airsoft vs. Paintball: Explosive Origins

Though their origins diverge, airsoft and paintball have a shared history of being highly competitive activities, drawing players of all ages and backgrounds. While airsoft originated in Japan to provide something of a gun-alternative to its citizens, paintball was started in the US as a live-action version of the then-popular board game, capture the flag.

The Explosive Firepower: Vladimir System

Both airsoft and paintball are propelled by an explosive technology called the Vladimir System. It works by compressing air or propulsion gas in a chamber to launch tiny round pellets or paintballs at high velocity.

The Cores 6mm BBs vs. Paintballs

The pellets used in airsoft are usually 6mm round plastic BBs, while paintball utilizes round gelatin capsules filled with water-soluble dye. The smaller size of BBs compared to paintballs means they're more likely to ricochet off hard surfaces and enter the shooter's face or eyes, making airsoft a much riskier activity.

Gear and Protection

While both sports carry some inherent risk, airsoft presents a greater safety threat and thus requires protective gear geared towards protection of its participants. Players typically use a full face mask providing an additional layer of skin for safety, while goggles or face-masks should be mandatory in paintball, with eye protection being a must. Padding and long-sleeved t-shirts are also important for both activities.

Regulation and Control

Though safety concerns should be top of mind for every participant, airsoft carries with it an extra level of risk due to its resemblance to actual firearms. It's important to play in a monitored, enclosed area with appropriate rules and regulations in place. Referees may also be present at airsoft games to help ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Pain Factor Differentiation

If safety precautions are taken, individual injuries are more likely in paintball as a result of direct contact from the paintball at higher speeds. The force from airsoft may be greater due to the size of the BBs, however, airsoft guns are typically set at lower velocities than paintball guns unless otherwise agreed upon by the players. The impact of an airsoft BB at close range can be painful, but generally doesn't break the skin, while the paintball's size results in more direct contact to the body, making the impact much more severe.

Other Considerations

Outside of pain and injury factors, there are numerous other things to consider before using airsoft or paintball BBs, such as age, cost and purpose. Paintball carries much higher acquisition costs, with a heavy reliance on protective clothing and other safety equipment. Airsoft has the advantage of being much cheaper, while also coming in a wide selection of styles and themes.

In Summary

Both airsoft and paintball require a certain degree of safety, but which of the two causes more damage? On the whole, airsoft is generally safer than paintball due its lower velocities, even when fired at close range. That being said, airsoft BBs have the potential to cause more injury due to their size. Ultimately, it's always best to use proper safety equipment and abide by all safety rules and regulations to minimize the chances of potential harm.