...What you need to play...
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To help people get started and to help them learn more about Airsoft I have written down a guide to help. It's called "Airsoft for Rookies".
To download it, please visit the Airsoft for Rookies page. |
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If you have tried and liked Airsoft, you probably want to get you own gear. This brings up the question of what to spend your money on and what it costs. If you're serious about playing Airsoft, you'll want to get a AEG and all of the other things you need to play.
If you can't afford an AEG and/or you just want to have some fun with you friends, you can get a Marui Spring pistol, extra clip and 2000bbs for about 500skr (60$). This isn't wasted if you buy an AEG later, because a backup weapons is usefull. The budget: This is the big issue. How much do I have to spend and how much do I want to spend? Second hand is a good option, but unless you're really sure what you're getting and who you're buying from, I don't recommend this. Unless you're very rich and money is no object, this will be you're biggest problem. If you're planning on getting serious about this sport, count on spending atleast 4000skr (480$). Don't forget. You need more than the gun. The first Gun: First, think about what sort of games you'll be playing. There is no point in buying a Sniperrifle if you going to play CQB (Close Quater Battle). And a small SMG isn't exactly right for woodland games. Pistols isn't worth considering yet. Since the cost of the gun is going to be the big part of your money, a good choice is essential. So, gas or electric. In my opinion electric (Automatic Electric Gun) is the way to go. AEG's cost about the same as gas and you just have to recharge the battery each time you're going to play. No additional cost on gas. And don't forget. Buy a weapon with HopUp. Read reviews. This way you can learn something that might give you trouble. And all the reviews are made by players and not manufacturers. Price. Make sure what you're getting for your money. Is battery and other things that you need included? How much does a charger cost? What gun should I get? Well, what looks best, might not be the best. I think that you should get a weapon that is a good all-rounder. Bullpup rifles (magazine to the rear of the pistol grip) are a good choice if you can get use to the awark magazine reload. Try and get a long barrel, big battery and something that isn't to big. M4a1, XM177, Car15, Sig551, FA MAS or Steyr AUG is good options. Yes, Spas 12 or Benelli M3 is cool, but they're pumpaction. The most important thing is to get a weapon that you like. Accessories: Battery should come with your gun. But check this, so you're sure. Charger if it doesn't come with your battery. You can't use the weapon if the battery isn't charged. Chargers often doesn't come with the gun. Spare battery. Get one. You doesn't have to have a spare, so wait until you funds is better. Spare magazines. This you should have thought of by now. Get atleast a HiCap but if you going for standard magazines, get 2 extra. Sling to your gun. This is something that is more usefull than you might think. It stops you from dropping you gun and it's good for carrying your gun. You can probably make one your self unless you want the proper rig. Clothing. This is something that can be obtained from surplus/camping or outdoor shops. You'll need boots, trousers, jacket and maybe one of those utility vests with lots of pockets. They're good if a jacket is too warm. Try getting all in the same camo, and a camo that fits you location. Don't go for the cheapest because it will probably be poor quality. Safety gear. A pair of goggles is the minimum safety gear. The cheapest costs about 20skr (3$). But for about 300skr (36$) you can get a pair of paintball goggles. If you're scared by being hit in the face, get a full face mask. Waterbottle. This is something your really going to need since your going to be thirsty in the field and dehydration is a problem. BB's! Don't forget these or you will not be able to play at all. There are several types, including illuminous for tracers, but stick to the 0.20g if you can. You can buy 3700 of these for 200skr (23$) and that's plenty. Never reuse old, dirty or damaged BB's since they can damage your gun. The 0.25g bbs spread is less, and is less affected by wind, but they cost more. What else?: Mag clips. Great for fast magazine switches. Sig 550/551 can be clipped together without these, but most guns will need an extra piece. Scope. This is pure optional since in they not that usefull in Airsoft, but they look good. And if they give you an advantage, go for it. You might want to spend this on a backup spring pistol instead, if you don't have one. Reddot sights. These doesn't give away you possision. Aimpoint is the best and they're Swedish, but they cost as much as an AEG. Cheap Reddot sights is available, but the quality isn't that good often. Lasersight. Usefull but the enemy will know where you are. But they will also know that the laser can be followed by a bb any time. I know from playing that if a enemy sees a laser dot on the tree that they are hiding at, the won't stand up. Lasers is not usefull in sunlight. Flashlight. Look cool on many weapons, but unless you're in a nightgame, they're not usefull, unless you play in a house without windows. They will ruin your nightvision. And the enemys. Radios. Radio commnication in a team is great. It increase tactics, teamwork and they take away many of the usual misunderstandings. When you team use radiocommunication, they'll be better coordinated. Gloves. A pair of gloves (neoprene or something) is good if you would like to protect you hands and they increase the grip you get when holding a weapon. Tracers. These look like silencers but they illuminate the bb as it passes thru the silencer and the bb glows slightly when it leaves the weapon. Cool in nightgames, but the give away you posision, and the bbs cost 6 times more. They're only available in 0.15g, 0.20g and 0.25g. Cost example:
Thinker |