Gel blasters and Nerf foam blasters both shoot soft ammo, and both are fun in a backyard. They are very different to live with, though. This guide compares them on the things that decide the choice: who can use them, what ammo costs, how much mess they make and how hard they hit.
The short answer
- Mixed ages, birthday parties, anyone under 14: foam. Every Nerf Elite 2.0 blaster in our catalog is rated 8+.
- Teens and adults who want fast, cheap, splashy games: gel. The gel blasters in our catalog are rated 14+ by their makers.
- Teens who want a Nerf name: the Nerf Pro Gelfire line, which fires gel but carries a 14+ rating.
Side by side
| Foam (Nerf Elite 2.0) | Gel (Gel Blaster, SplatRBall, Nerf Pro Gelfire) | |
|---|---|---|
| Maker’s age rating | 8+ | 14+ |
| Ammo | reusable foam darts | soaked gel beads (gellets) that burst |
| Ammo cost per 1,000 (from refill packs we checked) | about $340 | about $0.50 to $0.90 |
| Power | hand-primed, no batteries on most | mostly electric, rechargeable |
| Claimed velocity | not published by Hasbro for Elite 2.0 | 150 to 240 fps claimed by makers |
| Feel of a hit | light tap | sting, then a splash |
| Mess | darts to collect | beads break up and dry |
| Eye protection | wear goggles | goggles required |
Ammo cost is the biggest practical difference. Darts are reusable, but they also get lost; gel beads are single-use and cheap. Every figure above comes from the maker’s or a retailer’s listing, linked on the product pages.
Foam: easy, forgiving, reusable
Foam blasters are simple. Most of the Elite 2.0 line needs no batteries, so there is nothing to charge and nothing to break. Darts can be reused, and a missed shot just lands on the grass. The best Nerf blasters for kids guide compares the models.
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- Nerf Elite 2.0 Commander RD-6: 6-dart rotating drum, no batteries.
- Nerf Elite 2.0 Shockwave RD-15: 15-dart drum with pump action.
- Nerf Ultra Select: motorized, two 10-dart clips.
Gel: fast, cheap, and for older players
Gel blasters shine in bigger, faster games, because the ammo costs almost nothing and electric models fire full auto. They are also harder to manage: you soak the gellets first, a hopper has to be loaded, and a battery has to be charged. Everyone needs eye protection. The what is a gel blaster guide explains how they work.
- Gel Blaster Surge 2.0: up to 175 fps claimed, 1,000-gellet magazine.
- SplatRBall SRB400-SUB: 400-round magazine, kit includes safety glasses.
- Nerf Pro Gelfire Uproar: Nerf-branded gel, 400-round hopper.
Nerf Pro Gelfire: foam brand, gel ammo
The Nerf Pro Gelfire blasters (Mythic, Uproar and Twist Shot) use gel beads, so they behave like gel blasters, and Hasbro rates them 14+. Do not buy them for a younger Nerf fan.
How to decide
- Check the youngest player’s age and the box rating.
- Count how many players and how long the game lasts: cheap ammo matters most in big games.
- Decide how much setup you want: foam is grab and go, gel needs soaking and charging.
- Whatever you choose, put goggles on everyone. For field rules, see the backyard war rules. Local rules vary; check yours before you buy or play.
Frequently asked questions
Is gel safer than foam? No. Foam is the gentler option and is rated for younger players. Gel stings more, which is why the makers rate it 14+.
Which is cheaper to play with? Gel ammo is far cheaper per 1,000 rounds, but the blasters usually cost more up front and need charging.
Can I mix them in one game? Not with a mixed-age group. Keep everyone on the same ammo type and the age rating of the youngest player.
Which is better for a birthday party? Foam, for the ages and the simplicity. See the birthday party ideas guide.