Airsoft Guns

As many of you know, being shot by an Airsoft gun can hurt - especially if you are pinged in the face or neck. Don't let the "soft" part of the name fool you. Airsoft guns have a high FPS and can be extremely dangerous if used improperly. With adequate protective gear, however, you can play without the fear of unexpected injury or undue pain.

The single most important article of protective equipment is eye protection. Having sufficient eye protection is essential when playing Airsoft, because even a light weight plastic bb can do severe, permanent damage to the eyes. Most leagues require eye protection and many official fields will remove you from play if at any time you take off your eye protection during an ongoing game. Keep your eye protection on whenever you are on the field or have your airsoft gun in hand.

When it comes to Airsoft eye protection you typically have three options.

The first option is to wear impact resistant protective glasses. Protective glasses are a popular option, because they are extremely lightweight and let’s be honest, they look pretty cool. However, protective glasses do not provide the best eye protection, because even though they wrap around the face there is still the possibility that an Airsoft BB could hit your eyes if shot at just the right angle. Another downside of protective glasses is that they may fall off or become askew during an intense match requiring you to drop out of play.

Your second option when playing Airsoft is to wear protective goggles. Airsoft protective goggles are a great choice because they provide comprehensive coverage to the eyes. Goggles really don’t have any of the downsides associated with glasses, because they are held tight to the face with a strap which eliminates the possibility of an Airsoft BB hitting your eyes. Nevertheless, there are some downsides associated with protective goggles. For example, cheaper goggles tend to fog up and may limit your field of vision. Thankfully, many manufacturers are starting to produce Airsoft goggles that feature tactical mesh in place of traditional lenses which alleviates any fogging issues.

Your third and safest option is to wear a full face tactical mask. Airsoft tactical face masks are an excellent choice, because not only are your eyes well protected, but your face is fully protected too. This helps to prevent getting hit in the face which almost always stings like crazy and leaves a visible welt. Many tactical face masks also feature a visor shading your eyes from harmful rays and increasing your overall visibility. Airsoft face masks are typically more expensive, may restrict head movement due to their size and may impede some peripheral vision.

Whatever eye protection option you choose to use, be sure that it’s from a reputable manufacturer, because a protection device using low quality plastics may not be able to withstand the impact of an Airsoft BB at a high velocity. If you have any questions about Airsoft protective gear visit our online store at http://www.airsoftmegastore.com.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the President and COO of Airsoft Megastore, an online airsoft retailer offering electric and gas powered airsoft guns. Please visit Airsoft Megastore to shop for airsoft AEGs, full metal airsoft rifles or the right airsoft gas gun for players of any experience level.

Labels: airsoft face mask, airsoft goggles, airsoft gun safety, airsoft safety

In Part I of this series, Airsoft Safety Essentials Part I: Handling your Gun, we examined important safety measures to bear in mind when handling an Airsoft gun. Part II provides an overview of some key pieces of protective attire that can help prevent injury when playing Airsoft:

Safety Goggles
A pair of impact resistant goggles is the absolute minimum protection that must be worn when playing with Airsoft guns. Eye protection is so important that yelling "blind man" has emerged as a widely known signal to stop firing immediately due to someone in the vicinity lacking eye protection (the phrase can also be shouted for other reasons, but always means cease fire). Do your part to promote Airsoft safety by never shooting at anyone who is not wearing eye protection.

Face Mask
Many Airsoft players choose to wear protective face masks, which cover and shield the face during play. Some face masks are combined with goggles for full-face protection, while others are designed for use in combination with impact resistant goggles. A face mask can help prevent a direct hit to your face and teeth.

Tactical Vest
An Airsoft tactical vest protects the skin from the direct impact of an Airsoft BB. In addition to adding a layer of protection, these vests also make it convenient to carry extra guns, magazines, BBs and other supplies. Airsoft tactical vests are available in many styles at a wide range of prices.

Airsoft Helmet
An Airsoft tactical helmet prevents direct hits to the head during play. Many players also enjoy the realism that a helmet adds to the game.

Full Coverage Clothing
Generally, wearing a long sleeve shirt and long pants is advised when playing Airsoft. Clothing that covers exposed areas of skin lessens the impact of BBs and can prevent welts from forming as the result of a hit.

Though all of the protective equipment mentioned here is not required to play the sport of Airsoft, a protective pair of safety goggles should be worn at all times during a skirmish.

About the Author: Mike Zhang is the VP of Operations of Airsoft Megastore, the fastest growing of all Airsoft stores in the nation. Airsoft Megastore offers deep discounts on sale items for players interested in a cheap Airsoft tactical vest or looking to find Airsoft sniper rifles cheap.

Labels: airsoft goggles, airsoft safety attire, airsoft safety clothes, airsoft safety gear, airsoft vests, airsoft what to wear