Protective Airsoft Clothing - A Must Buy Or Not?

Protective Airsoft Clothing - a Must Buy or Not?

Airsoft always starts off as just a hobby for most people. First you buy the gun itself and some extra ammo and gas/batteries to go with it. After that people have a tendency to buy targets and other small accessories for their new "toy". This is when you're in the plinking stage of being an airsoft fan. Eventually the time will come when you'll want to get involved in airsoft wargames. This will leave you with no choice but to invest in some tactical and safety clothing for your own protection. How much or how little of this clothing you own is entirely down to your own preferences and how realistic and enjoyable you want your airsoft experience to be.

So what type of clothing and accessories will you need if you're to be an airsoft nut? There are some critical items and other optional items that you may want to consider.

Safety Glasses: Even if you don't intend playing airsoft wargames then you should consider purchasing some airsoft safety glasses - this includes if you're firing indoors. You'd be surprised at just how far a bb can ricochet and with how much force. If you want to play tactical airsoft outdoors then you simply have to protect your eyes. Full automatic airsoft rifles spraying dozens of rounds around an area at speeds of well over 300 feet per second... what happens if one of these hits you in the eye? It would probably blind you for life. Wear googles at the minimum and ideally wear a full facemask for maximum protection.

Body Armor: Airsoft bbs may be small but they definitely hurt when they hit unprotected skin. They have a smaller surface area than a paintball but that doesn't mean that they won't cause bruises in the same way. Also remember that paintballs are hollow whereas airsoft bbs are solid - they won't break when they hit you which means the damage could even be worse. There are light airsoft vests available that contain small plastic plates that protect sensitive parts of the body from impacts. This body armor also has the advantage of looking a bit like the real thing which can really add to the atmosphere of airsoft gaming.

Tactical Vest: Being an airsoft hobbyist means carrying around bbs, co2 cartridges, gas and lots of other small items that are quite easy to lose. Why not save yourself a lot of hassle and just invest in a tactical vest? These act like a carryall or backpack except you wear it like a jacket. Tactical vests come in either a harness or sleeveless jacket format. Is a tactical vest essential? Not so much essential as just very, very useful. You could even use it for holstering a holdout gun like a blowback Glock for example.

Of all of the above items the safety glasses are the ones that can be firmly categorized as an essential item. Protect your eyesight as it's something you only get one chance at in life. Never, ever take chances with your health or your safety.