Airsoft Gear for Beginners: What Parents Need to Know

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The definition of Airsoft: giving kids guns to shoot friends. Sounds safe and fun, right?

Like it or not, after years of nerf guns, your kids are already trained in Airsoft warfare. It’s our job as parents to equip our kids with airsoft gear for beginners so they can play safely and learn proper safety rules.

When my kids got into Airsoft, it was a brand-new territory to me. Not only was I unfamiliar with the gear they would need, but I was also unaware of the situations that would occur during play.

Airsoft is a great hobby, in my opinion. It is full of outdoor activity, teamwork and strategy, tactical skills like aiming and shooting, and having fun!

Nevertheless, if your kids play airsoft, please treat it as a privilege that can be taken away. Have conversations about safety, fair play and respect for others and their property.

*This post includes affiliate links.

Gear for All Levels of Play

My boys have played airsoft for several years. They play at our house, at friends’ houses, and participate in large group warfare. There are a few things that you MUST have to play Airsoft. There are also fun and optional items for the kids that want to look more “tactical” or participate in advanced play.

Essential Airsoft Gear for Beginners

Airsoft Gun

Each player needs at least one airsoft gun. These can be spring-powered, battery powered, or even gas-powered.

It is preferred to have two (or more) guns to vary tactics during a game and have a backup gun when the battery runs out. A spring-loaded Airsoft gun is a great back up, because it doesn’t rely on a power source.

Below are some examples of mid-priced Airsoft guns that my family would consider purchasing.

These are all available to purchase on Amazon (affiliate links).

Umarex HK Heckler & Koch Hk416 AEG 6mm Rifle Airsoft Gun – ($117.99)

Airsoft Rifle is an essential airsoft gear for beginners

Fires 6mm Plastic Airsoft BBs
Shoots BBs at 340 Feet Per Second
Semi and Full Auto Firing Modes
High Capacity 250 Round Magazine
Good for new or experienced airsoft players

2.Lancer Tactical Gen 3 Lightweight Durable Polymer M4 Airsoft MLOK AEG w/High Speed Mid Cap with Programmable Fast Trigger -($189.00)

Nylon Polymer Frame / Metal Barrel Assembly
Muzzle Velocity: 380 – 400 FPS
Magazine: 130 Round High Speed Mid-Capacity Magazine
Fast shooter
Length: 25.5″ in. / 38.75″ in. (Retracted / Extended)
Weight: 5lbs

3. BBTac Airsoft Sniper Rifle M61 – Bolt Action Powerful Spring Airsoft Gun, Extreme Power Accurate Sniping with .20g 6mm BBS Ammo ($109.97)

POWERFUL SPRING LOADED – Highlt Detailed Airsoft Sniper Rifle and Shooting Powerfully at 420-475 Fps with .2g BBs
HIGH QUALITY BUILT – Airsoft gun replicas with detailed finish and ABS polymer construction to reinforce platform
PRECISION MADE – Precision machine made shooting longer distance with added stability and precision
FAST LOADING – Airsoft guns using Clip for fast and simple reload for quick turn around
BOLT ACTION- Highly realistic bolt action to load and release on shooting with real feeling for authenticity

Eye Protection and Face Protection

Eye and Face Protection for Airsoft

Safety goggles or a full-face mask specifically designed for airsoft are essential to protect eyes and face from BBs. Always wear ANSI-rated eye protection. An eye injury could cause blindness. We have very strict eye protection rules and require our boys and all kids we are hosting to wear protection.

My kids wear face masks because it hurts when you get hit in the mouth or cheek. They have also used gaiters to provide some protection.

Essential Gear: Ammo (BBs)

Tactical Force Premium Biodegradable 6mm Airsoft BBS Ammo .20 Gram 10000 Count

Always use high-quality, biodegradable BBs that are appropriate for the gun’s caliber and power. Biodegradable is really appreciated by people who allow play on their property. Noone wants millions of BBs on their land FOREVER.

Battery and Charger

An electric airsoft gun will need spare batteries. It is a bummer if the battery dies and there is a lot of play still scheduled. A charger comes with the gun and should be taken to the event if a charge is needed during play (provided there is a place to plug it in).

Ear Protection

Ear protection isn’t required but can be helpful. It really smarts to be hit in the ear with a BB. We use this sort of ear protection for all kinds of shooting, mowing and anytime we are working with loud tools or machines.

Proper Clothing for Airsoft

Wear durable clothing to protect against BB impacts and scratches from the great outdoors. Long pants and sleeves are highly recommended. Consider camouflage gear to blend into your surroundings.

Camouflage hooded sweatshirt

Camouflage Bibs

I went to one war and several of the kids had full ghillie suits! During the same war, one of my boys wore a bright blue shirt. He took a lot of hits. Lesson learned. Wear camo or dark colors.

Ghillie Suits

*I don’t actually recommend ghillie suits, but they make me laugh, so I needed to include a picture.

Strong Footwear

Camouflage Boots

Comfortable and supportive boots with good traction are essential to navigate various terrains. Tennis shoes are fine, but boots are better.

Airsoft Gun Magazines

Carry extra magazines for airsoft guns. The number you need depends on playing style and the capacity of each magazine.

Safety Kill Rag

A brightly colored cloth or marker to signal when a player has been hit and is out of the game. This can be a bandana or another piece of cloth. It is normally tied on a player’s arm.

Recommended Gear: An Airsoft Gear Bag

There can be ALOT of stuff to take to an airsoft game. A way to transport gear to and from the field, such as a gear bag or backpack is very helpful. Dressing in layers and bringing extra clothes for the ride home is often a good idea. Don’t forget to pack water and snacks!

Optional Equipment for the Airsoft Enthusiast

Do not feel like you need to get all of these optional items right away, or ever. These are for the kid who REALLY loves Airsoft or is playing at a competitive level. Please click on the links for more information about each item.

Speedloader: This is used to fill magazines with BBs quickly. This is actually pretty cool and might save bbs from being spilled.

tactical vest or plate carrier for airsoft

Tactical Vest or Plate Carrier: These allow a player to carry magazines, BBs, and other essential gear conveniently. They also offer some protection. My kids like to wear these. I think it makes them look very tactical.

Holster (for sidearm): A holster will keep a secondary weapon secure and accessible. This is another “fashion accessory,” but pretty handy in a combat situation.

A two-way radio or communication system can help you coordinate with teammates. Your family might already have a great set of walkie-talkies. I do think these make the game more fun, especially in big areas when the teams get spread out.

Hydration System: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in outdoor games. Consider a hydration bladder or water bottles.

tools and maintenance kit for airsoft gun cleaning

Tools and Maintenance Kit: To maintain, clean and repair an airsoft gun, keep a tool and maintenance kit. Part of having hobbies like Airsoft is learning to fix, clean, and care for the gear.

First Aid Kit: If you have an accident prone kid, or one that is training to be a medic, a basic first aid kit should be on hand for minor injuries.

Scope– also called optics, or sights. This helps make more accurate shots. It also looks very cool. Be prepared for your kid to want one.

Lasers– another accessory for an Airsoft gun that shines a laser at the target.

Flashlights– for nighttime play. This is a good thing to have on hand for safety.

Chronograph: A device to measure the velocity and speed of your BBs to ensure they are within field regulations. This is definitely for the advanced player!