What should you bring to your first airsoft game? Here are the essentials:
- A functioning airsoft gun
- A secondary airsoft gun if you have any
- Power source (batteries for AEGs or gas)
- A gun bag
- Magazines and reloader
- BBs/Ammo
- Eye and face protection
- Gloves, head gear, and vest
- Food and water
- First aid
- Cleaning materials
- Bug repellent and sunblock (if playing outdoors)
Quick Introduction
Gearing up for your first ever airsoft game? You must be excited but still uncertain as to whether you’re fully ready to join a battle. With how players tend to hype the sport and with how decked out many of them can be during games, you might have a number of questions about the essentials you need to have to play properly.
You must be wondering what to bring to your first airsoft game. Don’t fret because this isn’t a complicated endeavor. In fact, you don’t necessarily need a lot to enjoy your first game. While other players might make you feel like you need a lot of stuff to play, that’s not always the case.
Most airsoft players tend to add to their gear over time as they develop a playing style, so there’s no need to rush. It’s actually better to take things slowly so you can evaluate your needs and preferences as you develop your playing skills and techniques.
So where do you start? The essentials in playing airsoft will be discussed in detail below.
What to Bring to Your First Airsoft Game
What are the basics that you should bring to your first airsoft game? Here’s a quick roundup of the items you absolutely need on your first time out in the airsoft battlefield:
A functioning airsoft gun
The very first thing that you need for your first airsoft game is a functioning airsoft gun. This item can be something you purchased for yourself before the game or something you rented.
Most fields have rental units but they may not necessarily be in top condition so it’s better if you can get yourself a good one before the game. There are lots of affordable options out there, so there’s no need to worry about your options.
A secondary airsoft gun (if you have any)
Experienced airsoft players also recommend having a secondary gun, just in case your primary fails. As a beginner, it might be too much to buy two guns without trying the game first so you can definitely skip this step.
If you want to be safe, though, you can always borrow or rent a secondary gun.
Power source (batteries for AEGs or gas)
If your airsoft gun is electric or gas-powered, it’s best to have a power source on hand. This will ensure that you won’t run out of juice while in game.
Newbies tend to shoot a lot on their first game so there’s a high chance that your gun will run out of power on long games. Having a backup power source will ensure that you’ll chug on.
BBs/Ammo
Again, as mentioned above, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll need to shoot a lot in order to hit an opponent on your first game. So to make sure that you won’t run out of ammunition, it’s crucial to have some backup.
Magazines and reloader
Loaded spare magazines and a quick reloader will also come in handy for you. With the rate that newbies tend to shoot, their magazines can run out of content pretty quickly. Having spares that are ready for use will make reloading efficient while in game.
A full reloader will also come in handy in case you empty out all of your magazines. It will help you top up your magazines, whether you’re in game or not.
A gun bag
A airsoft gun bag is a must for two reasons: it will make it easier for you to lug your stuff around and it’s one way to ensure safety. There are lots of items you’ll need to carry around to and from the airsoft arena, so it’s more convenient to have a bag to help you out.
Many airsoft guns look like the real deal that, sometimes, even law enforcement officers mistake them for actual high-powered guns. So to avoid serious problems, it’s best to stow them away and keep them out of sight when you’re not playing airsoft.
Safety gear
Statistics show that more than 13,000 children get injured by airsoft guns yearly. This shouldn’t be a surprise as these non-firearms’ power can go up to 400 to 700 fps. So to keep players safe, there’s a significant need for players to wear protective gear.
A lot of players make sure to wear full-face helmets, vests, long-sleeved tops, and gloves during battles. They can be a bit cumbersome but they will keep you safe. If you’re not ready to invest in a full-face helmet, however, you can always go for eye and face protection instead.
Food and water
Most airsoft games last the whole day, so it’s best to pack some food and water with you. Of course, most fields will also have some food for sale but they might not have a great selection available. Packing your own lunch and snacks will better guarantee that you’ll get your fill on an action-packed day.
Cleaning materials
Dirt, grime, debris, and other things might get into your airsoft gun so it’s best to have some cleaning supplies with you as well. This will guarantee that you can address certain issues with your gun in case something happens.
Other optional items
- Bug repellent and sunblock if you’re playing outdoors
- First aid in case of an accident or injury
- Bag lock or lock box to secure your valuables while you play
Things Every New Airsoft Player Should Know
To help you get started on the right foot in airsoft, here are additional tips that you should keep in mind as a newbie:
- 6 mm BBs are the standard for airsoft ammunition. If you’re not sure what kind to get, go for this size. You can choose among 0.12g, 0.20g, and 0.28g as a newbie. Going for the 20g is recommended by lots of seasoned players, however, because they’re better suited for entry-level airsoft guns and can promise better accuracy than lighter varieties.
- Do not fire indiscriminately. Even if everyone in an airsoft field is ready to get hit, some areas are more less safe than others. People in ready rooms and outside areas of the field might not be wearing their protective gears so they can get seriously hurt if hit. On the field, going trigger-happy can hit your teammates or the referee – both are major no-nos.
- Homemade projectiles (grenades, etc.) are not always allowed. Check with the field or game organizer first before trying to make use of them.
Conclusion
The essentials in what to bring to your first airsoft game is a pretty simple list. Veteran players might make it seem like you need a lot to start playing or to enjoy a game but that’s not the case. You can certainly have fun even if you only have the most basic set of equipment.
Got anything else to add? Leave it in the comments section as it might help other airsoft newbies as well.