Adventurous teenagers are always up for trying and experimenting with new things. Especially when you run over actual supplies, you think about considering other options. Paintball is a thrilling option and recreational activity that uses biodegradable, non-toxic paint-filled pallets.
What if you run out of paintball pallets? In such a situation, can you use Orbeez in a paintball gun? There are many vlogs on the internet where you see toy gun enthusiasts experimenting by changing the ammunition on firearms. The thing is, it is safe to use Orbeez as paintball gun ammunition, and what are their consequences?
| Attribute | Paintball Pellets | Orbeez |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Gelatin shell with dye | Super absorbent polymers |
| Intended Use | Paintball sports | Play and decoration |
| Impact on Hit | Painful, leaves marks | Soft, minimal impact |
| Size | 17.3 mm diameter | Varies, but generally around 10-14 mm when fully swollen |
| Safety | Requires safety gear | Safe for children under supervision |
| Environmental Impact | Biodegradable, but can take time to decompose | Non-toxic, but not biodegradable |
CHECK: Can You Use Regular Orbeez for SplatRball Gun?
Let’s learn more about the possibility of using Orbeez in paintball guns. There are differences between the pros and cons of this experiment.
The Feasibility of Using Orbeez in a Paintball Gun
Orbeez are water-absorbent beads that can be used in Orbeez guns, decoration items, and sensory play for kids. However, using Orbeez in paintball gun comes with safety challenges and technical issues:
Size and Shape
Regular Orbeez beads are smaller and rounder than paintball pallets. The difference in size can lead to issues with loading and firing them through a paintball gun. Also, the impact after shooting will not be the same as shooting paintball pallets.
Firing Mechanism
The firing mechanism of different toy guns is designed to fire specific types of ammunition. The air pressure and the firing velocity are according to the particular ammunition; paintball pallets have thick shells, while Orbeez has a softer and gel-like structure.
Paintball guns fire with force, so when you use Orbeez in it, they might break due to extensive pressure and impact. It can also damage or jam the firing mechanism of a gun.
Accuracy and Range
As I have talked about velocity above, paintball gun firing velocity is according to paintball pallets. So, when you use Orbeez, there is a high chance that their irregular and soft structure will affect the trajectory and overall performance of the paintball gun.
Safety Concerns of Using Orbeez in Paintball Gun
While handling toy guns that shoot projectiles at high speed, you always need to consider safety first. While using Orbeez with paintball guns, you must keep these safety concerns in mind:
Impact Force
Paintballs break after you fire them and spread colors, making an eye-pleasing view. If you use Orbeez, they will not violate this quickly, and the whole point of the paintball gun will become useless. The not-breaking element can also cause hurt if it hits a person.
Eye Protection
Paintball goggles and other safety equipment are for saving players from the impact of paintballs. So, if you are using Orbeez, the paintball eye protection will not work well because Orbeez does not break on impact.
Regulation Compliance
Paintballs are harmless; that’s why they do not have any ban on them in public places. If you are using Orbeez in paintball guns, then you cannot use it in public places. Orbeez imposes public threats because they do not disintegrate after firing.
Environmental Impact
Paintballs are biodegradable, while Orbeez most probably are not. Using non-biodegradable materials causes harm to the environment and the species living in it, which is not acceptable.
Pros and Cons of Using Orbeez Instead of Paintballs
Using Orbeez instead of paintballs might sound adventurous, but before you decide to experiment, go through these pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-Effective | Size and Shape Mismatch |
| Less Mess | Firing Mechanism Issues |
| Reduced Impact Force | Reduced Accuracy and Range |
| Easy Cleanup | Safety Concerns |
| Eco-Friendly (biodegradable) | Regulation Compliance Issues |
FAQs
What can I use instead of paintballs?
Gel blasters are an excellent option to use instead of paintballs. The gel blaster pallets are made of water-absorbent polymer that is biodegradable and is not harmful to humans and animals.
Does Orbeez work for gel blasters?
Yes, they can work for gel blasters, but make sure that you use the right size of Orbeez in gel blasters. Gel balls are smaller than regular Orbeez and are more round.
Is paintball more painful than airsoft?
Both guns use different kinds of pallets in terms of material, structure, and impact. Paintball pallets are more impactful than airsoft ones. The pain factor depends on which place they struck you, the distance, and which kind of clothing you are wearing.
Conclusion
Wrapping up the discussion on whether you can use Orbeez in a paintball gun or not. It is not a standard practice to use Orbeez in paintball guns as they are different in size, structure, and purpose. Paintball pellets disintegrate when they strike with the surface, while Orbeez fails to do so, which makes the purpose of paintball guns useless. Other than that, using Orbeez comes with many severe hazards, so you should avoid it.
Let me know in the comment section if this discussion helped you understand why you cannot use Orbeez in paintball guns.
Raymond Hansen is an Orbeez product expert with years of experience reviewing and testing the latest Orbeez toys and products. With a passion for water-based toys, Raymond has become an expert in the Orbeez industry, known for his thorough and insightful product reviews.