| Many people ask this question because they're not | | | | paintball, you will most likely be playing on a team. For |
| sure which one to pick. To the inexperienced, they | | | | team play you will need to buy a paintball uniform, |
| may seem exactly the same; a bunch of masked | | | | mask, and extra hoppers which which will cost around |
| people running around shooting each other. However, | | | | 150 dollars. For airsoft, however, all you need is a mask |
| that is not the case. Paintball and Airsoft are very | | | | unless you will be playing on a team. If you are going to |
| different sports. To better explain the differences | | | | play on a team you will need to buy a tactical vest, |
| between paintball and airsoft, I have come up with a | | | | extra magazines, mask or helmet and shooting |
| few sub-categories. They are; Uses, Upkeep, Cost, | | | | glasses, and maybe some grenades. Paintball |
| Tournaments, Pain, and Fun. | | | | ammunition is slightly more expensive than airsoft bbs |
| Uses: When choosing between Airsoft and Paintball, | | | | so airsoft ammunition is cheaper. If you are not playing |
| you must consider what your gun be used for. Airsoft | | | | on a team, airsoft will be your cheapest option. |
| guns can be used for just about anything. They can be | | | | However, It's a tie between airsoft and paintball |
| used for target practice, backyard wars, shooting | | | | because they are about the same if you're playing on |
| cans, tournament play and more. Also there are so | | | | a team. |
| many different types of Airsoft Guns to choose from | | | | Tournaments: Long story short, Paintball has so many |
| to suit your specific needs. Paintball are mainly used for | | | | more tournaments than airsoft. Paintball is a |
| tournament play or playing on a specified field, but | | | | recognized team sport, and there are tons of |
| sometimes people use them for target practice. | | | | professional tournaments all over the US. With Airsoft, |
| Airsoft is better for target practice though. Airsoft has | | | | there probably won't be any organized events in your |
| more practical uses then Paintball so airsoft wins this | | | | are and your team will probably need to host their own |
| round. | | | | event. Paintball wins this category in a landslide victory. |
| Upkeep: When choosing between Airsoft and Paintball, | | | | Pain: If your goal is to inflict as much pain as possible, |
| you must consider if you want to spend time | | | | Paintball is your best bet. Even though paintball guns |
| maintaining your gun. In Paintball, you need to constantly | | | | have a lower fps, but the paintball has a larger surface |
| clean your gun of paint so it doesn't jam. You also | | | | are transferring more energy on impact. in other |
| may have to clean up the broken paintball shells if you | | | | words, it stings like crazy. Unless you have an airsoft |
| are shooting in your backyard. You also, have to keep | | | | gun with 400 FPS or over, you want a paintball gun. |
| your paintballs in the freezer so they don't melt. In | | | | Another win for paintball. |
| Airsoft, there is less upkeep. All that you need to do is | | | | Fun: Paintball can be fun, but airsoft is a game to play |
| charge your battery if you are using an electric gun | | | | with your friends. In Airsoft you don't have to play on a |
| and clear the occasional jam. Since Airsoft has less | | | | field. You can play anywhere. Whether it be a |
| upkeep, that's another point for Airsoft. | | | | backyard showdown with friends or skirmishing that |
| Cost: Cost is an important factor in making your | | | | mean kid across the street. I have played both Airsoft |
| decision. You have to consider the gun costs, | | | | and Paintball numerous times and even though paintball |
| equipment costs, and ammunition costs. Paintball guns | | | | was fun, I have always loved airsoft. Airsoft takes this |
| are generally more expensive than airsoft guns. For a | | | | category. |
| quality gun, you must pay anywhere from 150-1200 | | | | OK lets see the final results... The final score is: Airsoft |
| dollars. In Airsoft there are many different types of | | | | 4 Paintball 3. So Airsoft takes home the gold. Both |
| guns to choose from with different price ranges. But, | | | | these sports are enjoyable but I would recommend |
| for a good electric gun you'll probably pay 160 dollars | | | | Airsoft. |
| plus. Next, comes equipment. If you want to play | | | | |