If you’ve spent any time on YouTube Shorts or TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen someone running around a backyard with a colorful toy gun blasting soft little beads everywhere.
That’s gel blasting—and it’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting outdoor hobbies for kids, teens, and even adults.
In this guide, we’ll break down what gel blasting is, how it works, why people love it, and what you need to know before picking up your first blaster.
So… What Exactly Is a Gel Blaster?
A gel blaster is a battery-powered toy gun that shoots water-absorbent gel beads—often called gel balls or gellets.
Once soaked in water, these beads swell into soft, squishy projectiles that burst harmlessly on impact.
Think of it as a cross between Nerf and Airsoft—without the pain or the mess.
How Gel Balls Work
Gel balls are made from a superabsorbent polymer that holds water like a sponge.
Dry, they’re tiny like grains of sand.
Soak them for 3–4 hours, and they grow to the size of a small marble (about 7mm).
They:
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Burst on impact
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Leave no stain or cleanup
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Evaporate naturally in sunlight
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Are biodegradable and eco-safe
Why People Love Gel Blasting
Whether you're into casual backyard games or cinematic slow-mo firing videos, gel blasting offers:
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
|---|
| ✔️ Low pain | Kids can play without fear |
| ✔️ No mess | No paint, no BBs, no cleanup |
| ✔️ Affordable | Most blasters under $100 |
| ✔️ Safe for outdoors | Legal in most areas (check local rules) |
| ✔️ YouTube-worthy | Seriously satisfying on camera |
Gel Blaster vs Airsoft vs Nerf
| Feature | Gel Blaster | Airsoft | Nerf |
|---|
| Ammo Type | Gel balls (water) | Plastic BBs | Foam darts |
| Impact Level | Low | Medium to high | Very low |
| Mess | Minimal | BBs everywhere | Foam cleanup |
| Battery Power | Mostly electric | Gas / spring / electric | Manual or motorized |
| Legal Concerns | Fewer | Often regulated | Widely legal |
What Are the Types of Gel Blasters?
Blasters come in all shapes and styles, but here are the most popular:
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Pistol Blasters → Compact, beginner-friendly
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SMGs / Rifles → Full-auto, great for outdoor use
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Heavy Blasters → Gatling-style, dramatic, great for videos
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Fantasy / Sci-fi Blasters → Unique looks, themed styles
What You Need to Get Started
To begin blasting, you’ll need:
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✅ A gel blaster (check out our collection )
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✅ Gel balls (usually included, but buy extra)
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✅ Safety goggles (always wear eye protection!)
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✅ A target (watermelon, soda cans, or your sibling 😜)
Optional:
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Battery charger
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Tactical grip or laser pointer
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Extra mags
Is It Legal in My Area?
Laws vary. In most U.S. states, gel blasters are treated like toys, especially when marked with an orange tip.
But in some regions or countries (e.g. Australia), they may fall under replica weapon laws.
Always check your local rules before playing in public.
Who Is Gel Blasting For?
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Kids 14+ with supervision
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Teen hobbyists
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Content creators (Shorts, TikTok, Reels)
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Adults who still love to play
It’s one of the few toy hobbies that bridges generations—and builds serious backyard memories.
Ready to Try It?
Explore our full line of beginner-ready gel blasters, from affordable pistols to fully electric SMGs.
At Buzee, we test and review every blaster before we list it.
So what you see on our site? We've played with it ourselves.
