[Peter]

Anyone ever been? I'm planning a late Jan match with some friends and wondered if there were any 'NN fans

[Sealobo]

don't just wear a pair of goggles; wear a full-face mask.

have your sidearm ready when you're running.

[ghporter]

And make sure the facility you go to play is well set up and well run. It wouldn't do to have your first experience on the field wind up a disaster. Like with all "simulated weapons" games, Airsoft requires that certain standards be met, including adjustments so that no projectiles are shot at too high a velocity, and that all participants are properly attired in correct safety gear.

And remember that getting hit by a projectile is not the worst that can happen to you. Your knees and ankles are at risk because of the running/dodging you'll be doing, so if you're at all less than robust in that respect, brace and/or tape yourself. Adrenalin is the drug you get from this game, and it can make you do stupid things that you can regret for the rest of your life-knee damage included.

Be prepared to run your tail off, be scared and calm at the same time, and to be tired to death when you're done. But if you take some precautions you can be safe and actually enjoy the experience.

[torsoboy]

Wow, I had no idea that there were airsoft matches! I thought airsoft was the kid's version of a BB gun. This thread makes it sound like a paintball competitor.

[Cold Warrior]

Never played, but it sounds like fun. I did some reading and like the idea of the magazine-provided propulsion. The downside to paintball is the CO2 canisters.

[Peter]

I'll be sure to report back. Thanks for the advice.

[ghporter]

Originally Posted by torsoboy 

Wow, I had no idea that there were airsoft matches! I thought airsoft was the kid's version of a BB gun. This thread makes it sound like a paintball competitor.

In some ways it is. But with Airsoft guns, the guns look real (generally) and people tend to do all sorts of "interesting" stuff like having teams wear real uniforms and so on.

And even with "soft" pellets, Airsoft can be very unpleasant. There are paintballs for Airsoft, but they're messy and sometimes it's all about the welt. Plus since the projectiles are small, they can be more dangerous.

[downinflames68]

Paintball > Airsoft.

[Peter]

why?

[downinflames68]

You can tell when people get hit, you're generall outdoors. Airsoft is fun if you buy a few guns and play with your friends in a school building, but that's about it.

[torsoboy]

oh, yeah... how can you know if someone is hit with airsoft? just the honor system?

[downinflames68]

Yep. Lame.

[imitchellg5]

I never play, just use my airsoft rifle for shooting squirrels and bears.