Gel blasters are growing fast in popularity—and for good reason. They're fun, safe, and eco-friendly. But there's one thing that even experienced players still get wrong:
Not soaking gel balls correctly.
Sounds simple, right? Just drop them in water and wait?
Well, not exactly.
In this guide, we’ll teach you how long to soak gel balls, what factors affect soaking time, what happens when you don’t do it right—and pro tips that can give you straighter shots and more consistent gameplay.
Why Soaking Time Matters So Much
Gel balls—also called gellets—are small polymer beads that swell up with water. If they're under-soaked, they:
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Shatter inside the barrel
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Shoot with poor accuracy
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Get jammed during feeding
If over-soaked, they:
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Turn too soft
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Shrink in size after a few minutes
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Fall apart mid-flight
So How Long Should You Soak Gel Balls?
The recommended time is 3.5 to 4 hours in clean, room-temperature water.
If you're using larger capacity gel balls (e.g., high-density for long-range blasters) or want optimal consistency for competition use, soak them overnight (6–8 hrs).
5 Key Factors That Affect Soaking Time
1. Type of Gel Ball
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Soft/hollow gel balls absorb faster (2–3 hours may work)
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Hard/dense balls need longer (4+ hours)
2. Size of the Gel Ball
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Smaller ones expand faster
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Larger ones need more soak time to fully swell
3. Water Temperature
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Warm water speeds up expansion
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Cold water slows it down (avoid using cold if in a rush)
4. Water Volume Ratio
A good rule of thumb:
For every 1 gram of dry gel balls, use at least 100ml of water
Too little water = inconsistent size.
More water = better uniformity and flight path.
5. Stirring During Soak
Yes, this matters.
Stir the water every 5 minutes for the first 30 minutes, especially when the balls are still forming. This prevents clumping and uneven growth.
What Happens If You Don’t Soak Properly?
| Mistake | What Happens |
|---|
| Soaked too little | Balls crack or don’t shoot |
| Soaked too long | Balls turn soft, lose accuracy |
| Didn’t stir | Uneven size, jam risk |
| Water too cold | Takes forever to hydrate |
| Overcrowded container | Random sizes, messy feeding |
How to Store Soaked Gel Balls
Once soaked, keep them in an airtight container.
Add a small amount of water to maintain hydration.
Use within 24–48 hours for best results.
Never leave them in a gel blaster overnight!
Pro Tips for Accuracy & Range
These pro practices come from the gel blaster community:
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Soak with filtered water for better consistency
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Use clear/white balls for better absorption rate
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Label your soak time on each batch
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Test bounce and weight before loading
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For sniping: stick to 4.5mm–7.3mm full-size balls only
Final Verdict
So… how long do gel balls need to soak?
Minimum: 3.5–4 hours
Ideal: 6–8 hours overnight (for best uniformity)
Avoid: soaking too short, overcrowding, not stirring
This simple preparation step has a huge effect on how far, how accurately, and how smoothly your gel blaster performs.
