Which Hurts More, Airsoft or Paintball?

It's a question any adventure seeker or adrenaline junkie has weighed before: "Which type of game hurts more: airsoft or paintball?"

Both airsoft and paintball involve hurling small projectiles at opponents. But unlike paintballs, airsoft projectiles are made of plastic and are typically propelled at much lower velocities than paintballs. In either game, participants wear face and body protection to reduce the risk of injury.

In this article, we'll explore the differences between airsoft and paintball, and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about which one is likely to hurt less.

Airsoft and Paintball Basics

Airsoft and paintball are similar in some ways, but there are several key differences that affect the level of pain inflicted. The purpose of these two sports is to hit opponents with a playable dispensed projectile, such as an airsoft pellet or a paintball.

In airsoft, players shoot lightweight plastic BBs that are typically propelled by a spring-action bolt. To be legally considered airsoft, they must travel at 400 feet per second (fps) or less. On the other hand, paintball guns shoot gelatin capsules filled with colored dye and propelled by compressed air. These typically travel at much higher velocitiestypically 280300 fpswhich allows them to hit targets at longer distances, but also causes more pain when a person is hit.

Airsoft and Paintball Protection

Both airsoft and paintball games require participants to wear protective equipment. The level of safety depends on the type of game being played. For extreme sports like airsoft and paintball, you'll need full-face protection and a body covering that is made of a material capable of stopping the projectiles.

The Level of Pain

When it comes to determining which game will cause more pain, the most significant factor is the velocity of the projectile. Paintballs typically travel much faster and are more likely to cause a greater level of pain than airsoft.

At the same time, airsoft pellets can still cause moderate levels of pain if the target is close enough and the pellets are traveling at a high velocity. However, airsoft players will often use lower velocity weapons that are designed to minimize the pain of getting hit.

Airsoft and Paintball in Competition

Although airsoft and paintball can both be played recreationally, there is also a competitive side to both sports. Professional paintball leagues such as the National Professional Paintball League (NPPL) and the Millennium Paintball Series (MSPL) require players to use paintball markers with higher velocities, allowing for long-distance shots. On the other hand, airsoft leagues like the Airsoft World League (AWL) or the National Airsoft League (NAL) allow players to use airsoft guns with variable velocities, which can be very comforting for those who prefer to avoid pain.

Cost and Availability

When it comes to airsoft and paintball, there is another difference to consider: cost and availability. Airsoft is usually less expensive and easier to find, while paintball is more expensive and less widely available. This is partially due to the fact that paintball is a much more competitive sport and requires higher quality equipment, while airsoft is more recreational and can be played with lower-end weaponry.

Brief Recap

Both airsoft and paintball are great ways to get active and have fun. Both involve the use of some type of projectile that can cause some level of pain if a person is hit. The main difference between the two sports is the velocity of the projectiles: airsoft guns fire at slower velocities than paintball guns, so they are usually the less painful choice. However, professional paintball league participants often use higher velocity paintball markers, so they may be more likely to experience pain. In terms of cost and availability, airsoft is generally less expensive and easier to find.

No matter which game you decide to play, it's important to wear the necessary safety equipment and take all the necessary precautions. Have funbut never forget the risks.