Gel Blaster

What Gel Blaster does

Gel Blaster is a privately held Austin, Texas-based consumer products company founded in 2019 that designs, manufactures, and sells recreational gel ball blasters and proprietary water-based gel bead ammunition called Gellets. The core technology centers on Super Absorbent Polymer gel beads that hydrate to 7.5mm, expand roughly 10x in size, burst on impact, and disintegrate, delivering an eco-neutral, non-toxic, non-staining alternative to paintball and foam-dart toys. Blaster hardware spans entry-level pump-action models (Barracuda at $18.75) through mid-range semi/full-auto platforms (Surge 2.0 at $49.99) to premium adjustable-velocity models (Surge XL 2.0 at $89.99) and a limited-edition officially licensed Halo Type-25 Plasma Blaster at $99.95. Differentiated features include integrated Starfire UV-reactive tracer technology for glow-in-the-dark gameplay, adjustable velocity up to 250 FPS, USB-C rechargeable batteries with 4+ hour runtime, and the Nexus app-connected Portal Smart Target.

The company operates a hybrid go-to-market combining direct-to-consumer e-commerce at gelblaster.com, wholesale distribution through four major US retail chains (Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Ace Hardware, Scheels), a network of authorized dealers, and an experiential channel of partner-operated GelBlaster Fields and mobile party rental businesses. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales ($18.75-$99.95 per blaster, with multi-pack bundles up to $199.96) plus a recurring consumable razor/blade stream from Gellet ammo packs (10K at $4.99 through 960K mega cases at $149.95) and accessories including targets, hydration systems, and face masks. Customer segments include individual consumers and families for backyard recreational play, entertainment venues and fields offering gameplay experiences, party and event organizers, and retail resellers. The company has cumulatively sold over 2 million blasters with more than 5,000 five-star reviews and is led by founder and CEO Colin Guinn.

Name

Gel Blaster

Legal name

Gel Blaster

Website

https://gelblaster.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gel Blaster is an Austin-based consumer products company that designs and sells recreational gel ball blasters and proprietary water-based Gellet ammunition, distributed direct-to-consumer and through Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, Ace Hardware, and Scheels to families, entertainment venues, and party operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Blaster Hardware Sales: Gel Blaster generates primary revenue from selling gel blaster weapons (hardware) directly to consumers through their e-commerce website and through wholesale/retail distribution. Products include blasters ranging from $18.75 to $99.95 at various price points, with bundle packs offering multi-blaster deals.
2. Gellets (Consumable Ammo): Recurring revenue from consumable water-based Gellet ammunition. Products include 10K packs ($4.99), 30K packs ($11.97), Starfire variants ($9.99-$24.99), and bulk mega packs (960K for $149.95). This creates a consumable replenishment revenue stream.
3. Accessories: Revenue from complementary accessories including targets ($9.96), Gellet Depot hydration systems ($19.99), Starfire Activators ($14.95), face masks ($19.99), hoppers ($4.95), and storage solutions.
4. Licensed Product (Halo Collaboration): Revenue from officially licensed Halo Type-25 Plasma Blaster ($99.95), a premium limited-edition product leveraging the Halo video game franchise brand recognition.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gel Blaster designs, manufactures, and sells gel ball blasters that shoot non-toxic, water-based Gellets® (gel bead ammunition) for outdoor recreational gameplay in backyards, parks, and arenas. The product portfolio spans entry-level pump-action blasters to high-performance automatic models, supplemented by consumable ammunition, glow-in-the-dark Starfire variants, smart targets, and accessories. The company distributes through direct e-commerce, major retail chains, wholesale dealers, and a network of partner venues.

Product overview

Gel Blaster is a recreational gel ball blaster company offering a complete outdoor gaming ecosystem. The product portfolio centers on water-based Gellets ammunition (colorful, eco-neutral, non-toxic beads that expand when hydrated and disintegrate on impact) and compatible blasters ranging from entry-level pump-action to high-performance automatic models. Core blaster products include the Piranha ($22.75), Barracuda ($18.75), Surge 2.0 ($49.99), Surge XL 2.0 ($89.99), Starfire XL 2.0 ($89.95), and the limited-edition Halo Type-25 Plasma Blaster ($99.95). Specialized variants include the Surge XL Day 'N' Nite Edition and patriotic Freedom Edition blasters. The portfolio also includes multi-blaster bundles (Surge 2.0 4-Pack, Dual Barracuda Special, 1v1 Bundle Pack) for group play, consumable Gellets in standard and Starfire glow-in-the-dark formulations (10K, 30K, and Mega 960K packs), and accessories (Auto Resetting Target, Gellet Depot, Starfire Activator, Portal Smart Target, Elite Face Mask, Gellet Ammo Tub, Extra Hoppers). The company also operates a GelBlaster Fields network of partner venues for experiential gameplay. Safety features emphasize eco-neutral, non-toxic, non-staining properties with recommended ages starting from young children.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Piranha Gel Blaster Water-resistant entry-level gel blaster firing up to 150 FPS with an 800 Gellet hopper, single shot and full-auto modes at over 8 Gellets per second. Designed for casual backyard and park play.
• Barracuda Gel Blaster First pump-action battery-free gel blaster firing 6 Gellets per trigger pull at 160 FPS through 3 barrels. Features a 600 Gellet low-profile hopper with quick-refill sliding window, designed for close-quarters play.
• Surge 2.0 Gel Blaster Semi-automatic and fully-automatic gel blaster with up to 175 FPS velocity, integrated Starfire activator for glow-in-the-dark play, 1000-Gellet magazine, and firing rate up to 10 Gellets per second with effective range over 100 feet.
• Surge XL 2.0 Gel Blaster High-performance gel blaster with adjustable velocity from 180-240 FPS, three firing modes (single, burst, full-auto), integrated UV-powered Starfire Activator, 1000-Gellet hopper, and extended range up to 150 feet.
• Starfire XL 2.0 Gel Blaster Night-game-focused gel blaster with integrated Starfire Activator delivering 180-240 FPS adjustable velocity, 1000-Gellet capacity, 150 feet range, and 12 rounds per second with glowing tracer action for low-light battles.
• Surge XL Day 'N' Nite Edition Gel Blaster Versatile gel blaster with adjustable velocity dial from 170-250 FPS, built-in Starfire Activator for UV-powered glow effects, USB-C fast charging, LED battery indicator, removable stock, and XL hopper. Bundled with Starfire and daytime Gellets.
• Surge XL Gel Blaster Original XL model with adjustable velocity from 170-250 FPS, three firing modes including full auto at 12 Gellets per second and burst fire mode, over 1000-Gellet capacity, LED battery indicator, and USB-C charging. Recommended for ages 14+.
• Halo Type-25 Plasma Blaster Officially licensed Halo replica gel blaster at 160 FPS and 11 RPS with a 600-Gellet hopper, featuring StarFire tracer Gellets for glow-in-the-dark gameplay. Limited-edition release for collectors and Halo fans.
• Freedom Edition Surge 2.0 Gel Blaster Patriotic-themed variant of the Surge 2.0 platform featuring bold red, white, and blue design with the same high-performance firing, ergonomic design, and easy hopper system.
• Freedom Edition Surge XL 2.0 Gel Blaster Patriotic-themed variant of the Surge XL 2.0 platform with extended barrel and stock for improved accuracy, increased power and velocity for longer-range gameplay, and a patriotic red, white, and blue design.
• Surge 2.0 4-Pack Bundle Family pack bundle containing 4 Surge 2.0 blasters and 50,000 bonus Gellets, featuring semi- and fully-automatic modes, up to 4 hours play time per charge, and USB-C charging. Designed for parties and group gatherings.
• Surge XL 2.0 2-Pack Bundle Two-pack bundle with 2 Surge XL 2.0 blasters and 40,000 bonus Gellets, featuring three blasting modes including full auto at 12 Gellets per second and burst fire mode.
• 1v1 GelBlaster Bundle Pack Comprehensive bundle for 1v1 or team battles including 2 Surge 2.0 blasters, 2 protective face masks, 2 Gellet storage buckets, and 100,000 Gellets. Designed for extended play sessions.
• Dual Barracuda Special Bundle Dual blaster bundle featuring 2 Barracuda pump-action blasters and 50,000 free Gellets. Designed for 1v1 or team play with no batteries required and high-capacity hoppers.
• 10K Gellets Ammunition Pack Standard water-based Gellets ammunition made from Super Absorbent Polymer, available in 8 colors. Expands 10x when hydrated and disintegrates on impact. 10,000-count packs.
• Gellet 3-Pack (30,000 Gellets) Bundle of three 10,000-count Gellets packs totaling 30,000 Gellets. Eco-neutral, non-toxic, mess-free ammunition compatible with all Gel Blaster models.
• 10K Starfire Gellets Glow-in-the-dark UV-reactive Gellets that charge under UV light and glow during play. 7.5mm when hydrated, eco-neutral and non-toxic. Includes 2 packs of 5,000 for a total of 10,000. Requires Starfire Activator or Starfire blaster.
• Starfire Gellets (30K Pack) Bulk pack of 30,000 glow-in-the-dark Starfire Gellets for Starfire-activated blasters. Hydrate for 2-3 hours, eco-neutral, non-toxic, and mess-free for extended nighttime gameplay.
• Gellet Mega Case Pack (960,000 Gellets) Ultimate bulk refill containing 960,000 Gellets (32 packs of 30,000 each) in full color assortment. Priced at approximately 15 cents per thousand Gellets for maximum value.
• Auto Resetting Target 9.5"x4"x6.5" target system with three automatic resetting panels, LED score counter, and audible hit indicator. Designed for target practice and aim improvement.
• Gellet Depot Hydration System 1-gallon hydration and storage system for Gellets with built-in water strainer and speed loader. Collapsible design holds 10,000+ Gellets.
• Starfire Activator UV-powered accessory that attaches to blasters to charge Starfire Gellets as they are fired, creating glowing tracer effects. Fits all Gel Blaster models and includes 5,000 Starfire Gellets.
• Extra Hopper Replacement Replacement hopper with 800 Gellet capacity for quick swapping during extended play sessions. Lightweight and durable construction.
• Portal Smart Target First smart target for Gel Blaster that expands gameplay through connected single and multiplayer game modes via the Nexus app.
• Elite Face Mask Ergonomically designed face mask with removable bottom frame, replaceable eye rings, breathable design, and adjustable headband. Compatible with Starfire glow-in-the-dark equipment.
• Gellet Ammo Tub Collapsible silicone hydration and storage tub for Gellets with easy-pour rim and carrying handle. Expands for game day use and folds flat for storage.
• GelBlaster Fields Venue Network Network of partner venues including outdoor fields, arenas, entertainment venues, party rentals, and retail stores where players can experience Gel Blaster gameplay. Includes locations such as Hollywood Sports Park, SC Village, Action Jack's, and Battle Party LA.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2 million Gel Blasters sold to date
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Microsoft / Halo StudioscoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerOfficial licensing partnership to produce the Halo Type-25 Plasma Blaster as an officially licensed replica of the iconic Halo franchise blaster. The partnership allows Gel Blaster to leverage the Halo brand for a premium limited-edition product, targeting both Halo fans and collectors. Microsoft retains all IP rights; Gel Blaster manufactures and sells the physical product.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Spyder Paintball: Spyder is an established paintball marker and equipment brand. Comparable as a player in the recreational projectile/blaster category, though with a different (paint-based) ammo and adult-competitive positioning.
• Tippmann: Tippmann is a leading paintball marker and equipment manufacturer. Adjacent competitor for recreational projectile sports gameplay, serving the venue/field segment where Gel Blaster also competes via field partnerships.

Direct peers

• Dart Zone (Max Action): Dart Zone and its Max Action sub-brand sell motorized and flywheel blasters at value price points. Direct competitor in the toy blaster category with overlapping retail channels and family target market.
• Splatrball: Direct gel blaster competitor selling water-bead blasters and consumable ammo. Most comparable in product offering, target market (families, recreational play), and razor-and-blade revenue model.
• Zuru X-Shot: X-Shot is Zuru's foam-dart blaster line positioned similarly to Nerf with comparable price points and target market. Direct competitor in toy blaster category with strong mass-market retail presence.
• Adventure Force (Battat): Adventure Force is Battat's value toy blaster line sold at Walmart and Target. Direct competitor for entry-level gel/foam blaster share in mass retail with overlapping product and customer base.

Regional players

• JT USA (paintball): JT USA is an established paintball brand. Comparable as a recreational projectile/blaster industry peer, primarily serving competitive paintball players — a distinct customer segment from Gel Blaster's family/casual positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Mattel: Mattel is a major toy incumbent that has previously launched blaster products (e.g., BoomCo). Comparable as a potential licensor/competitor with deep IP and retail relationships, though blasters are not its core category today.
• Hasbro (Nerf): Market-leading toy blaster brand (Nerf) owned by Hasbro. Competes for the same family/backyard blaster play occasions, but with foam darts rather than gel beads and a much broader toy portfolio.

Emerging players

• Orbeez (Spin Master): Orbeez (Spin Master) uses water-absorbing polymer beads — the same core material as Gellets — for sensory and toy products. Comparable on underlying material technology and adjacent consumer applications, though not a direct gel blaster competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/gelblaster
• TikToktiktok.com/@gelblaster
• Xx.com/gelblasters

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gel Blaster