What Hurts More Paintball or Airsoft?

Hitting the iconic battlefield with friends for a game of paintball or airsoft no longer have to be the source of mystery and confusion. It is time to find out: what hurts more paintball or airsoft?

The Important Differences

At first glance, paintball and airsoft appear quite similar. They require the same type of protective clothing and gear and both come in a variety of gun models. However, when it comes to the feelings of getting hit, there is a clear difference.

The main distinction lies in the ammunition type. Paintball ammo is typically composed of small chemical-filled gel capsules or seeds, commonly referred to as paintballs'. Airsoft ammo, on the other hand, is composed of hard 6mm plastic or biodegradable BBs.

The Impact of these Differences

The size and composition of the ammunition mean airsoft is generally considered to hurt less than paintball. The plastic or BB ammunition type is softer than the gel seeds and cannot break, whereas paintballs can. This means that paintball guns can cause more of an impact compared to airsoft guns.

Additionally, paintball guns generally use a higher velocity to fire ammunition compared to airsoft guns. Therefore, paintballs can hit with greater force than an airsoft BB.

Protective Clothing and Gear

Regardless of the type of game you are playing, the protective clothing and gear is essential. This equipment is needed to protect from the potential, more intense impact of paintball shots.

For the game of paintball, the protective clothing needs to cover all parts of the body. Paintball masks and full-length jacket suits are best.

For airsoft, the protective clothing and gear is minimal but still important. Airsoft protective masks are essential, paired with sturdy clothing that covers the majority of skin.

Differences in Field Types

The kind of pain felt after getting hit by a paintball/airsoft shot is also affected by the playing field type. For instance, outdoor fields generally amplify the impact of shots due to the lack of padding.

The Place of Pain Sensitivity

Ultimately, pain tolerance is subjective, but it's clear that paintballs can cause more of an impact than airsoft BBs. Therefore, it is generally accepted that paintball hurts more than airsoft.

However, players who may be more sensitive to pain should bear this in mind when choosing a game to play.

Final Word

Ultimately, choosing between paintball and airsoft depends on your level of tolerance to pain. It is important to bear in mind the differences in the types of ammunition, protective clothing/gear, and field type.

Overall, paintball may cause more of an impact, but with the right kind of protective equipment, it doesn't have to be unbearable.