GEL BLASTER BALLS: WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW TO USE THEM PROPERLY?

Every Gel Blaster relies on one core component: gel balls. Whether you're running a compact orbi gun, a tactical rifle, or a long-range gel blaster sniper, the quality, preparation, and storage of your gel balls make a massive difference to your performance.

In this complete guide, we’ll explain what gel blaster balls are, how to hydrate and store them, and how to choose the right type for your blaster and playstyle.

What are gel blaster balls?

Also called gellets, water beads, or hydrogel ammo, these small polymer beads absorb water and expand into soft, bouncy spheres. They’re used as ammunition for gel blasters — offering a safer and cleaner alternative to airsoft BBs or paintballs.

Key features:

• Made from non-toxic, biodegradable polymers
• Expand when soaked in water
• Burst harmlessly on impact
• Leave no stains or long-term mess
  Thanks to their soft texture, gel balls are much less likely to cause injury or damage.

How do gel balls break down?

After being fired, hydrated gel balls typically shatter on contact with hard surfaces. They leave behind only a small amount of water and organic residue, which breaks down naturally.

They biodegrade over time, especially when exposed to:

• UV light (sunlight)
• Moisture
• Heat

This makes them ideal for garden play or outdoor fields — no messy clean-up required when used responsibly.

How long do gel balls last?

Dry gel balls can last years when stored correctly. However, once hydrated, they have a much shorter shelf life.

Hydrated gel balls typically last between 3 days and 2 weeks, depending on:

• Storage conditions
• Water quality
• Temperature

To keep them in top condition:

• Store hydrated balls fully submerged in clean water
• Keep them away from direct sunlight
• Avoid storing them in warm or humid environments

💡 Tip: Don’t hydrate more than you’ll use in a session — over-soaked or dried-out balls reduce accuracy.

How to choose quality gel balls

All gel balls are not created equal. Using the wrong size or poor-quality balls can lead to jams, weak shots, and damage to internal components — especially in higher-end models like Briliantz or RPK gel blasters.

What to check before buying:

• Size after hydration: Most expand to 7–8mm. Make sure they match your blaster’s barrel spec.
• Composition: Superabsorbent polymer beads offer better expansion and shape retention.
• Firmness: Choose hard or soft balls depending on your blaster power and game type.
• Consistency: Avoid cheap, irregular batches — they tend to break mid-shot and jam the barrel.
• Safety compliance: Always choose trusted UK suppliers or CE-certified products.

Hard vs soft gel balls: which is better?

Hard gel balls

• More durable
• Better suited for outdoor and competitive matches
• Ideal for higher-FPS rifles and snipers
• Offer increased range and shot stability
  ⚠️ Slightly more impact when hit, so protective gear is recommended.

Soft gel balls

• Easier to burst on impact
• Perfect for indoor play or younger users
• Safer for casual backyard games
• Lower risk of bounce or ricochet

Your choice depends on your blaster type, player age, and game style.

How much ammo do you need?

Blaster capacity by type:

• Pistol magazines: 100–150 gel balls
• Rifle magazines: 200–300
• Drum mags / Hoppers: 400–800+

For a 2-hour session, expect to use:

• 500–800 gel balls for semi-auto rifles
• 1,000+ for fully automatic blasters

Always carry more than you think you'll need — especially in fast-paced games.

Best practices for storing gel balls

Dry storage:

• Use airtight containers
• Keep in a cool, dark cupboard or gear bag
• Avoid damp or humid spaces

Hydrated storage:

• Submerge in clean water
• Use a sealed container with a breathable lid
• Refresh water every 2–3 days
• Never freeze or refrigerate them

💡 Rotate your stock. Use older batches first to avoid waste.

Why gel ball quality matters

Many misfires, poor accuracy issues, or gearbox malfunctions aren’t due to the blaster — they come from low-grade or poorly hydrated gel balls.

What bad ammo can cause:

• Inconsistent FPS
• Barrel blockages
• Trigger misfires
• Feeding errors
• Damage to seals or gears

If you're running a performance model with metal internals or an upgraded gearbox, investing in premium ammo is a must.

Conclusion

Gel blaster balls may look like a simple part of the setup — but they play a crucial role in your blaster’s accuracy, consistency, and reliability. From choosing the right size and firmness to storing them correctly, taking care of your gel balls will improve every session you play.

Whether you’re using a budget-friendly Orbi Gun or a high-spec Gel Blaster Sniper, don’t overlook your ammo. Well-hydrated, high-quality gel balls can be the difference between a smooth, powerful shot and a frustrating misfire.

Treat your gel balls right — and your blaster will thank you.