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