Whether you're new to gel blasters or a seasoned player prepping for weekend warfare, you've probably asked yourself: “Can I soak my gel balls overnight?” It might seem like a simple way to save time, but the truth is—over-soaking can hurt more than help.
In this blog, we’ll break down the science behind soaking gel blaster ammo, highlight the risks of letting them sit too long, and share pro tips to get your gellets perfectly hydrated every time.
How Gel Balls Work (And Why Soaking Matters)
Gel balls—also known as gellets—are made from superabsorbent polymer (SAP). When soaked in water, they expand from tiny hard beads to soft 7–8mm spheres. This hydration is what makes them safe to shoot and able to burst on impact.
But here’s the catch:
Soaking time directly affects their weight, elasticity, and flight performance.
So, Can You Soak Gel Balls Overnight?
Short answer: Technically, yes. But you probably shouldn't.
✅ What Happens If You Soak Them Too Long?
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They become too soft or bloated
Over-soaked gellets can swell beyond usable size (sometimes over 8mm), leading to feeding issues and barrel jams. -
Increased weight = reduced range
Waterlogged balls get heavy and lose aerodynamic shape, which hurts FPS (feet per second) and accuracy. -
They might break inside your magazine or barrel
Especially in high-speed gel blasters, soft gel balls can burst mid-feed, causing misfires or clogs.
Recommended Soaking Time
| Gel Ball Type | Ideal Soaking Time | Max Soaking Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Gel Balls | 3–4 hours | 5 hours |
| Hardened/Pro Gel Balls | 4–5 hours | 6–8 hours |
| Glow-in-the-dark Gellets | 3 hours | 4–5 hours |
Pro Tip: Soak gel balls in room-temperature distilled water for best results.
Why Distilled Water Matters
Tap water contains minerals and chlorine that can weaken the gel structure over time, especially if you’re soaking overnight. Using distilled or purified water keeps your gel balls cleaner, longer-lasting, and better for your blaster’s internals.
Can You Store Soaked Gel Balls?
Yes—if you store them properly.
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Use an airtight container
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Keep them out of direct sunlight
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Add a bit of water to the container to keep them hydrated, but not submerged
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Use within 1–2 days for optimal performance
⚠️ Don’t leave gel balls soaked and forgotten for days—they’ll start to degrade and fall apart.
What Happens If You Use Over-Soaked Gel Balls?
Here’s what you might notice during battle:
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Jamming or feeding issues
Soft gellets break under spring or motor pressure. -
Weak or inconsistent shots
Blaster shoots at lower velocity or doesn’t fire at all. -
Damaged internals
Gel debris clogs barrels, nozzles, or gearboxes—especially in upgraded models.
Should You Ever Soak Gel Balls Overnight?
Only soak overnight if you're using hardened gel balls specifically designed for prolonged hydration. Even then, store them correctly and test a few before loading them into your blaster.
If you're not sure what type of gel balls you're using, stick to the standard 3–4 hour soak time.
Quick Soaking Checklist
✅ Use distilled or purified water
✅ Soak for 3–4 hours max
✅ Use a strainer or mesh to drain and dry gellets before loading
✅ Store in sealed container with minimal water
✅ Test-fit gel balls in your blaster before gameplay
✅ Discard any gel balls that feel mushy or oversized
Final Thoughts: Smart Soaking = Smooth Blasting
Soaking gel balls overnight might sound convenient, but in most cases, it's unnecessary and even harmful to your gameplay. Stick to the proper soak time, use clean water, and test your ammo before loading up.
At Buzee, we test every blaster and gellet type ourselves—and we’ve seen firsthand how properly soaked gel balls improve accuracy, reduce jams, and keep your battles running smooth.
