Why Are My Gel Balls Breaking?

One of the most common questions we get is, why are my gel balls breaking? There is nothing worse than lining up an opponent and pulling the trigger - only to discover a runny trail of gel seeping out your Gel Blaster barrel. While there can be a few different reasons for this, today we're going to focus on one of the most common causes: improper storage. 

You see, gel balls are made of a delicate material that can easily be damaged if they're not stored correctly. If you leave your gel balls out in the sun or in a warm room, they'll start to break down and become less bouncy. And if you store them in a cold environment, they can become brittle and break easily. So if you want your gel balls to perform when it’s time to pull the trigger, make sure to store them in a cool, dry place. 

But as you’ll soon discover - improper storage isn’t the only cause of premature gel ball failure.

So, what causes gellets to rupture before they’ve even been shot? Let's take a closer look at the science of gel balls to find out.

First Things First - What do We Mean When We Talk About Gel Balls Breaking?

We’re not talking about them exploding on impact - we’re talking about them breaking inside the blaster when you’re trying to fire the blaster - or, breaking within the hopper, or breaking while you try to load. They’re supposed to break upon impact - when they break other times, that’s a problem.

Gel balls are actually made up of 100% biodegradable, non-toxic, super absorbent polymer water beads. When these beads are combined with water, they form a jelly-like substance. 

The addition of heat causes the balls to denature, or unravel, which gives them unique elastic properties. However, if the gel balls are heated too quickly or too aggressively, they can break apart completely, resulting in the gel from the ball leaking out your gun barrel when you pull the trigger.

So, why are my gel balls breaking? Let’s explain the main culprits.

So, Why Are My Gel Balls Breaking?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to gel balls breaking. As we explained in the outlook, the cause can be as simple as improper storage or preparation. It could also be the result of buying cheap, low-quality gellets in the first place. We’re going to list some of the most likely causes down below:

They’re Old & Weak

Why are my gel balls breaking, you ask? It's possible that your gel balls are just old and have been stored too long. If you’ve had your gel balls in storage for years, and find that many of them are breaking prematurely, it’s probably time to ditch them. Next time, buy a lower quantity so that you use all your stock before they expire.

They Weren’t Prepared Properly

Another cause of gel balls breaking prematurely? They weren't prepared properly. Gel balls are made up of sodium polyacrylate, which is a type of super absorbent polymer. When water and sodium polyacrylate are combined, they create a gel-like substance that can absorb hundreds of times its own weight in water. 

However, if the gel balls are not prepared correctly, the sodium polyacrylate will not be able to form properly and the gel balls will break apart easily. So, if you're wondering why your gel balls are breaking, it's probably because you didn't follow the instructions on how to prepare them correctly. Luckily, it's easy to fix this problem - just make sure that you follow the instructions carefully and you'll be able to enjoy your gel balls for a long time to come. Our guide on how long gel balls need to soak is a great resource for this.

You’re Using Cheap, Low-Quality Gel Balls

One of the important factors to consider is the quality of the gel balls. If you're using cheap gel balls, they might not be as durable as higher-quality ones. If this is the cause of your gel balls breaking, there are a few things you can do. 

First, ditch the cheap alternatives and start using high-quality gel balls from the #1 provider online, Gel Blaster. Second, store them properly to keep them from drying out. Follow our comprehensive guide on gel ball storage for more information. And finally, avoid playing with them in cold weather. With a little care, you can keep your gel balls in good condition for a long time. 

There’s a Jam in Your Blaster

Additionally, there might be a jam in your blaster. The reason is simple: your gun isn't clean. When gel balls are fired, the hot air and friction cause them to break down and release their contents. If there is any dirt or debris in your blaster, it will act as an abrasive and cause the gel balls to break down prematurely before they actually leave your blaster's barrel.

In addition, if your blaster is not properly lubricated, the gel balls will not be able to slide smoothly down the barrel and will also break down prematurely. The solution is simple: keep your blaster clean and well-lubricated, and you'll have no problems with gel ball breakage.

You’re Being too Aggressive Loading the Gel Balls

Another potential answer is that you're being too aggressive in loading the gel balls. We get it, you're excited to start your game of war or capture the flag, but if you're not careful, you'll end up with a mess and no one wants that. 

So, take it easy when you're loading up your blaster with those little balls of joy. Soak your gel balls long enough prior to loading them and follow the tips we mentioned earlier on how long gel balls need to soak. Trust me, your game will be a lot more fun if you can get your weapon working properly!

How to Prevent Your Gel Balls From Breaking Before You Have the Chance to Shoot Them

We know how tempting it is to just fill up your gun and start shooting as soon as the gel balls arrive at your door. But if you want your gel balls to last, it's important to be patient and let them fully expand before you start using them. 

Here are steps to prevent your gel balls from breaking before you have the chance to shoot them:

Store & Prepare Them Correctly & Carefully

Gel balls are made of a high-performance polymer that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but they're not indestructible. In order to ensure that your gel balls last as long as possible, it's important to take a few simple precautions when preparing them for use. 

First, make sure that the water you're using is clean and free of contaminants. Second, don't over-soak the gel balls; this can put too much strain on the material and cause them to break. Third, keep your weapon clean. You may need to clean the barrel with a soft brush to remove any residual gel from your last battle. Once you've cleared the jam, your gun should be back to normal operation.

Finally, don't store the gel balls in direct sunlight; the heat can cause the material to degrade over time. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure your gel balls last for many hours of fun.

Use Them Before They Expire

Gel balls are made with a substance that hardens over time. The longer they sit on the shelf, the harder they become. And once they reach a certain level of hardness, they're more likely to break when you try to use them. 

So if you want to get the most out of your gel balls, use them as soon as you can and pay attention to the factors that make gel balls last longer. That way, you'll avoid the risk of them breaking and you'll be able to enjoy their full potential.

Buy Quality Gel Balls at Gel Blaster

Anyone who uses gel blasters knows that one of the most frustrating things is when your gel balls break before you even get to shoot them. The most common reason is using low-quality gel balls. 

If you're sick of having your fun cut short by broken gel balls, then head on over to Gel Blaster and pick up the best of the best! Not only will they last longer, but they'll also shoot farther and harder, giving you the edge in any battle. Our gel balls are the #1 choice online. If you want authentic, strong, and high-quality gel balls, stick with us.

Final Thoughts on Gel Balls Breaking

Are your gel balls constantly breaking? It's a common problem - but there's no need to despair! The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to prevent your gel balls from breaking.

The first step is to make sure you're buying quality gel balls. There are a lot of cheap, poorly-made gel balls on the market, and these are more likely to break than quality gel balls. So stick with Gel Blaster for all your gel ball needs. 

The second step is to store your gel balls correctly. Gel balls should be stored in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. If they get too warm, they can become soft and break easily. Likewise, if they get too cold, they can become brittle and break easily. So find a cool, dry place to store your gel balls, and they'll last longer. Finally, make sure you're handling your gel balls carefully. Follow these simple steps, and you'll find that your gel balls will last longer and provide hours of fun!

For all your Gel Ball Shooter needs, visit our site today. Get the #1 Orbeez Blaster and see why more and more people prefer ours to the alternatives!