How to Store Gel Balls: Best Practices for Longevity

We all know the importance of quality gear, but what about the proper storage of it? Whether you're an enthusiast, a professional, or someone who has just started getting tactical gear for your hobbies, ensuring your gear is stored correctly is as crucial as investing in high-quality items. 

Gel Ball Storage: Why is it Critical?

How long can you store gel balls? Do you need to dry gel balls before use? The questions require a solid understanding to ensure they can retain their shape, size, and hydration levels and it is essential for accurate and effective use in gel blasters. Proper gel ball storage is one of the critical activities for maintaining quality and performance. 

Storing Gel Balls: how long can you store gel balls?: To store gel balls, ensure they remain hydrated and in good condition until use. Start by hydrating them according to the manufacturer's instructions, generally soaking them in water for four to six hours until they reach full size. Once hydrated, transfer them to an airtight container to prevent evaporation, which can cause them to shrink and lose effectiveness. Store this container in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry, cupboard, or closet, to avoid direct sunlight and high temperatures that can degrade or dry out. They can be stored effectively for several weeks to a few months when kept under optimal conditions.

Drying them Before Use: you don't need to dry them before use. They are designed to be used in their hydrated state, and drying them out would reduce their size and negatively impact their effectiveness. Fully hydrated gel balls ensure consistent and reliable performance, providing the best experience during use.

Let's explore how to store gel balls for their best performance:

Tip 1. Use Clean Water for Hydration

Statistics show that using clean, filtered water can extend the lifespan of hydrating materials by up to 50%. Using clean water to hydrate gel balls is crucial for their performance and longevity. Contaminated or hard water can negatively impact the quality and performance of the balls. Clean water ensures the balls expand to their intended size and maintain a consistent shape.

Tip 2. Store in a Container with a Tight Lid

Storing hydrophilic materials in airtight containers can reduce water loss by up to 70%. It keeps them in optimal condition for longer periods. Sealing the container removes dust, dirt, and other contaminants that can impact the quality. Besides, a tight seal limits exposure to air and moisture, reducing the risk of mould and bacterial growth.

Tip 3.  Check for Any Signs of Dehydration 

Regularly checking for signs of dehydration is crucial to maintaining the best performance and longevity. Dehydration causes failure to perform as expected.

How to Identify Dehydration:

• They will appear smaller than their fully hydrated counterparts.
• They may feel harder to the touch, indicating a loss of moisture.
• You may notice visible cracks or splits on their surface.

Tip 4. Choose a Clear Container for Easy Monitoring

Frequent opening of storage containers can increase the risk of contamination and moisture loss by up to 30%. Selecting a clear container allows easy and regular monitoring without needing to open the container. You can visually inspect the balls for signs of dehydration, contamination, or mould without opening the lid. You can quickly assess the hydration level and overall condition, making it easier to maintain their quality.

Tip 5. Label with Hydration Date

Labelling is an effective way to keep track of their freshness. This practice helps you manage the lifecycle and ensures that you are always using them at their best. Besides, Labeling helps keep your storage organized and prevents confusion about the age balls.  It allows you to plan rehydration schedules.

How to Label?

•  Choose waterproof labels.
• Write the date of hydration and any other relevant information.
• Ensure the label is easily visible.

Tip 6. Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Avoid sunlight and heat sources. Heat, light, and moisture can cause them to break down or lose their hydration, leading to reduced effectiveness. On the other hand, cooler temperatures help maintain hydration levels and discourage the growth of mould and bacteria, keeping them clean and safe for use. Make sure to choose a temperature-controlled environment to maintain consistent cool temperatures. Ensure ventilation in the storage area.

Tip 7 Separate Containers for Different Colors

Another crucial practice to maintain their colour integrity and prevent cross-contamination is separating containers to ensure that each colour stays vibrant and free from unintended mixing, which can occur when multiple colours are stored together. You can easily select the desired colour for use without sorting through mixed colours.

Tip 8. Avoid Metal Containers 

 Certain metals may react with the materials in the water used for hydration. They can negatively affect the quality and longevity as well as cause chemical reactions, temperature fluctuations, and many more. Statistics show that metal contaminants can reduce the structural integrity of polymer-based materials by up to 25%. You can use plastic or glass containers instead, as they are non-reactive and provide clear visibility for easy monitoring.

Tip 9. Follow Local Regulations

Follow local regulations to ensure compliance with the law and to avoid any legal issues. Regulations can vary by state and territory. Compliance with regulations is essential to avoid legal penalties.

Conclusion

High-quality tactical equipment can provide a great advantage in various situations, offering reliability, durability, and functionality. However, without proper maintenance, even the best gear can lead to performance issues and compromise safety. Regular maintenance extends the lifespan and ensures it remains in optimal condition, ready to perform when needed most.

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