Are Gel Blasters Dangerous? | What You NEED to Know About Gel Blasters!

So, ARE gel blasters dangerous? Well, simply put – not really. 

Hear us out. Gel blaster toys have become somewhat of a craze here in Australia. With hundreds of thousands of these toys being purchased per year from retailers such as Gel Ball Undercover, gel blasters have become a popular gift for many during Christmas and birthdays. So, why the hype?

Well, like nerf, a common toy in most homes, they are used for entertainment and recreational purposes – and is steadily growing as a competitive sport here in Australia. Manufactured overseas and typically made from plastic, these toys are designed to expel nontoxic gel balls made almost entirely of water, grown to 7-8mm in size (about the size of a pea). 

Are Gel Blasters Dangerous
Are Gel Blasters Dangerous? | Gel Blaster Club Australia
Kid playing at Donnybrook Gel Ballers – a popular gel blaster field in QLD.
Photo by: Tracy Carley

If they are designed to only expel out water-filled gel balls, why and how are gel blasters dangerous? Are these gel balls something to worry about?

Good question! The gel balls are nontoxic and biodegradable. They are like orbeez, which is commonly used for kids toys, decorations or gardening. The gels are residue-free, and do not leave any permanent stains or marks on impact, which allows them to be used indoors and out in your back yard.  

As gel blaster toys have increased in popularity amongst kids and teens, many parents/guardians are asking this question: are gel blasters dangerous? For those unfamiliar with the toy, they can appear quite intimidating at first. Controversial media exposure has been of little help to educate the community, encouraging people to have an adverse opinion and preconception of the toy.

Despite this, gel blasters have continued to increase in popularity amongst Australians – and there’s a good reason why!

Basically, when we get get down to the bottom of it, they’re fun! Gel blasters are easy to use, do not require any cleaning, and can be enjoyed by Australians of all ages. The most popular models are made of plastic, and most standard/stock blasters come at a reasonably affordable price (starting from as low as $35+ including a starter pack of gels).

Are Gel Blasters Dangerous
Are Gel Blasters Dangerous? | Gel Blaster Club Australia
Gel blasters are designed to expel gel balls. These are required to be soaked and hydrated in water prior to use. They are soft, nontoxic, and aside from a small water mark, they do not leave any permanent stains on impact.

What makes gel blasters dangerous?

Simply put, they are toys which require a bit of common sense. Though there is no particular age restriction for users, kids should be supervised when using the toy – or educated enough to use common sense when in play. 

Users should always wear the correct eye protection, follow the safety guidelines and instructions, read the how-to sheet on using the product, and ensure they are being sensible. As some of the toys can appear quite realistic from a distance, they are not to be carried out in public exposed, and are to be used on private property or at designated fields/games only. 

Failing to be respectful and sensible when using a gel blaster is user-error, and this could potentially result in harm (to the user or others). Arguably, a lack of common sense can make any toy potentially ‘dangerous’. We could point to a plastic children’s knife as part of a toy kitchen-set and call that dangerous. 

It all comes down to the user, whether they are following instructions and being sensible.

Are Gel Blasters Dangerous
Are Gel Blasters Dangerous? | Gel Blaster Club Australia
Many parents bond with their children by sharing an interest in gel blasters. Gel blasting games (similar to skirmish) have exponentially increased in popularity, with indoor and outdoor fields being established across the county. What are your thoughts on gel blasters?
Photo: Guerilla Blasters

So what could make gel blasters dangerous then? Lack of common sense.

When being used sensibly, gel blasters are great fun! They’re popular amongst Australians of all ages for a reason. The industry continues to rapidly grow; with gel blaster toys now being categorised by thousands as a hobby and passion. Dozens of venues and retailers continue to thrive across the country, with gel blaster games encouraging children and adults alike to get out the house and run around on field.

To check where you can play gel blaster games, make sure to become a Gel Blaster Club member and check the events calendar!  

To check on the legalities of owning a gel blaster toy in your state, have a read of this article here.

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