Your Top 5 Airsoft Shopping List

By Kirsty Holloway – assisted by Team Wyven

Team Wyven at our last airsoft game

When you first start playing airsoft you will quickly realise that there is a huge amount of goodies to spend your money on. My husband’s (Dan’s) collection is quickly filling up the spare bedroom.

So where do you start? I’ve been talking to  Team Wyven – some of whom have been playing airsoft for over 10 years. We have managed to put together the Top 5 pieces of equipment for your initial shopping list.

• Eye Protection – Gary from the team recommends Bitter End Airsoft Googles from America. Drone Airsoft supply a full face protection mask as part of their rental package – but it’s worth getting your own as they are much more comfortable because you can buy them to fit. Some players prefer to have lenses instead of mesh goggles. 

Bitter End Airsoft Goggles http://bitterendgoggles.com/bitter_end_goggles.htm

• Buy decent Gun – Once you know you want to keep playing the sport a decent gun will give you less tech issues and last a lot longer. If you want some advice before you purchase one comment below. Also, don't forget to chat to other airsoft players. Everyone has different experiences with different makes and models of guns. 

• Gloves – once you have been shot in the hand a few times you will quickly realise this is a fantastic purchase. It also means your hands will stay nice and warm. Dan uses Mechanix gloves as they are really comfy - they also make them in a range of colour options included multiple camo options to match your loadout.

Mechanix gloves - http://www.military1st.co.uk/combat-gear-gloves/?catid=371657&cfSearch1=brand&cfvalue1=mechanix%20wear

• Gun sling – if you have to carry your gun the entire day you will find your arms start to ache. Drone Airsoft have these as part of their rental package – which is great if you’re not used to carrying a gun around. You can have single, 2 or 3 point slings. The single point will allow you more flexibility about where you hang your gun.

• Decent Footwear – These games never happen in a carpark. A set of walking boots will reduce the risk of you slipping.

There is obviously a huge amount more that you can, and will end up buying – like combat vests etc – but starting off with these few items will get you playing a game you will enjoy. 

Have you been treating yourself to some airsoft goodies? We would love to see some pictures of your favourite equipment. Post below or tweet us @DroneAirsoft

Starting Airsoft: What do you need? – The Facts

By Kirsty Holloway

Are you looking for a new sport for 2015? If you love team games and meeting new people - try Airsoft. It allows you to develop your team skills in addition to developing strategy.

The game usually involves 2 opposing teams. Each player is armed with an airsoft gun (usually a replica weapon that fires BB pellets). The teams then have to compete against each other to be the first to reach the objective, or be the last 'surviving' player.

To give you a little bit more information about Airsoft we asked the owners of Drone Airsoft. This is a brand new Airsoft company run by my husband (Dan) and his 2 business partners – Ross and Jamie. It is based down in Dorset, United Kingdom, on the South Coast. 

I have asked the questions that will help you to get a better understanding of what you need to know to start airsoft. Go and have a read.

If you need to know anything else at the end send us a question to info@drone-airsoft.com

Jamie at game 2 (March 2015)
To see more pictures click here

How did you get into Airsoft?

  Dan:
I had a friend that was already playing. But I know of others that found out about it through the           internet. I've been playing airsoft regularly for about 2 ½ years now.

  Jamie:

A mate introduced me to the sport about 4 years ago. He described it as “like paintball with more       realistic looking guns”. Enough of us got together that we made our own team.

   Ross:

A friend introduced me.

What gear did you originally buy?

   Dan:
For my first few events I borrowed a friends AK47 and a full face mask. I just wore a pair of black     combat trousers and a matching T-shirt. As I work as a mechanic during the week my steel capped     boots made a great pair of sturdy footwear to use. The first piece of equipment I actually brought         was a face mask once I started playing regularly.

   Jamie:

Viper vest. I love using pyros. The vest gave me lots of pockets, which was excellent.

   Ross:

Eye protection (stamped steal) and a lower face mask (also stamped steal). You need to make sure       your face is protected. We provide a full facemask with all our rental guns - so you won't need to         buy your own straight away.

What is your favourite gun?

  Dan:

My MP5. It's a mostly plastic gun and so it is really light. In addition, it is also really easy to               maintain. I have also spent some time customising this gun. I've added a sliding stock that now houses the battery as well as a tactical hand grip with rails and a top rail. This has given me the ability add a torch without having to completely removing the hand guard. The adjustable stock ensures I can have it in the most comfortable position for me.

  Jamie:

My favourite gun is the Steyr AUG. I love the bull pup design (the magazine is behind the trigger). This      means the gun is shorter so it gives you a tighter turning circle.

  Ross:
The Vector. It's very therapeutic to fire as it is a gas blowback rifle. I also own  P90 and an electric      Glock.

What gun do you recommend for a beginner?

   Dan:
M4, M16, MP5 : All have similar firing and all really light. Ensures you can easily carry them             around the games without getting tired. They all have safety, semi auto and full auto settings and the fps is usually around the 300 mark – so you can use them on urban and woodland.

That was the main reason we decided to select the G&G CM16 Raider as our rental guns. 

   Jamie:
An M4 has a longer barrel so has a great range – making it ideal for woodland. MP5 has a slightly shorter barrel so better for close quarter battle (CQB). Both though are great for starting out.

   Ross:
Our site offers rental guns. This allows you to try out the sport to see if you like it before buying         anything. Just go for something you think looks cool – but bear in mind the weight as some of the       big support weapons are really heavy.

I also recommend getting an electric gun initially. Gas powered guns can be effected by extremes in temperature. 

 Do you prefer Woodland or Urban sites?

  Dan:

I primarily like urban because of the close quarters battle aspect.  Woodland tends to have more cover to help you sneak past enemies or pick off the enemy without giving away your position. However, I have quickly fallen in love with our site as it provides the woodland environment with the close range tactical fighting. This is something completely unique to our site. 

  Jamie:
I prefer woodland as it feels more tactical but I prefer the close quarters fighting. 

  Ross:
Of the sites I have been on, I prefer “urban style” game play. But I also really enjoy the woodland environment games.

Looking for a new game site in Dorset, UK? 

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