Played "Airsoft" for the first time yesterday evening...

[Relic]

We have an indoor "airsoft arena" near us that my two older sons have been bugging me to take them to. So basically me being an over-grown kid anyway I decided to take them last night and also play with them. I figure, what the heck, I'm always up for something that even remotely looks like it might be fun. What an freaking awesome game/sport/hobby/activity..I don't quite know what to call it. But whatever it is, I'm hooked
For anyone who doesn't know what it is, it's sort of like paintball, where you have two teams shooting each other up with a variety of "missions" or "objectives" to accomplish in order to win. It was supposedly invented in Japan and is really big in Asia. The guns that you use are actual working replicas of real guns, AK's, M16's etc etc that fire small plastic bb's (that HURT I might add). You can play at indoor "fields" that are set up like mazes and such or outside in the woods. You need protective gear like facemasks and goggles, so you basically safe from injury for teh most part.
Cant wait to play again. Anyone else here play?

[FL Knifemaker]

My son and I have been playing paintball since he was about 7. We also have quite a few airsoft guns and play that as well but mainly play paintball. One thing about airsoft, I would suggest wearing paintball quality full masks that cover the ears. I see people playing all the time waring safety glasses or cheap goggles. They'll say something really brilliant like"we don't aim for the head". Airsoft BB's curve like hell I won't play against anyone not wearing the serious protection. I'd feel bad if I shot someones eyes out. Good paintball masks provide good ventilation and have anti fogging lenses.

[Schlyder]

Yup. hahahahaha It is great fun shooting your buddies. But I'll warn you now, it is another money pit hobby. You will drop a bit o cash if you get into it more than just occasionally. Get on a discussion forum and find a local bunch to join up with. And learn more about it. Have fun, play safe, and call your hits.

[Relic]

Originally Posted by FL Knifemaker

My son and I have been playing paintball since he was about 7. We also have quite a few airsoft guns and play that as well but mainly play paintball. One thing about airsoft, I would suggest wearing paintball quality full masks that cover the ears. I see people playing all the time waring safety glasses or cheap goggles. They'll say something really brilliant like"we don't aim for the head". Airsoft BB's curve like hell I won't play against anyone not wearing the serious protection. I'd feel bad if I shot someones eyes out. Good paintball masks provide good ventilation and have anti fogging lenses.

That's the thing - I've been playing paintball since "the good old days" back in the 80's when all we had were pump guns, woodland BDU's and woods. Over the years paintball has turned into something far different from what it used to be..(others may disagree, this is just MHO) I stopped playing paintball about 3-4 years ago because I just couldn't stand the attitudes, cheating and big dollar paint-hoses that the kids were using at the fields. It was ok when it was just my sons and I playing though.
But what's neat about airsoft, is it kind of recaptures the sort of feel that we used to enjoy way back when in the woods with our pb guns.
Agreed 100% with the goggles/facemasks and whatnot. I have TONS of that stuff from paintball including some of the facemask combos with the fan to keep the lenses from fogging, so we're covered.

[TallLankyBastyd]

Paintball? Airsoft?

I don't get it... pump pellet/BB guns with garbage can lid (back in the days of actual metal garbage cans) shields aren't good enough for the warring tribes of kidz today?!?

[MadMan118]

I play pretty regularly and like Schlyder said it is a money pit hobby. You don't have to but you can end up spending upwards of $1000 in gear. I hate full face masks, but I cant stress enough wearing eye protection. I wear safety glasses and they stay on my face despite all the running, jumping and sliding around that I do. They hurt a bit at first, but after being shot just about everywhere possible I don't mind it, though taking a shot to the hand still stings like hell.

[hover]

As long as your opponents weren't parrots, or chavs, it's pile drivingly ok in my book.

[Schlyder]

Here is a little video of one event from last year. 214 players I am one of the tan side.
This year is a 2 day event on May long weekend. I will be attending it as well.
It's hoped for 300 players attending from all across Canada and some players from the USA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTPvvAFJ4bE

[Ziltoid]

It's a great game, guns are pretty expensive up here in Canada since it's a close market, idk about the States, must be the same money pit to

[Relic]

Originally Posted by Schlyder

Here is a little video of one event from last year. 214 players I am one of the tan side.
This year is a 2 day event on May long weekend. I will be attending it as well.
It's hoped for 300 players attending from all across Canada and some players from the USA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTPvvAFJ4bE

Pretty cool. That's maybe a little bit more "milsim" than what we did last night but, I'd try anything once!

[Relic]

Originally Posted by Ziltoid

It's a great game, guns are pretty expensive up here in Canada since it's a close market, idk about the States, must be the same money pit to

Well, I did some research.. Tokyo Marui stuff is up there for instance, but there seems to be a staggering amount of used stuff for sale. I already have masks, gear and cammo from my paintball days, so I really would need just the guns. The bb's are amazingly cheap when compared to paintballs
Besides, I just concluded a deal to trade some dude's 2 Jing Gong MP5's for one of my paintball guns.
aaaand we're off!!

[FL Knifemaker]

Originally Posted by MadMan118

I play pretty regularly and like Schlyder said it is a money pit hobby. You don't have to but you can end up spending upwards of $1000 in gear. I hate full face masks, but I cant stress enough wearing eye protection. I wear safety glasses and they stay on my face despite all the running, jumping and sliding around that I do. They hurt a bit at first, but after being shot just about everywhere possible I don't mind it, though taking a shot to the hand still stings like hell.

The problem with glasses is they can deflect a shot from behind right back into your eye. I've seen it happen and I've seen an airsoft BB being pulled out from behind and eyeball. Luckily it did no real damage. If your eyes arent sealed off by lens and foam, it's not a good situation.

[FL Knifemaker]

Originally Posted by Relic

That's the thing - I've been playing paintball since "the good old days" back in the 80's when all we had were pump guns, woodland BDU's and woods. Over the years paintball has turned into something far different from what it used to be..(others may disagree, this is just MHO) I stopped playing paintball about 3-4 years ago because I just couldn't stand the attitudes, cheating and big dollar paint-hoses that the kids were using at the fields. It was ok when it was just my sons and I playing though.
But what's neat about airsoft, is it kind of recaptures the sort of feel that we used to enjoy way back when in the woods with our pb guns.
Agreed 100% with the goggles/facemasks and whatnot. I have TONS of that stuff from paintball including some of the facemask combos with the fan to keep the lenses from fogging, so we're covered.

I started playing woods ball as well. No we play on X Ball type fields. There's lots of fast guns and fast kids but we have good refs and most players are very honest. I actually like the faster format better and I'm pretty slow

[Ziltoid]

Originally Posted by Relic

Well, I did some research.. Tokyo Marui stuff is up there for instance, but there seems to be a staggering amount of used stuff for sale. I already have masks, gear and cammo from my paintball days, so I really would need just the guns. The bb's are amazingly cheap when compared to paintballs
Besides, I just concluded a deal to trade some dude's 2 Jing Gong MP5's for one of my paintball guns.
aaaand we're off!!

Jing Gong are pretty good I've been told, the same guns go under a few names and they're great, especially for the price.

Up here we can't own tokyo marui and the such, apparently they're not available for citizen because they are real gun replicas or something.

[Schlyder]

you can get any gun that's made here in Canada. You will just have to pay more.
But Tokyo Marui no problem. All full metal "black guns are available.


My G&G SIG 550

My Classic Army HK53A2 and KJW SIG P229R

[crayzee]

Originally Posted by Relic

Over the years paintball has turned into something far different from what it used to be..(others may disagree, this is just MHO) I stopped playing paintball about 3-4 years ago because I just couldn't stand the attitudes, cheating and big dollar paint-hoses that the kids were using at the fields. It was ok when it was just my sons and I playing though.

Actually, in the past 3 years (or so) there's been a huge resurgence of pump guns. That's mostly what I use when I play paintball. I've got my hoser, but that only comes out once or twice a year when I go to the US to play or if someone's being a wiener at the field and needs some schooling.

To the topic at hand, I've never played airsoft. I've shot some cheapo stuff at friends in the parking lot but it just never felt the same as paintball. To each their own, I guess.

[Ziltoid]

Originally Posted by Schlyder

you can get any gun that's made here in Canada. You will just have to pay more.
But Tokyo Marui no problem. All full metal "black guns are available.


My G&G SIG 550

My Classic Army HK53A2 and KJW SIG P229R

007 doesn't sells them to "citizens" anymore, I don't know much retailers, and I think there's a law about it, but I'm not sure.

[Schlyder]

Yes, 007 sells clear lowered Canadian versions. Some are quite good,and better than Walmart guns. Sales of guns are somewhat underground, because of the importation laws, but they are not illegal to possess. You have to do a bit of research, and a little work to get full metal guns. But they are accessable.
Do a google search for mach1airsoft. But first check out the airsoftcanada.com website. Register, and read the FAQs and all the stickies. Airsoft is a 18+ age activity in Canada for the most part, and the guns can be found through getting involved with the community and finding the sources. Otherwise you will basically only have access to the junk in Walmart.

[Relic]

Originally Posted by crayzee

Actually, in the past 3 years (or so) there's been a huge resurgence of pump guns. That's mostly what I use when I play paintball. I've got my hoser, but that only comes out once or twice a year when I go to the US to play or if someone's being a wiener at the field and needs some schooling.

To the topic at hand, I've never played airsoft. I've shot some cheapo stuff at friends in the parking lot but it just never felt the same as paintball. To each their own, I guess.

I still have my ancient Line SI Bushmaster. It's been through countless seal-changes, spring changes, upgrades and is still going strong:



A couple of years ago, I used to play with a bunch of pump enthusiasts here and that was cool, I had no problems.
But whenever I would go to a field and play with walk-ons or pro-teams? OMG forget it...

But in regards to airsoft - try a decent gun. It's pretty darn cool, trust me on that one

[Ziltoid]

Originally Posted by Schlyder

Yes, 007 sells clear lowered Canadian versions. Some are quite good,and better than Walmart guns. Sales of guns are somewhat underground, because of the importation laws, but they are not illegal to possess. You have to do a bit of research, and a little work to get full metal guns. But they are accessable.
Do a google search for mach1airsoft. But first check out the airsoftcanada.com website. Register, and read the FAQs and all the stickies. Airsoft is a 18+ age activity in Canada for the most part, and the guns can be found through getting involved with the community and finding the sources. Otherwise you will basically only have access to the junk in Walmart.

Haha, well I'm not that serious about it, small town far from everything, most of my friends I used to play with moved, I'm moving somehow soon to, not that big of interest anymore. But it's still an awesome game.