Nerf gel blasters have become incredibly popular in recent years. These toy guns fire soft gel balls that are designed to be safe and non-lethal.
But do Nerf gel blasters hurt if you get hit by one? In this article, we’ll explore the safety of Nerf gel blasters, how to use them properly, and what to do if you sustain an injury.
What is a Nerf Gel Blaster?
A Nerf gel blaster is a toy gun that fires small water-filled gel balls. The balls are made of a soft, harmless material designed not to cause injury.
Nerf gel blasters are powered in two main ways:
- Spring-powered – These blasters have to be cocked for each shot. When the trigger is pulled, the energy from the spring launches the gel ball forward.
- Electric battery-powered – These blasters use a small electric motor to rapidly fire gel balls, similar to an automatic Nerf gun. They can often fire 10 rounds per second or more.
Nerf produces a wide variety of gel blaster models, including pistols, rifles, submachine guns, and more. While they may look like realistic firearms, they are purely toys and do not fire actual bullets.
What Are the Different Types of Nerf Gel Blasters?
Here are some of the most popular types of Nerf gel blasters:
- Nerf Elite 2.0 Rechargeable Blasters – These are electric battery-powered rifles and SMGs that use magazines to feed gel balls. They can fire up to 10 rounds per second.
- Nerf Super Soaker Gel Blasters – Iconic Super Soaker water guns converted into gel blasters. They have large tank capacities and fire powerful streams of gel.
- Rival Line – High-performance spring-powered blasters designed for competitive play. They fire harder and have greater accuracy than standard Nerf blasters. Popular models include the Artemis XVII-3000 and the Kronos XVIII-500.
- Zuru X-Shot Gel Blasters – Made by Zuru, these affordable gel blasters fire large 12mm rounds. Popular models include the Excel Crusher and Vigilante.
- Licensed Movie Replica Blasters – Nerf makes gel blasters modeled after popular movie weapons like Star Wars blasters or Halo’s MA40 assault rifle.
How Do Nerf Gel Blasters Work?
The functioning of a Nerf gel blaster is quite simple:
- Gel balls are loaded into a magazine or clip inserted into the blaster.
- When the trigger is pulled, a spring or electric mechanism is released which pushes a gel ball into the firing chamber.
- Air pressure behind the gel ball forces it rapidly out of the barrel towards the target.
- The soft gel ball travels at speeds of around 65-85 fps (feet per second) before harmlessly impacting the target.
- The firing mechanism either self-reloads another ball for the next shot or has to be cocked/recharged manually.
- Excess gel balls are held in reserve magazines that can be swapped out when empty.
The specific firing mechanism varies between spring-powered, electric, and air-powered blasters. But all models use air pressure to quickly launch projectiles on demand.
Are Nerf Gel Blasters Safe?
Generally speaking, Nerf gel blasters are safe toy weapons when used properly. Here are some reasons why:
- The soft gel rounds are designed not to cause injury or damage.
- The muzzle velocities are low, averaging 70-85 fps compared to 300+ fps for airsoft guns.
- Safety testing is conducted internally by the manufacturers.
- The vibrant colors and toy-like designs separate them visually from actual firearms.
However, reasonable care and caution should still be exercised:
- Gel blasters can cause irritation or stinging at very close range.
- Modified or toy gel balls may increase the risk of injury. Only use rounds designed specifically for your model.
- Eye protection should always be worn, as the gel balls could potentially damage the eyes.
- Do not brandish gel blasters in public areas where they could be mistaken for a real weapon.
With proper use and supervision, gel blasters can be operated safely for recreational fun. But do not treat them carelessly like regular Nerf guns.
How to Use Nerf Gel Blasters Safely
Here are some best practices for safely using your Nerf gel blaster:
Wear Eye Protection
- Always wear high-impact goggles or safety glasses. Gel balls can cause eye injuries if they strike unprotected eyes.
Use in Controlled Spaces
- Only use gel blasters outdoors or in large indoor spaces. Do not shoot them in tightly confined areas.
Maintain Safe Distances
- Keep at least 30 feet between you and the target minimum. Avoid shooting at people from close distances.
Treat it Like a Real Firearm
- Do not run around with your finger on the trigger. Only point at things you intend to shoot. Handle carefully.
Do Not Modify the Blaster
- Do not tamper with the firing mechanism or attempt to increase muzzle velocity. Modifications can make it unsafe.
Only Use Official Gel Balls
- Only use gel balls specifically designed for your model. Other ammo types can misfire or increase power.
Avoid Public Brandishing
- Transport your gel blaster concealed in a case or bag. Do not openly carry it in public areas.
By following these gel blaster safety guidelines, you can ensure responsible operation and reduce any risk of injury.
Do Nerf Gel Blasters Hurt?
So do Nerf gel blasters hurt if you get hit by the soft gel bullets?
The answer is yes and no.
On one hand, gel blasters are designed to be low-impact and non-lethal. The gel rounds are intended to gently splatter on impact, not cause harm.
However, there are some situations where getting hit by a gel blaster could cause pain or minor injury:
Getting Hit at Close Range
If someone shoots you from only 5-10 feet away, the impact can sting or even leave a welt, especially if it strikes exposed skin. Very close-range shots to the face or eyes can cause more serious harm.
Using Modded Blasters Unsafely
Heavily modified blasters with increased firing power could potentially injure someone if used recklessly. Any modifications make them less safe for recreation.
Using the Wrong Ammo
Hard or dense rounds not designed for a particular blaster model could increase impact force and cause unnecessary pain. Always use the correct rounds.
So while rare, it is possible to get hurt from Nerf gel blasters, especially if not handled carefully. Let’s look at how to minimize risks.
How to Reduce the Risk of Injury When Using a Nerf Gel Blaster
Here are some tips to reduce the chances of getting injured by someone’s Nerf gel blaster:
Wear Protective Eyewear
Covering your eyes with goggles or glasses will prevent nearly any eye injury, even from close shots. For kids, make sure eye protection fits snugly.
Establish Range Limits
Agree on minimum shooting distances (30 feet or more) before starting play to keep higher-impact shots to a minimum.
Avoid Head and Face Shots
Ask players to avoid intentionally aiming at heads or faces, which are more sensitive to impact. Stress aiming only at body targets.
Use Appropriate Gel Balls
Make sure all players use fresh rounds specifically made for their blaster model. Avoid old, dried-out, or lower-quality ammo.
Ban Powerful Modified Blasters
Do not allow blasters with power mods like stronger springs or batteries that increase muzzle velocity and impact.
Take Breaks to Check for Injuries
Periodically stop play if needed to check if anyone has any excessive swelling or bruising that requires icing or treatment.
By taking some simple precautions, everyone can enjoy Nerf gel blasters safely with minimal risk of injury. Just be smart, wear eye protection, and avoid shots to the head.
What to Do If You Are Injured by a Nerf Gel Blaster
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. Here’s proper first aid if someone gets injured by a Nerf gel blaster:
For Minor Bruises and Welts:
- Immediately run cool water over the injured area to reduce swelling and soothe pain.
- Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to further minimize bruising. Keep it cool but do not freeze the skin.
- Use a pain relief gel or cream if needed for residual soreness.
- Bandage and clean if skin is broken to prevent infection.
For Eye Injuries:
- Flush the eye with clean, lukewarm water to remove any gel or debris.
- Do not rub the eye as this can cause more damage.
- Seek medical help if pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or other symptoms persist. Serious eye injuries require an ER visit.
For Serious Injury:
- Immediately call emergency services for help if someone suffers a major eye injury, broken skin/bleeding, lost teeth, oral injury, or head trauma.
- Do not move victims with potential spine or neck injuries until paramedics arrive.
- Provide any first aid possible like stopping bleeding until professional help is available.
With prompt treatment, most Nerf gel blaster injuries can be managed at home with basic first aid. But seek medical assistance anytime symptoms are severe or persist more than a few hours after an incident. Safety remains key to an enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
Nerf gel blasters are intended to provide safe, soft-impact recreation for kids and adults alike. When used properly with some common sense safety precautions, the risk of injury from gel blasters remains very low.
However, it is still possible to get minor bruises, welts or eye irritation if safety guidelines are not followed, especially when being shot at close range. To minimize potential harm, always wear protective eyewear, maintain safe distances, avoid headshots, and only use blasters and ammo designed for each other.
While extremely rare, it’s also possible to experience more serious injuries if someone heavily modifies their blaster for increased power and uses it recklessly. So keep gel blasters in stock form and supervise children appropriately.
By understanding how to use Nerf gel blasters safely, establish range limits, wear eye protection, and administer proper first aid, both children and adults can enjoy this fun recreational sport safely with minimal risk of injury. Just use common sense, play safe, and get ready for some splattering good times!