| Hardware and accessory guide for AirsoftArizona
Members: Below is a complied list of many different airsoft-related items. The
ones listed in boldface are really required for play in an AirsoftArizona
event. The ones listed in italics are NOT required but are HIGHLY
recommended for playing in an AirsoftArizona event. The others listed are
merely recommendations to add to your overall experience.
I will be adding more to this list on a continual
basis. Also read the newbie FAQ here.
Weapons:
- Springer pistol - Springer pistols are nice to get if you
don't have the money for a Gas Blowback pistol, but want something for
backup should your primary weapon fail, run out of ammo or jam. They
are inexpensive (often around $15-30) and are fairly reliable.
- AirsoftAtlanta
is a good start for springers, as our sponsors don't sell them (as far
as I am aware)
- Also try eBay
- Gas Blowback (GBB) Pistol (for sidearm and/or backup) - GBB's
are ideal for backup weapons if your primary weapon ever becomes unusable
during a game. They cost from $75-$300 and are very realistic, but are
also maintenance intensive. They are semi-automatic, and shoot a bit
higher velocity than a stock AEG.
- If you're an AA
Member, our sponsors
are a great place to get GBB guns
- EBay
also has a decent selection
- Also, there are usually some good deals to be had on
used GBB's from AA members in the
forum
classifieds
- Stock AEG* (for CQB/CQC and/or night games and also for regular
games if you wish) - A stock
AEG (no internal modification) is recommended if you only have ONE
AEG. The reasons for this are that they are much less likely to fail, break
or incur other problems if they are internally stock (not upgraded). Also, a stock AEG is allowed to be used in
ANY AirsoftArizona game or situation while an upgraded gun may not always be
allowed (depending on the scenario and type of game). Stock AEG's run from
$200, to well over $1000 with most being in the $300 range. Look for
"Tokyo Marui" brand AEG's if you value reliability.
- If you're an AA
Member, our sponsors
are a great place to get AEG's
- Also, there are usually some good deals to be had on
used AEG's from AA members in the
forum
classifieds
- Upgraded AEG* (for regular games) - An upgraded AEG
will give you a distinct advantage over a stock AEG in performance,
depending on the upgrades performed. Upgrading a gun to shoot faster,
further and more accurately can also result in a less-reliable AEG, and one
that's more prone to breakage. We HIGHLY recommend that you do NOT
upgrade your AEG if you have only ONE. Upgraded AEG's are not allowed
in CQB/CQC (indoor) and night games due to their power. Upgrades range
from a simple $30 "spring and bearings" upgrade to an
all-inclusive FTK upgrade (and more). AirsoftArizona imposes a strict
400 FPS limit (.20g BB's) on all upgraded AEG's.
- If you're an AA
Member, our sponsors
are a great place to get AEG's and the parts to upgrade them
- Also, there are occasionally some deals to be had on
misc parts from AA members in the
forum
classifieds
- Sniper Rifle - Sniper rifles are not for everyone. AA
allows up to 500 FPS (.20g BB's) when using single shot 'sniper'
rifles. Sniper rifles are highly specialized and range in price from
$90 for a cheap one to $300 for a good one, and over $1000 for custom ones.
Weapon Accessories
- Mag(s) for your sidearm/pistol(s) - You will want
additional magazines for your backup weapons. It's really inefficient
to have to reload BB's into your mags during an intense firefight...
the more, the better. Just make sure you have the gear to carry them
all.
- If you're an AA
Member, our sponsors
are a great place to get GBB magazines
- Also, there are occasionally some deals to be had on
used GBB mags from AA members in the
forum
classifieds
- Mag(s) for your AEG(s) - You will definitely want
more magazines for your AEG's. Get hi-caps if you're heavy on the
trigger, like to provide support fire, and standard capacity mags if you
prefer stealth, accuracy and realism. Hi-caps generally hold from 200
up to 600 BB's - and sometimes over 1000 (depending on the gun) while
standard capacity magazines hold from 50 to 70 BB's each.
- If you're an AA
Member, our sponsors
are a great place to get AEG magazines - hi-capacity ones and standard
capacity ones
- Also, there are occasionally some deals to be had on
used AEG mags from AA members in the
forum
classifieds
- Batteries for your AEG(s) - You're going to need
them to power your AEG. It's ALWAYS adviseable to have an extra
battery, just in case - especially if your AEG uses a "mini" style
battery.
- Gas for your GBB(s) - You're going to need gas -
either Green Gas or hfc134a (aka "duster gas") to power your GBB
Pistol. It's about $15 for a can of 1000mL.
- If you're an AA
Member, our sponsors
are also a great place to get Gas for your GBB's and other gas guns
- Gun case(s) - These are recommended as a safe and efficient
way to transport your AEG's, GBB's, rifles, etc. There are hard cases
and soft cases. Generally, they cost from $30 up to $200+.
- Good places to find these are your local sporting goods
store, or outdoor store
- You can find them on-line, but shipping is expensive
since they are so big. For on-line, try CTD,
or Cabelas.
- Pistol lanyard - This is a type of rope that attaches your
pistol to your belt in case you drop it (so you don't lose it) and in the
real-steel, will keep your enemy from taking it from you in close combat.
- Rifle Sling (3-point, tactical or regular) - It gets heavy
carrying around an AEG all day. Invest $10-20 into a good sling.
Tac and 3-point slings make it easier to ready your weapon. If you
ever want (or need) to use your secondary or backup weapon, you'll need to
sling your primary - get a sling.
- Good places to find these are your local sporting goods
store, or outdoor store
- If you're an AA
Member, our sponsors
are also a great place to get 3-point or tactical slings
- Laser Aiming device - Remember, they work both ways!
These are primarily for CQB/CQC and aid in fast target acquisition (and
frightening your target when they see the red dot).
Accessories
- Motorola Talkabout FR-60 (or other FRS) radio - Having
a radio helps IMMENSELY when playing as a team... providing intel on
your situation, what you see, where you are, where the other team is,
calling for backup, etc... is a VERY important part of the game.
Radios are one of the more important things you can have in an airsoft
game. When using a radio , make sure to use it when necessary and not
for banter. Motorola makes some of the best (and most popular) FRS
radios out there. I recommend the FR-60 (or higher) model.
Prices are about $30-$100, and they use a few AA batteries.
- PTT (push to talk) microphone and ear bud (for stealth and ease) - If
you don't want your enemy to hear your radio when your team is talking to
you, best bet is to buy an ear bud and mic for it. It makes it so only
you can hear the chatter and you don't need to touch the radio to
communicate. A definite must-have.
- Wristwatch - Recommended for convenience.
- Camouflage face paint or sniper veil - Nice just to get
into the role a bit more, and camoflauge yourself better with your
surroundings.
- Binoculars, Rifle Scope or spotting scope - Nice accessory
to have to be able to spot targets from a distance - before they can engage
you.
- Red "death rag" - Read the rules as to
what it is, and why you'll need it. If you join AirsoftArizona, you
will be supplied with a red "death rag".
- Tactical Flashlight (or Mag-Lite) - These are great to have
in CQB/CQC situations to not only see in dark areas, but to blind your
opponent. Surefire lights are VERY good, VERY bright, and also a bit
on the expensive side. Mag-Lite's are nowhere near as bright, but are
still good for the "tactical" look and to light up dark areas.
- BB Autoloader or loading tool - You'll need one of these if
you use standard capacity mags. A loading tool should come with your
AEG, but is a bit unwieldy to carry with you onto the field.
- 100% Pure Silicone oil - You will need this to keep
your AEG's and GBB's working smoothly. 20 weight is good.
- Barrel cleaning rod - One came with your AEG.
Make sure you clean the barrel every once in a while. A dirty barrel
will affect your accuracy.
- Tools (for gun maintenance) - You'll need them if
your AEG ever fails, or if you want to upgrade (and you want to do the work
yourself).
- AC/DC Battery charger - You'll need it to charge
your AEG's batteries for use. Get a good one up front. A quick
charger with trickle charge is the way to go. I'd recommend getting
one that can not only charge 8.4v batteries, but also 9.6v in case you
decide to upgrade your AEG later.
- Battery discharger - You'll need one to keep your
batteries in good condition and able to continue holding a full charge use
after use. Either buy a charger with a built in discharger, buy a
Tokyo Marui discharger or make your own using some wire and a light bulb (or
two).
- AA batteries for Radio(s), etc... - A few things run
of AA batteries: a FRS radio, a GPS, a BB autoloader... just
make sure you have some extras if you have any other electric equipment
other than an AEG.
Clothing/Gear
- Set of desert-style BDU's and/or set of Woodland-style BDU's** - We
play in desert settings in the winter time (from November to April) and in
forest settings from May until October. If you can get both desert and
woodland sets - great - if not, we recommend getting a woodland set
first. They will still be useful in the desert areas. Rip-stop
material is the best to use. If you want to go cheap, you can get used
BDU sets at many Army Surplus stores for about $10-15 each.
- Black combat-style boots and/or Tan combat-style boots - Get
some good, comfortable and durable combat boots. Magnum and Altima
make some good ones. If you have the money, get Altima brand...
if you don't, get the Magnums - they're good and cost less than $20 NEW at
botach.com. If you can only afford one set, go with black... black
will work well with woodland camo AND desert camo. If you can sport
the extra dough to get a pair of tan boots, great... it will really
help with the camo on your desert BDU's.
- Thick cushioned, reinforced or athletic socks - Even
if you get a good boot, if you don't use good socks, you'll be hurting at
the end of the day. Get some good hiking or athletic socks. Dr
Scholls inserts for your boots sure won't hurt either.
- Load Bearing Vest (LBV) or Tactical Vest - Get one
that serves your purpose. Will it hold your mags? Your other
accessories? Don't be afraid to spend some money here: you want
quality in this area. Blackhawk and Eagle Industries make some of the
best gear, and they have lifetime warranties as well. If you don't
have $100 to blow on a Blackhawk vest, you can get a Korean copy of the USGI
LBV for about $30 at most places.
- Web belt - You'll need one to anchor your LBV or Tac
vest, and to use to hold other accessories like a holster, canteen, and
other accessory pouches. They should only run about $5-10.
- Holster for sidearm
- Camelbak or Hydrastorm (or canteen) - This is a
DEFINITE good buy. You can get a camelbak now for less than $30 - they
keep your water cold all day and are convenient to carry (and out of the
way). You won't have to worry since they use a bite valve, water is
always at the ready. If you are trying to cut back, spend $5 and get a
canteen or two. They can't hold as much water and they're not as
convenient (or as cool) but they still do the job.
- Boonie hat, PASGT helmet or any other 'military' headgear - This
will protect your noggin from incoming BB's, as well as earn you style
points. Boonie hats seem to be most players favorites, but there are
quite a few PASGT helmets as well. EBay is a great place to get a
PASGT helmet - or a replica one - cost is about $30.
- Nomex gloves (or others) - A BB hitting your hand
hurts... as do some of the trees and shrubbery. Spend $15-30 on
some decent gloves. Nomex flight gloves are GREAT, tough and comfy.
- Rain poncho - It's just a good idea to have one in case you
need it. No telling when it might rain (or snow). AEG's won't be
hurt by a bit of rain... grab your poncho and get back out there
soldier!
- Butt pack or Backpack - If you need extra storage space (a
gas can probably won't fit on your vest), these are the way to go. A
butt pack should cost $15 or so and a decent camo backpack should run
$50-200.
- Mag and/or accessory pouches - Buy them if you need
them. Ask Mike, you can't have too many.
- Ghillie Suit - If stealth is your thing, or you like to
snipe, you may want to get (or make) one of these things.
Safety Equipment
- Full Paintball Facemask or any ANSI Z87.1 rated sealed goggles - These
are a necessity. You will NEED to have these for games. Use a
full facemask if you don't want to take any chances, and sealed goggles if
you prefer mobility. #1 thing when you choose: make sure they
are ANSI Z87.1 rated!!! Also take notice of fogging up... make sure
you get some no-fog cloth or no-fog spray. Your goggles WILL fog up if
you don't take some measure to prevent it.
- Compass and/or GPS - It's nice to know that (in the
event you get 'lost') you can use a compass to find your way back. A
GPS is the same thing, but much more high-tech and user-friendly interface
(and more money!). A few of the scenarios we play require the use of
GPS systems and/or compasses... so even if you choose not to get one,
make sure you know how to use one. You can get a decent compass for
around $10.
- Whistle - Nice to have if you get lost... just
as a precaution.
- First Aid kit - For those accidents that we don't
want to have happen, but are bound to sooner or later.
- Kneepads - These are a lifesaver. Use some from
rollerblades, skateboards, etc... or get some tactical ones for about
$15. Not comfy to wear for 8 hours in a row, but they really do their
job!
- Elbow pads - Same as the kneepads, but really only useful
if you like to crawl or remain in the prone position for long periods of
time.
*Note that this also can include a sniper rifle, a gas
rifle or SMG in place of an AEG. The point is that you will need a primary
weapon for play.
** Note that you can also use jumpsuits or any other
military-type clothing. The point is to discourage "jeans and
sweatshirt" style players.
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