Airsoft vs Paintball

The Downsides of Airsoft

There is a major downside with airsoft. Unlike paintball, you are not "marked" by an airsoft BB. If a player is hit they must call themselves out. Because of this, it is doubtful airsoft will ever reach the same scale paintball has.

A few dishonest players can ruin an entire airsoft day for many people. Most reputable airsoft groups will blacklist problem players, effectively banning them from airsoft games in the region. If you are dishonest, don't waste your money on an airsoft gun.

Another downside is not even knowing you were hit. This is a serious problem that causes false accusations of cheaters and stirs up resentment between teams. At the same time it gives cheaters a believable excuse.

Airsoft cheating is a real problem. Just like every game, there are cheaters. The only solution is honesty and reputations.

Does Airsoft Hurt?

People often ask, "Does airsoft hurt?" Or more commonly I hear, "You are crazy to shoot each other with those things." The truth is, 75% of the time it doesn't hurt. You'll feel it, but it is nothing like a paintball welt.

If you are hit on bare skin at close range it will hurt, otherwise it isn't that bad. In fact, at longer ranges you will not feel the BB at all. In airsoft expect to possibly get a few red marks; in paintball you are going to get welts and bruises.