What is airsoft?
Airsoft is an adrenaline sport that is gaining more and more enthusiasts. It is very similar to paintball, but it is played with special weapons using plastic pellets - meaning not with ammunition containing paint. Plastic pellets have a diameter of 6 - 8 mm and, depending on the type of weapon, their velocity upon firing reaches 30 – 90 m/s. If you are among those who have never played airsoft and would like to try it, we have some tips and insights for you on what equipment or gear you will need to get started.
Airsoft weapons
Airsoft is played with special airsoft weapons that imitate real weapons. According to their function, we divide them into three basic types, namely manual, electric and gas.
- Manual weapons – fire single shots, and therefore must always be manually cocked after each shot. If the shooter is skilled, a higher rate of fire can also be achieved with them.
- Electric weapons – i.e. AEG weapons work on a similar principle to manual ones, but are not cocked by hand, but by an electric motor. This is convenient because you don't have to manually cock the weapon each time, you just aim and shoot.
- Gas weapons – are just as powerful or more powerful than large AEGs. With these too, you just aim and shoot. Their purchase price is lower than that of AEG weapons, but you must not forget the cost per shot, where in addition to ammunition you also have to add the cost of gas.
When buying a weapon, the choice also depends on how often you will pursue this hobby, whether just once a year or several times a month. According to material, you can choose from plastic or metal weapons. The choice depends on whether you desire a weapon that is indistinguishable from a real one. With some plastic weapons, it is sometimes not even obvious by sight or touch that it is just plastic.
In terms of durability and quality, you should choose weapons from well-known and quality manufacturers. Base your choice of weapon on the space in which you will be playing. If you will play in enclosed spaces and buildings, choose pistols that do not get in the way when climbing through windows or over walls. In large open spaces, where you will be shooting at long distances, you need a more powerful weapon instead.
For a start, we definitely recommend borrowing a weapon from an acquaintance and trying it out directly in combat, or trying several types of weapons. That way you might find the one that suits you best. It is also worth using an airsoft weapon rental service, since you never know whether you will make sufficient use of the weapon in the future. Airsoft might not win your heart, and so an expensive weapon could end up standing somewhere in a corner as a souvenir of wasted money.
Eye and face protection as a basic!
In airsoft, eye and face protection is the most important thing. Pain from being shot on the body can be overcome, but nothing can replace your eyes. You can buy original tactical glasses, or shooting glasses. They are resistant to scratching and withstand the impact of pellets. They also have the advantage of not fogging up, and some have a UV filter. To start, work glasses or ski goggles will also suffice. However, they need to be tested to see whether they can withstand pellets and whether they break when shot at, of course, do not put them on your eyes while testing their resistance.
Also consider face protection. It is not pleasant at all to take a hit from a pellet directly in the ear, lips or neck. Of course, it is up to you whether you want to buy an airsoft mask right from the start (recommended), or whether an ordinary face mask will be enough for you. A cap or a hat is also often used on the head.
Over time, you will find out for yourself which equipment is more important to you, without which you simply cannot do without, and that is why you will buy it as soon as possible. Such equipment also includes tactical gloves, without which hits on your fingers hurt a lot, as you will find out after the very first hit. Fingerless gloves are also suitable, in which you will be able to hold your weapon comfortably.
Clothing for airsoft
You don't need to dress in any special way for airsoft. It is not a necessity that you cannot do without. You can calmly wait with buying clothing until you find out whether you really need it. Make use of camouflage clothing that you will find in your wardrobe. One layer will be enough, so that it is not too thick and loose. The best option is fitted clothing, in which you will be able to feel a hit. What you should not forget is that the clothing should have enough pockets, so that you can carry everything you will need with you. Tactical vests are suitable, or even ordinary ones for fishermen or hunters, as they also have plenty of pockets that can hold everything you need.
However, if you long for airsoft clothing, choose it according to the environment where you will be playing with your teammates. That way, you can choose either camouflage sets, or clothing in black. Choose sturdier materials, so that they don't tear right at the first obstacle you climb over. Sturdy pants with plenty of pockets will also do just fine.
Sturdy footwear for airsoft
For airsoft, you definitely need sturdy footwear, so that your feet are safe when overcoming obstacles. These can be classic vibram-sole boots or combat boots, which you may already have at home, preferably with a soft sole, so that they don't make noise during the game.
Airsoft equipment and its price
Equipment and gear for airsoft, without a weapon, can cost even several hundred euros. However, this is not a necessity without which you and your friends could not play this popular game from time to time. Everything depends on you and your preferences. What you buy first and what you will actually need, you will find out once you start dedicating yourself more to this game. At the beginning, we definitely do not recommend buying all possible accessories, rather buy gradually according to actual need.
