Airsoft, like any sport, requires complete, suitable gear so you can play safely and stay comfortable throughout the game. That's why choosing the right equipment matters. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice!
What equipment do you need to play airsoft?
Airsoft is a sporting activity in which two teams face off with replica firearms. It is a pastime similar to paintball, except that the projectiles are plastic BBs rather than paintballs. This activity could be considered a “combat sport” in the sense that every shot can genuinely hurt: that's why wearing the right protective equipment is essential.
Replica weapons
Airsoft equipment includes one or more replica firearms: the replica is chosen according to the player's role in the game. A sniper, for instance, will not use the same replica as a player specializing in close-range shooting.
The combat outfit
As with any sport, having a suitable outfit is essential to avoid accidents or injuries, and it must take three elements into account: safety, freedom of movement and comfort.
A good airsoft outfit lets you play without risk. It must protect you from other players' shots (even though they are only replicas, the BBs still hurt), but also from the hazards of the terrain and therefore from the risk of sprains, fractures or pain, as well as from discomfort caused by the equipment (for example, using a replica eventually hurts the hands, hence the importance of gloves).
The player must also feel at ease in the outfit: it should not be too tight, it should not soak up excessive perspiration, it should be warm during winter games and lighter in hot weather, and it should provide optimal camouflage.
Finally, comfort is paramount. The player's outfit must allow them to run or walk for several hours, to lie down on the ground without swallowing dust or getting stinging eyes, to kneel without suffering…
A closer look at tactical clothing
Tactical clothing has to fulfill several functions: it must help camouflage the player, allow them to move freely while staying protected, and carry accessories such as BBs thanks to its pockets. These are often tactical outfits inspired by military dress or even worn directly by plain-clothes law enforcement.
Particular attention should be paid to this tactical clothing, since it is what protects the player's body. With camouflage capability being essential during an airsoft game, the outfit must blend perfectly into the landscape: black and khaki are generally preferred. Beyond color and camouflage capability, the tactical outfit must wick away perspiration and allow the player to move easily.
The GK Undercover range
You'll find this type of tactical outfit in the GK Undercover collection, which offers complete, high-quality BDU outfits (shirt, t-shirt, jacket…). One notable option is the Survivor Ripstop Pants: this type of pants is mainly used by plain-clothes military personnel, but is perfectly suited to an airsoft game. It adjusts at the waist with hook-and-loop straps, and at the knee and ankle with a cinch strap, and is hard-wearing.
The GK Undercover range also offers a wide selection of equipment. Although it is a range specializing in military clothing, these tactical outfits can be used for airsoft or paintball. These quality outfits come at affordable prices and guarantee freedom of movement and protection.
Choosing your footwear
Just like tactical clothing, footwear is a key part of the gear, since it is what allows the player to last a whole game without sore feet. The choice is based on several criteria: protection, breathability and waterproofing. Shoes must protect the feet and especially the ankles during the airsoft game, and must also wick away perspiration while remaining waterproof.
The Ghost Shoes model from GK
You can go for a combat boots-style model, but also for a pair of sports shoes. Take the GK Ghost Shoes, for example: these shoes have the advantage of being lightweight, moisture-wicking and non-slip. A pair of shoes of this quality makes for great airsoft play with excellent value for money. This pair is also worn by plain-clothes police officers.
Accessories
Perfectly rounding out the outfit, accessories are mainly designed to prevent players from getting injured. They include goggles to protect the eyes, a mask for face protection, gloves for the hands, knee pads to relieve the knees…
Our other Airsoft Equipment articles
- How do you choose the ideal pants for playing airsoft?
- How do you choose your airsoft shoes?
- Which outfit is recommended for playing airsoft?
