How Long Do Gel Balls Need To Soak?

It is a question that has been asked time and time again - how long do gel balls need to soak before you can start blasting with friends and family? And the answer is not quite as simple as you may assume. There are a few factors that come into play when it comes to how long your gel balls should soak. The type of gel ball, the size of the gel ball, the temperature of the water, and the amount of time you have are all key factors to consider. 

In this blog post, we will discuss those factors and help you determine the best soaking time for your next battle! Let’s start with a quick overview of why this isn’t something you should take lightly.

Does It Really Matter How Long Gel Balls Soak?

Gel blaster balls, also known as gellets, are tiny, spongy balls that are used as ammunition in a gel blaster. The Gel Blaster is a considerably new product that has quickly become the go-to on the market - and for good reason. Aside from dodging the safety issues often associated with airsoft and paintball, they are also more eco-friendly because of their biodegradability. This is something we covered in-depth in our discussion of “Are gel blaster balls biodegradable?”. 

But, does it really matter how long gel balls soak? Of course, the answer is a resounding yes.

It does matter how long gel balls soak, but the time required depends on your specific needs. In general, the time that you spend soaking your gel balls will have a direct correlation to their ability to absorb moisture. 

Want to learn more about how long gel blaster balls last in general and how to make gel blaster balls last longer? You will feel confident about all the pro tips by checking out the article we created for you! ! In the meantime, here’s what you can expect from not soaking your gel balls the proper amount of time.

What Happens If You Don’t Soak Gel Balls Long Enough?

If you don’t soak your gel balls long enough, they may not be as effective at absorbing moisture. In addition, they may not last as long as they would if they were properly soaked. Soaking them for too long can also be harmful, so it is important to find the right balance.

What Happens If You Soak Gel Balls Too Long?

Soaking gel balls for too long can be harmful in its own regard. If you soak them for too long, they may not absorb as much moisture. They also won’t last as long as they would when compared to the proper soaking time. It is important to find the right balance so that you get the most out of your gel balls!

So, How Long Do Gel Balls Need To Soak?

The answer to "how long do gel balls need to soak?" depends on your specific needs. If you are just looking to have gel balls that are functional enough, then a few hours long soak will suffice. If you want the gel balls to expand into their full size, then we suggest that you soak them at least for 4 hours. Remember, not giving enough time to hydrate the gel balls will affect the functioning of the gel blaster.

A few factors come into play when deciding how long to soak your gel balls and how to tell that the duration is enough for what you are trying to achieve.

One way to tell if your gel balls are absorbing moisture is to check their weight. They will be very light before putting them into the water. As they absorb moisture, they will become heavier. You can also test them by squeezing them. If they are wet, they will be soft.

There are five main elements to pay attention to when determining how much time you need for soaking your gel balls. 

The first factor is the type of gel ball you are using. If you are using super soft gel balls, then they will not need to soak for as long as harder gel balls. The reason for this is that softer gel balls are already quite absorbent and do not require as much time to expand and become fully saturated with water. Harder gel balls, on the other hand, need more time to absorb water and expand.

The second factor is the size of the gel balls. Smaller gel balls will not need to soak for as long as larger ones. This is because they have a larger surface area in relation to their volume. In the surface area to volume ratio, we are comparing the outside surface area of the gel ball to its internal volume. This means that they can absorb water faster and do not require as much time to expand.

The third factor is the temperature of the water you are using. Hotter water will cause the gel balls to expand faster than cold water. This is because hot water causes the polymer chains in the gel balls to uncoil and absorb water more quickly. Cold water, on the other hand, slows down this process and requires more time for the gel balls to expand fully.

The fourth factor to consider is what type of gel ball you are using. There are two main types of gel balls, clear and opaque. Clear gel balls tend to soak up water faster than opaque ones. This is because the clear gel balls have a higher surface area exposed to the water which allows them to absorb more water quicker.

The fifth and final factor is the amount of time you have. If you are short on time, then you can soak your gel balls for a shorter period of time. However, if you have more time, then you can soak them for longer. This will allow them to absorb more water and expand to their full size.

By following these simple tips, you can increase the lifespan of your gel balls and enjoy playing with your gel blaster without worry! Don’t forget to check out “What are gel blaster balls made of?” to cultivate in-depth knowledge for your hobby!

Other Tips To Help You Get The Most Out Of Your Gel Balls

In addition to soaking your gel balls for the right amount of time, there are a few other things you can do to help them absorb moisture and get the most out of them.

The first thing is to make sure that the water you are using is at the right temperature. We have shared how the warmer water will cause the gel balls to expand faster than cold water earlier. If you have the option, use warmer water to help them absorb moisture more quickly.

The second thing is to use enough water. Make sure that the gel balls are fully submerged in water. This will help them absorb as much moisture as possible.

The third thing is to stir the water occasionally. This will help distribute the moisture evenly throughout the gel balls.

The fourth thing is to give them time to absorb the moisture. Do not remove them from the water until they are fully expanded and saturated with water.

The fifth and final thing is to store them in a cool, dry place. This will help them retain their moisture and stay plump. Want to learn more about how to store gel balls? Then check out “How To Store Gel Balls Correctly: The Complete Guide” to ensure that your gel balls last in storage and are ready to join the play!

By following these tips, you can make sure that your gel balls are getting the most out of their soak. 

How Long Do Gel Balls Need To Soak? Wrapping Things Up

So, how long do gel balls need to be soaked in water? It really depends on what you plan on doing with them. Keep all of the factors we mentioned in mind and decide accordingly. If you want your gel balls to function in their full size and efficiency, then we suggest that you soak them for at least 4 hours in clean water. For best results, soak your gel balls overnight. Once your gel balls are ready, use a strainer or sieve to clean off the excess water before playing.

To sum it all up, the answer to the question is not as simple as it seems. A few factors come into play when deciding how long to soak your gel balls. The type of gel ball, the size of the gel ball, the temperature of the water, and the amount of time you have are all important factors to consider. With all of these factors in mind, you can decide how long to soak your gel balls based on your specific needs. 

Get all your gel balls online today and be prepared for your next battle with friends or family! Of course, we also have the #1 Gel Ball Blaster online. Our water gel blaster (Gel Blaster Surge) is the safest, most fun gel blaster on the planet. Experience why for yourself today!

We hope you enjoyed this blog post. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! We would be more than happy to help. Thank you for your time!