Looking for a good way to get you and your kids more active? Gel blaster guns or splatter ball guns are one of the best choices to get your family moving. These gel blaster guns are cheap, safe, and bring a ton of fun. Pick up a couple of these blasters, and you’ll never have boring Sundays ever again.
If you’re looking to liven up your family weekends, want to spend more time and bond with the kids, or just want to have a fun time with your friends, you’ll definitely want to consider these gel blasters. I wanted to find out which blasters were the best, so I reviewed some of the top-selling models. I certainly got my money’s worth with these toys. Here are a few of my best picks.
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Most Powerful: Gel Blaster Surge
Specifications
- Modes: Single Blast and Fully Automatic
- Fire Rate: 10 RPS
- Velocity: Switchable 90-170 FPS
- Ammo: 7.5 mm soft water beads
- Range: 100 ft
- Magazine: 800 rounds water balls capacity
- Battery: 1 Lithium Ion battery (USB-C cable included)
- Included: 10,000 water beads, two velocity barrels, and safety glasses
Gel Blaster is a brand focused on coming up with new and better gel blasters. They certainly didn’t disappoint with their pistol/SMG-type blaster, the Surge. It looks like a weird mish-mash between a futuristic pistol and a small SMG. I wasn’t sure what I was looking at when I was holding it, but it sure packs a punch! The Surge comes with an 800-round magazine, fires 10 rounds a second, goes up to 170 feet-per-second velocity, and is accurate up to 100 feet!
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The blasters feel good in the hands, and the fire rate is so addictive your friends might even start complaining about the firing velocity. It’s a good thing there’s a toggle between 90 FPS and 170 FPS. These things are surprisingly accurate for a short-barrel blaster. They’re also pretty lightweight and are a decent option for a secondary blaster alongside your main gun.
I thoroughly enjoyed using the Surge. It has the best range, best velocity, and best firing rate. But for the price, I’d be surprised if it wasn’t.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Compact ● Great Firing Rate ● Switchable Velocity ● Most Powerful ● Great Range ● Biggest Magazine | ● Only 10,000 Ammo included with the pack ● Minimal Accessories ● Pricier than the rest |
Best Mini AR Gel Blaster: Gel Ball Blaster Gun
Specifications
- Modes: Automatic and Manual
- Fire Rate: 10 RPS
- Velocity: 70 FPS
- Range: 70 ft
- Ammo: 7.5 mm soft water beads
- Battery: AA batteries (included)
- Included: 100,000 water beads, two shooting targets, extra magazine, and safety glasses
The Mini AR Gel Ball Blasters are so adorable you might just pinch their stocks. These Mini AR blaster guns, I assume, are more targeted towards younger kids. Adults can still use them fine, and they work great. But if you’re looking for blasters that give you a “real gun” feel, you might want to skip these. The Gel Ball Blaster Gun comes with 100,000 gellets and two shooting targets, great for target practice! They also come with an additional magazine and goggles as accessories.
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I would have to place these in the middle of the pack. They have a decent range and a great fire rate, but they have low velocity. The gun is also non-rechargeable but comes with a pair of AA batteries. Now, I was a bit apprehensive about its non-rechargeable nature. You can just replace the batteries and keep playing. Just make sure you have an extra pair.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Compact Mini AR design ● Great Fire Rate ● Large Ammo Included with the Pack ● AA Batteries Included | ● Low Velocity ● No “big gun” feel Advertisement● Non-rechargeable |
Cheapest Gel Blaster Gun: M416 Gel Guns
Specifications
- Modes: Automatic and Manual
- Fire Rate: 10 RPS
- Velocity: 150 FPS
- Range: 80 ft
- Ammo: 7.5 mm soft water beads
- Battery: 1 Lithium Ion battery (USB charging cable included)
- Included: 120,000 water beads, two shooting targets, and an infrared indicator light
If you want to get into gel blasters but don’t want to invest too much, the M416 Gel Gun is your best option. This gun is the cheapest on the list and has the same firing rate as the Surge at 10 rounds per second. It’s also got the second-best firing velocity, also second to the Surge, at 150 feet per second. This gun makes an argument for value as it’s got the largest amount of included gellets for a single purchase, 120,000!
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I was also pleasantly surprised by the amount of accessories you get. It comes with a mag, an extra drum mag, 2 shooting targets, a strap, and a barrel extender. I call it an accuracy extender. It’s also got a bit of heft to it and gives you that “big gun” feel. You’re probably going to feel like Rambo when you’re mowing down enemies in your backyard. I surely did. It’s noticeably heavier than the rest, but I’d gladly take the weight for the amount of ammo and accessories I got.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Cheapest ● Great Firing Rate Advertisement● Great Velocity ● Decent Range ● Largest Ammo Included (120,000) ● “Big gun” feel | ● Heavier compared to the rest |
Best No Battery Gel Blaster: NERF Pro Gelfire Dual Wield Pack
Specifications
- Modes: Dual Wield
- Ammo: 7.5 mm soft water beads
- Fire Rate: 5 RPS
- Velocity: 140 FPS
- Magazine: 100 rounds water balls capacity
- Battery: No batteries required
- Included: 5,000 water beads, two blasters, and safety glasses
The NERF Pro Gelfire Dual Weild is my personal pick, mainly because it’s analog. No batteries, no charging, no worries! I got into a bit of trouble when reloading because the hopper is shallow. The gellets kept falling out every time I needed to fill it up, but there’s something about analog blasters that make them feel more fun.
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Maybe I’m just being nostalgic, but it’s so satisfying when you feel the trigger load up and launch the rounds. It made me feel more connected with the gun. They also come in pairs, so you can hand one to a friend and start blasting or dual-wielding them like a badass. I prefer the latter. The 140 feet per second firing rate is also impressive for an analog blaster. The only downside is that it only comes with 5,000 gellets.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Compact ● Dual Wield ● Decent Velocity ● No Charging Needed | ● Hard Trigger Advertisement● Small Ammo included with Pack (only 5,000) |
Best Blaster for Target Practice: TANSAR Gel Splatter Blaster
Specifications
- Modes: Fully Automatic
- Fire Rate: 5 RPS
- Range: 100 ft
- Ammo: 7.5 mm soft water beads
- Magazine: 500 rounds water balls capacity
- Battery: Product Specific Battery (USB charger included)
- Included: Shooting targets and safety glasses
The TANSAR Gel Splatter Blaster is a great option for those who want to work on their accuracy. It comes with 5 shooting targets, a 500-round magazine, 60,000 rounds, and is accurate up to a hundred feet! The battery pack is also located in the magazine, so it’s farther from the water, making it a bit safer. Charging the blaster is also pretty easy because you just have to remove the charger.
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If you have multiple batteries, swapping out a drained battery for a full one adds to the realism because it feels like you’re changing the magazine on a real gun. The TANSAR Gel Splatter Blaster is a mini AR-style blaster, though. It doesn’t give you that “real gun” feel that a full-sized AR blaster does.
| Pros | Cons |
| ● 5 Practice Targets Included ● Battery Placed Away from Water ● Great Range | ● No Claimed Velocity ● Minimal Accessories Included |
Best Pistol Gel Blaster: Anstoy Gel Ball Blaster
Specifications
- Modes: Fully Automatic
- Fire Rate: 5 RPS
- Velocity: 165 FPS
- Ammo: 8 mm soft water beads
- Battery: 1200mAh Battery (USB charging cable included)
- Included: 20,000 water beads, infrared sighting, and safety glasses
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If AR-style blasters are not your thing, you can try out the Anstoy Gel Ball Blaster. These pistol blasters are a personal favorite of mine. Most pistol blasters are full-sized, so it gives you that “real gun” feel. The Anstoy, in particular, even comes with a laser accessory, so it makes you feel like a pro.
The pistols have a forgiving 5 rounds per second fire rate and a decent 145 feet-per-second velocity. It’s only accurate up to 60 feet, which is average and expected. It’s a pistol design, so I didn’t expect it to go beyond that.
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| Pros | Cons |
| ● Lazer Sight Included ● Decent Velocity ● Full-size Pistol | ● Short Range ● Low Fire Rate |
Best Overall Gel Blaster Gun:
The best gel blaster gun would have to be the M416 Gel Gun. It’s the cheapest out of the bunch, has a ton of accessories and has the most ammo included in the pack. It doesn’t have the best range or the highest velocity, but for the price, I would have expected less. The M416 definitely punches above its price point, even competing with the Surge, which is two times more expensive.
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What’s A Gel Blaster Gun?
A gel blaster gun is a toy gun similar to a splatter ball gun. Like the latter, gel blasters unleash water-filled beads at their opponents. On the other hand, gel blasters have a closer visual style to sci-fi guns than real-life firearms. Another clear distinction from splat guns is their top-fed hoppers instead of the typical magazine. Gel blasters also have creative designs that don’t necessarily include the bright orange tip, making them stand out from usual toy guns.
Gel blaster guns are extremely fun and flexible. For instance, you can lower the muzzle velocity so that younger kids can enjoy the toy. Other models also have more firing modes than splatter ball guns. And since these toy guns are smaller in size and lesser in power, the minimum age requirement for playing can go as low as 9 years old. Overall, gel blaster guns are perfect for outdoor family fun and nonstop adventures.
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How To Play With Gel Blaster Guns
It’s easy to get carried away when you’re playing for the first time. However, there are important do’s and don’ts when it comes to gel blaster guns. I strongly suggest getting to know the rules of the game and memorizing them by heart. Not only will this help elevate your gaming experience, but it will also ensure that all players are safe throughout your adventure. Here are some of the important reminders when playing with gel blasters:
Remember to comply with minimum age requirements.
One of the best things about gel blaster guns is that kids as young as 9 years old can handle them and play with them. The minimum age cut-off is lower compared to splatter ball guns, which require players to be at least 14 years of age. However, I still strongly recommend adult supervision when smaller children are playing. If needed, you can opt for small models of gel blasters that are more age-appropriate. And while these toys are generally marketed for kids, there are no maximum age requirements, so don’t hesitate to join in on the fun!
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Don’t forget to check out the local laws.
Although gel blaster guns are legal within the United States, the law may vary depending on the state. It’s important to check out your local law before buying a gel blaster or any toy gun. For example, states such as New York and California prohibit imitation guns, even including gel blasters. On the other hand, toy guns are allowed in some states but you may have to get a permit. There are also specific laws where toy guns must look like actual toys and have orange tips to differentiate them from real guns.
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Never dry fire the water beads during games.
Before playing a game, it’s important to hydrate the water beads for at least four hours. During that time, the beads will expand and become soft. I don’t recommend dry firing the beads as this can seriously hurt or injure another player. Loading dry water beads may also damage the gel blaster. Dry water beads are also dangerous and can become choking hazards especially when handled by unsupervised children.
Don’t freeze the water beads when playing.
I also don’t recommend freezing water beads for games. There’s a reason why water beads are supposed to be soaked in water before use. Freezing them defeats the purpose of harmlessly shooting another player with soft water gellets.
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Always remember to wear safety glasses.
Most gel blaster guns also come with safety glasses which I highly recommend using. Although we’re here to have fun, it’s important to always put safety first. That being said, you should never aim your gel blaster at another player’s eyes or face. You should also never shoot anyone who is not wearing safety glasses. You should also avoid aiming at other people’s sensitive spots like the stomach.
Be courteous and don’t shoot at strangers.
Never shoot at strangers when you’re playing with gel blasters. Children who plan on playing with these toys should be reminded and supervised by adults. Although they are not real guns, shooting someone with gel blaster guns may still qualify as assault. If the other person is unprepared, you may end up hurting them badly. You also don’t want your gel blasters to be mistaken for real firearms because that can get you in trouble with the law.
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FAQs
How long do water beads need to soak?
Water beads need to soak for four hours before you can load them into the gel blasters.
Are gel blaster guns safe?
Yes, gel blaster guns are safe. Most brands also come with their own safety glasses.
What is the age limit for gel blaster guns?
Children as young as 9 years old can play with gel blasters as long as they’re supervised.
Is it okay to dry fire a gel blaster gun?
No, you should never dry fire a gel blaster gun. It can harm or injure another player.
Can you return a gel blaster gun?
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Yes, you can return a gel blaster gun, but it really depends on the manufacturer. Other brands offer a 100% money-back guarantee, while some types of gel blasters are not returnable.
Final Thoughts
The Gel Blaster Surge has the best range, the best velocity, the biggest magazine size, and the most range. The M416 is the best among them as it gives you the best bang for your buck, has a lot of accessories, and has 120,000 rounds included. The NERF Pro Gelfire is my personal pick because they’re analog and you get two blasters for the price of one.
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After trying out all these guns, I’d have to say the best one is… any one of them. No, seriously. You can close your eyes and pick one at random, and you’ll have the best time. You can compare the specs and features all you want, but all of them are great at what they’re supposed to do. They get you moving, they make good memories, and they provide endless fun.
DISCLAIMER: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer: The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
