Gel blasters have become a popular alternative to paintball and airsoft over the past few years, and it’s easy to see why. It can be a lot more enjoyable and exciting, and it doesn’t take too much to get started with it. You even have eco-friendly gel balls if you want to be sustainable.
But, this begs the question of charging your gel blaster so you can keep using it. You’ll have plenty of options for this, but a USB charger could be the best option for you. It’s worth looking into why that’s the case, and what the best approach to doing this is.
Why Use a USB Charger for Your Gel Blaster
When it comes to gel blasters, you can often decide between multiple types of chargers. Why should you go for a USB option? These are some of the more versatile and lightweight options to go for; they don’t take a lot of effort to bring with you for when you need it.
These are also more energy efficient than some other options. If you’re already putting the time and effort into eco-friendly gel balls and similar areas, you’ve no reason not to go for these. They can also be some of the faster options to charge, which is always a welcome benefit.
Then there’s actually charging your gel blaster battery with a USB charger. This should be a lot more straightforward than you would’ve thought. Let’s take a look at the steps you need to take.
How to Charge Your Gel Blaster Battery with a USB Charger: Steps to Take
1. Understand Your Battery
It’s always worth knowing as much as possible about your gel blaster, especially when it comes to the battery. Understand your battery so you can properly charge it. Knowing the voltage rating and similar essentials are vital for this to avoid any hiccups.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take too much time or effort to learn about your battery. You should’ve gotten a manual when you bought the gel blaster; this should have all of the information you need to know.
2. Gather Your Charging Equipment
Before you start charging, make sure you have everything you need. That doesn’t just mean your battery and the basics of a charger. You’ll have to make sure these are actually compatible, so get the right charger and similar essentials for your gel blaster.
You’ll also need a USB power source to power the charger and a safe place to charge it. Make sure there aren’t any liquids or heat sources close by, as these could damage your charger or your battery during the process.
3. Prepare for Charging
It’s always worth keeping safety in mind when you’re charging your gel blaster. Make sure the blaster is properly turned off and that the battery is disconnected. Remove any eco-friendly gel balls, too, to prevent any accidental discharge.
If your battery has been stored for a while, check its voltage to make sure it’s still good to use. After that, it’s just a matter of reading the USB charger’s instructions to make sure your gel blaster - and the charger itself - are actually ready for the next step.
4. Connect the Battery & USB Charger
Now it’s time to actually get your blaster charging. This is relatively quick and easy to do. Plug the USB charger into a power source before connecting the battery to the charger. Make sure this is a secure fit - it shouldn’t fit loosely, and this could be a sign of an issue.
Double-check all of the connections before powering on. If there are any problems, it could pose a risk to your gel blaster. The battery mightn’t charge properly, and you’ll often risk it not charging evenly or even overcharging.
5. Monitor the Charging Process
Once the charger is connected, it should indicate it’s working. Usually, this is through an LED light somewhere on the charger. Look for this to make sure it turns on. When it is, you can rest assured the gel blaster battery is charging the way it should be.
The entire charging time can depend on various factors, like how large your battery is. Expect this to last a few hours. Aim to monitor the charging process as much as you can. It could be a fire risk that you’d prefer to avoid.
6. Disconnect & Test
Once your battery is charged, disconnect it from the charger before unplugging the charger from the USB source. Don’t tug on these wires when you’re taking them out; do it gently so you don’t damage the wires or the ports. It should only take a little bit of pressure.
Then, test the battery before reconnecting it to your blaster. Power it on and test-fire a few eco-friendly gel balls in a safe area to make sure everything’s working properly. If the blaster feels a little sluggish, it mightn’t be properly charged or could be aging.
7. Maintain Your Battery for Longevity
Properly maintaining your battery is essential going forward. It helps make sure the battery lasts and can hold a charge for as long as possible. There are several best practices to keep in mind with this. Storing the battery in a cold, dry place is a great start with this.
Cycling out chargers is also a good idea; have a back-up that you charge and swap in every few months to keep both fresh. Using eco-friendly gel balls also plays into this, as they’re far safer for your gel blaster and its battery long-term.
Wrapping it Up
A USB charger can be a great way to charge gel blasters quickly and easily. It doesn’t take too long to do, and you’ll be back to using your blaster before you know it. With the right steps, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. It’s just a matter of keeping safety in mind.
The entire process should only take a few hours, depending on what kind of gel blaster and charger you have. You’ll be back to enjoying yourself with your friends as quickly as possible.
