If you’ve played paintball for a while, you’ve probably heard the debate: “Can you freeze paintballs?”
Some players claim that freezing paintballs makes them more complicated and more painful to get hit with. Others say it’s a total myth.
So, what’s the truth? In this guide, we’ll break down what happens when you freeze paintballs, why it’s a bad idea, and the safer alternatives you should know about.
What Are Paintballs Made Of?
To understand what freezing does to paintballs, let’s look at how they’re built.
- Outer shell—usually made of gelatin, designed to be soft enough to break on impact.
- Inner fill—a non-toxic, water-soluble liquid (like polyethylene glycol or food-grade dye).
Since both the shell and the fill are sensitive to temperature changes, freezing affects their structure in unexpected ways.
The Myth of Frozen Paintballs
The idea that frozen paintballs are more resilient and have a greater hitting force has been around for a while.
Theoretically, it makes sense: colder means harder. However, that is not the case in reality.
When paintballs freeze, they don’t turn into solid ice marbles. Instead, the gelatin shell becomes brittle and prone to cracking. Rather than making them stronger, freezing makes them weaker.
What Happens If You Freeze Paintballs?
Here’s what actually happens when you put paintballs in the freezer:
- Shell cracking or deforming—The outer gelatin shell loses its elasticity.
- Accuracy problems—Misshaped balls don’t fly straight and often curve unpredictably.
- Increased barrel breaks—Fragile paintballs can shatter inside your marker before leaving the barrel.
- Unsafe gameplay—A frozen, misshapen ball could cause unnecessary injuries.
So while it’s technically possible to freeze them, the result is poor performance and safety risks.
Alternatives to Freezing Paintballs
If your goal is to make paintballs last longer or perform better, there are safer methods:
- Store them properly—keep paintballs in a cool, dry place at around room temperature.
- Buy higher-quality paintballs – Premium paintballs are more consistent and durable.
- Adjust your marker velocity—if you want a stronger shot, fine-tuning your marker is much better than freezing paintballs.
Safety Concerns with Frozen Paintballs
Most official paintball fields have strict rules against frozen paintballs—and for good reason. They can cause:
- Painful welts or bruises
- Damage to protective masks and equipment
- Serious injury if shot at close range
In addition to safety, there is the issue of fairness. It is against the spirit of the game to use frozen paintballs, and if caught, you risk being kicked off the field.
Conclusion:
So, can you freeze paintballs? The short answer: Yes, but it’s a terrible idea.
Frozen paintballs crack easily, fly unpredictably, and can cause injuries. If you want to get the most out of your gear, keep your paintballs stored in a cool, dry place and follow the rules of safe play.
Paintball is meant to be fun, competitive, and safe. Leave the frozen paintball myth behind and enjoy the game the right way.
