Introduction
Airsoft is a game where you point toy guns at other people and shoot them with plastic pellets or “BBs.” Although this is a relatively simple premiss for a game, many people worry that it’s not quite safe.
But, typically, Airsoft is fairly safe. There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, virtually all Airsoft clubs and fields draft and enforce regulations. These rules are in place to ensure the safety of the players involved. (To see my article on the rules of Airsoft, see HERE.)
Secondly, Airsoft is possibly safe because protective gear exists to prevent injury. After all, getting shot by a plastic ball that is hurtling through the air at a decently rate of speed – however small or “soft” it supposedly is – is potentially more painful than some people might expect.
Players may leave Airsoft games with blood blisters, welts, and sometimes even scars. While this is generally fairly rare, this is partly because it is accepted good practice to always wear the proper safety gear.
What do I mean by “proper protective gear”?
First and foremost, for most people, “proper protective gear” means professionally made gear – gear manufactured by reputable companies and sold by trusted retailers. (For my list of manufacturers, see HERE; for my list of retailers, see HERE.) This is as opposed to wearing sunglasses and strapping phone books to your chest. Or, more likely, as opposed to taking no precautions whatsoever.
But you need to ensure that you have protection for the necessary areas.
What Areas Are Most in Need of Protection?
The eyes, the face and head, the neck, chest and back, the arms and legs, and the hands (and feet, too) are all places that should have adequate protection. It is important to note, however, that you are not typically required by most play areas to wear protective gear on all of these body parts. However, it is at your own risk that you neglect it.
Eyes
The first form of protection is eye protection. This is absolutely vital. Other areas, when injured, may recover. But if you hurt your eyes, you could become blind – forever.
Eye protection consists of any approved eye covering, like safety goggles, face shields, tactical gas masks, and safety glasses.
“Approved” means falling under the relevant, Airsoft-specific safety protocols such as ASTM International’s F2879 or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1. There is also a paintball-specific standard, designated ASTM F1776. This is probably sufficient as well.
As long as your eye-protection choices all say that they have been tested and verified to correspond with one of the above-mentioned standards, you have can make your decision based on other factors – like style preferences.
Safety goggles and safety glasses are fairly similar, however, goggles cover slightly more of your face. Face shields are basically full-face masks that are generally completely clear (that is, see through), except for the rim, which is some form of opaque plastic. Tactical gas masks are similar to gas masks. They don’t actually serve the purpose of protecting you from gas. They are really just stylized face masks.
Most armor and protective gear can be modified and customized to better fit your style. So, if a gas mask seems like it would be your kind of thing, go for it.
Face & Head
The next kind of protective gear I would like to address is face and head protection. Some of the things on this list are also on the eye protection list, so I will not give their descriptions, again.
Face and head protection consists of face shields, utility masks, tactical masks, tactical gas masks, half-face masks, tactical helmets, safety glasses, safety goggles, and Balaclavas. Utility, tactical, and tactical gas masks as well as tactical helmets are all basically specific styles of full face masks. Half-Face masks are masks that only cover the bottom half of your face, and are typically paired with safety glasses or goggles. Balaclavas are close-fitting hoods that cover the whole head and neck except for parts of the face, usually the eyes and mouth.
Neck
Next is neck armor. Armor that falls under this category would include neck guards, tactical wraps, and bibs. Neck guards are, generally speaking, simply collars that you put on to protect your neck. Neck guards are typically made out of plastic; however, the material is usually fairly pliable. Tactical wraps and bibs are fairly similar, except bibs have Velcro fastenings on the back, and tactical wraps are tied on. Neck guards typically provide the most protection.
Chest & Back
Chest and back armor are crucial for any full set of protective gear. These consist of chest protectors, ballistic armor, upper-body shoulder protectors, riot shields, and tactical vests. Chest protectors are basically thick, long-sleeved shirts that have plastic plates on both the front and the back of the armor for additional protection. Ballistic armor is similar to a chest protector, but with plastic plating on the arms as well. Upper body and shoulder protectors are vests with shoulder pads attached to the sides of the vest. Riot shields are thick shields – Airsoft-specific riot shields typically being made of plastic, with a window of thick, bulletproof glass that provides visibility and protection. Tactical vests are thick vests that have a multitude of pockets for additional magazines, grenades, first aid materials, etc.
Arm & Leg
Arm and leg protection include forearm protectors, elbow guards, thigh/groin protectors, and shin and knee Guards. Forearm protectors are basically thick sleeves that do not attach to a shirt. Elbow guards are fabric cups that go onto your elbows, and potentially could even go onto your shoulders. Thigh and groin protectors have plastic plating protecting – you guessed it! – the thighs and the groin. Shin and knee guards are long pieces of thick fabric that you strap on to your legs.
Hands (& Feet)
Last, but definitely not least, is hand protection. Basically any kind of glove will work to protect your hands, but tactical gloves are most desirable because of the thick yet pliable material. Personally, I think you definitely shouldn’t wear fingerless gloves, because the knuckles can be the most sensitive part of the hand for many people. Additionally, your ability to win at an Airsoft game (or to drive a car, play video games, or write your name, for that matter) depends on your dexterity. If you lose the ability to move your fingers, then your chances are severely decreased.
Also, be sure to wear insulated gloves. But you probably don’t want these to be too thick, because you do want to be able to fit your finger into the trigger hole.
As an extra entry, be sure to wear shoes of good quality, because a lot of Airsoft guns expel BB’s at such a high velocity (speed of the BB as it travels in the air) that if your shoe is ragged or torn, the pellet will easily tear through your shoe, and potentially cause a lot injury to your foot. Be sure to wear shoes that are in good condition, or, if you like, just wear boots instead. You should by no means wear “flip flops” or sandals. Not only do you open your foot up to being shot, you are also certainly hampering your ability to duck, jump, and run around the field of play.
Other Items of Note
Another thing you should definitely think about when preparing for an Airsoft game is what other items you should bring along with you. Be sure to bring a First-Aid Kit and a cell phone in case you or another player gets hurt. This is particularly true if the Airsoft playing area is somewhat off the beaten path.
Also, bring a flashlight to find said injured player in the dark. In the winter, bring a well-insulated blanket (e.g., a so-called “space blanket,” that looks like aluminum foil and reflects your body heat back at you), and maybe even a fire-starter. If you are really thorough – or paranoid! – you may even want to tuck away some storable food and water. Also, it wouldn’t hurt to have a portable CB or AM/FM radio.
I know. I have a bit of a “prepper” streak in me. But, better safe than sorry!
Concluding Remarks
Please, be smart about the items you choose to bring – or leave at home. Don’t make selections based primarily on what you think looks “cool.” Above all, be safe!
Happy shooting!