Does Paintball Hurt More Than Airsoft? A Complete Guide for Beginners

If you’ve ever watched a paintball or airsoft game, you’ve probably thought: “That looks awesome… but does it hurt?” Both sports involve getting hit with projectiles, and while they share similarities, the way they feel on your skin is quite different. Many first-time players ask the same question: does paintball hurt more than airsoft?

The short answer: yes, paintball generally hurts more than airsoft. But there’s more to it than just a simple “yes or no.” In this guide, I’ll explain why, compare the two sports, and give you practical tips to reduce the sting so you can focus on having fun.

Paintball vs Airsoft: The Basic Differences

Before comparing pain levels, let’s look at what makes the two sports different.

Paintball
- Uses .68 caliber paintballs (about the size of a marble).
- Paintballs are gelatin capsules filled with paint that burst on impact.
- Fired from paintball markers at around 280–300 feet per second (fps).
- Each paintball weighs about 3.7 grams.
Airsoft
- Uses 6mm plastic BBs, usually weighing 0.2–0.3 grams.
- Fired from replica-style airsoft guns at 300–400 fps.
- BBs don’t explode on impact, so referees rely on the honor system for hits.

From these basics, you can already guess which will hit harder: paintballs are much heavier and larger than tiny airsoft BBs.

The Science: Why Paintball Hurts More

Let’s get a little technical (don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple).

The impact “hurt factor” comes from kinetic energy, calculated using this formula: Kinetic Energy Formula (Wikipedia)

Paintball (.68 caliber)
- Mass: 3.7 g = 0.0037 kg
- Velocity: 85 m/s (≈ 280 fps)
- Energy ≈ 13.5 Joules
Airsoft BB (0.2 g, 6mm)
- Mass: 0.0002 kg
- Velocity: 120 m/s (≈ 400 fps)
- Energy ≈ 1.4 Joules

That means a paintball carries almost 10x more energy than an airsoft BB. No wonder players say paintball hurts more!

How the Pain Feels in Real Life

Paintball hit: Feels like a strong flick or getting snapped with a rubber band. It may leave a welt or bruise, especially at close range.
Airsoft hit: Feels like a quick sting, more like being poked with a needle. Most of the time, it doesn’t leave a mark unless it’s from close distance or a higher-powered gun.

Players often describe paintball as “more painful but tolerable,” while airsoft is “sharp but fades quickly.”

Factors That Change the Pain Level

Not every hit feels the same. Here’s what makes the difference:

Distance
- Closer hits feel much harder. Most fields set minimum engagement distances (e.g., 10–20 feet) to reduce pain.
Clothing & Padding
- A sweatshirt or hoodie can soften a paintball hit dramatically.
- Airsoft BBs feel sharper if they hit bare skin, but full clothing usually makes them barely noticeable.
Where You’re Hit
- Hits on fatty areas (legs, arms, back) hurt less.
- Hits on bony areas (knuckles, ribs, collarbone) sting more.
- A paintball to the hand or neck is definitely memorable!
Marker/Gun Power
- Higher velocity = more sting. Paintball fields usually limit markers to 280 fps, while airsoft arenas may allow up to 400 fps.
Protective Gear
- Masks, gloves, and chest protectors are game-changers. With the right gear, you’ll worry less about the pain. Protective Sports Gear Guidelines (CDC)

Low Impact Paintball: A Softer Alternative

For kids, beginners, or anyone nervous about pain, many fields now offer low impact paintball.

Uses .50 caliber paintballs (30% smaller and lighter than standard).
Fired at slightly lower velocity.
Impact energy is reduced by about 67%, meaning almost no pain.

Low Impact Paintball Explained (Paintball USA)

In fact, low impact paintball feels much closer to airsoft—just a light tap instead of a sting. It’s great for birthday parties, families, and first-timers who want fun without the bruises.

How to Reduce the Pain in Paintball and Airsoft

Whether you’re playing paintball or airsoft, here are some tips to make the game more comfortable:

Wear layers – A hoodie or long sleeves protect your skin.
Gloves – Fingers are sensitive; padded gloves help a lot.
Neck protector or scarf – Saves you from that painful neck shot.
Stay calm – Anticipation makes hits feel worse. Keep moving and stay focused on the game.
Choose low impact paintball if you’re new or bringing kids Is Low Impact Paintball Safe for Kids?

Which Should You Choose: Paintball or Airsoft?

It depends on what you want from the experience:

Choose Paintball if…
- You like fast-paced, objective-driven games.
- You want a clear hit marker (paint splatter = no arguments).
- You don’t mind a little sting for the thrill.
Choose Airsoft if…
- You enjoy realistic, military-style scenarios.
- You want more affordable gear and ammo.
- You prefer less pain and fewer bruises.

Both are fun, social, and great exercise—it just comes down to your pain tolerance and play style.

Final Verdict: Does Paintball Hurt More Than Airsoft?

Yes, paintball hurts more than airsoft. Paintballs are heavier, larger, and pack nearly 10 times more impact energy than airsoft BBs. That said, the pain is short-lived and very manageable, especially with proper gear. Many players say the adrenaline rush makes them forget the sting almost instantly.

If you’re worried about pain, try low impact paintball or start with airsoft to ease into the world of tactical games. Either way, once you’ve played, you’ll likely find yourself coming back for more!

Does paintball hurt more than airsoft?

Yes, paintball generally hurts more because paintballs are heavier and carry more impact energy than airsoft BBs.