Disclaimer: We were sent the Gel Blaster SURGE blasters to review free of charge, but words and pictures are mine. This post may contain affiliate links, see more information here.
As you might have seen, should you be on social media, it was recently the fourth anniversary of Pimty Tare. This also happens to be my son’s birthday, and this year he turned eight years old. Fortunately we were sent a pair of new Gel Blaster SURGE guns to review, just in time for birthday celebrations. And what a welcome gift they were.
What kid doesn’t like a gift that they’re supposed to be too young to play with?
What are Gel Blaster SURGE guns?
Gel Blaster SURGE guns are guns that shoot water-based pellets (called ‘Gellets’). The Gellets burst on impact and then biodegrade, meaning no mess is left behind. They can be used for shooting targets or indeed each other, as long as you’re old enough to be sensible and eye protection is worn.
The Gel Blaster SURGE guns have two blast modes; individual (semi automatic) which fires out one Gellet with each trigger pull, and rapid fire (automatic) which fire out 8 Gellets per second when the trigger is pulled.
Are Gel Blaster guns safe and legal?
Before I start the review, I want to make sure we’re on the same page with this one. Used properly, Gel Blaster SURGE guns are safe and fun. They encourage kids to play outside and they’re not harmful to the environment.
Gel Blaster guns are designed to be safer and less painful than, say, BB guns or airsoft guns as the pellets burst on impact with the target. That’s not to say that you should shoot people at close range, particularly those who don’t want to play, however they are unlikely to cause injury.
Gel Blaster Surge guns are designed for adults and older children aged 14+.
If your children are younger – like mine are – then you absolutely MUST supervise them carefully as there is a risk of injury if safety instructions are not adhered to. Don’t allow them to shoot at each other or there could be tears. I would advise against allowing them to use the ‘automatic’ blast mode too. Our Gel Blaster SURGE guns live locked in the office, and are only used when we’re all around to play.
You may have heard that gel blaster guns such as the Gel Blaster SURGE are illegal in most of Australia. However, they are legal in the UK when used on private property. This is super important. PLEASE, do not allow your child to use their Gel Blaster SURGE gun off of your property or to use them to engage in anti-social behaviour. There are reports of teenagers being arrested after using gel pellet guns in public.
Gel pellet guns are, I can confirm, great fun WHEN USED RESPONSIBLY for target shooting; don’t let your kid ruin it.
What’s in the box?
Inside the box is a the Gel Blaster SURGE gun with a plastic hopper filled with 800 lime green Gellets ready to go, as well as a packet containing 10,000 more dehydrated Gellets which should last you a while! You can also buy more, should they run out.
There is a USB charger in the box as the guns need to be charged up before use (they are rechargeable), some goggles to keep your eyes safe during battle, and a baffler/barrel which can reduce the velocity of the Gellets from 170 feet per second to 90 feet per second.
What are Gellets?
Gellets are tiny little beads which you leave in water and hydrate to many times their size. You might know similar products as water beads or Orbeez. Once fully hydrated, you fill the hopper on the top of the Gel Blaster SURGE gun with up to 800 Gellets and they’re ready to shoot.
Safely using the Gel Blaster SURGE
Although older teenagers and adults might like to shoot each other (it’s a lot less painful than paintballing!) for those of us that don’t like to be bruised, shooting at targets is great fun.
The guns are easy to discharge; simply grip it with one hand at the front, and press the trigger with the other. My two (aged 8 and 9) had no problem shooting them in the direction they wanted to.
We set up a wall of Pokemon to shoot at and took it in turns to see who could knock the most plastic figures off.
The kids really enjoy playing with the Gel Blaster SURGEs.
The batteries have lasted two full rounds at this point without having to be recharged. We have not experienced any Gellets getting stuck, and hydrating the gel pellets and refilling the hopper is all really easy to do. They’re easy to use and if you have outside space to use them in, safe too.
How much and where to buy
The Gel Blaster SURGE gun is available from Currys with an RRP of £60.00
