Introduction: The Growing Popularity of Gel Blaster Canada
Have you ever heard of gel blasters before? In recent years, they have become increasingly popular among people in Canada who enjoy shooting sports. My son just started to get into these, but admittedly it was likely due to my own interest!
At Christmas time, I was looking for a unique gift for a young teen, and saw these advertised in the local Cabelas / Bass Pro flyer. It was for the SplatRBall – one of the higher end brands compared to the made in China, less expensive options.
Gel blasters are replica firearms that shoot small, water-absorbent pellets or gels. They use a spring, electric motor, or compressed gas to propel the pellets forward and provide an experience similar to paintball or airsoft games. They are very similar to Nerf blasters, without the clean up associated.
Brief History of Gel Blasters
Gel blasters originated in Asia and have been around since the early 2000s. Initially developed as toys for kids, they quickly gained popularity in adult circles due to their realistic appearance and ability to shoot non-lethal ammunition. In more recent years, gel blasters have made their way to other parts of the world including Australia and North America.
Overview of Gel Blaster Canada
In Canada, gel blasters are becoming an increasingly popular option for those interested in shooting sports but do not want the same risk associated with real firearms. Because they use non-lethal ammunition, they do not require a firearm license to own or operate them. Instead of traditional BBs or pellets that can cause harm if used improperly, gel balls used by these guns are made from a biodegradable polymer that breaks down over time and is environmentally friendly. Despite being considered relatively new in the Canadian market compared to other countries where they have been more established for some time now, there is already a growing community of enthusiasts dedicated to this unique sport across different provinces.
They are very popular amongst kids, and make common presents as they are a step up in intensity and speed compared to regular Nerf blasters.
What are Gel Blasters?
Gel blasters are toys or replicas of real firearms that use water-absorbing gel balls as ammunition. They are similar to paintball guns, but instead of using paint-filled pellets, they shoot soft gel balls. These balls swell in size when soaked in water and then shoot out of the barrel when fired. Gel blasters come in various styles, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns. They’re popular worldwide due to their low price and non-lethal nature.
Definition and Explanation
Gel blasters are toy guns that shoot small gel balls at other players or targets. These guns can be electrically powered by a battery or manually powered by a spring mechanism. The first SplatRBall gun we got from Cabelas was only electrically powered.
When my son got his own gel blaster, a Glock Replica on Amazon, as well as another rifle blaster, both had a manual spring mechanism, and an electric auto option that was selected with the safety.
When the trigger is pulled, a small piston moves forward, compressing air before it rapidly expands and propels the gel ball out of the barrel. Overall, gel blasters offer an affordable way for people to enjoy shooting games without worrying about injuring others with lethal weapons. The soft nature of the gel balls makes them less likely to cause injury while still providing a satisfying impact on targets.
How they work and their components
The basic components of a gel blaster include a gearbox (in electric models), hop-up unit, magazine, barrel and trigger assembly. The gearbox is an essential part that contains several internal gears used to drive the piston forwards and generate pressure required for firing. The magazine is another critical component; it stores gel ball ammo before feeding it into the gun during play. Understanding how these various components work together is crucial in determining which type of Gel Blaster would best suit your needs – be it an electric or manual model!
Are these safe for kids and teens to use?
Again, I purchased the first one from Cabelas for my son. At first, I was looking in the actual hunting section, but found them subsequently in the toys section. It is a higher quality one and the gel beads definitely sting, but even from two feet away they really cause any damage to the skin.
A loose shirt takes away any sting at all – but if it hits jeans that are against the skin, it will sting.
Eye protection is an actual must. With regular nerf darts, we let it slide when our kids have nerf battles. With those small yellow Rival Nerf balls, we don’t. And we definitely require eye protection if shooting the gel blasters at each other.
You can get less powerful Gel Blasters – the Glock X2 replica we got on amazon was maybe 1/2 the strength of the SplatRBall rifle, but still loads of fun. It’s been a great way for us to de-stress as well as bond.
Types of Gel Blasters
When it comes to gel blasters, there are three main types: pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Each one has its own unique features and benefits.
Pistols
Pistols are the smallest type of gel blaster and are often used as a sidearm. They’re lightweight and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for close-quarters combat or backup situations. Pistols come in various sizes and styles, ranging from sleek and compact to large and intimidating. Some even have blowback features that simulate the kickback of real firearms.
Rifles
Rifles are the most common type of gel blaster used in gameplay. They come in different shapes and sizes, from short-barreled carbines to long-range sniper rifles. The main advantage of using a rifle is its accuracy over longer distances due to their longer barrels. Rifles can be electric, spring-loaded or gas-powered.
Shotguns
A shotgun fires multiple gel balls at once in a spread pattern making them ideal for clearing out rooms or tight spaces with multiple targets; they’re also effective at closer ranges due to their spread pattern. Shotguns come in both single shot or multi-shot configurations with gas-power being the most common.
Electric, Spring or Gas-Powered?
Gel blasters can be powered by either electricity (AEG), springs (springers), or gas (GBB). Each power source has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to performance, maintenance requirements,, cost-effectiveness.
Electric Gel Blasters (AEG)
AEGs have an electric motor that powers the gearbox which loads energy into a spring before release. This makes them rapid firing and easy to use. AEGs are known for their consistency in performance, low maintenance requirements, and long battery life. They’re also widely available in the market.
The use lithium batteries almost exclusively, usually 7.4 V (2s).
Spring-Powered Gel Blasters (Springers)
Spring-powered gel blasters have a simple design with no need for batteries or gas. You simply cock the gun by pulling back on the spring-loaded slide before each shot. The main advantage of spring-powered gel blasters is their affordability and possibly reliability, although they typically shoot at lower speeds than electric or gas-powered models.
In the glock replica that is in the disassembled picture above, the spring was consistently more powerful than the motor. At the drop-off range, (eg my son would aim for my neck, and consistently the gel bead would hit somewhere on my mid back) – the spring was more powerful and did not drop off as much.
In this Glock replica (X2) – within 1 day the spring mechanism of firing no longer worked. On disassembly, it seems to be a small plastic tab that holds the spring in compressed mode, and then pulling the trigger lowers the tab slightly, releasing the spring. When the tab is worn off, there is nothing to hold the spring in compression.
In another Amazon purchased rifle though, the electronic fire was much stronger.
Gas-Powered Gel Blasters (GBB)
GBBs use compressed gas to propel the gel balls with high velocity and accuracy over longer distances. Gas-powered gel blasters are often used by experienced players because they can be more powerful than other types of blaster but require more maintenance of both the internal components as well as gas canisters that power them. No matter which type of gel blaster you choose, make sure that it’s appropriate for your skill level and intended use before making any purchase decisions.
Accessories for Gel Blasters
Scopes, Sights, and Lasers
When it comes to accessories for gel blasters, one of the first things that comes to mind are scopes, sights, and lasers. These attachments do not improve your accuracy and precision when shooting your gel blaster, but they are fun attachments. Most of the relatively inexpensive ones on amazon come with a variety of attachements.
When firing at a target in the garage, it is much easier to look without a scope to see where one gel bead hits, and then adjust accordingly. When you look through a scope you can barely see the gel bead hit anything.
There are a variety of options available on the market – from red dot sights to magnified scopes – so you can choose the one that suits your needs and preferences. Red dot sights are popular among gel blaster enthusiasts because they offer a quick and easy way to aim at your target. They provide a clear aiming point without obstructing your field of view. For those who prefer more precise aiming, there are magnified scopes that allow you to see further distances with greater clarity. Additionally, lasers can also be added to your gel blaster for even more accuracy in low-light situations.
Upgrades for Performance
Another popular category of accessories for gel blasters is upgrades for performance. These upgrades can improve various aspects of your gel blaster’s performance such as range, accuracy, power, and durability. One common upgrade is replacing the stock spring with a stronger one in order to increase velocity and range. Another upgrade is adding a tightbore barrel which reduces air leakage between the inner barrel wall and the BBs as they pass through it. This results in improved accuracy at longer ranges. Upgraded motors or batteries can also improve the rate of fire or overall power output of electric-powered gel blasters. Upgrading parts such as gears or hop-up units can help increase reliability and reduce wear-and-tear over time. Overall, upgrading your gel blaster’s performance with aftermarket parts allows you to customize it exactly how you want it while enhancing its capabilities on the battlefield!
Maintenance and Care for Gel Blasters
Cleaning tips and tricks
Keeping your gel blaster clean is vital in maintaining its performance and longevity. After every use, it’s essential to clean your gel blaster properly. Here are some cleaning tips and tricks that you can follow: Firstly, disassemble the gel blaster into its different components carefully. Use a soft brush to remove any dirt, dust or debris from the surface of each component. Then wipe down each piece with a microfibre cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol or gun oil. Afterwards, inspect the barrel of the gel blaster for any residue build-up that might be affecting performance. If there is residue present, use a cleaning rod or patch holder with a soft cotton tip to scrub away any excess. Don’t forget to lubricate your gel blaster after cleaning it as this will help avoid wear and tear on moving parts.
Storage guidelines
Storing your gel blaster correctly is also very important in ensuring its longevity. Here are some storage guidelines that you can follow: To start with, always make sure you unload your gel blaster before storing it away. This means removing all ammo from magazines or chambers, turning off gas sources or disconnecting batteries. Then place all components of the gun in their respective cases if available – this includes the magazine, battery pack (if electric), hopper (if applicable) etc.
Make sure to store your gel blaster in a dry and cool place such as an air-conditioned room where humidity levels are low. Be careful not to place it under direct sunlight which could cause damage over time. By following these simple cleaning tips and storage guidelines for your Gel Blasters you can ensure that they remain performing at their best for years on end!
Conclusion
Gel blasters have quickly become a beloved hobby for many Canadians and popular toys amongst kids. With their affordable price point, customizable features, and exciting gameplay opportunities, it’s no wonder why these toy guns are gaining popularity across the country. Throughout this article, we’ve covered the basics of what gel blasters are, the different types available on the market, accessories and upgrades you can add to enhance your experience with gel blasting in Canada. We’ve also discussed maintenance and care tips to ensure your investment lasts as long as possible. Whether you’re an adult wanting some extra fun or purchasing them to play with your kids gel blasters there is always something new to learn and explore within this hobby. So get out there with your friends or family and start having some fun!