What is a hydrogel gun?
A hydrogel gun (gel blaster, water bead gun, hydrogel ball gun) is a toy that shoots soft hydrogel balls. Before use, these balls are soaked in water, they expand to 7–8 mm in diameter and become elastic but fragile. Upon impact, the balls break apart, without damaging the skin and leaving no waste.
Hydrogel gun safety
- Average mass of one ball: 0.2–0.25 g
- Firing speed: for most models — 50–60 m/s; in rare, upgraded models with a reinforced spring — up to 80 m/s.
- Kinetic energy: 0.3–0.4 J
For comparison:
- Airsoft BBs (0.20 g, 120–140 m/s): ~1.5–2 J
- Paintball balls (3 g, 90 m/s): ~12–13 J
This means that the energy of hydrogel balls is 3–5 times lower than airsoft BBs and more than 15 times lower than paintball balls.
Why hydrogel guns are considered safe:
- The balls consist almost entirely of water
- Upon impact it breaks apart and does not pollute the environment.
- The energy is not sufficient to cause injuries, even when striking clothing or skin
- During play, however, it is recommended to use protective goggles.
Legal status
📚 References to regulatory documents:
In the European Union
According to Directive 2009/48/EC on toy safety:
- A toy is a product intended for children under 14 years of age, including one that imitates weapons, provided it does not pose a significant risk
- According to the EN 71-1 standard, the maximum permissible energy:
- 0.08 J — if the impact is to the head or eyes
- līdz 1 J — if the impact is elsewhere (for example, on the body)
- Products with energy above 0.5 J in some EU countries may be considered a pneumatic or sports weapon (for example, in Germany – from 0.5 J, in Lithuania – from 2.5 J)
- Toys with the marking “8+” or “14+” and CE certification are permitted for free trade within the EU territory
In Latvia
According to Latvian Law on the Circulation of Weapons:
- A high-energy pneumatic weapon is a device with a barrel energy from 1.5 J (a permit is required)
- Devices with energy below 1.5 J are not considered weapons and are freely sold and used
- Hydrogel guns with an energy of 0.3–0.4 J do not fall under this definition
- If the product has CE certification and is classified as a toy, it is saleable without age restriction
Conclusion
The hydrogel gun is a safe, modern alternative to classic toys for active outdoor games. It is environmentally friendly, requires no registration, and is legally available for sale in Latvia and throughout the European Union. The main thing is to choose models with appropriate certification and follow basic safety measures, such as using protective glasses.