Airsoft is an incredibly fun sport: you use realistic-looking replicas of real guns, synergize with your teammates, and engage your opponents in open fields and narrow spaces. It is a sport millions love worldwide, and millions more are curious about it.
One question, however, occurs to every airsoft beginner: do airsoft guns hurt? Is it safe to play airsoft? How can I protect myself from airsoft BBs? What's the right protective gear to wear? In this article, we'll be answering all these questions and more!
Do Airsoft BBs Hurt?
Generally, if you wear the right protective gear, the chances of injury from an airsoft BB is close to nonexistent - BBs are generally tiny, weigh very little and are made from plastic, which makes them safe. As a point of comparison, a direct hit from an airsoft BB to bare skin would hurt less than a paintball.
Tho, how much force goes into an airsoft BB depends on a few factors, and we'll go over them below.
What Goes Into How Much Force an Airsoft BB Inflicts?
#1 The gun's FPS
The gun's FPS (feet per second) is a measure of the speed at which an airsoft gun fires a BB, and it is a measure of its power by proxy. Electric airsoft guns have an FPS that can range anywhere from 150 to 500+ FPS. It is generally around the 400-450+ range where airsoft guns are considered to cause safety concerns, and that's why almost all organizers ban 500+ FPS guns from being used.
#2 The BB's weight
Airsoft pellets come in several sizes and weights. The most common ones are 0.1 g and 0.2 g BBs, but a BB can weigh up to 0.43 g used in special sniper rifles. The BB's weight, naturally, influences a BB's impact. The heavier BBs increase the chances of injury, which is why they're only used in sniper rifles and other airsoft weapons meant for use over longer distances.
#3 The type of the BB
Plastic BBs are by far the most common type of BBs used during airsoft matches, but some airsoft guns can also fire metal BBs. Metal BBs are far more dangerous, and not only do they substantially increase the chances of injury, but they also damage your airsoft gun as well. Most airsoft organizers ban them, and you should avoid using them in your matches.
#4 The location of the hit
Getting hit by a BB on your ankle isn't the same as getting hit in your cheek: the former is less painful. During airsoft matches, we should be cognizant of our sensitive spots and wear tactical gear to avoid injuries. The place most prone to injury from a BB hit is the eyes: BBs are small and travel fast, and often, your reflexes won't be fast enough to guard your eyes. That's why getting proper eye protection is considered a must.
#5 The distance of the hit
Due to gravity and friction with the air, as BBs travel to their target, they slowly lose part of their momentum. Getting shot with an airsoft gun that hits exposed skin from close range will be painful and could potentially cause bruising. Getting shot with an airsoft gun from 200 feet away on bare skin will generally only cause minor discomfort. If you regularly engage in close-quarters battles during airsoft matches, you need to wear the proper equipment.
What Kind of Protective Gear Should You Wear During Airsoft Matches?
Beginners in airsoft become apprehensive when they learn how painful airsoft BBs can be or how there are risks of bruising and injury, but this is only if you don't wear proper gear. With proper tactical equipment, airsoft matches will be incredibly safe with minimal chances of pain or injury.
So what are these tactical pieces of equipment? What do they do? How will they protect you from BBs? We'll go over all the crucial ones here.
- Airsoft goggles: Eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of the body, and a direct hit from a BB will not only hurt, but it can also cause damage to your eyes. That's why eye protection is a must when you play. By getting high-quality airsoft goggles, not only will you be able to protect your eyes from any and all injuries, but you'll also be able to see clearer and hit your targets more consistently. Airsoft goggles are an essential piece of tactical gear. Just make sure they have certificates proving they can adequately protect you during airsoft matches.
- Airsoft vest: Although chances of injury are minimal, BBs hitting exposed skin from a close distance will hurt, and by getting body armor, you'll be able to put a stop to any painful experience. But what's appealing about airsoft is that not only will they make you safer, but they're also extremely functional. You'll be able to store magazines, airsoft grenades, sidearms, and accessories in your vest, making it a necessary piece of tactical gear on the battlefield.
- Airsoft face mask: while playing airsoft, your face isn't only in danger of being hit by airsoft guns, but the elements will also be an inconvenience in open airsoft fields. That's why face protection is recommended. By getting a tactical face mask, you'll both protect yourself from the pellets of airsoft guns, and your getup will look more authentic and realistic!
- Uniforms: Airsoft uniforms are an essential part of the game. Not only do they add to the realism, offer a degree of protection from injuries and reduce the impact of BBs, but they offer a range of features that will make your life much easier. Tactical airsoft uniforms usually allow you to store mags and accessories, fasten holsters and belts, & much more.
- Knee pads, boots, and gloves: Although you generally don't need to wear knee pads or gloves to protect yourself from BBs, they're still considered essential airsoft gear. Knee pads will protect you from injuries during engagements, tactical boots will make traversal easier, and gloves are excellent when the temperature is cold.
If you're preparing for your very first airsoft game, by getting all the pieces of equipment above, not only will you minimize chances of pain and injuries, but you'll also perform excellently on the battlefield.
Does Airsoft Hurt FAQ
How Painful Are Airsoft Guns?
On average, airsoft pellets are small balls made from plastic that weigh between 0.1 to 0.2 grams each, and as such, if you're hit by a BB from an airsoft gun, the pain will usually be incredibly minor. Nevertheless, there is some variation between different types of guns, and the airsoft SMGs are generally substantially more powerful than airsoft pistols, for example. As safety is a priority when playing airsoft games, we recommend you wear goggles and body armor!
Do Airsoft Hits Hurt?
Generally, a hit from a BB fired from an airsoft gun is not particularly painful, even if it hits bare skin. Though, if the airsoft gun is especially powerful and the airsoft gun was fired from close range, not only can it be painful, but it can leave a mark as well. This is not to mention that if a BB hits sensitive areas like the eyes, it will not be a pleasant experience. That's why we recommend buying body and eye protection, and here at Taiwangun, we offer a range of excellent goggles, vests, and gloves that more than accomplish the task.
Is Airsoft More Painful than Paintball?
Paintballs are generally larger and more painful than airsoft BBs, but there's a lot of variety in both games. Which one is more painful will ultimately depend on the caliber of the paintball gun, the FPS of the airsoft gun, and the size of the airsoft gun pellets. Regardless, however, both games are considered incredibly safe, especially if you wear appropriate gear during the matches.