Airsoft is a leisure activity that brings together players and enthusiasts from all over the world around a simulation game. It's an activity that takes motivated players across regions and sometimes even borders to share a common passion: military simulation and replica handling.
The most common games are called Sunday games, because they take place on a Sunday. These are the games where the stakes are likely to be the lowest, with the emphasis on fun and camaraderie.
Other more specific games or scenarios can take place day or night, and sometimes over several days. This time, the emphasis is on simulation and intensity, forcing you to work together to achieve your objectives.
In the various games, you'll experience role-playing, military simulation and strategic implementation. You'll experience this with other people, who become your game partners for the duration of a game session.
Get to know yourself, excel and use your skills to lead your team to victory. Understand how your replica and equipment work, and make the most of them to carry out your actions.
You'll experience epic action, get out of tricky situations, enjoy victory as well as the bitterness of defeat. All in a spirit of camaraderie, fair play and trust, on a variety of terrains.
Because equipment is an integral part of airsoft, it's crucial to know what to buy in order to practice in good conditions.
At the outset, we can quickly become lost in the flood of different replicas with equally numerous features, as well as the multitude of conceivable accessories that can be added to our outfits.
So we're really going to have to sit down and think about the style of game we're playing, the ideal replica to start with that pleases us aesthetically as well as in its use, the style we want on the field as military or Special Forces and perhaps how to blend in as much as possible.
But more than that, we'll also need to think about how to protect ourselves and how to bring all the equipment we deem necessary to the field, without restricting ourselves.
When you?re new to airsoft, you can quickly get lost in the flood of replicas, equipment andaccessories. You need basic equipment that will get you started, whatever the terrain, and that meets over 80% of association requirements.
To get started in airsoft, you first need a replica, preferably AEG or gas-operated for ease of use and power that can be contained within the power ranges accepted by the associations. Indeed, some associations tend either to set a power limit (under 1.5 Joules most of the time when this happens) or to set an engagement distance depending on the power of your replica, limiting your range of action and your power of reaction.
Secondly, the essential and non-negotiable item on the field is a pair of ballistic goggles or an eye protection mask. When entering an airsoft field, or simply leaving the Safe-Zone (where all replicas are set to safety mode and magazines are supposed to be removed from replicas), it's crucial to wear eye protection to avoid accidents. It is strictly forbidden to remove them outside the Safe-Zone, for any reason whatsoever, since a ball thrown at full speed or ricocheting can simply cause you to lose your sight and ruin your life.
Thirdly, a stalker can be very useful for protecting your teeth and preventing them from breaking, so that you can keep your most beautiful smile without it bothering you too much.
Finally, a pair of high-top shoes is increasingly requested by associations to prevent any sprains or strains that could hasten and spoil the end of your day.
It's a question that often comes up when starting out in airsoft, and one that unfortunately doesn't have a universal answer. However, we're going to try to answer it as best we can, in order to be as precise as possible on such a vast, vague and personal subject.
To get started in airsoft, you don't need to spend thousands of euros to get a decent result. All you need to do is buy the right replicas, equipment and accessories to suit your tastes and objectives.
For example, you can get nice AEG AR15 / M4 replicas for as little as 170? Add to this one or two extra magazines for less than 15?, a bag of organic BBs for 16.90? and two batteries for less than 20? each. In terms of accessories, we can find good masks and goggles for less than ? 25, as well as a stalker for around ? 10. Finally, if you've got them, you can get out your best hiking boots if you've got them, or buy some for less than ? 100.
For less than 300? if you already have hiking boots, or less than 400? if you're getting your own. It is possible to accessorize better, but this will depend on your tastes and the additional equipment you wish to purchase. Remember that for the beginning, unless you want to play "Military Simulation" or "Mil-Sim" games, it's perfectly possible to play as a civilian.
As with the military, there are many different categories of replica, from the American M4, M16 and other AR15-based models, to the Russophile AK and the European HK. There's something for everyone, whether you're a fan of a particular army or special forces, or of video games, films or manga, with more exotic replicas based on the latter.
However, when you make your first purchase, the difficulty may lie in choosing the propulsion system, since we can quickly get lost when we see AEG, GBBR, HPA or Spring. And the pleasure of choosing your first replica can quickly become a headache. With all the technical specifications to be found on product data sheets, all the possible and imaginable replicas and all the propulsion options, it's easy to get lost.
This is why we're going to take a brief look at all possible types and categories of replica to give you the keys to making your choice.
In this section, we'll look at the different categories of replicas. We'll take a look at replicas with simpler functions, such as the Spring, and those with more sophisticated functions, such as the HPA.
Another point to bear in mind when starting out with a gas-operated replica, and not the least, is replica maintenance. As we are dealing with more mechanical elements, we also need to be more attentive to this part, which will improve the longevity of the parts making up your replica. You'll need to be skilful when cleaning and greasing the various parts that make up your replica, whether it's for first-time use, where you'll certainly need to remove the transport grease and replace it with the grease you use.
Now that we've seen the different types of replicas that can be found when browsing the various airsoft sites. It will be interesting to know the different categories in which replicas are listed. On the site, we'll find long replicas, handguns, shotguns, sniper replicas, support replicas and reenactment replicas.
Are you a collector or an enthusiast of antique weapons? Re-enactment replicas are a very successful and realistic reminder of what was done in the past. These replicas are very often bought for display at home, and their mechanisms are often very sophisticated. Nevertheless, they can still be used on airsoft fields and as models for exhibitions or films.
The strength of these replicas often lies in the detail and care taken in their design, often using more noble materials such as real wood or metal rather than polymer.
Now that we've seen the different types of replicas and their different categories, it might be interesting to answer the question that every beginner asks: What should I take as my first replica?
The secret of a good first replica ultimately lies in balancing your tastes, your budget and your playing comfort. Whether you choose an M4 / AK / HK replica or an MP5 / P90 replica, the right choice lies in respecting this balance. So there's no general right answer to this question, only your own.
Here's an example of a perfect beginner's basket, containing an AEG AR15 long replica, two Hi-Cap chargers, two batteries (one for the morning and one for the afternoon), a LiPo protective bag for storing your batteries, a protective mask, a stalker and BBs.
This replica is a perfect starting point, as it's inexpensive but has some interesting features for the future. In fact, it has features such as a precision barrel and an ETU that will give you a first step towards future improvements. It also has Picatinny and M-LOK rails, so you can accessorize it as you wish, and its AR15-type base is ultra-modular, since there are many compatible upgrade parts on the market.
The two Hi-Cap magazines supplied with this replica will enable you to carry a maximum number of BBs with you in the field. With these magazines, you should be able to shoot without worrying too much about accuracy or using too many bullets. When you're just starting out, balls can go very quickly.
The accompanying bag of BBs should be more than enough for a Sunday or evening session, or sometimes two, depending on whether you shoot a lot or not.
Let's move on to the two batteries supplied with the replica. Why two batteries? Quite simply because Sunday games generally take place over two parts of the day, and we prefer to use one battery per half-day. This ensures that your batteries don't fall below 3.70v per cell, and that intelligent battery chargers can recognize and charge them. Indeed, if the voltage falls below this level, your battery may no longer be recognized, and the charger will no longer be able to charge it, leaving it out of action.
The battery charger lets you recharge your LiPo battery via the balance socket. LED indicators make it easy to understand and use, letting you know when the battery is charging, charged or unrecognized. We strongly advise against using a NiMH charger to charge a LiPo battery, as this will continue to charge the battery, even at 100%, and may cause the battery to explode. Please use LiPo chargers to charge LiPo batteries.
The LiPo protection bag keeps your batteries safe during transport and storage. In the event of a problem, the bag is designed to be fireproof, limiting any outbreak of fire or explosion that could cause damage.
The protective mask is designed to protect your eyes from damage caused by BBs, and meets the requirement to wear eye protection outside the Safe-Zone or when handling replicas.
Finally, the stalker simply completes the face protection provided by the mask by protecting your teeth and cheeks from ball impacts.
This example of a basket at less than 300? will enable you to start airsoft in good conditions, providing a good balance between playing comfort and protection, while enjoying excellent performance.
If you're going to choose a sniper as your first line of defence, there are a few things you'll need to consider.
First of all, we strongly recommend that you have a secondary replica to enable you to face your opponents at short ranges. Indeed, in addition to reactivity, maneuverability and acquisition being greatly affected, there's a good chance that your sniper replica will be under engagement restrictions due to its power.
Secondly, you won't be attacking with your comrades, and you'll often be on your own. Snipers are often loners, remaining in position for long periods, waiting patiently for their opponents to appear in their field of vision. It's also a game of hide-and-seek, where the use of the environment can be crucial to camouflage or leave as few body parts as possible visible.
The sniper game is not for everyone, despite the will to do so.
When you're new to airsoft, your first few games will give you an idea of your playing style, your desires or simply your current abilities. They're perfect for analyzing what's going on and how you react to it. Do you play statically or in constant motion? Do you prefer discretion or rush? Do you use a lot of balls or are you thrifty? Answering these questions will help you adjust your replica to your real needs and playing style.
You also need to get to know your replica. Is it responsive? Long? Short? Precise enough? Do you need more rate of fire? Do you need more or less power? All this data, all your feelings, will enable you to optimize your replica so that it best meets your expectations.
When you want to buy equipment, do it smart. Your first loadout won't be your last. That's why it's best to buy your gear in plain, common colors (like black, tan or Ranger Green, for example) that meet basic needs without going too overboard. Concentrate your purchases on what really counts and is essential (or will bring you real playing comfort) before buying secondary, even aesthetic, equipment. For example, will a tactical light on your replica really serve you if you only play Sunday daytime games on open terrain? Or would it be better to buy tactical pouches so you can take more magazines into the field? In the beginning, before buying something, ask yourself the question of utility, to determine whether it's situational or general.
At the start, don't hesitate to ask questions, check out what's going on in groups on social networks or forums. Dare to go and meet associations or call people (or companies) who are part of the ecosystem of this leisure activity. When you go out to play, talk to others and ask questions. People who practice airsoft are passionate about it, and will be delighted to share their opinions, knowledge and experience with you. This will give you a better idea of what to do and what not to do.
Airsoft is much more than just a hobby: it's a true experience that challenges your body and mind. When you start playing airsoft, you'll be stepping into a world of esprit de corps, physical exercise and strategy. With this guide, you'll have the basics you need to get started and make the right equipment choices.
Each player learns at his or her own pace. The most expensive replica or equipment is not necessarily the best for you. The right equipment is the one that suits your style and allows you to progress without difficulty. Over time, as you learn from yourself and your existing equipment, you will refine your game and your preferences, until you find your own identity as a player.
We believe that a good airsoft player is above all a curious, responsible and fair-play enthusiast. So get equipped, and above all, HAVE FUN, because fun is what airsoft is all about.
