What is the difference between airsoft and paintball?

It is a very relevant question, and it is important to get a clear answer to it. There are several reasons. First of all, they are two different sports that offer two completely different game experiences. Secondly, there are some legal aspects to consider that make the answer very relevant. Finally, you should be aware that the guns and ammunition for the two games are in no way comparable. (In Denmark, airsoft is often called hardball.)

Which hurts more – airsoft or paintball?

Paintball, without a doubt. A paintball pistol or marker fires small balls filled with paint that burst and splatter paint over whoever or whatever is hit. With an airsoft gun you fire small plastic BBs, which hit far less hard. If you have tried both, you will be in no doubt about when you are hit by airsoft BBs and when you are hit by paintballs.

What is airsoft?

Airsoft has age limits that vary from country to country, and younger players often need their parents' consent and an approved site to play. Check the rules where you play. The game takes place on different airsoft fields, and there are several game types you can take part in.

A classic airsoft game type is TDM – Team Death Match. The players are split into two teams and try to hit each other with their guns. Every time a player is hit, they have to go back to their base, and the team has lost a life. When a team runs out of lives, the winner is found. Another big classic is Capture the Flag. Here each team has a base with a flag. The opposing team has to grab that flag and bring it safely back to their own base. The first team to do so wins. These are just two examples of airsoft game types – there are many more.

There are also legal rules around airsoft you should familiarise yourself with. For example, airsoft guns generally must not be transported visibly – they must be hidden from the public. One reason is that they are such accurate copies of real firearms that it is hard even for the trained eye to tell the difference. So they must be transported in a bag or case to and from the game.

Paintball in general

Even though paintball markers are not quite as powerful as airsoft guns, younger players usually need signed parental consent to play paintball as well. The really big difference between paintball and airsoft is the game experience itself. Paintball can be great fun, but you don't get the fully authentic combat experience you get in airsoft. In airsoft, real attention has gone into the details of both the guns and the other gear, and there are far more options for extra fun equipment.

The more dedicated airsoft players will spend time and money on things like grenades, different types of sights and so on. That makes the game more dynamic and varied, and it takes real nerves of steel to play at this level. When you play airsoft, you are at war – the only difference being that, thankfully, your life is not in danger. But you get the real adrenaline rush, which is often less intense in paintball.

Airsoft opens up completely different possibilities from paintball. That is why more and more people are becoming very interested in airsoft these days. We at Handelshuset Aulum have also thrown ourselves into this wonderful game. We find the authenticity of the game deeply fascinating, which is why you can buy everything you need in our webshop.

The curious part

You may be thinking it is a bit counter-intuitive that airsoft should be more stressful or authentic than paintball. And that makes sense – it really hurts to be hit by paintballs. But the difference is in the detail. It is the level of detail that gives you the real combat feeling in airsoft.

Airsoft is a lifestyle. There is an incredible range of different gear, and that is exactly what makes airsoft fun. It is why more and more people are joining in. Perhaps you should consider it too?