Orbeez balls, popularly known as water beads, gel blaster balls, or splatter balls, are quite fun to play with. For us grownups, they mostly serve as ammunition for Orbeez Guns and Gel Blasters. They’re also suitable for a myriad range of purposes like decorations, art, and even therapeutic purposes.
In case you’re experimenting with these soft and squishy polymer balls, you might wonder how big they grow and if you can find them in different sizes.
Well, not only do they come in multiple sizes, but you may adjust the growing conditions to make them larger or smaller. I myself love experimenting with Orbeez and decided to come up with this article to dispel your queries on this matter.
Do Orbeez Come In Different Sizes?
Thankfully, yes – Orbeez beads are available in several sizes. Especially if you’re planning to use them for decoration or artwork purposes, you can add variety by using differently-sized water beads from small to full size. Let’s check out exactly how big those gel blaster balls are:
Orbeez Size Comparison
| Size | Dry Diameter | Wet Diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 1-2 mm | 4-6 mm |
| Medium | 2-3 mm | 6-12 mm |
| Large | 3-4 mm | 12-20 mm |
| Extra Large | 4-6 mm | 20-30 mm |
| Super Large (maximum) | 6-7 mm | 30-35 mm |
The super large Orbeez might be a little harder to find as not all manufacturers make them. You should also note that most top-quality gel blasters use wet gel balls of 6-8 mm diameter. You may experiment with different sizes, but smaller sizes won’t shoot properly and larger sizes can cause jamming.
So, if you aren’t sure, buy a small pack to try first, or just stick to the size of the gel blaster ammo originally provided by the manufacturer.
What Factors Decide The Size Of Gel Blaster Balls?
The size of an Orbeez or gel ball after soaking in water depends on several factors, which include:
- The Dry Size: As I mentioned above, these gel balls are available in different sizes with dry conditions. The bigger they are, the larger they will grow when hydrated.
- Water Purity: The purity of the water has an impact on the size of the Orbeez too. The cleaner the water, the larger they would grow.
- Temperature: Regarding the condition of the water, you should also keep the temperature in mind. Warmer water at 100°F and 110°F makes gel blaster balls grow bigger in size.
- Duration: As they soak more water, Orbeez will continue to grow. However, they’ll stop growing once they reach their maximum size, which usually takes around four to six hours, after which, you should store them in a concealed container.
How To Make Water Beads Bigger In Size Than Normal?
In case you’re trying to figure out how to make Orbeez maximum in size, you’re far from alone. I’m sure anyone who loves playing with Orbeez has wondered the same, and so have I. So anyway, I was trying out different tricks to see what works and what doesn’t. Here are some of the ways you can make it happen:
1. Soak Them For Longer
This is the simplest solution – just let the gel balls soak in water for longer. Allowing them to absorb more water would make them full size, since the expansion takes place entirely due to the infusion of water molecules. You may leave them in the water for 16 to 24 hours to get the desired results, but keep in mind that the Orbeez will also grow much softer than usual and can break apart easily.
2. Using Warm Water
This is a quicker solution that both makes the Orbeez grow larger and gets it done quicker than usual. Warm water speeds up the chemical process and expands the polymer material, allowing it to absorb water quickly. However, don’t use hot water – that would cause the Orbeez to melt and deform. Instead, use warm water (neither too hot nor too cold) to grow Orbeez faster.
3. Soaking In Clean Water
As I mentioned, the size of the Orbeez also depends on the purity of the water they are soaked in. Distilled water gives the best results, but I know that’s not easy to obtain. Here’s something you can do – boil the water and let it cool down to a warm temperature before soaking the gel ball bullets.
Keep in mind that bigger Orbeez balls aren’t necessarily better. The larger they grow, the softer they become. While hardened water beads can hurt too much, softer balls are prone to breaking apart and are fun to play with.
Detailed Guide: 8 Ways To Make Orbeez Grow Bigger And Faster
To sum up, you can buy gel blaster balls of different sizes or even make the regular ones grow bigger than usual. If you plan to shoot them using gel blasters, you can’t afford to compromise on their integrity. I hope you found this helpful and will enjoy experimenting with Orbeez of various sizes.
Hi Tavish, I see that you recommend using 6-8 mm gellets for gel blasters. However, the manufacturer of my blaster instructs to use 7.5 mm gel balls. What do you think about it? Is it okay?
Hello Eddy. Yes, most manufacturer recommends 7.5 mm gel balls, which is absolutely correct. However, the specification varies from brand to brand, which lies in the range of 6 to 8 mm. I hope this helps you!
So let’s say I’m NOT using them for the gun (I wish), but I’ve recently had an epiphany, and I’m really hoping I’m correct. To get them to: 1. stay VERY small, 2. hold a concentrated ‘liquid’ or EO, and 3. be somewhat brittle or ‘poppable’… What would you recommend? Any advice?
Hello Nelda
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your intriguing thoughts on the potential use of Orbeez balls. It’s always exciting to explore creative ideas beyond their conventional applications.
In response to your query, if you’re looking for Orbeez balls that meet your specific criteria, I’d recommend considering a few key factors. Firstly, for achieving a very small size, you might want to explore the mini Orbeez balls, which are designed to be smaller than the standard ones, offering more versatility in various projects.
Regarding holding a concentrated liquid or essential oil, you might want to experiment with the different types of Orbeez to find the one with the ideal absorption capacity for your specific liquid or oil. Some Orbeez variants are engineered to absorb water or other liquids effectively, and experimenting with different types could help you find the one that best suits your needs.
Additionally, to achieve a somewhat brittle or “poppable” effect, you might consider altering the hydration level of the Orbeez or explore variations that are naturally more delicate. However, it’s crucial to handle them with care to ensure they meet your desired effect without causing any unintended damage.
I encourage you to explore various options available in the market and perhaps conduct some small-scale experiments to find the best fit for your unique project. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
The news is talking about water beads growing to the size of tennis balls in kids’ stomachs, and apparently, some young kids have died from them. Are the 7.5mm gel blaster beads different from those? I just bought my kid 2 gel blasters. Please advise.
The news about water beads that kids were accidentally consuming usually involves those used in sensory play or other recreational activities. Typically, the beads employed in such activities measure 9-12 mm in size. The larger beads, as you mentioned, are akin to tennis balls and are even more popular.
However, the ammo used in gel blasters does not exceed 7.5 mm in size. Nevertheless, this doesn’t mean that kids can’t ingest them. When purchasing a gel blaster, it’s crucial to check the minimum age requirements for that specific blaster. Additionally, I highly recommend briefing your child on safety practices, potential dangers, and maintaining parental supervision.