The Best Gel Blaster

If you haven’t heard of gel blasters before, they’re the new kid on the toy gun block and worth checking out if you’ve ever wished you could play with a paintball or dart gun without worrying about any cleanup. Instead of using paintballs or other projectiles that will litter the ground, gel blaster guns use water-based gel balls. 

Similar to Orbeez or other water beads you may have encountered, these gel balls are biodegradable and will not leave any stains behind. Made of non-toxic, super-absorbent materials called sodium polyacrylate, these beads might initially look tiny. However, if left in water for approximately 4 hours, they will expand up to 1000 times their size!

When fired from a gel blaster gun, they burst on impact and will not cause damage. You may feel slightly stung when hit by one, but just enough to make your game exciting!

Gel Blaster Surge

Whether you’re a kid or adult, experienced with toy blasters, or a beginner, the Gel Blaster Surge will provide hours of fun. It has two possible velocities, so for younger kids or beginners, you can lower the velocity to 90 feet per second to get used to the blaster and a higher velocity of 170 feet per second for more experienced players.

  • Best Overall – Gel Blaster Surge
  • The Gel Blaster Surge has two blast modes. Semi-automatic, which releases one gel ball per trigger pull, and fully automatic, which releases eight gel balls per second while you hold down the trigger. With a maximum range of 100 feet and a hopper that holds 800 gel balls, you’re in for hours of fun!
  • Best Tactical Gel Blaster – Ferllde M1911 Gel Blaster
  • After comparing the M1911 gel blaster with similar tactical-style blasters, it outperformed them overall. However, its overall quality felt inferior and less durable. However, the M1911 gel blaster does have an effective flashlight. It’s a fun gel blaster for tactical shooting.
  • Best Budget Gel Blaster – ETOVO Electric Gel Blaster
    Considering the price, the ETOVO is surprisingly accurate, easy to assemble, and great value for the money. Highly recommend purchasing this gel blaster if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

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We consider several factors when deciding what products to place on our list. The gl blasters on this list were chosen based on their overall performance, safety, and value for money.

Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:

  • Safety: We considered bubble guns made of non-toxic materials with no small parts that can be a choking hazard.
  • Included gellet capacity: We looked at gel blasters with a high gellet capacity for this list.
  • Ease of use: Some may require batteries, while others may be manual. Some may be easier to operate than others. These were all factors that we considered when creating our list.
  • Included features: Some gel blasters come with added features, such as safety

Our reviews are driven by our passion as parents, our interest in child development through play, and personal experiences with different gadgets, gear, and toys.

This has inspired us to create a community where we share ideas and help other parents make informed decisions when selecting the best toys, gadgets, or newest tech for their kids.

As parents, we know that toys and fun gadgets can significantly and positively impact kids’ growth and development, so we are committed to providing honest and unbiased reviews of the latest kids’ gear and toys.

We take pride in being thorough in our research, review, and evaluation process, especially focusing o important factors such as safety, quality, and educational and developmental value.

Through our expertise and love for child development and play, we know that parents can feel comfortable trusting our reviews and opinions in making the best choice for their kids to have fun, grow, and develop.

Benefits of a Gel Gun Blaster?

Suppose you’ve ever walked around a park or backyard scanning the ground and collecting errant foam darts. In that case, the appeal of a toy blaster gun with ammo that instantly dissolves will be immediately obvious. Several options are available for toy guns, from water guns to airsoft guns to paintball guns and dart guns, but a few features of gel blasters set them apart from their competitors.

As already mentioned, gel ball blasters have minimal to no cleanup. The gel balls burst upon impact and dissolve, so you don’t need to worry about ammo littering the ground or paintballs making a mess. The balls are all-natural and have no negative impact on the environment, although be aware that if you’re shooting them inside, they may leave a small amount of water behind. 

They’re also very safe to use. The impact of a gel ball hitting bare skin feels like no more than a rubber band snapping, and the sting disappears quickly – you might even be having too much fun to notice! The balls are also nontoxic and non-irritating, so they won’t leave any residue on the skin. It is advised to take precautions to protect your eyes and faces from flying fragments of gel balls, which is why most gel blasters on the market include safety glasses. 

Gel blaster guns are tons of fun for kids and adults, a perfect way for the whole family to get outside and have fun!

The Best Gel Blaster

1. GelBlaster Surge

Max Range:
100 Feet

Power Source:
Lithium Ion Batteries

Velocity Range:
170 Feet per Second


Additional Specifications

Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:

  • Mode: Semi-Automatic (1 Gellet per trigger pull) or Full Automatic (8 Gellets per second when holding down the trigger)
  • Recommended Age: Ages 9+
  • Included Gellets: 10,000
  • Item Weight: 1.57 Pounds
  • Manufacturer: GelBlaster
  • Items Included: One fast charger, which supports up to 4 hours of play, a gravity-fed hopper that holds up to 800 Gellets, one pair of safety glasses, and 10,000 Gellets.

Experience epic battles with the rechargeable Gel Blaster SURGED! With its fully automatic mode boasting a mind-blowing fire rate of 10 rounds per second and an impressive range of about 65 feet, this blaster took the excitement to a whole new level.

What sets this blaster apart is its water-based beads called “Gellets,” which burst on impact, offering the thrill of airsoft without any pain, stains, or cleanup. Suitable for ages nine and above, it’s perfect for backyard battles. The best part? No mess and eco-friendly! Simply soak the starch-based Gellets in water for 2 hours, and they expand to provide ammo that’s bursting with fun.

Unlike other water beads, these Gellets are non-toxic, non-irritating, and leave no plastic bits behind. The SURGE features two “Blast Modes” for enhanced combat strategy: Choose between semi-automatic or fully automatic to dominate the battlefield.

Plus, you have control over the velocity, ranging from a gentle 90 feet per second for a newbie-friendly experience to a powerful 170 feet per second, shooting over 100 feet for intense battles.

Final Verdict

The battle-ready kit includes everything you need for your first epic battle: the SURGE gel blaster, a fast charger supporting up to 4 hours of play, a gravity-fed hopper holding up to 800 Gellets, a pair of safety glasses, and a whopping 10,000 Gellets. Get ready for non-stop excitement and unleash your inner warrior with the Gel Blaster SURGE!

Pros

  • 10 Rounds per second fully auto fire rate and a range of about 65 feet.
  • No mess or cleanup with water-based Gellets bursting on impact.
  • Versatile gameplay options with adjustable velocity and two “Blast Modes” for enhanced combat strategy.

Cons

  • The battle-ready kit includes safety glasses but may lack additional protective gear.

2. Herisona Gel Blaster

Max Range:
 70 feet

Power Source:
 One rechargeable lithium-ion 

Velocity Range:
170 feet/second


Additional Specifications

Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:

  • Mode: Electric high-speed burst and manual precision
  • Recommended Age: Ages 12+
  • Included Gellets: 50,000
  • Item Weight: 3.14 Pounds
  • Manufacturer: Herisona

Previously we had the Bababiu Gel Ball Blaster ranking at the number 2 spot of our list, but the Herisona Gel Blaster has surpassed it on every level! This blaster, developed in 2012, combines high-speed electric burst and manual precision firing modes, allowing for ultimate flexibility in battle.

Whether you prefer the fast-paced electric mode or the manual mode that works even without electricity, you’re in charge of your style. What sets this blaster apart is its power. The enhanced core components ensure smooth and steady performance, with an impressive 4-7 gel beads fired per second at a velocity of up to 170 fps.

With a range of over 60 to 70 feet, this blaster delivers an authentic and exhilarating experience. Not only is it powerful, but its durability has also been greatly improved, doubling the fun. The Gel Splatter Ball Blaster’s cool look and realistic feel add to the overall experience. Attention to detail is obvious, and the blaster comes with two magazines, including the latest release, capable of holding 800-1000 rounds, giving you a significant advantage on the field.

The best part? With 50,000 rounds included, there’s no need for cleaning. The gel balls are 95% water, disintegrating upon impact and vanishing completely when dried. Say goodbye to cleanup worries. Get ready for endless fun with the Two Modes Gel Ball Blaster and take your outdoor adventures to the next level!

Final Verdict

It’s a fun toy; the kids enjoyed using it. It has a decent range and includes 50 000 gellets, which is fantastic. However, my main critique would be the quality of the gel blaster. It feels cheap, and I would not expect it to last longer than a few uses.

Pros

  • Two firing modes.
  • Increased power, smooth operation, and impressive range.
  • Attention to detail, large magazines, and enhanced durability for an immersive experience.

Cons

  • Reloading may be frequent due to the high firing rate and large magazine capacity.

3. ETOVO Electric Gel Blaster

ETOVO Electric Gel Blaster

Max Range:
100 Feet

Power Source:
Lithium Ion Batteries

Velocity Range:
170 Feet per Second


Additional Specifications

Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:

  • Mode: Full Automatic (10 Gellets per second)
  • Recommended Age: Ages 12+
  • Included Gellets: 40,000
  • Item Weight: 1.96 Pounds
  • Manufacturer: Shantou Senhui Toys Co., Ltd.
  • Items Included: 40,000 water gellets,  a 1200 mAh 7.4V rechargeable internal battery, a bullet storage device, a square water bead bottle, a grip, and a pair of safety glasses.

Optimize your gel blaster fun with the ETOVO Electric Gel Blaster! This high-powered outdoor shooting toy has some impressive specs that make it a great choice if you want to have lengthy gel ball battles with your friends. It has a fast shooting speed of 6-8 rounds per second, making battles even more exciting. It also has a high-capacity hopper for storing gel balls, letting you shoot up to 1000 rounds before reloading.

This gel gun blaster uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, battery and charging cable included, and takes standard 7-8 mm gel balls. The gel balls will need to be soaked for 3 to 4 hours for optimal shooting performance, and the ETOVO Electric Gel Blaster comes with a whopping 40 000 gel balls, so you’ll be able to enjoy tons of fun before you have to stock up again! In addition to the battery, charger, gel blaster, extra gel balls, an ammo storage device, water bullet bottle to help refill the blaster, and a pair of safety goggles.

Final Verdict

Considering the price, the ETOVO is surprisingly accurate, easy to assemble, and great value for the money. Highly recommend purchasing this gel blaster if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.

Pros

  • High shooting speed (6-8 rounds/s) for exciting battles.
  • High-capacity hopper allows shooting up to 1000 rounds without reloading.
  • Comes with many gel balls (40,000) for prolonged fun.

Cons

  • Gel balls must be soaked for 3-4 hours before optimal performance.

4. Ferllde M1911 Gel Blaster

Ferllde Gel Blaster

Max Range:
65 Feet

Power Source:
 7.4V Battery

Velocity Range:
180 Feet per Second


Additional Specifications

Specifically, we chose our products based on the following:

  • Mode: Full Automatic (10 Gellets per second)
  • Recommended Age: Ages 12+
  • Included Gellets: 35,000
  • Item Weight: 1.72 Pounds
  • Manufacturer: Ferllde
  • Items Included: 35,000 water gellets, one water ball drum magazine, one decoration hopper, one pair of safety glasses, one flashlight, and one rechargeable 7.4V battery with a charging cable

I had the opportunity to try out the Full Automatic Gel Ball Blaster, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. With its impressive ten rounds per second fully auto fire rate and a range of about 65 feet, this blaster delivered an exhilarating shooting experience.

The design is top-notch, constructed with high-quality ABS and Nylon composite body, ensuring durability and longevity. I was pleased that the blaster had various configurations, including 35,000 water gel balls, a water ball drum magazine, safety glasses, a rechargeable battery, and various accessories.

It provided endless customization possibilities. Cleaning and safety were also considered, as the gel balls are made from a special absorbent gel polymer that is non-toxic and non-irritating. They break upon impact and completely disappear when dry, leaving no residue. This made it a safe toy blaster for children and adults.

The Full Automatic Gel Ball Blaster proved the perfect outdoor game, whether engaging in team tactics or showcasing sniper skills in a courtyard. It’s recommended for ages 12 and above, with children under 10 requiring adult supervision. Overall, this gel ball blaster provides endless shooting fun and guarantees an exciting experience for enthusiasts of all ages.

Final Verdict

After comparing the M1911 gel blaster with similar tactical-style blasters, it outperformed them overall. However, its overall quality felt inferior and less durable. However, the M1911 gel blaster does have an effective flashlight. It’s a fun gel blaster for tactical shooting, but the Surge is more powerful than the Gel Blaster Surge.

Pros

  • Fully automatic fire rate of 10 rounds per second and a range of about 65 feet.
  • High-quality and durable ABS and Nylon composite build.
  • Package with 35,000 gel balls, accessories, safety glasses, and a rechargeable battery.

Cons

  • It may be limited to outdoor use due to shooting nature and water-based gel balls.

How To Soak Gel Gun Pellets

To properly soak gel gun pellets, follow these steps for optimal performance.

  1. Place the gellets in a large bowl. Make sure they are completely submerged.
  2. Soak at room temperature for about 3 to 4 hours. For a quicker result, use water heated to around 176 degrees Fahrenheit and soak the gellets for 1 to 2 hours.

You’ll need to be aware of making sure you’re using the correct size ammo. Many gel blasters use 0.2 to 0.3-inch-sized gel beads, but some models might use 0.4-inch beads. These beads are softer and more likely to break upon impact. It’s important to buy the correct-sized ammo because if your beads are too large, they won’t fire correctly, and if they’re too small, they won’t travel far, making your gel gun less effective. Double-check which size ammo your gel ball blaster takes before purchasing to be on the safe side!

Buyer’s Guide

What Is Included in With the Gun?

This will depend on which model of gel blaster you decide to purchase. Generally speaking, you can expect to find a gel blaster gun, battery, charger (if it’s a rechargeable battery), and a pack of gel blaster ammo to get you started. Some models of gel blasters might also come with accessories such as safety goggles or a carrying case. Read the description of your chosen gel blaster carefully before purchasing so you know what to expect when you open the box.

What Range and Velocity Are You Looking For?

The range of the gel ball blasters on our list varies from 60 to 100 feet, so think about what you plan to use your blasters for. You might want a longer range if you’re picturing epic long-range battles in a more spread-out setting, such as a park or large yard. A shorter range might be fine if you want a basic backyard fight. 

As for velocity, think of it this way: the faster they travel, the harder they hit! While none of the gel ball blasters will cause any damage, if you’re buying a blaster for a younger child, you might want to choose one with a lower velocity.

What Batteries Does It Use?

Although some models may vary, the gel gun blasters on our list all take rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Both batteries and charging cable are included, but if you purchase a different gel blaster gun not on our list, that may not be the case, so read the product description carefully.

How Often Will You Need to Stock Up on Gel Balls?

This will depend on how often and for how long you use your gel blaster per session and the size of the refill pack you buy. Most of the blasters on our list will last between 1000 and 1500 rounds fired per battery charge, so if we take the upper limit of that amount and assume you play with your gel blaster every day for the duration of one full battery charge, you’ll go through a 10 000 pack refill of gel balls in about a week.

The gel blaster ammo refill packs are available in various sizes, so if you’re planning to use your gel gun frequently, purchase a larger refill pack that will last a long time. You can find refill packs of 200 000 gel beads for under 20 dollars on Amazon, which should last most users for a while!

How Long Does Its Battery Last?

Battery longevity is hard to measure, as it is sometimes expressed in terms of the intensity of use and sometimes as a designated length of time. Some of the gel ball blasters on our list state that one full battery charge can last for up to 1500 rounds fired, so this will depend on how intensely you are using it.

If you use the trigger to shoot single rounds of gel balls, sniper style, you’ll get more hours of play out of a single battery charge than if you’re continuously shooting a hundred rounds per minute. Alternatively, some gel blasters talk about battery life in terms of up to a certain number of hours, which is also related to the intensity of play. Higher-intensity use will use up the battery faster.

Are There Any Safety Concerns to Be Aware Of?

Potential eye harm is the primary safety concern you should be aware of when using a gel blaster. The mini gel balls will not hurt if they hit on parts of the body such as arms or legs, but if you are hit in the eye, and the gel ball explodes, there is the possibility of eye damage. If this happens, you should contact a doctor right away.

Wear safety goggles or glasses when using a gel gun blaster, and remind all participants to aim low on the body, below the neck, which is recommended to prevent eye injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have to Clean the Gel Bullets?

No, although they need to be put in water, you don’t need to clean the gel bullets. The gel bullets are made of a concentrated material that expands when wet, so they must be soaked for approximately 4 hours before use.

Do You Have to Use the Brand Gel Bullets, or Can You Use Any Bullet of the Same Size?

You should be able to purchase refills and use any bullet of a different brand if you use the same size. Most gel blasters and refills are 7-8 mm, but some are a bigger 10 mm size, so make sure the product states the correct size before purchasing. Some gel blasters may achieve optimal performance using their same brand bullets, but they will still function using another brand.

Written by
Caitlin McLaughlin
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1 comment
  • Great Article Caitlin!
    These are great gel blasters for kids with the feet per second on the lower end. That way they are less likely to sting as much.