Both sports are incredibly awesome, and very similar, but not many of us have the free time available to play both of these extreme sports. So is paintball better than airsoft?
Fortunately both airsoft and paintball have something unique to bring to the table. The sport you will enjoy the most depends on what you are looking for. But most people prefer paintball, and for good reason.
Airsoft
Airsoft is more realistic than paintball by a wide margin. Airsoft can be played as a sport, but is mainly a medium for the representation of real life combat. The military often uses quality airsoft guns to renact or role play combat techniques. The police force also uses airsoft guns to train new recruits. Of course, the extreme sport enthusiast can also play airsoft for fun. Airsoft guns fire at a ridiculously high fire rate. And top end guns can reach 500 fps. Which is absolutely insane in comparison to paintball. The advantage of a fire rate well above the extreme sport norm is better accuracy. Airsoft ammunition (bb's) will land exactly where you point your barrel. Even in windy environments. These guns are awesome to use for target practice. You can also use airsoft guns to play against other humans, however, only the bravest of us will be able to handle the pain of airsoft.
Many of you will ignore my warning, but trust me, this sport hurts. Of the many of us who have attempted to play airsoft, few have continued to play airsoft...
Paintball
Paintball is the true sport of the two. If you want to do more than target practice, then paintball is your game. The downside of paintball is that the guns do not mimic real life guns. However, paintball guns are also used in the police force. The policeforce uses paintball guns instead of airsoft guns to counter rioting. Which is evidence of airsoft's pain right there. The fact that police will not use airsoft guns to deter rioters proves that airsoft is way too painful. Most people find that the policeforce is way to harsh against rioters and inflict too much pain, and yet they refuse to use airsoft guns because they are too painfull... that should answer your question about which sport hurts the most.
Paintballs leave a mark on your opponent. Airsoft bb's leave absolutely no trace whatsoever. How can airsoft be considered a sport when there is no way to determine a winner.
Paintball fields are more common, and they are better designed. If you want to have a good time with your buddies or make new friends, paintball fields are an awesome venue.
Conclusion
Paintball is the better sport by far. The only argument an airsoft player could make is that there guns are more realistic. But first of all, there are realistic paintball guns. Sure they are rare, but there is such a thing. And mainly, realism should not even be a factor of the quality of a sport. If I collected guns as a hobby, then I would definitely consider airsoft. But as a sport, paintball is the most viable. Paintball is a sport that can actually be judged and moderated, and is more accessible to the general public.
Airsoft vs paintball? Paintball all the way!
