Airsoft for beginners? Our tips here
As the head of airsoft departments, I have already answered countless times on this topic, which is so evergreen among all novice players. Questions such as: “What Airsoft gun should I get? What else do I need? What boots and what camouflage? Do I need a tactical vest?”.
Many questions and answers are not always simple and unambiguous. I will try to give you some good tips on what equipment to buy in the following text.
First of all, everyone is interested in airsoft guns. There are many opinions floating around based on the early years when most people started with manual pistols and electric pistols were less powerful. However, today’s airsoft battlefield is different, much more modern, and often regulated by rules. If you have the opportunity to borrow and test one before purchasing your first airsoft gun, definitely do it. This will give you valuable experience and an idea of which model might suit you.
Manual pistols form the price basis
These weapons are mainly suitable for short-range pistol arenas. Their power is low, and reloading is slow. Chances are low against electric long guns. The price level is around 500 CZK.
CO2 and Green Gas pistols
Here we may find more powerful alternatives with a lower price, but for operation it is necessary to use a propellant gas or CO2 cylinders. These pistols are more susceptible to maintenance, so they are not suitable for beginners without experience. They range in price from 1,000 CZK to 3,500 CZK.
Manual shotguns
Here we have the first relatively cheap and effective alternative. Most of them have a power bordering on ordinary electric weapons. However, to use them you only need balls, you don’t have to worry about gas or batteries. Quite often triple-barreled shotguns are sold, i.e., 3 balls fly out for a single coking and a single shot. The effective range is around 35-40 meters, and they can be purchased from 1,000 CZK. The disadvantage is the smaller magazine capacity, but on the other hand, replacement magazines tend to be cheap. I quite often meet older and more experienced players with manual shotguns. The game is more challenging with this weapon, but all the more fun.
Manual rifles and sniper rifles
This is a category unto itself. I would advise a beginner to avoid buying a sniper rifle, even though the lower price and high performance may be tempting. The sniper position in airsoft is one of the most difficult, so we recommend at least one year with another weapon first. But if you have already decided, I recommend rifles with a VSR system (for example CYMA CM701 or WELL Mb02 and Mb03). This system is easy to modify and with a large availability of upgrades.
AEG Automatic electric guns
Automatic electric guns (AEG) are probably the most widespread and popular so far. You can certainly come across them at almost every airsoft event. They are much more comfortable to shoot and maintain than those in the previous categories. These guns work with a battery, so there is no need to “cock” the gun for the next shot after each shot, but just hold the trigger or press it repeatedly.
The base models have a range of around 45-50 meters. After professional modifications, a range of 100 meters can be achieved, for example by converting to a HPA system. There really is a wide selection of not only visually different guns, and everyone will definitely find something for themselves in this category.
As for the AK-type weapon platform, it is definitely worth beginners looking into this category of the company CYMA (e.g., CM028) to start with. Prices range from 2,500 CZK to 6,000 CZK. A more expensive alternative is E&L, which are really high-quality weapons.
Firm bets in the AR weapons platform include for example: Specna Arms, and E&C with a price range from 3,000 CZK to 7,000 CZK.
Also worth mentioning is the G36C, light in design, easy to service and with a durable v.3 gearbox. It has become a favorite gun of some groups and many airsoft camps offer it to rent in their arsenal. The indisputable advantage here is the folding stock. Prices start again at 2,500 CZK
Airsoft ammunition - balls
We recommend using only proven and high-quality ammunition. One of the most commonly used is the BLS brand. However, in many places where airsoft events are held, the ban on the use of conventional ammunition has been extended, and participation is conditional on the use of BIO ammunition. Prices range from 220 CZK to 500 CZK for approximately 4,000 balls. We quite support this plan because shooting classic plastic balls in the forest is not very friendly to nature. Just to give you an idea, one pack of balls weighs approx. 1000 grams, one PET bottle weighs approx. 40 grams. So, if you shoot a pack of plastic balls in one day, it’s like throwing 25 PET bottles into the forest. That is why we will be happy if you use BIO balls in outdoor areas where it is not possible to sweep or vacuum up the balls. Today, BIO balls are sold in a sufficient quality.
Airsoft gear
Gear is often individual for everyone. Not all of us want to play in the same camouflage or imitate the armed forces. When it comes to the first game, for example, dark clothes, which almost all of us have at home, will suffice. But remember that the thinner/more unprotected the layer of clothing you have on, the more you risk injury!
However, the absolute basics in this industry are glasses and proper boots! Glasses are simply the foundation, and you can’t take a step without them!!! A cheap alternative is a pair of certified safety glasses that can be purchased from a few crowns. And since there are sometimes unpleasant obstacles on airsoft playing surfaces, e.g., a board with a nail on the ground, etc... it’s a good idea to have proper boots that protect you from these injuries and not just play in sneakers.
Do you have any other questions that are not coved here and are important in your decision to start? Do not be afraid to write to us by email or in the “We are online, can we advise you?” section.
