How Do Airsoft Grenades Work? | Ehobby Guide

An airsoft pyrotechnic grenade 

What Are Airsoft Grenades?

Airsoft grenades are specialized devices designed to simulate the effect of a real grenade in airsoft games. These devices typically use compressed gas or springs to propel a burst of small plastic pellets in all directions, simulating the explosive blast of a real grenade.

Airsoft grenades come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most are designed to be thrown or launched by hand towards enemy positions. Some airsoft grenades are designed to be used in specific scenarios, such as clearing out a room or taking out a group of enemies in a confined space.

Airsoft grenades can be a useful tool in airsoft games, as they can help to clear out enemy positions or create a diversion to draw enemy fire away from your team. However, they can also be dangerous if used improperly or if they hit a player at close range. It is important to follow the rules and safety guidelines of the game when using airsoft grenades, and to wear appropriate protective gear to minimize the risk of injury.

Three Types of Airsoft Grenades

There are three main types of airsoft grenades: gas-powered grenades, spring powered grenades and pyrotechnic grenades.

Airsoft Gas Grenades

Airsoft gas grenades are a type of airsoft grenade that uses compressed gas, such as propane or green gas, to create a loud noise and/or a cloud of BB pellets. These grenades are typically reusable and can be refilled with gas after use.

Gas-powered grenades usually have a small reservoir or chamber that holds the gas, and a trigger mechanism that releases the gas when the grenade is thrown or activated. Some gas grenades also have a timer or delay mechanism that causes the grenade to explode after a set amount of time.

Airsoft gas grenades can be very effective in airsoft games, as they can create a realistic explosion-like effect that can intimidate and disorient opposing players. They can also be used to clear out rooms or other confined spaces by creating a cloud of BB pellets that can hit multiple targets at once. However, gas grenades can be expensive to purchase and maintain, and the cost of gas refills can add up over time. Additionally, some airsoft fields may have restrictions on the use of gas-powered grenades due to safety concerns.

Airsoft Pyrotechnic Grenades

Airsoft pyrotechnic grenades are specialized devices that use pyrotechnic charges to simulate the effect of a real grenade in airsoft games. These grenades typically use a small explosive charge to create a loud bang and a bright flash of light, simulating the explosive blast of a real grenade.

Pyrotechnic grenades can add an extra level of realism to airsoft games, as their loud bang and bright flash can create a sense of urgency and excitement on the field. However, they can also be dangerous if used improperly or if they hit a player at close range.

Blank firing airsoft grenades, also known as blank firing impact grenades, are a type of pyrotechnic airsoft grenade that simulates a loud and powerful explosion without actually firing any BBs or other projectiles. These grenades use a blank cartridge as the propellant to create a loud noise and a burst of air pressure when detonated.

It's important to note that blank firing airsoft grenades are primarily used for their visual and auditory effect rather than causing physical harm. They do not fire any BBs or other projectiles, so they are safe to use in airsoft gameplay as long as proper safety measures are followed.

It is important to note that the use of pyrotechnic grenades may be restricted or prohibited in some airsoft fields or jurisdictions due to safety and legal concerns. If you are considering using pyrotechnic grenades in your airsoft games, it is important to check the rules and regulations of the game and to follow all safety guidelines.

When using pyrotechnic grenades, it is important to wear appropriate protective gear, such as eye and ear protection, and to follow the instructions provided with the device carefully. It is also important to use pyrotechnic grenades responsibly and to only use them in appropriate situations, such as clearing out a room or taking out a group of enemies in a confined space.

Airsoft Spring Grenades

Airsoft spring-powered grenades use a coiled spring to create the energy needed to create a loud noise and/or a cloud of BB pellets. The spring is compressed when the grenade is cocked, and is released when the grenade is thrown or activated. Spring-powered grenades are typically less expensive than gas-powered grenades, but are also less powerful and have a shorter range. They can be used multiple times as long as the spring mechanism is reset after being filled with BBs.

Here's how a typical spring grenade works:

1. Loading: To load a spring grenade, you need to first compress the internal spring. This is usually done by pulling back a plunger or a pin on the grenade body until it locks into place.
2. Filling: After the spring is compressed, you can usually access the internal chamber of the grenade. This chamber is where you'll place the BB pellets or some other type of payload, such as powder or confetti.
3. Priming: Once the payload is loaded, you'll need to prime the grenade. This can be done by pulling a pin, rotating a lever, or engaging some other type of mechanism. The priming action sets the grenade in an armed state, ready to be triggered.
4. Triggering: When you want to deploy the grenade, you'll need to activate the trigger mechanism. This can involve releasing the safety pin or pressing a button, depending on the design of the specific spring grenade model. Once triggered, the internal spring rapidly decompresses, propelling the BBs or payload in a dispersal pattern.
5. Effects: The dispersal pattern and range of a spring grenade can vary depending on the design and power of the spring mechanism. Some models may disperse the BBs in a wide area, simulating a fragmentation effect, while others may focus the energy in a specific direction, simulating a directional blast.

Airsoft spring grenades tend not to be restricted on sites as their low power and lack of propellant like gas or gunpowder makes them extremely safe for use.

Are Airsoft Grenades Reusable?

It depends on the type of airsoft grenade. Some airsoft grenades are reusable, while others are designed for single-use only.

Gas-powered grenades are usually reusable and can be refilled with gas after use. These grenades typically have a small reservoir or chamber that holds the gas, and a trigger mechanism that releases the gas when the grenade is thrown or activated. Once the gas has been expended, the grenade can be refilled with gas and used again.

Spring powered grenades can be used multiple times as long as the spring mechanism is reset after being filled with BBs. However they do require quite a significant amount of reassembly in order to reset them to a usable state that might not be logistically feasible in the middle of a game.

On the other hand, pyrotechnic-powered grenades are usually designed for single-use only. These grenades use pyrotechnic charges to simulate the effect of a real grenade in airsoft games. These grenades typically use a small explosive charge to create a loud bang and a bright flash of light, which will result in the physical destruction of the grenade

Final Thoughts

Airsoft grenades can be a fun and exciting addition to airsoft games, as they can create a more realistic and immersive experience for players.

It's important to carefully read and follow the instructions for any airsoft grenade, and to always use them safely and responsibly. Check with your airsoft field or venue to ensure that the use of airsoft grenades is allowed, and always wear proper protective equipment when using them.