If you’re looking at getting into airsoft or paintball, you may want to know a few fundamental differences between both the sports.
Airsoft is a more realistic combat simulation sport in which the players use more realistic weapons that shoot BB”s or plastic pellets. Airsoft more resembles a real combat zone and requires real tactical planning.
Paintball is played using specific Co2 and gas powered guns that shoot breakable balls filled with non toxic paint.
While paintball may not be as realistic as its counter part, it does have a bigger following and larger competitions and events.
Table of Contents
What Is Better Airsoft or Paintball?
This question is all going to come down to personal preference. It all depends what type of games you like to play and how realistic you want the experience to be.
They both have their advantages and disadvantages which we are going to go through here.
One question that gets asked a lot is the price of the equipment, and in response to that answer is airsoft gear if far cheaper and in much larger quantity that paintball.
You can buy airsoft guns for under $50 whereas paintball guns generally go for hundreds of dollars, as well as the gear.
Paintball does have a much larger following and the sport does have bigger and more open events and competitions which will make it easier to find somewhere to play.
Overall its all going to come down to how much you are wanting to spend and how authentic you want the experience to be.
What Is The Main Difference?
This all comes down to the gear, weapons and games that are played.
At the end of the day, both sports are similar in the main goal, shoot the other players on the opposing teams, but they have fairly significant differences.
Airsoft players use guns that look almost identical to the real thing, and are usually gas, electric or spring powered, and shoot small plastic BB’s.
Paintball guns on the other hand have their own unique look and are powered by Co2 gas canisters and shoot breakable plastic balls filled with non toxic paint.
The gear that is worn by airsoft players is more on the military looking side of things, with more detailed outfits, vests and tactical load outs.
Both sports have a large variety of different games that can be played such as capture the flag, president, medic, king of the hill and much more, with both sports having some of their own unique events.
One advantage that airsoft has over paintball is the cost, as its much lower.
It is far cheaper to purchase the guns and ammo than it is to but a paintball gun and the expensive ammo you need to play.
The biggest advantage that paintball has though is its near impossible to cheat as once you are hit, everyone knows as it will leave a mark of paint on your uniform.
With airsoft on the other hand, since it uses plastic BB’s relies more on the player been honest and tagging out when they have been hit.
Does Airsoft Hurt More Than Paintball?
The short answer to this question, No. I have personally played both sports on a regular basis and I can tell you know that paintball hurts more.
There could be many reasons to this but I believe that it all comes down to the ammunition and gear.
Both airsoft and paintball guns can shot at a very high FBS, but its the ammunition itself which makes all the difference.
The small plastic BB’s, while been shot at a fast speed, usually don’t leave much of a mark, and because of all the protective gear that is used in the sport.
there is usually a lot more protection covering you over paintball.
When playing paintball, the ammunition is bigger, breakable balls that contain paint.
When these hit and break against your skin, usually leave rather nasty bruises than can take a while to go away.
Which One Should You Get Into?
If you’re wanting a more authentic experience that resembles more real world combat with the gear to match, then airsoft.
If you’re looking at a more casual type games that is more focused on fun and trying to hit your opponents as much as possible while leaving a colorful splash, than paintball.
Overall they are both incredibly fun sports to play and they both have their advantages, it all just comes down to how much you want to spend, and what fields are close to you to make it more accessible.
Just make sure that you buy the right protective gear for your sport and understand the rules and regulations behind them to ensure you have the safest and funnest time possible.
The sports can be dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing, so make sure you find out everything you need to know.
