Airsoft is extremely fun and rewarding for anyone looking to get some exercise, compete, and make new friends! If you have played Airsoft in the past you may have rented gear from the field, but as you play more, you might want to look towards getting your own gear. We are here to help by giving you some tips about the best gear to get for beginning airsoft players.
Airsoft Gun
There is a very wide variety of airsoft guns to choose from which can seem overwhelming sometimes. We like to recommend that new players start with a more common rifle style in the beginning and grow their collection from there. Some good examples of starter guns that won’t break the bank, but will perform consistently, are from brands such as Elite Force, Valken, or ICS. All of these guns are priced at entry level but are still very reliable and they can all be upgraded and customized when you’re ready to take the next step. We even use the ICS CXP as our rental at American Paintball Coliseum because of their tough durability.
All Airsoft guns need a power source to shoot. There are many options including green gas, compressed air, CO2, and battery operated. Most airsoft guns are run off of batteries that conveniently fit in the stock or front shroud. We recommend that beginning airsoft players start with a battery powered, also known as AEG, gun. Instead of having to buy an expensive compressed air tank or buy green gas & CO2 for each day of play, all you need is the battery and a charger. Once you have your gun setup, the next piece of gear that every player needs is proper eye and face protection.
Face Protection
Airsoft is a very safe activity as long as the proper safety standards are in place and you wear proper face protection to shield your ears, eyes, and jaw. With Airsoft, you have a couple of good face protection options. The two most popular are eye goggles paired with a mesh face shield or a full paintball mask. Valken makes a great variety of goggles including the Axis and Tango styles. The Axis is better for people who want a smaller, sport-sunglasses look, and Tango provides a little extra protection and are more in the style of ski goggles or shooting goggles. Many paintball masks can be used for playing airsoft, and many experienced players like to use Dye Paintball goggles like the Axis I4 or I5. Many beginners have also had good experiences with the Empire Helix and Valken Mi-7 paintball masks, although these are definitely some of the higher-end options.
Clothing
Once you have your gun, something to power it, and a proper face protection, you are ready to hit the field. The only other thing to consider is what you will want to wear! Many players will go to their local goodwill or army surplus store and pick up a pair of battle dress uniforms. This material is extra durable so it will stand up to hits and any crazy moves you might pull on the battlefield! Some other protective gear we recommend to players is a tactical scarf and gloves to complete the ensemble.
If you are looking to get started in the sport of airsoft, this information will be a solid foundation to find exactly what you are looking for. There is a lot of variety in the kind of equipment out there and no absolutely correct way to put it all together: ultimately, you will be the one wearing it, so try stuff out, feel it in your hands, and talk to the experts at American Paintball Coliseum if you need more advice. We are always here to help!
