Have you been looking for the next big thrill? Are first-person shooter games your forte? You’ve tried paintball and you love it?

Meet its modern relative: a sport called airsoft!

What is airsoft?
 

Contrary to popular belief, airsoft is not that new as a sport. In fact, you would never guess where this activity first appears. America? No. Germany? Also no. The place of birth of airsoft is Japan!

The Asian country we know for its rich culture and history as well as amazingly developed cities and as a synonym for next-level technologies, introduced airsoft to the world about 50 years ago, in the early 1970s. Different than a lot of other places in the world, Japan was and is known for its very strict weapon laws. Back then a weapon enthusiast decided to find a way to practice their favorite hobby and follow the rules at the same time. He built replicas of weapons that use non-lethal ammunition. His ideas spread from Japan to other Asian countries. Then, it came to the UK and the USA and from there - to all parts of the world. And now... you can practice airsoft almost everywhere on Earth.

 

There are quite a few amazing things about airsoft. The first of them is there are no rules set in stone. What does that mean? 

The airsoft game is unique because it relies heavily on a personal sort of honor code the players agree to before starting the game. This means that when a player gets hit, they are obliged by the code to announce it and get out of the game until it finishes. Keep in mind though, it is not that easy for one to know when they’re hit in the heat of the game. Depending on how big the terrain is you might need from 8 to 20 people so you can split into rival teams.

Airsoft is played outdoors in special, designated areas. They are usually quite big, have a wild terrain, and very often - at least one abandoned building you can strategically situate your team in. If, of course, you manage to get in before the other team. 

One of the things most players love about airsoft is the weapons that are used. They are majorly safe replicas of real-life ones and make the experience even more enjoyable for all of you who know your weapons out there. The best part is you can rent the ones you like on the airsoft site or buy your own. Most countries in the world declare airsoft weapons safe and therefore, you can buy them even freely, without owning a weapon permit. That, of course, doesn’t mean there aren’t some limitations in every country, so you’d better find them out before spending money on airsoft guns, equipment, and delivery fees. They may be age-related or connected to how the weapons should be marked to not be confused with real guns. For example, in the UK the age you are permitted to play airsoft is 18 years old. In the US, though, all airsoft guns are marked with orange tips of the barrel to avoid confusion. Still, in a lot of places airsoft is available to be played even by children as old as 14, 13 or even 11 years old.

 

How is airsoft different from paintball?

If you don’t know a lot about airsoft, you might think it’s a very close version of paintball. And you will be very wrong. Although they have conceptual touching points, they are quite different.

The biggest difference is, as we pointed out a little bit earlier, in the weapons. We know we should not wear clothes we want to wear ever again outside when we go paintballing. The paint, depending on the brand, may, or may not ever come out of that fabric. And while you should wear comfortable pieces when you enter the airsoft sites, it doesn’t mean you’ll have to throw them away later. The secret is that airsoft weapons don’t use paint, but rather projectiles 6 mm or 8 mm in diameter with propane-silicone oil mixture in them.

What is more, you can easily make the difference between a real weapon and an airsoft one. Normally, real weapons are made from heavy metal materials. Airsoft weapons, on the other hand, are made from materials far lighter - usually, a combination of plastic and aluminum. They can be electric, gas-powered, or spring-loaded, but usually, you will be offered to use the AEG - Automatic-Electric Gun. And something more, just in addition - they are very, very customizable if you decide to get your own. 

Leaving the weapons aside, airsoft is considered way more realistic than paintball. This is why airsoft weapons are often used in shooting training - even in the official forces of some countries.

Nevertheless, you should treat your airsoft weapons as real ones - take care of them, clean them and keep and practice with them far from children and unprotected adults.

Last, but not least, it is considered that airsoft costs less to practice and in buying the equipment as well. Of course, fares vary, so you have to check with a local supplier. Beware, though, if you don’t take good care of the airsoft equipment, you might end up paying for more repairs than you bargained for - and way more than you might invest in paintball equipment.

 

Is airsoft safe?

Generally speaking, airsoft is much safer than a lot of other sports. This is only true though if you use the mandatory protective gear. 

Generally, if you want to be protected when practicing airsoft, you have to have (or rent) the following gear.

Most importantly, you should have a full face mask and a helmet. They should protect the most vulnerable parts of your body - the eyes and mouth, as well as the neck. At a minimum, you should bring good protective glasses or protective goggles.

It is advised for you to also get a protective airsoft vest. This way your chest and abdomen will be safe as well as your most important internal organs and soft tissues.

You can add to this gear some good, comfortable boots. They will protect your feet and will give you the opportunity to get around all terrain without sparing your comfort. 

Besides that, you can wear whatever is comfortable for you. Still, we advise it to be comfortable so you can easily move and jump in it. A lot of people choose camouflage colored clothes but it is all your choice. The important thing is the clothing should cover all of your body. 

And another tip from us: get familiar with the terrain and wear something that will help you blend in - it will be no fun if you wear electric colors and get spotted on right away. Also, a good idea, although not obligatory, is to wear gloves. This way you will protect the more sensitive parts of your hands - the knuckles.

As well, you might want to bring a hat to be protected from the sun, if it’s one of the warmer seasons you have chosen for this team activity. 

To add to the list, you should be prepared with a spare change of clothes and shoes for after the game. It’s guaranteed you will be sweaty and dusty all over. A pro tip though is to bring sunscreen and insect spray - absolute necessities during the summer airsoft sessions.

A big concern for many is the quantity of pain one gets when hit while playing airsoft. In most cases, if you’re wearing protective gear, you can feel the hit at most as a pinch. Still, you’d better not try to take it at point-blank, because then it will hurt more.

 

Additional details and advice about practicing airsoft

Airsoft is famous for its game scenarios and recreations of battles and fights. The roles are based on the type of weapon each participant is comfortable with using. You can fight from afar or close, with a sniper replica or some of a handgun. Airsoft equipment includes even a safe version of grenades and smoke bombs. Due to the diversity in weapons, there are more roles you can take on than in paintball, for example.

The games can also be long or short. In longer scenarios, there are even more people that can come into play in the roles of medics, for instance.

The best advice we can give you before you plan your airsoft game is to plan accordingly. Start a group chat with the participants and choose a time span when all players are available. Then, call the airsoft center so you can book the time and/or day you want to play on. Beware - most places only take bookings and may have restrictions, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. Last, but not least - arrive early, so you can prepare and put on protective gear. If you’re going to do the airsoft experience for the first time, take the time to ask the staff any and each question you may have about the game, the weapons, and the terrain. Get familiar with the weapons and how they work and of course - get to plan the strategy with your team.

 

Nowadays airsoft is considered a great activity for team buildings and bonding with friends.

What we should always remember, no matter how we choose to play and how big our groups is that this is a friendly fight and the most important thing is to have fun, strengthen our bonds and blow off the daily induced stress and steam.