One way to ensure you become the best player on the airsoft field is by having a solid loadout. But how do you build the best airsoft loadout possible? Well, we've got the answers.
Whether you're a stealthy precision sniper or a fast-moving CQB assault gunner, having the right combination of gear can make all the difference. You'll maximise your potential and start working your way up to becoming one of the most feared players on the battlefield.
To help you get there, we've got sound advice on building the best airsoft loadout – from choosing your primary weapon to acquiring all the tactical gear you need.
Ready to dominate? Let's get started!
What is an Airsoft Loadout?
But first, for new or beginner airsoft players, you might not know what a loadout is in the first place.
An airsoft loadout is essentially your choice of gear that you use together on an airsoft skirmish or game. This includes things like your primary weapon, secondary weapon, tactical vest, and other pieces of equipment such as optics, flashlights, helmets and so on.
Everything in your loadout should work well together to give you the edge over your opponents. For example, your secondary weapon should complement your primary weapon, and you should also have the right tactical gear to help you navigate the terrain.
Getting the right loadout is essential to becoming an effective airsoft player, but there are many guys and girls out there who don't know what they need or where to start.
This is where we come in.
Step 1: Choose Your Airsoft Guns Wisely
The airsoft gun market is massive. Literally. There are numerous types of guns, each with different builds, benefits, limitations, and so on.
Rather than wasting your time browsing the endless array of brands, it's important to narrow down your search. The most popular type of airsoft gun is the assault rifle, which offers good accuracy and firepower. You can also get submachine guns, sniper rifles, shotguns and pistols, amongst many others.
Primary Airsoft Gun
Your primary airsoft gun will be the weapon you reach for and use for the majority of your skirmish – hence the word primary. Assault rifles make excellent primary weapons since they offer all-around great performance and versatility and can be used in both close-quarter and long-ranged battles.
Some of the most popular assault rifle brands include Tokyo Mauri, CYMA, Evolution and Arthurian Airsoft, all of which we stock on our website. These are great places to start your search.
However, you should choose a gun you're comfortable using, so don't limit your search too much.
You can come to our airsoft shooting range to try out a few different weapons and get a feel for the one that works best for you.
Secondary Airsoft Weapon
Your secondary weapon should provide support for your primary gun and help you out in combat scenarios where your primary weapon isn't suitable. A good example of a secondary airsoft gun would be a pistol – which is probably the most popular option.
An airsoft pistol can be used in CQB (close-quarters battle) scenarios, and it's usually lightweight and easy to manoeuvre. You can quickly snatch the pistol out of your leg holster or belt.
If your primary gun is a sniper rifle, you might prefer to use an assault rifle as your secondary weapon so you have a quick-firing back-up option should an enemy get too close.
Step 2: Dress the Part With Airsoft Clothing
Once you've selected your weapon of choice, the next thing to get sorted in your airsoft setup is the right airsoft gear. This involves choosing the appropriate protective clothing and footwear for your mission.
All airsoft clothing should provide good protection from BBs and the environment. It's not recommended to wear regular everyday clothing to a game, because you'll end up bashed and bruised.
The main pieces of clothing you'll need are:
- A shirt
- A jacket and/or coat
- Trousers
- Socks
- Boots
- Gloves
The majority of airsoft clothes come in camo colours, so you can blend into the woodlands. You could go for a more stealthy airsoft outfit in blacks and greys if you plan on playing in urban areas or are going for a SAS airsoft loadout.
Whatever colour and pattern you choose, make sure to get clothes that fit properly. Clothes that are too big will hinder your movement when running and crawling, while clothes that are too tight can restrict your breathing.
Another important consideration is footwear. Sturdy boots or trainers with ankle support are a must for airsoft, as they'll keep you steady on uneven terrain and prevent rocks and twigs from jabbing your feet.
Finally, don't forget to add gloves to your gear list. Not only will they protect you from painful BB hits, but the extra grip can come in handy when handling weapons or equipment.
Step 3: Protect Yourself from Enemy Fire With Protective Gear
To add another layer of protection, you can kit yourself with gear like knee pads and elbow pads. Not only do these offer extra protection from BBs and debris, but they also help reduce impact when you're diving for cover.
You should also consider investing in face protection; full-face masks provide the most coverage, while more lightweight alternatives like mesh masks are suitable if you want to keep your peripheral vision clear.
The Oper8 Fast Helmet Slimline Mesh Mask is a super popular choice for a lower-face mask. It provides good protection and makes you look pretty mean, too! Pair it with headgear and goggles, and you'll be ready to hit the field.
Step 4: Add Airsoft Grenades & Pyrotechnics to Your Arsenal
So, you've got your gun, the clothing, the protective gear... What's next?
Grenades and pyrotechnics are effective tools to help gain the upper hand in an airsoft battle, and they really distinguish the great players from the good players.
There are tons of pyrotechnics that provide a realistic bang or smoke effects of an explosion, which is really exciting. But aside from the fun they bring, they prove really useful. You can use them for distraction, to temporarily knock out opponents, or provide a tactical advantage.
Whether you're playing on the defensive or offensive, there's no denying that these are great airsoft accessories and an absolute must-have if you take your game seriously!
You can even get mines and booby-traps – ideal for capture-the-flag scenarios. They are really fun to use and add a whole new dynamic to the game.
Step 5: Get Geared Up With Tactical Gear
Something that can really help you stand out on the battlefield is having tactical gear that's tailored to your style. This could include tactical vests, slings, holsters, magazine pouches and more.
Tactical vests are great for carrying extra ammo and equipment – plus, they really make you look the part! A chest rig is another great option.
Belts and slings come in handy for storing your backup weapon when it's not being used, as well as holding extra magazines, grenades and other items.
Having additional storage for your gear is important so you have easy access to it during gameplay. If you spend a few seconds fumbling around for your gear, that's time you could be using to take down the enemy.
Where Do I Find All This Tactical Equipment for My Airsoft Loadout?
It seems like a pretty long list of stuff you need to get, but Socom has got you covered. We have a seriously incredible range of airsoft equipment to choose from.
We're stocked with an extensive gun range, clothing, protective gear, pyros, and so much more.
Whatever you need for your airsoft loadout, we've got it! Our entire range is manufactured by some of the leading airsoft brands – like Emerson Gear, FMA, GHK and Jing Gong – so you know you're getting top-quality kit.
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, our gear is suited to you, so be sure to check it out!
With the right kit, you'll be ready to take on the enemy in no time. So what are you waiting for? Get your airsoft loadout sorted with Socom Tactical today, and let's make sure victory is yours!
