Electric vs Gas CO2 vs Manual Gel Blasters: Which Type Should You Run in 2025?

Gel blasters in Australia have been levelling up year after year, and 2025 is shaping up to be huge. New tech, smarter builds, and a booming CQB scene mean players are getting picky about what they’re packing. Whether you’re stepping into your first skirmish, refreshing your loadout, or chasing something with real punch, choosing the right type of gel blaster matters more than ever.

And let’s be honest. With electric, gas CO2, and manual pistols all bringing their own flavour to the field, it can feel like choosing between speed, power, and good old-fashioned simplicity. So we’re breaking down exactly what each blaster type does best, who it’s for, and how they stack up head-to-head.

Let’s get into it.


Quick Comparison: Electric vs Gas CO2 vs Manual

Feature Electric Gel Blaster Gas CO2 Gel Blaster Manual Gel Pistol
Power Output Moderate & consistent High & realistic Low to moderate
Firing Rate Fast, full-auto options Fast semi-auto Single-shot
Maintenance Moderate High Minimal
Cost of Ownership Low ongoing Higher ongoing Lowest
Durability Good Very good (metal internals common) Simple and sturdy
Skill Level Beginner friendly Intermediate to advanced Anyone
Realism Moderate High Low
Ideal Use Case CQB, casual play, rapid fire Competitive play, realism, accuracy Backyard, budget, beginners


Electric Gel Blasters: Smooth Cycling and Easy Wins

Electric gel blasters have long been the go-to choice for beginners and CQB addicts who crave a mix of speed, consistency, and low-maintenance fun. They’re powered by rechargeable batteries and run electric motors for rapid cycling.

Why players love them

  • Consistent fire rate and smooth performance

  • Great for full-auto gameplay

  • Easy to operate straight out of the box

  • Affordable and perfect for casual weekend warriors

Electric blasters aren’t about maximum realism or the heaviest kick. What they are about is reliable performance in tight spaces, rapid movement, and uninterrupted spray. Charge up, load up, run the field. Simple.

Ideal For

  • First-time players

  • CQB matches

  • Faster, more aggressive playstyles

  • Anyone who wants minimal fuss and maximum uptime



Gas CO2 Gel Blasters: High Power, Heavy Realism, Serious Impact

If you’ve played even a handful of matches lately, you’ll know gas CO2 pistols are having a serious moment. The realism is unmatched, the recoil is sharp, and the builds are frankly gorgeous. These blasters deliver that satisfying blowback snap you simply won’t get from electric or manual guns.

Why players are obsessed

  • Strong recoil and realistic cycling

  • High FPS performance for competitive play

  • Metal internals that feel incredible in hand

  • Fast follow-up shots and tight accuracy

  • Huge aftermarket upgrade potential

Gas blasters are where build quality, tactical feedback, and pro-level performance meet. They aren’t the cheapest, and they do ask for a bit more from their owner, but the payoff is next-level.

Ideal For

  • Competitive and accuracy-focused players

  • Realism lovers

  • Advanced players who enjoy tinkering

  • Anyone who wants that punchy, responsive feel



Manual Gel Pistols: Simple, Cheap, Fun

Manual pistols are exactly what they sound like: spring-powered, no batteries, no gas, no headaches. These are the classic pump-or-pull shooters you can throw into a backpack, hand to the kids, or use as a backup.

Why they still have a place

  • Zero ongoing costs

  • Lightweight and durable

  • Incredibly easy to use

  • Lowest maintenance category by far

Sure, you’re not going to walk into a CQB arena and dominate with a manual pistol. But for backyard battles, casual plinking, or ultra-budget play, they deliver simple, stress-free fun.

Ideal For

  • Kids and beginners

  • Backyard play

  • Low-budget loadouts

  • Players who want a no-maintenance backup



Electric vs Gas CO2 vs Manual: The Full Breakdown

Power and FPS

Gas CO2 takes the crown here with the hardest hit and highest realism. Electric delivers steady, predictable power. Manual sits in the lightweight division.

Rate of Fire

Electric easily wins for raw fire speed, especially full-auto rifles and SMGs. Gas pistols provide fast, crisp semi-auto shots. Manuals are single-shot only.

Maintenance

Gas requires attention. O-rings, lubrication, seals, CO2 cartridges.
Electric needs battery care and occasional internal tuning.
Manual requires… well, almost nothing.

Cost of Ownership

Manual is the cheapest overall.
Electric is affordable long-term.
Gas CO2 can add up with ongoing cartridge or green gas costs.

Ease of Use

Electric wins for simplicity.
Manual is extremely beginner friendly.
Gas takes a bit of practice and respect.

Gameplay Style

  • Electric: CQB speed, aggressive pushes, high ROF.

  • Gas: Accuracy, realism, competitive performance.

  • Manual: Casual play, no-frills fun.


So Which Type Should You Choose?

If you’re choosing your first blaster:
Electric is smooth, forgiving, and perfect for new players.

If you want the most realistic, powerful, and satisfying shot:
Gas CO2 is the category you want.

If you just want simple, cheap fun:
Manual pistols will do the trick.

Each type has its place, and each one plays a different role on the battlefield. The right choice depends entirely on how you like to move, shoot, and push through the game.


Best Gel Blasters in 2025 by Category

Best Electric Picks

Reliable performers with excellent ROF, perfect for CQB.

Best Gas CO2 Picks

Top-tier power, premium builds, and competitive accuracy.

Best Manual Pistols

Simple, sturdy, and great for casual shooting.

Explore the full range at Gel Ball Undercover and build your loadout with Australia’s best selection of electric, gas, and manual gel blasters. Whether you’re chasing realism, raw speed, or pure fun, you’ll find exactly what belongs in your rig.