Like most quality past times, getting started with airsoft requires some investment. At the very least, you need some amount of protection and an airsoft gun. Most people who get started airsofting borrow guns from friends, but eventually everyone wants airsoft gear to call their own. Here's our realistic guide to budgeting your gear.
How to Choose Airsoft Gear
When you’re choosing gear to buy, it’s never easy deciding which items to purchase. Check out our beginner's guide for more information. There are several important things to remember when it comes to airsofting on a budget. You want to get the most for your money and kit that is going to last. Otherwise, you'll be wasting money.
How to Airsoft on a budget
Your First Airsoft Gun
For a first gun, without a doubt the best choice is an AEG. It's the cheapest platform to buy, run and maintain, whilst giving you on-par performance with the majority of players at the field. AEGs can come in all shapes, sizes and prices, but we recommend keeping your budget between £150-£350.
Since COVID, the bar has been raised for budget airsoft guns. The latest products from Double Eagle and WELL, such as the WE-09K AEG, offer a solid platform with a small number of upgrades pre-packaged, yet their prices are astonishingly low.
Some people wish to approach airsoft with a gnarlier budget, in cases where they've already dabbled with guns loaned by a friend, or simply to make sure they get the best first-time experience possible. For this type of player, we strongly recommend E&C: you'll be looking at spending £350 maximum, but that higher price tag will afford you a gorgeous, rugged gun that is worth keeping as your airsoft hobby intensifies. With superbly-detailed outer shells, yet typical internals, they make for perfect upgrade platforms.
Both our staff and customers can attest to E&C's excellent basis for upgrades. Their 416D models feature quality optics in the box!
Budget-friendly airsoft pistols
If you're really on a tight budget, we don't recommend airsoft pistols to beginners. Make sure airsoft is really a hobby that you would enjoy first, then purchase a sidearm as you begin to expand your loadout and build a collection.
Keep in mind, there is more to successfully running a sidearm than a primary AEG. You'll definitely need new, extra magazines, and most importantly a holster to securely carry it around with you. If you decide that airsoft is a hobby that you want to take further, then a sidearm is an ideal follow-up purchase to your first primary weapon.
Regardless, we do offer a great selection of affordable airsoft pistols that make for great sidearms to both newbies and experienced players alike. Look no further than E&C for budget-friendly handguns that still pack performance and a stylish exterior.
Your Protection
Getting shot can hurt, but getting shot in the face REALLY hurts. Even if you're on a shoestring budget, don't ignore the fundamentals. You can pick up some effective eye protection from as little as £15 and full head covering for £30. As for the rest, knee pads are the first thing you should buy and you can make do with layers until you can kit yourself out with tactical apparel.
Filling your loadout
Before reaching for a trusty sidearm, make sure you have a few other basics. A spare battery, magazines, ammo and tactical pouches will round out your basic kit. You can pick up these bits for around £30 - £50. The gear discussed above will get you started. When you realise that airsofting is awesome and you want to spend every weekend doing it, you can start to build out your gear.
We would recommend picking up a sidearm and updating your apparel first. This will give you better protection and more versatility when you play. After that, look to improve your primary airsoft gun, or experiment with different guns to find the one that best suits your style. There's a whole world of airsoft stuff out there to try. This is just a jumping off point to get you into playing. If you're just starting out or looking to get into airsofting, you can get loads of friendly advice in our store or on our Facebook page.
