| This question is bound to stir debate and controversy | | | | either through springs, electronic firing mechanisms or |
| amongst the most ardent of airsoft or paintball fans. | | | | with compressed gas. The issue is that most airsoft |
| Both airsoft and paintball are both hobbies based on | | | | guns lack the range and accuracy of the larger |
| replica firearms and wargames. Is this unhealthy? That | | | | paintball guns simply because they were never |
| depends moreso on the person themselves rather | | | | designed with long range fire in mind. |
| than the hobby. An interest in pursuing a hobby that | | | | Conversely airsoft guns are available in a huge range |
| involves weaponry only becomes unhealthy if taken to | | | | of styles and models. Everything from a Glock |
| extremes - which is true of most things in life. Paintball | | | | handgun to a sniper rifle to a CAR15 assault rifle. |
| and airsoft are not morbid hobbies and only run the risk | | | | Airsoft guns are equally at home hanging in your |
| of being dangerous when participated in by dangerous | | | | livingroom or at use on the airsoft playing field. You can |
| people. | | | | even go as far as buying an airsoft minigun. Many |
| Paintball itself is a more mobile sport. It requires a | | | | airsoft fans simply collect the guns and never get |
| certain level of physical fitness, mobility and skill - if you | | | | involved in airsoft wargames at all. This is the much |
| paintball then you gotta be able to move fast. The | | | | the same as many sword collectors - they display the |
| weapons themselves are functional and are only | | | | weapons at home but don't go running around waving |
| designed to serve the purpose of the sport as | | | | them at people. |
| opposed to looking good. Paintball rifles are designed to | | | | The truth is that neither airsoft nor paintball is superior. |
| take a real beating when it comes to their use. Paintball | | | | They're both a case of personal preference. If you're |
| fans fall into the 'extreme sport' category and enjoy | | | | the extreme sports type then paintball will suit you |
| the pure adrenaline of each paintball match and are | | | | more. If you're more of a collector then airsoft will be |
| driven by the desire to win. | | | | more you thing. |
| Airsoft is a somewhat different sport. The guns used | | | | Regardless of whether you're a paintball fan or an |
| in airsoft are both conversation pieces and are also | | | | airsoft fan it's essential to take proper safety |
| functional sports 'weapons'. Airsoft rifles and pistols are | | | | precautions when using these guns. Proper eye |
| capable of firing both small plastic pellets and paint filled | | | | protection in the form of safety goggles should always |
| pellets so are useful both in the sport itself and also for | | | | be worn and suitable protective clothing to cover your |
| backyard target practice. | | | | neck and upper torso should also be worn. Even |
| The major difference is the power of the guns | | | | though some people see these as guns as toys they |
| themselves. Paintball guns are driven by high powered | | | | are capable of causing injury either through accident or |
| gas cylinders whereas airsoft guns fire projectiles | | | | even deliberate malice. |