Gas airsoft guns run on special propellants which are mixed with silicone oil. It makes shooting airsoft guns realistic compare to spring guns. The most common type of propellants is green gas, Co2, and 134A which are all gases. In the rest of this article, we will go into details about each of the gasses and give our expert opinion on which brands of gas are the best.

Types of Airsoft Gas

Green gas, CO2, and 134A are the most common propellant for airsoft guns. Out of the three, green gas is famous for its reliability and ease of use. Every airsoft gun depends on the design and manufacturer’s intent, and the temperature of the environment used. Using green gas on a steel airsoft pistol won't be able to cycle. CO2 on a plastic pistol will do serious damage to the slide and internals as it's not designed to withstand such pressure.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations about which gas is best for your airsoft gun to deliver the best performance. Consider the weather conditions and temperature where you’re playing to find the next best answer.

  • 134A: Popular choice for Japanese airsoft guns as they work better in weather conditions not too cold. With temperatures below 40 degrees, there is a difference in performance. Pressure from this gas is not intense enough to damage your airsoft gun. It's the safest gas making it a good choice for plastic airsoft guns. We do not recommend using this on metal guns as it may not cycle properly. It's the most expensive propellant of the three.
  • Green gas: Propane is known as Green Gas, except that Green Gas has silicone oil mixed in to help lubricate moving parts and o-ring seals. The most common gas used and works better in weather conditions not too hot. As well as being a budget-friendly propellant, it's softer on your airsoft gun. What's great about this gas is it can be used on plastic and light metal airsoft guns. It can run steel airsoft guns but depends on the build and design. Some steel airsoft guns may not cycle.
  • CO2: Best for performance as it provides the highest pressure of the three. Co2 can adapt to a colder environment but deteriorates your airsoft gun at a higher rate. That's why an airsoft gun designed to use CO2 will really only work with CO2. The higher pressure makes it easier to cycle steel airsoft guns. This does not work with plastic airsoft guns as the pressure will break them.

RedWolf's Picks for Best Gas

RWA GREEN GAS AIRSOFT

Image
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Specifications
ColorBlack
BrandRWA
Net Weight (kg)0.39
Length (mm)0.0

You've invested a lot in your Airsoft gun. So why not unleash its maximum performance with the best gas available?

Designed by professional players for the ultimate shooting experience, RWA Green Gas is specifically engineered to counter the negative effects of "cool down". Our Unique formula delivers greater power and higher sustained performance in rapid-fire mode than any other brand available today. The difference is quite noticeable when you shoot with our gas versus other brands! You can see and feel the difference! Our special silicone formula also keeps your internal parts lubricated and clean for maximum smoothness and minimal power loss. The RWA Green Gas is the official gas for the first IPSC Action Air World Shoot 2018.

Pros

  • Higher pressure than other green gas brands
  • Engineered to be safe without risk of cracking plastic slides
  • Least cool-down depressurization effects of any gas on the market
  • Most stable power output over consecutive shots fired compared to almost all other brands



Cons

  • Slightly more expensive than the average brand

RWA CO2 CARTRIDGE

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Specifications
ColorSilver
BrandRWA
ModelFITS MANY MODELS
PlatformCO2
Replica TypeFITS ALL TYPES
Net Weight (kg)2.25
Length (mm)82.0
Content IncludedRWA CO2 Cartridge 12g (50pcs / Case)
MaterialGas

The RWA CO2 Cartridges are high quality, efficient 12 gram CO2 encapsulated in a steel cartridge. These CO2 cartridges are intended to be used only with CO2 powered airsoft guns. This particular package comes with 50 cartridges.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Consistent high pressure
  • Performs well in cold and hot environments
  • Tested and proven clean; Doesn't dirty your airsoft gun valves.



Cons

  • Difficult to install

TOKYO MARUI HFC134A GAS

Tokyo Marui HFC 134a Gas (400g)
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Specifications
ColorBlue
BrandTokyo Marui
ModelFITS MANY MODELS
PlatformGAS
Replica TypeFITS ALL TYPES
Net Weight (kg)0.51
Length (mm)200.0
Content IncludedTokyo Marui HFC 134a Gas (400g)
MaterialGas

Ideal for shooting on lower power levels, HFC134A gas is clean and provides enough stable gas pressure to cycle plastic airsoft gas guns without damaging them. These types of lower gas pressures are best for Japanese spec gas airsoft guns that are legally prohibited from having metal components and firing at power levels beyond 0.98 Joules. The only downside to this nominally safe, clean and consistent gas is that it can be very temperature dependent and performance can vary significantly if it is too hot or cold.

Pros

  • Least powerful of all airsoft gases
  • Safe for use with plastic slide airsoft guns
  • Clean And Integrated
  • No Influences On An Ozone Layer



Cons

  • Not suitable for metal airsoft guns
  • Unstable in cold or hot environments

WE 3X RED GAS (1100ml)

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Specifications
ColorRed
BrandWE
ModelFITS MANY MODELS
PlatformGAS
Replica TypeFITS ALL TYPES
Net Weight (kg)0.5
Length (mm)290.0
Content IncludedWE 3X Red Gas (1100ml)
MaterialGas

The WE 3X Red Gas is a high-performing gas, that has a much higher output compared to the standard Green Gas. This red gas has a high output compared to regular green gas on the market and WE stated that this gas is NOT suitable to use with plastic airsoft guns as the pressure may crack the slides of plastic slides. Damage can also occur to airsoft guns if not properly used, so do make sure that your airsoft gun can handle red gas before using it.

Pros

  • Higher pressure stronger than Green Gas but weaker than Black Gas or CO2
  • Consistent pressure
  • Afforable



Cons

  • Not suitable for plastic airsoft guns
  • Muzzle velocity might be too high for most sites unless in winter

WE 4X BLACK GAS (1100ml)

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Specifications
ColorBlack
BrandWE
ModelFITS MANY MODELS
PlatformGAS
Replica TypeFITS ALL TYPES
Net Weight (kg)0.51
Length (mm)290.0
Content IncludedWE 3X Black Gas (1100ml)
MaterialGas

The WE 4X Black Gas is a high-performing gas that has a much higher pressure output compared to the standard Green Gas and red gas on the market and WE stated that this gas is NOT suitable to use with plastic airsoft guns as the pressure may crack the slides of plastic slides. Damage can also occur to airsoft guns and players due to high muzzle velocity if not properly used or in room temperature, so do make sure that your airsoft gun can handle black gas before using it.

Pros

  • Higher pressure, stronger than Red Gas but weaker than CO2
  • Consistent pressure
  • Affordable



Cons

  • Not suitable for plastic airsoft guns
  • Muzzle velocity too high for most sites unless in extremely cold winter weather

We hope this blog gives you a guideline on what gas to use. For more cool products be sure to check out our website!