Which Hurts More: Paintball or Airsoft?

Paintball and Airsoft are two popular competitive shooting sports that are thrilling and intense to participate in, but how are they different? Is one significantly more painful than the other? We'll explore the various aspects of both Paintball and Airsoft, such as key milestones, historical context, popular trends, and potential risks in order to gain a better understanding of which one could potentially be more painful.

Paintball

One of the first topics built around competitive shooting was started in 1981 by Robert Gourdine and Charles Gaines. They created the first indoor and outdoor facility to play this competitive sport, and transformed it into a team-based tournament.

By the mid 1990s, the Paintball industry was booming. Multi-day tournaments, larger fields, and top-of-the-line equipment were being used to make the sport as realistic as possible. Paintballers would often gear up in full battle dress imitating military-style camouflage and spend entire days in grueling and hot competition.

Ballistics

Paintballs are typically spherical gelatin capsules containing primarily polyethylene glycol, other non-toxic and water soluble substances, and dye. Common Airsoft grenades usually contain plastic pellets, ranging from .12grams to .32grams.

When Paintballers are hit by the projectile, the gelatin capsule bursts and splatters on impact. It not only leaves a bright splotch, but also leaves a mild and temporary skin irritation and depending on the distance of the shot, welts can form that can last up to 24 hours.

Protective Gear

Prior to playing, all participants are encouraged to wear appropriate safety gear such as a mask, gloves, and kneepads. This can greatly reduce the risk of getting injured and should be taken seriously, especially up close where a direct hit could be very painful.

Airsoft

Airsoft is another team-based competitive shooting sport that has been around since the early 90s. It's popularity has grown over the years, due to the ability to play in realistic battle scenarios using Airsoft weapons that have a similar feel and function to real firearms.

Ballistics

Airsoft guns, on the other hand, fire 6-millimeter plastic BBs at speeds ranging from 100 feet per second (fps) to 600 fps. Since the BBs fired from Airsoft guns are much lighter and softer than Paintball markers, the impact is much less intense.

The impact of Airsoft BBs can leave a mild stinging sensation comparable to getting snapped with an elastic band, but rarely leaves welts or bruises. It's important to note, however, that the pain can be amplified if one is struck on bare skin so protective gear is always recommended.

Protective Gear

Much like Paintball, protective gear such as masks, gloves, and padding are also encouraged when playing Airsoft. Some facilities even require full face protection to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Insights

Based on the various aspects of Paintball and Airsoft, from their historical context to ballistics and protective gear, we can gain a much better understanding of which one could be potentially more painful. Paintball markers are able to fire at higher velocities and often leave welts and bruises, while Airsoft guns are much less powerful but can still leave a stinging sensation on unprotected skin. In the end, both sports are still thrilling and enjoyable, so it's important to wear the right protective gear to ensure the best and safest experience possible.