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