There is a lot to consider when calculating the cost of Airsoft. Here, we will break down the price of what a beginner should consider.
The question of how much you need to spend depends on how often you take part, what equipment you feel you need and if you have a desire to customise your weapons to improve performance.
Your first gun. Or guns...
Buying your first rifle? Get an AEG: plenty of low to mid-cost options, each as easy to set-up and run as one another. Try Poseidon for a budget-friendly blaster, or E&C if you fancy splashing a little more cash. You'll be looking at spending around £200-£350 for the gun itself.
You cannot operate an AEG without a battery, and most electric airsoft guns do not come with one (those that do, we do not recommend using for safety reasons: these batteries have been known to be of poor quality). A sizeable battery will cost around £20, and should last you a full day. Pick up two batteries if you wish to be on the super-safe side.
The battery won't work if you haven't got the means to charge it! This can be an expensive addition, as we only stock high-quality chargers for the means of safety and and protection of batteries. Our GensAce IMARS mini charger is £35, and will charge all four main types of airsoft battery.
If you wish to get a handful of magazines to go with your first RIF, consider between £10-20 for a typical AEG magazine. Your RIF will come with a single magazine, so perhaps pick up an extra two; let's round this number up to £40. If your gun came with a high-capacity magazine, you may not need extra magazines if you're easy on the trigger. Keep in mind that mid/low-cap magazines require a 'speedloader' to be filled, so consider this an extra £10.
Lastly, ammo: a big enough bag of BBs - we recommend either 0.2g or 0.25g BBs for a basic AEG - is £15. This will see you through at least 2 games.
Our total for buying your first RIF ranges between £235, up to £455 if extras are maximised. For the bare minimum essentials, all you need now is eye and face protection: a £30 minimum for both together.
It's not our recommendation to budget-focused players, but a pistol is always a great bit of fun - you won't find any serious airsoft player without one. A good starter handgun can be had for under £100, and is always a blast when (safely) fiddling with it at home or shooting targets in the garden.
If you do buy your own equipment, you will need an appropriate bag to transport them in. Some airsoft sites have on-site parking close to public spaces, so to avoid causing panic, keep it under wraps. A purpose-built gun bag is not essential, but we have plenty of choice in our store.
Alternatively, you can rent replica guns, equipment and attire from the runners of the skirmish site so that you do not have to worry about owning, maintaining and transporting the equipment.
Guns can usually be rented for between £20-£30 while equipment such as eye protection will probably cost another £20.
This might be the best option if you only plan to partake in Airsoft every once in a while but if you want to become a regular, having your own gear which you can customise may be the best way forward.
Admission to day game
The good news is that registration with the United Kingdom Airsoft Retailers Association (UKARA) is free; you are required to play three games on a UKARA registered game site over a two month period to complete the registration.
Admission to a skirmish site usually ranges between £20-£30 which is a fair price whether you want to go every now and again or every available weekend.
Overall, the cost of Airsoft varies widely on how often you take part and how much you invest in your guns and equipment.
The basics needed for a day game work out favourably, particularly if you are just renting equipment so you can enjoy the game as it is but you might find yourself going further down the rabbit hole once you get a taste of it.
