Airsoft vs Paintball

Airsofters (those who play the game) normally argue with paintballers, the former expounding on airsoft's numerous advantages over paintball. It should be noted that while airsofters and paintballers are serious about their sport, the debate between them is often not. Both sports offer pluses.

There are a number of reasons why some prefer airsoft over paintball. Paintball guns are often awkward and do not offer a firing experience as realistic (to a live-fire weapon) as an airsoft weapon. Further, airsoft rounds are a lesser threat to players, as they do not leave as much bruising as paintball rounds, and are therefore less painful. Paintball rounds contain more mass and therefore carry more kinetic energy than airsoft rounds. Airsoft rounds, on the other hand, are smaller and hence have less kinetic energy, and are also considerably affected by the wind.

Many people ask how players know they are hitting their target. Unlike paintball, which would leave paint on impact, airsofters can take a shot to the chest and, with enough layers of clothing, may not even feel the hit. The honour system is used, and surprisingly works. Oddly, the low popularity of the sport allows for the effectiveness of the honour system. Those that gather to play in skirmishes normally know each other, making the games more fun and relaxed. The ever-rising popularity of the sport - no doubt to be accompanied by heightened competitiveness - will test the continuing effectiveness of the honour system.