Airsoft BBs are an essential component of any airsoft game, and choosing the right BBs can greatly impact the performance and accuracy of your airsoft gun. When looking for the best airsoft BBs, there are several key features to consider, including weight, size, material, and consistency.
Weight: The weight of airsoft BBs is measured in grams, and the most common weights are 0.25g through .48g. Lighter BBs, such as 0.25g-.28g, are generally used in low-powered airsoft guns and are best for close-range engagements. Heavier BBs, those ranging from .36g to .48g, are better for high-powered airsoft guns and provide greater accuracy and longer range. It's important to choose the right weight for your airsoft gun, as using BBs that are too heavy or too light can affect performance and accuracy.
When deciding on the weight of BBs, it's important to consider the energy (joule) or FPS of your airsoft gun. Our general recommendation is to use .25-.28g BBs for for guns with a joule value under 1J ( <330 FPS with a .2g BB) , 0.30-.32g BBs for guns with a joule value between 1J and 1.5J (330-400 FPS with a .2g BB), and .36-.48g BBs for DMRs and Snipers with a joule value above 1.5J (400+ FPS with a .2g BB).
In General, you will get more range and accuracy out of your airsoft gun by shooting the heaviest ammo you can afford (presuming your gun has a hop-up capable of putting enough hop or spin on said ammo). The tradeoff to increased range and accuracy is that the heavier weight BBs will travel slower (at a lower FPS) and will thus travel at a slower speed to your target. This can make hitting moving targets more challenging at longer ranges.
Size: Airsoft guns typically take either 6mm or 8mm BBs. The vast majority of airsoft guns use 6mm BBs, which are the standard size and provide the best balance between accuracy, cost, and power.
Material: Airsoft BBs can be made from different materials, including plastic, biodegradable plastic, metallic compounds, and ceramic. Plastic BBs are the most common and provide a good balance between affordability and performance. Biodegradable BBs are environmentally friendly and break down quickly, making them ideal for outdoor games. Ceramic BBs are by far the most expensive, but they provide the best accuracy and performance. While metal airsoft BBs do exist, they aren't allowed at most fields, and also run a much higher risk of scratching your airsoft guns inner barrel. We do not recommend you use metal BBs in your airsoft gun. The material of the BBs you choose will depend on the restrictions your field has, as well as your personal preferences.
Consistency: A good airsoft BB should be consistent in terms of weight, shape, and performance. Inconsistent BBs can affect the accuracy and performance of your airsoft gun, and can also lead to jams and other malfunctions. It's important to choose a brand that is known for producing consistent BBs, and to read reviews from multiple sources before making a purchase. When looking for consistent BBs, look for brands that use high-quality materials and advanced manufacturing processes to ensure that their BBs are consistent in terms of weight, shape, and performance.
Color: Airsoft BBs come in a variety of colors, including white, grey, black, yellow, green, red, and blue. White BBs are the most common and are suitable for most airsoft games. They are easy to see in all lighting conditions, making them a popular choice among airsoft players. While other color BBs may be cheaper, the visibility of white or off white ammo makes it a strong preference for most players.
Tracer BBs: Tracer BBs are a special type of airsoft BB that leave a glowing trail when fired. This makes them easy to track in low-light conditions, such as night games or in indoor scenarios, and are popular for use in tracer unit-equipped airsoft guns.
Tracer units contain a small LED light and battery, which illuminates the BBs as they are fired from the gun. This allows players to see the trajectory of their shots, making it easier to adjust their aim and improve accuracy.
It's important to note that tracer BBs are only benefitted from airsoft guns that have a tracer unit installed. Tracer BBs fired from a regular airsoft gun without a tracer unit will behave just like non-tracer BBs.
Tracer BBs are typically more expensive than regular airsoft ammo and come in two colors: green and red. The choice of color is a personal preference, and the color you choose will depend on your own needs and the capability of your tracer unit, as some can only illuminate green.
In conclusion, choosing the right airsoft ammo is an important decision that can greatly impact your airsoft experience. When looking for the best BBs, consider the weight, size, material, and consistency to ensure that you get the performance and accuracy that you need. Take into account the power of your airsoft gun, as well as the type of airsoft game you are playing, to determine which BBs will work best for you. By considering these key features, you can find the perfect BBs to enhance your airsoft experience.