EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GEL BLASTER AMMUNITION

Gel blaster balls are the foundation of every Gel Blaster Gun. Whether you’re using a compact Orbi Gun, an automatic rifle, or a long-range Gel Blaster Sniper, the quality, hydration, and storage of your gel balls directly affect accuracy, range, and overall performance.
In this complete guide, we explain what gel balls are, how they work, how long they last, how to choose the right ones, and how to store them properly to get the best results from your gel blasting sessions.

What Are Gel Blaster Balls?

Gel blaster balls—also known as gellets, hydrogel balls, or water beads—are small polymer-based spheres that expand when soaked in water. Once hydrated, they are used as ammunition in gel blasters, which are recreational shooting devices similar in concept to airsoft or paintball but designed to be safer and cleaner.
These gel balls are:
•    Water-absorbing and lightweight
•    Biodegradable and non-toxic
•    Non-staining and environmentally friendly
Because they are soft and burst on impact, gel balls are far less likely to cause injury compared to hard plastic BBs or paintballs.
(For a detailed comparison, see our article on Gel Blasters vs Airsoft vs Paintball.)

How Do Gel Balls Break Down?

When fired from a Gel Blaster Gun, gel balls typically burst upon impact with a solid surface or target, releasing a small amount of water and leaving no hard residue behind.
Most modern gel balls are made from biodegradable polymers, meaning they naturally decompose over time when exposed to:
•    Sunlight
•    Heat
•    Moisture
This makes them a popular choice for outdoor play, as they leave minimal environmental impact when used responsibly.

How Long Do Gel Blaster Balls Last?

Dry gel balls can last several years if stored correctly. However, their lifespan depends heavily on how and where they are kept.

How Long Do Hydrated Gel Balls Last?

Once hydrated, gel balls are considered single-use during gameplay, as they burst on impact. However, unused hydrated gel balls can last from a few days to a couple of weeks if stored properly.
To maintain performance:
•    Hydrate gel balls only when needed
•    Keep them submerged in clean water
•    Store them away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures
⚠️ Under-hydrated gel balls tend to break too easily, while over-hydrated ones become too soft and lose accuracy.

Key Features to Check When Buying Gel Balls

Choosing the right gel balls is just as important as choosing the right blaster. Poor-quality ammunition can reduce accuracy, cause jams, or even damage your Orby Gun or rifle.
Here’s what to look for:

Compatibility with Your Gel Blaster

Different gel blasters have different tolerances. Always choose gel balls that match your blaster’s specifications to ensure smooth feeding and consistent firing.

Quality and Safety Standards

Low-quality gel balls may be uneven, brittle, or poorly manufactured. Always buy high-quality gel balls that comply with local safety regulations.

Composition and Expansion

Look for gel balls made from superabsorbent polymers, which expand evenly and maintain a consistent shape once hydrated.

Size After Hydration

Most gel balls expand from around 2–3 mm (dry) to 7–8 mm (hydrated). Consistent sizing is critical for accuracy and feeding reliability.

Hardness and Softness Options

Gel balls come in both hard and soft variants, each suited to different play styles.

Color Options

Gel balls are available in multiple colors, including clear, white, colored, and glow-in-the-dark versions for night games.

Hard vs Soft Gel Balls: Which Should You Choose?

Hard Gel Balls

Hard gel balls are firmer and more durable, making them ideal for:
•    Better accuracy
•    Longer range
•    Outdoor and competitive play
However, they may feel slightly less comfortable when hit.

Soft Gel Balls

Soft gel balls burst more easily on impact and provide a gentler experience, making them perfect for:
•    Beginners
•    Kids
•    Casual backyard games
They prioritize comfort over maximum range.

How Many Gel Balls Does a Gel Blaster Hold?

The capacity of a Gel Blaster Gun depends on its magazine or hopper design. Always check your specific model, but here’s a general guideline:
•    Standard magazines: 100–200 gel balls
•    Drum magazines: 400–600 gel balls
•    Hoppers: 200–400 gel balls or more
High-capacity setups are especially useful for automatic blasters that consume ammunition quickly.

How Many Gel Balls Do You Need?

The number of gel balls you need depends on several factors:
•    Length of your games
•    Rate of fire (automatic vs semi-auto)
•    Magazine capacity
Players using automatic Gel Blaster Guns or engaging in long matches should always prepare extra gel balls to avoid interruptions.

How to Store Gel Blaster Balls Properly

Proper storage is essential to keep gel balls effective and prevent them from drying out or degrading.

Best Storage Practices for Dry Gel Balls

•    Store in a cool, dry place
•    Use airtight containers to preserve shape
•    Keep away from humidity to prevent premature expansion

Avoid Heat and Sunlight

Direct sunlight and high temperatures can cause gel balls to expand or degrade. A dark environment with stable temperature is ideal.

Storage Lifespan

When stored correctly, dry gel balls can last several years. In warm or humid environments, their lifespan may be reduced to a few months.
💡 Pro tip: Rotate your stock and use older gel balls first.

Why Gel Balls Matter for Performance

Before upgrading gearboxes, barrels, or batteries, it’s important to understand that gel balls play a major role in performance. Poorly hydrated or low-quality gel balls can cause misfeeds, inconsistent shots, and reduced accuracy.
Additionally, internal components such as nylon vs metal gearboxes work best when paired with consistent, well-hydrated gel balls. Together, ammunition quality and internal build determine how smoothly and accurately your blaster performs.

Conclusion

Gel blaster balls may seem simple, but they are a critical element of your gel blasting experience. From hydration and hardness to storage and compatibility, choosing the right gel balls ensures smoother firing, better accuracy, and longer blaster lifespan.
Whether you’re using a beginner-friendly Orbi Gun, a high-capacity automatic rifle, or a precision Gel Blaster Sniper, investing in quality gel balls and storing them properly will significantly improve your gameplay.
Small details make a big difference — and gel balls are one detail you should never overlook.