Howdy ORBEEZ GUN EXPLORERS, welcome to the quest!
When my first splat gun started to grow outdated in the face of newer and more powerful gel blasters, I began to wonder if there was a way to upgrade it instead of getting a new one.
As someone who has always had a knack for tinkering, I quickly found myself dismantling my Orbeez gun to see which components could be replaced to make it shoot harder and faster.
This, along with some research, revealed several ways to tweak the muzzle velocity, shooting range, and rate of fire of a gel ball gun – some of them a bit more complicated than the rest. I was initially hesitant, but the idea of DIY with my favorite toy and improving it seemed fun enough to be worth the risk.
So, if you’re considering boosting your blaster’s performance, I’m sure you’ll find this guide helpful.
How Fast Do Orbeez Guns Shoot?
The muzzle velocity varies from a splatter ball gun to another gel blaster, just as the rate of fire does. The best Orbeez guns can shoot at velocities ranging from 70 to 250 FPS, with a firing rate of up to 12 balls per second, depending on the model.
If you’re specifically considering Splat R Ball guns, the SRB1200 stands as the most powerful option, boasting a shooting speed of 210 FPS and a firing rate of 11 balls per second.
On the other hand, the Gel Blaster Surge XL and Starfire XL hold the title for the most powerful gel ball guns overall, each offering an adjustable muzzle velocity of 170 to 250 FPS, tested with my chronograph. Both of these blasters can shoot 12 rounds per second, making you a superstar in any game mode.
But also keep in mind that not all Orbeez guns fire with the same force or speed. The Nerf Pro Gelfire Mythic, functioning as an entry-level blaster, is limited to shooting 10 balls per second at 100 FPS. On the other hand, the popular Surge model comes with two muzzles – one shoots at 170 FPS, while the other brings the velocity down to 90 FPS.
So, the range is quite broad. As a rule of thumb, the speed of water gel guns typically falls between 90 to 250 FPS. The higher the power, the faster the impact and the harder it will hit.
You May Also Like: Gel Blaster FPS Limit
Can You Make Your Gel Ball Gun Fire Faster And Harder?
Yes, but it varies for different products. You’ll need to upgrade it by adding or replacing certain components, which are quite similar to most Orbeez guns, splat ball guns, and gel blasters.
The good news, however, is that some of these tips are quite easy to follow, even if you aren’t very experienced with tinkering with electric toys. So, let’s begin!
1. Get A Better Spring
The piston that shoots the gel beads out of the barrel is powered by a motor and a thicker spring with more elastic properties. Replacing the spring with a better one (with a higher “spring constant”, but not too stiff) can make your Orbeez gun significantly more powerful. This is because such a spring would help the piston push forward with greater force.
But there is a limit to this that varies from gun to gun, depending on the motor power and strength of the connected components. Don’t end up damaging the piston or other parts.
2. Power Up The Motor
Of course, the motor is the most crucial component influencing the overall performance of your blaster. Integrating the splat gun with a more powerful motor can give it a strong boost, both in terms of muzzle velocity and firing rate.
However, make sure to carefully choose a motor that’s compatible with the rest of the components and fits within the designated space. I can’t mention any particular motor since it varies widely, depending on your Orbeez blaster model.
3. Upgrade The Gearbox
Perhaps your gel blaster gun shoots hard enough, but you’d like it to shoot more rounds per second? In this case, upgrading the gearbox can help you increase its firing rate.
The gearbox of a splat gun usually contains three plastic spur gears that operate the piston with the help of a motor and propel the balls. In my experience, a set of metal gears can shorten the time taken by the piston to move back and forth and improve efficiency.
Read: Metal Gear Vs Nylon Gear Comparison
4. Give Your Blaster A Metal Barrel
If you’re aiming to make advanced upgrades and maximize the power of your gel ball blaster, consider replacing the plastic inner barrel with a metal one.
A stronger barrel would have a smoother surface, improving the gun’s accuracy and muzzle velocity by reducing friction and vibration. Additionally, if possible, replace the plastic piston set with a metal one to ensure compatibility.
5. Install A High-ampere Battery
It’s standard for most Orbeez guns to come equipped with a 7.4v battery. As my blaster was already quite old and its charge-holding capacity had significantly dropped, I realized it was time to replace the battery. However, I opted for an 11v battery instead, which increased the motor RPM and, consequently, the rate of fire.
A word of caution, though – the increased power output might place too much stress on the blaster gun’s components, potentially leading to breakage or damage. Upgrade the battery only if your blaster’s internal structure is robust enough.
Also Read: Gel Attachments and Accessories List
Other Ways To Improve The Efficiency Of A Splat Gun
Besides the above-mentioned ways to improve your toy gun’s performance, here are some additional ideas that you may try:
Install a hop-up. This simple attachment can increase the range of your splat gun and help improve your accuracy when shooting over longer distances.
Upgrade the O-ring by replacing it with a tighter one to reduce noise, improve air-tightness, and improve its overall sealing efficacy.
You may integrate the gun with a metal piston set to minimize wear and tear.
What Happens If You Make Your Orbeez Gun More Powerful?
The type of upgrade you opt for can significantly impact your Orbeez gun’s performance. You can choose the ones that enhance it’s power, shooting speed, or even both.
These tips can also offer additional benefits such as increased shooting range and improved durability. This overall improvement in your gun’s performance provides you with a distinct advantage over your opponents, giving you the upper hand on the battlefield.
However, it’s crucial to be aware that modifying a splatter gun can potentially lead to an increased risk of causing injuries. While upgrading a less powerful blaster is a logical choice, it’s important to note that for high-end models like the SRB1200, there exists a possibility that the gun could become excessively powerful, leading to shots that are too forceful.
It’s worth highlighting that gel blaster guns are primarily designed as safe toys for recreational use. Elevating the muzzle velocity significantly could result in injuries like bruises. For this reason, some countries and states in the US have strict rules and regulations on imitation guns including Orbeez guns.
Additionally, keep in mind that making modifications to your gun may void its warranty coverage. It’s advisable to consider pursuing improvements only if it is legal in your area and you’re ethically and comfortably willing to assume associated risks.
Precautions To Take Before You Modify The Shooting Speed Of A Gel Blaster
Now, before you rush to dismantle your gel ball gun and begin tinkering with it, here are a few words of advice. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to end up ruining the blaster (especially since you’d be voiding any warranty in the process) or causing injury to anyone. So, make sure to follow these precautions before you proceed.
Learn About The Internal Components
First, you must familiarize yourself with the inside of the gel blaster, like the back of your hand. Numerous YouTube videos showcase all the internal components and explain how those guns work.
Even if you can’t find a guide for the exact same splat gun model as yours, most of them operate in almost the same way. The last thing you want is to end up with a disassembled blaster that you have no idea how to reassemble.
Don’t Make It Overpowered
As I mentioned earlier, an overpowered splat gun can become dangerous and potentially result in injury. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend increasing the shooting speed beyond 250 FPS – even that should be more than enough.
It’s okay to experiment with different motors and batteries, as long as the law permits, to see how powerful you can make the gun just for fun. However, avoid shooting anyone with such a toy.
Make Sure The Gun Can Handle It
Integrating your Orbeez gun with a more powerful motor or battery can significantly increase wear and tear if the default components aren’t designed to handle the heightened power output.
Scale the improvements accordingly and consider replacing components like the gears and pistons with sturdier (possibly metal) alternatives to enhance their durability.
Be Careful With The Electronic Components
A splat gun might be considered a toy, but it’s still an electronic gadget and should be treated as such.
When working with electronic components, make sure to take precautionary measures like wearing rubber gloves. While a shock from a short-circuited motor won’t be fatal or overly dangerous, it can still be a bit uncomfortable.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
As you can see, the muzzle velocity of Orbeez guns, gel blasters, and splat guns is typically set at 250 FPS or below to enhance safety. But, there are plenty of ways to make your old toy shoot faster and bring it up to par (or at least close) with more powerful models.
I understand that not all the upgrades that I have recommended are simple – you may not be confident about replacing the motor or the battery pack by yourself if you aren’t accustomed to tinkering with electronics.
Well, you don’t have to – just follow the methods that you’re comfortable with. Feel free to experiment with different components and try out new ideas to improve your blaster’s performance.
