AIRSOFT NEWBIE ADVICE
A few basic terms you made need clarifying....
"Airsoft" :- a sport where grown men and women run around and shoot eachother with 6mm round bits of plastic (or bb's)
"Pain" :- when you get shot on the lip at close range and are stupid enough not to wear face protection
"Money" :- the thing you will never have enough of when you take up this sport, an airsoft shop is like a toyshop for adults
"UKARA" :- the piece of paper, number or card that means you can buy a realistic looking gun
Now seriously:-
Where can I play:- http://www.airsoftmap.net/Skirmish/ will give you most UK UKARA registered sites
What do I need:- alot of sites will do a hire package which is the best option when you are starting out, ring, email or go down and ask them. It is a good way to test the sport see if you like it before you commit all your money.
Do I need tactical equipment:- No, jeans and a shirt are acceptable, you may be required to wear boots with ankle protection to try and prevent you ankle injuries.
What to buy first?
Ok, so you hooked, and what to buy.
Protection:-
(1) Eye protection:- Buy from UK, it must have EN166F as a minimum, these are always written on the lenses. We don't reccommend mesh as bb's do shatter occasionally, and we DO recommend fully sealed glasses to prevent sieward shots. You only have 1 set of eyes proect them!! Good makes include Bolle and Honeywell at ~£10-£15 for basic pair.
(2) Face:- Half mesh facemask like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GHOST-Mesh-Airsoft-Mask-Metal-Half-Face-Protection-Strike-Paintball-Tactical-/171559330541?hash=item27f1bba2ed:g:EbgAAOSwIBBUba6R ~£10 look for the 2 straps on the back rather than the single strap.
(Other)
Boots:- (~£25) ebay has a variety, including ex-issue and plenty of knockoff brands, depends on your purse, my opinion is you wear them once a week perhaps.
Gloves:- (~£5) a wide variety depends on personal preference
Helmet:- (~£30)again variety (my personal preference is one with an adjustable headband)
Knee pads/shin guards are useful (under £10)
"Airsoft" :- a sport where grown men and women run around and shoot eachother with 6mm round bits of plastic (or bb's)
"Pain" :- when you get shot on the lip at close range and are stupid enough not to wear face protection
"Money" :- the thing you will never have enough of when you take up this sport, an airsoft shop is like a toyshop for adults
"UKARA" :- the piece of paper, number or card that means you can buy a realistic looking gun
Now seriously:-
Where can I play:- http://www.airsoftmap.net/Skirmish/ will give you most UK UKARA registered sites
What do I need:- alot of sites will do a hire package which is the best option when you are starting out, ring, email or go down and ask them. It is a good way to test the sport see if you like it before you commit all your money.
Do I need tactical equipment:- No, jeans and a shirt are acceptable, you may be required to wear boots with ankle protection to try and prevent you ankle injuries.
What to buy first?
Ok, so you hooked, and what to buy.
Protection:-
(1) Eye protection:- Buy from UK, it must have EN166F as a minimum, these are always written on the lenses. We don't reccommend mesh as bb's do shatter occasionally, and we DO recommend fully sealed glasses to prevent sieward shots. You only have 1 set of eyes proect them!! Good makes include Bolle and Honeywell at ~£10-£15 for basic pair.
(2) Face:- Half mesh facemask like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GHOST-Mesh-Airsoft-Mask-Metal-Half-Face-Protection-Strike-Paintball-Tactical-/171559330541?hash=item27f1bba2ed:g:EbgAAOSwIBBUba6R ~£10 look for the 2 straps on the back rather than the single strap.
(Other)
Boots:- (~£25) ebay has a variety, including ex-issue and plenty of knockoff brands, depends on your purse, my opinion is you wear them once a week perhaps.
Gloves:- (~£5) a wide variety depends on personal preference
Helmet:- (~£30)again variety (my personal preference is one with an adjustable headband)
Knee pads/shin guards are useful (under £10)