A gel blaster is a type of toy gun that shoots soft, water-absorbing gel beads as projectiles. Unlike traditional airsoft or paintball guns, gel blasters use superabsorbent polymers—typically sodium polyacrylate—that swell into small, round gel balls when soaked in water. These gel beads burst on impact, which minimizes the risk of injury and property damage, making them a safer alternative for recreational shooting games.

Yes, Gel blasters are a legitimate and popular choice for recreational shooting games when used responsibly and in compliance with local laws. In several countries—such as Australia and parts of Europe—gel blasters with significant metal components are often subject to stricter regulations or outright bans because their realistic weight and appearance can lead them to be classified as imitation firearms or even as real weapons. This means that owning or importing metal gel blasters might be illegal or require special permits in those areas.

To ensure you remain within legal boundaries and avoid any issues at customs or law enforcement, it's advisable to choose gel blasters constructed primarily from ABS or nylon.

When choosing your first gel blaster, it’s essential to balance performance, durability, handling, and cost. One key factor is the construction material of the blaster. Here’s how the different materials—ABS, nylon, and metal. 

ABS(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a common, robust plastic used in many gel blasters. It’s lightweight and offers good impact resistance, making it ideal for beginners. It’s usually less expensive and easier to maintain, though it might lack the premium feel of metal parts.

Nylon is another durable polymer and still lightweight, nylon parts may provide a better experience and quality compared to ABS due to their flexible nature and better touch. A good choice if you need extra resilience in parts that are prone to stress (like gears or internal components).

Metal components—often used in high-end or hybrid models—add heft and a more realistic feel to your gel blaster. They provide superior durability and stability during rapid-fire action. However, metal parts generally increase the overall cost and weight, which might be a challenge for new players and prohibited in most countries.