If you’re a fan of extreme sports, you must know about both paintballs and airsoft. Airsoft or paintball is a hot question among sports players. Choosing between these is too difficult, but it’s based on personal preferences. For someone who played both and enjoyed them, it will be a hard time choosing one.
But, if you’re new to these or have an idea about only one of them, it will be better for you if you know about the difference between paintball and airsoft beforehand. There’s no denying that these are both great sports, but as everyone has different taste palettes, their game choices differ.
Differences Between Paintball and Airsoft
Although both of these come under the shooting sports category, there are significant differences in the play style, ammunitions used, and the type of games and events organized.
Some markable differences are the ranges of guns used, deciding dead players, and more. In addition, of course, paintball and airsoft have perks and perils, so saying one is better than the other won’t be fair.
Although if you’re confused about whether you should buy a paintball or get an airsoft gun, then knowing these differences will give a better idea of how things work on the ground. Besides, I’ll advise you to borrow both a paintball gun and an airsoft rifle from your friends and try your hands at both.
Paintball VS Airsoft – A Comparison
There are many differences in both the games. Let us have a look at them one by one.
- Paintball Vs. BB
Paintballs are gelatin capsules containing dues that burst upon impact, while airsoft BBs are small, light-weight pellets that mimic a firearm. Paintballs are much heavier as compared to airsoft BBs.
This means more power is used to propel them through the air. On the other hand, airsoft BBs are much lighter and can travel faster and farther through the air.
- Ammunition
Both paintball guns and airsoft guns are expensive and come in different types, but the guns used for paintballs are much low maintenance and can last for a much longer period than airsoft guns.
Paintball guns, once purchased, are a long way to go while airsoft guns need high maintenance, the barrel and gearbox need to be upgraded from time to time.
- Play Style
There’s a massive difference in the playstyle for both games.
Paintball is a much active game, and you are allowed to move through the field and honestly speaking, you should keep an eye on every corner of the field to prevent getting hit. But, in airsoft, you are not allowed to move and should standstill at a position while firing.
- Dead Players
As you might know, in paintball, the player gets out or dead when the opponent’s ball hits them and splatter paint all over them, and in case the ball just and in case the ball just hit them but do not break on impact, then they are not considered out.
But in the case of airsoft, if once the pellet hits the player, they are out regardless. You may be wondering what the signs are if a pellet hits the player. In reality, there are no signs that a pellet hit the player.
But the game of airsoft it’s based on honesty. Once hit, the player shout hit and hence get out or sign that they are dead. Sometimes the referee does the hosting ghosting actually means that the referee will mid-game shoot the at players of both teams, and if they shout it, the game continues.
But if some of them do not sign that and cheat, they will get a penalty decided by the referee, which may be in the form of a ban from the game for two or three turns.
- Team Game or Individual Game
It is advised to play paintball in teams as it provides better cooperation and helps to prevent tunnel vision. If you are playing an individual game, chances are you won’t have that much fun when playing in a team.
Paintball requires all-around viewing around the paintball field, which is easier with a team. Opposing this, you can have great fun why playing airsoft in an individual game too.
- Price
One of the most important factors to consider while playing these games is the price involved in the ammunition and the other things. In general, airsoft guns, BBR pellets, other required equipment costs reasonably.
But, for paintballs, the price can go extremely high. Keep in mind this is before the added cost at fields and memberships.
- Player Age
Airsoft includes players above age 10 to all ages. You can find teenagers to 50 to 60-year-old adults playing airsoft in most fields. Although paintballs have a starting age of 10 years, the general age of players is 16 to 22, which are mostly teenagers to recent youth.
Conclusion
Paintballs and airsoft both are a great way to pursue our interests and hobbies in an active and fruitful, fit way. So, practice whatever you want and have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are Paintballs Made Of?
They are made of edible materials and have gelatin covering.
Does Airsoft Hurt More Than Paintball?
Although a lot of people would argue this, paintballing generally hurts more than airsoft.
What Is More Dangerous Painball or Airsoft?
As per stats, paintball injuries have been far more than that of airsoft.
