What Is Airsoft? How Do You Play?
Airsoft is a game which is only come to the US in recent years, but there are already a large number of enthusiastic, regular players. Even if you’ve never heard of Airsoft before, it’s not hard to learn. If you’ve played paintball, you’ll take to the game in no time flat. Players compete as teams or individually, with every player for his or herself.
Airsoft may be played with teams or in “every man and woman for themselves” style. However, the legal restrictions on the game vary from country to country, with the Netherlands, China, Australia and Israel among other nations having banned the game outright. In the US, the laws vary by state; some states allow Airsoft while others will confiscate equipment and even fine players.
Like any sport, you should make safety the top priority when you play Airsoft. You should play only at facilities or outdoor Airsoft fields which have been specifically designed for the game. Airsoft fields will include features that make the game even more exciting; trenches, walls, bunkers and other elements. Naturally, you should wear the proper safety equipment when you play Airsoft – without a face mask and goggles, you won’t even be allowed on the field.
Airsoft is a Japanese import. The game came about in the 1970s, partly because of the very strict firearms laws in the country. Gun ownership is nearly impossible in Japan and of course, who doesn’t want what they can’t have? The Japanese public was interested in firearms and seeing a demand, companies produced extremely realistic looking spring loaded pellet guns, which quickly became a hit. Since these guns were realistic enough to get one into trouble, fans began to carry them in cases which obscured them from view. The popularity of these pellet guns soon led to the game of Airsoft.
Originally, Airsoft players enjoyed just three types of game – MilSim, Honor System and Capture the Flag. As the game spread around the world, players invented their own variants and there are now a large number of different Airsoft games. If you’re interested in taking up the game yourself, you’ll need to invest in the necessary equipment. An Airsoft gun is a must of course – if you’d like to play often, you’ll want a good quality gun and you’ll need to take care of this equipment, cleaning it after every game.
Today, there are thousands of regular Airsoft players all over the world, so you’ll always be able to find other players for a game. You can even join an Airsoft team and enjoy competitive play against other teams. If you’re seriously interested in Airsoft, you’ll need some Airsoft equipment beyond an Airsoft gun, face mask and safety goggles. You’ll want battery chargers, a helmet, laser sights and ammo pouches, along with other useful accessories which will help you get more enjoyment out of the game.