What Hurts More Airsoft or Paintball?

Welcome to the comprehensive comparison between Airsoft and Paintball, two action-packed, recreational sports so, if you're wondering what pain each may cause and if it will be the same across both, you've come to the right place.

Airsoft

Airsoft guns are usually powered with compressed air or a spring-loaded system – while the latter is more common, both shoot 6–8 millimeter round plastic BBs, resulting in a more realistic experience than paintball.

It can cause complaints of welts, depending on the skin's sensitivity level, as a result of the sudden pressure from the impact. In most cases, it is less painful than paintball.

Gear

The soft material of Airsoft gear, especially masks and guns, decreases the amount of pain one may feel. Although, it is important to clean the gear when required, to make sure it is functioning properly.

Style of Play

It depends on how it is being played, but the majority of Airsoft games tend to involve a more tactical approach which means that, as a result, players hit each other from a distance of at least fifty feet, making the hit even less painful.

Paintball

Compared to Airsoft, Paintball is arguably the more popular of the two. Paintball guns, also referred to as markers, shoot out small, gelatin-based paint pellets that are calculated to follow trajectories within two hundred to six hundred feet.

Pain Level During Impact

Getting hit by a Paintball can be quite painful, especially when hit at close range, as paintballs usually move with greater speed and leave more energy upon impact. This increases the chances of leaving a larger, more noticeable welt on the target.

Gear Quality

Having better quality and more protective gear can reduce the impact of pain felt when playing Paintball. High-end markers – compared to some Airsoft guns – are also more accurate when shooting, meaning that even if the target is shot from a distance, they are likely to take a direct hit.

Conclusion: Which Hurts More?

Finally, it comes down to personal opinion and body sensitivity. Generally, Airsoft causes less pain than Paintball, but this is not in all cases, as people may react differently to the BBs or paint pellets. As for the gear itself, both offer a high level of protection – however, for those concerned about paint splotches on their clothing, Airsoft is a better choice.

Brief Recap

To summarise, Airsoft is a low-pain sport, as long as the players wear the appropriate gear and ensure that their equipment is clean and functioning properly. Paintball can be quite painful for the target, depending on the distance between them, the quality of the marker, and the target's level of sensitivity.