The Orbeez gun indeed has made its entry into the toy market with a bang. The trinity of color, creativity, and drama, these guns are just fun altogether. Not just that, they are simply peculiar toy guns, shooting extremely tiny, squishy gel balls-Orbeez that grow when soaked in water. Orbeez guns enjoy a wide appeal among children, teens, and even adults, touted as the newest buzz in fun-filled activities involving movement, imagination, and socializing!
So, what do they do? Are they safe? What types are there? And what are the important points to consider before purchasing?
What is an Orbeez Gun?
An Orbeez gun is quite similar to a toy gun but instead of shooting tiny pebbles or bullets it shoots colored gel balls referred to as Orbeez. These beads absorb water and in small shape. After being soake in water for a few hours, they eventually grow many times their size. Once hydrated, it becomes squishy, bouncy, and remarkably safe to touch.
The gel balls are shot out using either a spring-power system or a battery-power motor that makes them move quickly. Some of these guns look like sci-fi blasters while some resemble real guns, though these are still toys and cannot inflict any serious injury if misused.
Orbeez guns are also call common game names like:
- Gel Blasters
- Splat guns
- Hydro guns
- Water bead blasters
They are perfect for outdoor use, recreational combat, and even target shooting. The color games joined with the satisfaction of shooting soft nonlethal projectiles have endeared these toys to kids and hobbyists alike.
How Does the Orbeez Gun Work?
At their most basic design, Orbeez guns function on a very simple mechanism.
Hydration of the beads:
The Orbeez beads are soake for about 4 to 6 hours until fully grown.
Loading the magazine:
The wet beads are put into the hopper or magazine of the gun.
Trigger mechanism:
Upon pulling the trigger, the motor or spring sends forth beads into the barrel.
Firing:
The soft gel beads are expelle from the barrel at different speeds-usually, somewhere in the range of about 150-250 feet per second, depending upon the model.
Unlike BB guns or paintball markers, Orbeez guns do not apply dangerous pressure on the pellets nor are they sharp. The soothing feeling of the beads would give you memory marks of soft, yet painful feel.
Why Is the Orbeez Gun a Popular Outdoor Toy?
Fun, Safe Play:
Orbeez guns are a blast literally. Kids can run, dodge, hide and shoot; creating their own battlefield scenarios. Orbeez beads are softer on impact than Nerf darts or paintballs, and they break down naturally.
Creative Games:
There are endless types of games that can be created: team vs. team, contests below target shooting, obstacle course, or color-based mission using different bead colors.
Social Interaction:
Like all Orbeez guns, teamwork, cooperation, and competition are some of the things that Orbeez can bring about. Families can join in too, making this a multi-generational activity.
Educational Value:
Believe it or not, kids can learn physics, trajectory, water absorption, and much more while being able to hands-on exam with Orbeez and its guns.
Is the Orbeez Gun Safe?
Yes, Orbeez guns are usually safe if the user is responsible. Anyway, safety precautions should be taken always.
Here are the safety guidelines to be followed:
- Outdoor Use Only: Orbeez guns should remain an outdoor activity to avoid unnecessary slipping hazards and messes.
- Eye Protection: Protective goggles should always be worn. Soft gel beads can injure if they happen to hit sensitive areas.
- No Headshots: Aim at the body or target, not at the face.
- Dress Fully: Covering your arms and legs will help lessen the sting sensation from direct hits.
- Adult Supervision: Children younger than 10 years old should always be under adult supervision.
- Do Not Modify Gun: Modifying a gun could cause dangerous increase in firing pressure.
- No Ingestion: Orbeez are non-toxic, but they should never be eaten, as swallowing them can cause gastrointestinal trouble.
What Are Orbeez Beads Made Of?
Orbeez are made from a water absorbent material called polyacrylamide. This polymer can absorb water many times its weight and swell into soft jelly-like spheres.
The other names are:
- Water orbs
- Hydro beads
- Jelly beads
- Water marbles
They do not produce toxins and are biodegradable in time, and responsible disposal methods should still be followed.
Preparing and Storing Orbeez Beads
Preparing Orbeez Beads:
- Dry beads are placed in a big bowl or container to soak.
- Fill with plenty of clean water.
- Soak them for 4 to 6 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Drain excess water and use accordingly.
How to Store Them:
- Store hydrated Orbeez in an airtight container.
- Store in a cool, dry place (refrigeration-free).
- No direct sunlight.
- Use within 2 weeks to avoid mold or shrinkage.
Are Orbeez Guns Legal?
Yes, Orbeez guns are legal in most countries and states in the USA. However, local ordinances may regulate their use in certain locales, especially if the toy is synonymous with an actual firearm. In all situations, ensure to check local laws for compliance.
Top 3 Orbeez Guns Editor’s Choice
Gel Ball Blaster Set:
- Specification: Rechargeable battery with more than 600 beads and comes with goggles.
- Ideal for: Beginners and families.
- Reasons to like it: Simple design and easy to use, budget-friendly.
Innedu Gel Blaster:
- Specification: Shoots up to 8 balls per second with a 200-300 rounds capacity and USB powered.
- Ideal for: Fast-moving battle and the intermediate players.
- Reasons to like it: It fires quickly, is lightweight, and easy to reload.
BESTOO Gel Blaster Gun:
- Specification: Automatic firing at a distance of up to 65 feet with a scope, silencer, and protective gear.
- Ideal for: Old kids and advanced users.
- Reasons to like it: Awesome design, high power, superb accessories.
Where Can You Buy Orbeez Guns?
Orbeez guns can be found:
- At toy stores
- Through online marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target
- From specialized gel blaster retailers
Basic models go for $15, while higher-end models can run $60 or more. Pay attention to whether they come with extras like goggles, chargers, and beads.
According to the experts
According to Daniel Taylor, one of the co-founders of The Stock End, Splat guns are actually pretty safe and fun toys for kids, but they should be handled with care. We recommend bringing in splat guns that are age-appropriate, skill-level appropriate, and always following safety practices such as using safe bullets, wearing appropriate eye protection, and never tampering with the gun in any way.
FAQs Orbeez Guns
Q1: What are Orbeez guns?
Orbeez guns are toy guns that were made for shooting water-soaked gel beads so that kids can use them outside for safe fun.
Q2: Do Orbeez projectiles inflict any harm?
While Orbeez beads are non-toxic, they are not edible and as such, are safe for play.
Q3: Can you use regular water beads for Orbeez guns?
Only use approved beads in your Orbeez gun to avoid jamming or damage.
Q4: Does getting hit with an Orbeez hurt?
Most of the time, it only feels like a soft pinch. Stronger types leave red welts or little bruises behind.
Q5: Are Orbeez guns similar to Airsoft guns?
No, rather, Airsoft fires plastic BBs at much higher speeds and so are not recommended for very young children.
Q6: Are Orbeez guns for adults?
Yes! Adults partake in Orbeez gun fights at parties and events and as a personal hobby.
Conclusion
Orbeez blasters and guns are not just toys; they are tools for fun, physical activity, teamwork, and creative play. If safety precautions are followed, they can entertain children and adults alike for hours on end. Whether you are purchasing your first Orbeez gun or upgrading to a fancy model, keep this much in mind: the fun is in playing, the thrill is in chasing, and the laughter is the prize.
