How Much Does Airsoft Hurt?

It's natural to be curious about how Airsoft feels, particularly when considering whether it's a hobby you want to try. So let's kickstart this article with a quick prelude to the question: How much does Airsoft hurt?

The Answer: Not Much!

Contrary to popular belief, Airsoft is not as painful as it might sound. The pellets used are infamously light and plastic-based, making it surprisingly easy to handle. If you're a first-time player, expect the impact of the BBs to feel equipment and clothing and a gentle sting if they hit your skinbut it's nothing unbearable.

Pain Varies with Distance and Gun Type

The amount of pain you feel depends on the distance between the shooter and the target, and the type of gun being used. A far-away target will feel less pain than a target that's closer-up, as the BB pellets tend to spread out as they travel. Similarly, the type of airsoft gun you're using also matters. Those shooting with a machine gun or sniper rifle tend to keep its pellets aimed more accurately than those with a handheld pistol.

Protective Gear Reduces Impact

By wearing protective gear such as masks, gloves, protective vests, and combat boots, the impact of Airsoft BBs hitting your skin or clothing can be greatly reduced, providing an even more comfortable and safe experience. You can even invest in body armour if you're particularly concerned about avoiding any real pain from the game.

Pellets Vary in Weight and Speed:

The pellets used in Airsoft vary in weight, speed, and size, so it's important to be aware of the ones your gun uses. A 0.20g BB pellet will hurt less than a 0.25g BB pellet, for example. In addition, the frequency of play also matters. If you're playing regularly, your body will slowly acclimatize to the Airsoft pellets, so it will no longer feel as painful as it did in the beginning.

Pain Is Relative:

How much pain Airsoft causes you is ultimately a very individual experience, as we all have different thresholds when it comes to feeling discomfort. What may feel quite painful to one person, may feel like nothing to another. You have to be the judge of how much you're willing to take before the experience becomes too much for you.

Brief Recap

To summarise, Airsoft is not as painful as many people think. The amount of discomfort you feel can depend on your distance from the shooter, the type of gun being used, and the type of pellet they're firing. If you invest in protective gear and slowly increase your tolerance for the pellet's impact, you should have no problem enjoying a fun and comfortable Airsoft game.