Strategy, focus, precision, teamwork, and plenty of fun—these are the core elements of both games. So, how do you choose between them? To decide, it’s essential to understand the essence of each and compare them wisely.
What is Paintball?
The 1970s, known as the decade of freedom and light-heartedness, gave us punk, the hippie movement, and disco—but it was also when paintball first emerged. Originating in Australia, it began as a clever idea by farmers who used paint-filled markers to tag livestock. Eventually, they turned these markers on each other for fun during long workdays. Naturally, the game spread beyond Australia, reaching the US and Europe, where it became widely popular.
Modern paintball is a game where two (or more) teams compete on a private field. The objective is to capture the opposing team’s flag while losing as few players as possible. Players are "eliminated" when hit by gelatin paintballs propelled by compressed-air markers.
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And What About Airsoft?
This time, we head to the Land of the Rising Sun. After World War II, Japan banned firearm ownership, devastating collectors. Inventors quickly found a workaround by creating harmless gas or compressed-air replicas. Production boomed, leading to plastic BBs being propelled as ammunition.
Today, airsoft is growing in popularity in France but remains heavily regulated to ensure player safety and maintain control over in-game scenarios.
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What’s the Difference Between Airsoft and Paintball Gear?
1. Markers:
First, airsoft guns are far more realistic replicas than paintball markers. Designed to mimic real firearms, they blend seamlessly into game scenarios and offer greater precision.
2. Ammunition:
Beyond the colourful paintballs, another key difference is size. Paintballs are typically 17mm in diameter—much larger than airsoft BBs, which are just 6mm. Airsoft BBs are also uncoloured, so hits are confirmed only by the honour system (players calling their own hits).
3. Projectile Power:
Contrary to popular belief, airsoft guns aren’t the more powerful option. Paintball markers fire at higher velocities, delivering greater kinetic impact than airsoft replicas.
Which Hurts More: Airsoft or Paintball?
After comparing both sports, we’ve drawn our conclusion. To summarise: paintballs are larger, heavier, and fired at higher speeds, making them more likely to sting. That said, the pain is minimal—comparable to a mild bee sting that fades within minutes. You might get a bruise or two, but serious injuries or scars are unheard of.
Don’t worry—pain isn’t guaranteed. Paintball centres and airsoft associations provide high-quality protective gear to minimise impacts. Plus, instructors are always on hand to enforce safety rules.
So why not try both sports with friends and decide for yourself?
