So, you watched a few Airsoft videos on YouTube and realized that you just found your new hobby. “Okay, cool, but how do I even start with Airsoft?” you ask yourself.
Every Airsoft player started his journey with some mistakes, and since we made many mistakes back in our days, we know a thing or two about getting into Airsoft. After all, people learn from mistakes most of the time. That’s why we, as the Novritsch Team, put our heads together and created the FREE Start Airsoft Video Course.
If you’re a parent and your child is asking to try airsoft, we’ve prepared this video just for you. It explains how airsoft is a safe and exciting sport, comparable to many other popular activities, and provides the information you need to feel confident about their safety.
Summary of the blog
- Is Airsoft Legal in your Country?
- Where to play
- Testing Gear Before Buying
- Safety First: Protective Gear
- Choosing the Right Airsoft Gun
- Your Airsoft Journey Starts Now
1. Is Airsoft Legal in your Country?
Remember to get to know your local laws before starting your journey. Wikipedia has a decent summary. Every country in the world has different laws and restrictions regarding Airsoft guns. On one hand, we have countries like Australia, where Airsoft guns are entirely banned.
On the other hand, we have Austria, where the stance toward Airsoft guns is very liberal. So, check your local laws before you buy any gun. If Airsoft is legal in your country, check how much muzzle velocity is allowed and order accordingly.
2. Where to Play
If you already have a friend who plays Airsoft, ask him for guidance. Don’t forget to ask him to borrow some gear and a gun. This way, you can make sure you really want to start this hobby without buying anything yet. See if you like it first.
Check the internet for any Airsoft or Paintball fields near your area. You can also visit Facebook Groups or Airsoft-related forums and find some game organizers or advice. If there is an airsoft shop in your area, ask the employees whether they know some nearby fields to play in.
3. Testing Gear Before Buying
Before committing to any airsoft gear, it’s smart to try it out at a local field. Renting allows you to experiment with different airsoft guns and gear, letting you experience their weight, feel, and performance firsthand. This is especially useful when you’re beginning or aren’t yet sure of your preferred play style or gun type. Most fields offer rental packages, making it easy to get started without buying everything upfront.
Once you’ve tested a few setups, you’ll have a clearer idea of what works for you. Pay attention to how the safety gear fits, especially masks and goggles. Having comfortable and properly fitting protection is critical for an enjoyable game day. By trying gear before you buy, you avoid investing in equipment that might not suit your needs, saving you both money and frustration in the long run. And on that subject…
4. Safety First: Protective Gear
One of the most important investments you’ll make is in protective gear, primarily eye protection. Airsoft BBs can travel at high speeds, and a direct hit to the eyes can cause serious injuries. Always wear high-quality, certified safety goggles or a full-face mask when playing, as many fields require this level of protection. Ensure your goggles meet safety standards like ANSI Z87.1 for maximum safety.
Investing in face masks and helmets for additional coverage is also smart. Full-face masks protect not only your eyes but also your nose, mouth, and ears. At the same time, helmets provide added security from bumping into obstacles and allow you to attach accessories like cameras or lights. Good protective gear ensures you can play confidently and safely, focusing on having fun instead of worrying about injuries.
5. Choosing the Right Airsoft Gun
To start with airsoft, it’s crucial to understand the different types of airsoft guns available: spring, gas, and automatic electric guns (AEGs). Each has unique characteristics that can influence your choice. Spring-powered guns are affordable and reliable, requiring manual cocking between shots. Gas-powered guns, often offering blowback for added realism, can be affected by cold weather and require regular maintenance. AEGs are battery-powered and ideal for beginners because they provide consistent firing with minimal upkeep.
AEGs balance cost and performance well for new players, making them the most popular choice for skirmishes. We recommend starting out with our SSR4 AEG as it is one of the best out-of-the-box affordable AEGs that can grow with your airsoft journey.
6. Your Airsoft Journey Starts Now
So, if you just want to learn some stuff about Airsoft, we suggest you start with the Start Airsoft Academy course and a few smaller games.
After that, you need to decide if you would like to play regularly. Remember that this is a pretty cool way to stay fit, as there is a lot of movement involved! Most importantly, it is a great way to make friendships that can last you a lifetime. But the decision is only yours, and nobody can force it. If you want to read more on related subjects, we have these blog posts that could help you with your airsoft journey:
