When you know a lot about them it really seems strange that airsoft and nerf are so often confused. From the outside, they might seem like two sides of the same coin but their similarities are actually quite minimal when you really get down to it.
Airsoft and nerf are both types of mock weapons but that really is where the similarities between the two end. One of the most important factors for anyone interested in nerf or airsoft is their safety when they’re playing.
So, let’s get right down to it and find out which is safer is it airsoft or nerf? To answer the question let’s look at both in detail and compare the two.
Safety Concerns With Nerf Weapons
Nerf weapons fire nerf darts, these are larger than the bbs fired by airsoft guns but are much less harmful. Nerf darts are made from a foamy, sponge-like material that is not going to hurt when it hits someone.
Some nerf darts do come with additional rubber tips on them and these might hit a little bit harder than a regular nerf dart but the difference is very small. However, it important to remember that everyone is different so some people and especially children might find nerf darts to sting a little at first.
Don’t let this worry you though as on the whole most people find them harmless. The only possible safety concern you have is shots to the face or eyes, especially at close range. Many nerf blasters will say in the instructions to avoid aiming at people’s faces but if you really want to be safe you could wear goggles for extra safety.
Nerf blasters have a maximum range of about 20 feet although it will all depend on the blaster as some are much shorter range weapons. But because they are much softer than airsoft pellets they can usually be played with inside and with a minimum of protective clothing.
Overall apart from a few small potential concerns nerf blasters are very safe and definitely the recommended choice for children. Adults themselves can also enjoy nerf weapons and they have a very vocal adult fanbase so don’t let their more child-friendly appearance put you off.
Safety Concerns With Airsoft Weapons
Airsoft weapons fire non-metallic pellets these are in a round spherical shape and once they’ve been fired they can’t be reused.
BBs are very similar in design but are made of metal and you will need a BB gun to fire them. While the ammo in an airsoft gun is non-metallic they can still leave a mark and cause serious injury if fired in a sensitive area like a person’s face.
Which is why anyone who wants to use airsoft weapons should ensure they are wearing the proper protective clothing. There is a lot of different options when it comes to protective gear for airsoft players and what you’ll need will all depend on how serious of a player you are or want to be. You can find a huge number of airsoft shops throughout the world such as UK retailer Airsoft Deals who specialises in Accessories.
At the most basic level, you’ll want face protection and gloves at the very minimum. Eye protection will usually be in the form of goggles although many manufacturers have combined goggles with a helmet for extra safety. You can also get protective masks as well that work in the same way.
Gloves are also essential for protecting your hands and to give you some extra comfort for when you’re outdoors. You’ll also need to be wearing a thick protective coat or jacket, thick pants and boots, airsoft isn’t a game you can safely play in your regular casual clothes.
Airsoft pellets can also fire over impressive distances as well which is why it should always be played outdoors in wide open spaces. Airsoft is a more adult orientated game than nerf and there a lot more safety concerns to think about.
So Which Is Safest?
After reading my thoughts on both nerf and airsoft it shouldn’t really surprise anyone to learn that in my opinion and I would think the vast majority of people’s that nerf is by far the safest option between the two.
That’s not to say that airsoft is dangerous but it can’t be denied that in order to play airsoft safely you’ll need to take a lot more safety measures into consideration. With nerf, you can pretty much pick up the blasters and play right away! As long as you stay clear of people’s faces there is virtually no risk of harm.
So, between the two nerf is certainly the safest option for both adults and children. So, if you’re looking for a fun-filled activity that will be safe for everyone then why not pick up some nerf blasters?
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