Airsoft Gas Buying Guide

Buying Guide: Airsoft Gas Types

When it comes to powering your airsoft gas blowback (GBB) or non-blowback (NBB) guns, choosing the right gas type is essential. Whether you’re looking for performance, reliability, or maintenance ease, understanding the differences between airsoft gases will enhance your experience. This comprehensive guide will explore the various types of gas available, their uses, and how to get the best performance from your airsoft guns in any environment.

Airsoft Gas for Dummies

If you’re a first-time gas airsoft pistol user, the type of gas you need depends on the construction of your pistol.

For a plastic non-blowback pistols, low-powered or summer gas like Abbey 144a Predator or nuprol 1.0 is an excellent choice. These pistols are lightweight and don’t require the same pressure as heavier blowback models with the blowback function. Low-powered gas minimizes stress on the internals and ensures smooth operation, especially in warm weather. This type of gas is gentle on seals and provides enough power for reliable performance without unnecessary wear.

For a full-metal blowback pistol, airsoft green gas is the go-to option for beginners. It offers a balanced combination of power and maintenance convenience, making it ideal for learning the ropes of gas-powered airsoft guns. Green gas comes pre-lubricated, which helps maintain the seals and blowback mechanism as you fire. If you’re playing in colder conditions, you might consider power-up gas to ensure reliable cycling, but for most scenarios, green gas provides the perfect introduction to airsoft pistol use.

*Top Tips*

We recommend using one mag of Maintenance gas after every three mags of green gas or after every two mags of black or red gas. This will help to stop your mags from getting leeks and also help to prolong the life of your bb/airsoft gun.

That's basically it in a nutshell but read below for the full in-depth airsoft gas buying guide if you want the full lowdown on the types of airsoft gas and its best uses.

Why Gas Matters in Airsoft Guns

Gas-powered airsoft guns are highly popular for their realistic blowback action and consistent performance. GBB replicas mimic the operation of real firearms, providing a satisfying kick and realistic cycling, while NBB models offer a quieter, stealthier alternative. The type of gas you use affects performance, temperature tolerance, and maintenance requirements, making it crucial to choose the right one for your setup.

Airsoft gas comes in several varieties, each offering different power levels and characteristics. Selecting the correct gas ensures best performance, reduces wear and tear, and helps your GBB Gun to function reliably across different temperatures and conditions.

Maintenance Gas

Example: Abbey 144a Maintenance Gas

Maintenance gas is a low-powered gas blended with silicone lubricant, designed to keep your airsoft gun’s internal components in good condition. This type of gas isn’t typically used during skirmishes but is ideal for post-game maintenance. Firing a magazine of maintenance gas coats seals, O-rings, and other internal parts with lubricant, reducing wear and tear and preventing leaks.

When to Use:

• After extended firing sessions.

• Before storing your airsoft gun for an extended period.

Why It’s Important:

Using maintenance gas regularly ensures your airsoft gun remains in top condition, reducing the risk of failures and prolonging its lifespan. It can also fix gas airsoft gun leeks. 

Low-Powered/Summer Gas

Examples: Abbey 144a Predator, Nuprol 1.0 Premium

Low-powered gas is optimized for use in warm weather or with airsoft guns that have lightweight plastic slides, like non blowback pistols. It’s also useful for bringing FPS down to skirmish-legal levels when using replicas with high out-of-the-box power.

Key Features:

• Reduces stress on plastic components.

• Prevents overpressure in high temperatures.

Best Used For:

• Hot weather skirmishes.

• Tokyo Marui pistols

• Airsoft guns with plastic slides or lightweight internals.

Limitations:

Low-powered gas can lead to sluggish performance in cold weather due to its reduced pressure. It’s best suited for warm climates and summer games.

Green Gas

Examples: Nuprol 2.0, ASG Ultrair, VORSK V8/V6

Airsoft Green gas is the most commonly used type of airsoft gas; in fact, it's so popular that If we sold 100 cans of gas, 96 would probably be green gas. It is propane-based and pre-lubricated to maintain your gun’s seals and O-rings. Known for its versatility, green gas works well in most airsoft guns and under a wide range of temperatures, and is the gotogas for most airsoft players with gas blowback pistols.

Advantages:

• Convenient and easy to use.

• Balanced pressure suitable for most gas airsoft guns.

• Pre-mixed lubrication reduces maintenance.

Best Used For:

• General skirmishing in moderate climates.

• Gas Blowback pistols

• Players looking for a reliable, all-around option.

Considerations:

Airsoft Green gas may struggle in extreme cold or heat, and performance can vary between brands, but the FPS difference in muzzle velocitybetween green and propane gas will only be around 10 FPS.

Propane

Propane is an economical alternative to green gas. Commercial propane bottles, like those used for torches, can be used with airsoft guns when paired with an appropriate adapter. However, propane lacks the lubrication found in green gas, requiring additional maintenance.

Benefits:

• Cost-effective compared to pre-packaged green gas.

• Slightly higher pressure than green gas.

• Reduced cooldown effect.

Maintenance Requirements:

• Use silicone oil on the fill valve and internal components during every fill.

• Regularly clean and lubricate your gun to prevent wear.

When to Use:

Propane is ideal for players seeking an affordable option who are willing to commit to regular maintenance. Avoid using propane with guns not rated for higher pressure.

Red Gas & Black Gas

Examples: Nuprol Extreme 3.0, Nuprol Ultimate 4.0,

Red gas and Black gas is designed for cold weather or guns with heavier slides and stronger recoil springs. It provides higher pressure than standard green gas, ensuring reliable cycling even in near-freezing conditions.

Best For:

• Winter games and colder weather climates.

• long range gas sniper rifles

• Airsoft guns with heavy-duty components, such as steel slides or strong recoil springs.

Warnings:

• Avoid using power-up gas in high temperatures, as it can cause excessive wear or damage.

• Prolonged use may shorten your gun’s lifespan and damage seals.

CO2

CO2 is a popular choice for pistols and high-performance airsoft guns due to its high pressure and minimal cooldown effect. It’s supplied in 12g cartridges, making it easy to carry and replace during games.

Advantages:

• Higher FPS compared to green gas.

• Consistent performance in cold weather.

• Ideal for airsoft guns with reinforced internals.

Maintenance Needs:

• Apply silicone oil to the tip of the cartridge and internal components to reduce wear.

• Regularly check seals and O-rings for damage.

Considerations:

CO2 is not compatible with green gas magazines. Using CO2 in a gun not designed for it can cause severe damage. Additionally, the higher pressure may make some guns skirmish-illegal due to exceeding FPS limits.

*Top Co2 Tip*

As with gas products, we also sell maintenance CO2 capsules; we recommend using one maintenance capsule after every two or three standard CO2 cartages, to help stop your pistol from getting leeks and prolong your airsoft weapons life.

HPA (High-Pressure Air)

HPA involves a separate air tank connected to the gun via a hose. This setup offers exceptional consistency and performance across all temperatures but requires more equipment and setup time.

Advantages:

• Consistent FPS and rate of fire.

• Less affected by temperature changes.

Disadvantages:

• Bulky and less portable.

• Requires an external air tank and regulator.

FAQs About Airsoft Gas

Can I Use Propane in Green Gas Magazines?

Yes, propane is essentially the same as green gas but without added lubricants. Ensure you use silicone oil regularly to maintain your gun.

Can I Use CO2 in Green Gas Guns?

No, CO2 operates at a much higher pressure and requires specialized magazines and guns designed for CO2 use. Attempting to use CO2 in a green gas magazine can cause damage or even explosions.

What Is the Difference Between CO2 and Green Gas Magazines?

CO2 magazines are designed to hold 12g cartridges, while green gas magazines have an internal gas reservoir. CO2 magazines typically release less gas per shot due to their higher pressure.

Can some gas pistols take both green gas and co2 mags?

Typically, gas pistols are designed to use either green gas or CO2, but some do offer interchangeably. notably, lots of vorsk and Raven gas pistols offer this. On the product page, it will normally say if there is a CO2 alternative mag.

Should I Use CO2 or Green Gas?

Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your airsoft gun. If your gun supports both, consider factors like weather, maintenance preferences, and desired performance.

Choosing the Right Gas for Your Airsoft Gun

Selecting the right gas depends on several factors:

• Climate: Use green gas or propane in moderate weather, CO2 or power-up gas in cold conditions.

• Gun Type: Lightweight plastic slides benefit from low-powered gas, while steel or heavy-duty components thrive on power-up gas or CO2.

• Maintenance: Green gas requires minimal upkeep, while propane and CO2 demand regular lubrication.

Temperature Effects on Airsoft Gas

Temperature significantly affects gas performance:

• Green Gas: Loses pressure in cold weather, resulting in sluggish cycling.

• CO2: Maintains consistent pressure in low temperatures, making it ideal for winter games.

• Power-Up Gas: Designed for cold weather, ensuring reliable operation in near-freezing conditions.

To minimize temperature-related issues, store your gas in a controlled environment and use maintenance gas regularly.

Maintenance Tips for Gas-Powered Airsoft Guns

• Use Maintenance Gas: After each skirmish, fire a magazine of maintenance gas to lubricate internal components.

• Lubricate Regularly: Apply silicone oil to seals, buckings, and valves to reduce wear and leaks.

• Release Remaining Gas: Always release excess gas gently from magazines after use to preserve seals.

• Inspect Components: Regularly check for cracks, leaks, or wear in your gun’s internals and magazines.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right gas enhances your gameplay, maintains your equipment, and ensures consistent performance. Green gas is the go-to option for most players, while CO2 excels in colder climates and high-pressure situations. Power-up gases and niche options like HPA or red gas cater to specialized needs.

By understanding the properties of each gas type and following proper maintenance routines, you’ll enjoy reliable and realistic performance from your gas-powered airsoft guns. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, selecting the right gas is an essential part of your airsoft journey.

For the best selection of gas and maintenance products, visit your trusted airsoft retailer and equip yourself with the tools to dominate the field!

Always store green gas canisters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.