Airsoft Canada - View Single Post

Trader rating · July 5th, 2005, 12:57

Hold off on a gear purchase until you're certain of your AEG and personal preferences. Many people go out and spend a pile of money on gear only to find it doesn't meet their gaming requirements and are forced to buy something different. For instance, you may find a BHI tac vest interesting, but your primary AEG might not be compatible for mag stowage....it's important to know the requirements for the rig before you purchase one.

First, go out to a game and see what types of equipment are being used by your local player base. Chances are some of the more senior players in your area will have a couple of different setups that have been tailored with games in that area in mind. Don't be afraid to ask around in the safe area and try on people's gear (with permission). What works for one person may not work for you, and what you think looks good may be completely wrong for your body type or style of play.

Some people swear by cross-draw tactical vests. Others swear by high speed gear like HSGI, Paraclete or So-Tech. Personally, I've owned all kinds of rigs and I currently have about 6 that I rotate depending on the game specific objective. For instance, when I'm in a command role, I don't need to carry a dozen mags. I use a streamlined rig or my CF vest. If i'm going to be out in the field, I use a rig that has lots of ammo storage for my armalite, like my SoTech Rifleman's rig or my Wasatch. If it's crazy hot out, I'll wear something that breathes well with plenty of room for hydration, like a standard LBE webbing setup. If I'm going to be in the field for a LONG time for large-scale milsim events, I use one of my modular rigs and set it up to carry all the gear I'll need for the operation, in other words lots of utility pockets and mag stowage and compatibility with a backpack and hydration unit.

In my opinion (and this is strictly based on my personal preferences), you can serve all conditions with two rigs. A modular vest, and a modular LBE setup. Buy the base carrier, and then buy compatible pouches as you need them. Going into a CQB environment? Slap on a bunch of MP5 mag pouches. In the field? Attach a bunch of M4 pouches and some utility pouches.

It might get expensive buying all the modular pouches, but you can get them fairly cheap off the buy and sell board or ebay if you're paying attention.

As mentioned above, a good pair of boots is often overlooked. Running shoes are a no-no. You'll roll your ankle for sure and could incure serious damage. Not worth the pain. There are plenty of acceptable forms of footwear, just make sure it has sufficient ankle support and sole traction. Surplus combat boots are cheap and readily available, but you'll have to break them in to your feet; this can be difficult since they're usually already formed to someone else's and there is little give left by the time they get to you. There are plenty of commercial alternatives available, ranging in price from $50 all the way up to $300. When buying footwear, you get what you pay for. Go on the cheap, and your feet will suffer. Foot pain can seriously screw up your life...

Gloves are also very important. In addition to the points raised above regarding protection, you should also consider the effects of mosquito repellent on your AEG. Gloves allow you to protect your hands from buggies while keeping your AEG in one piece.

Goggles are a must, and again you should base this purchase on your playing field. Most fields require paintball approved goggles, so that should be your first purchase. A full mask provides greater protection but can be cumbersome and uncomfortable in the field, as well as impede your ability to shoot. Some fields allow the use of safety glasses (such as AOS safety) but you should assume they will not. This is also a matter of personal preference, based on the level of risk you're willing to accept. I know people who steadfastly refuse to wear anything other than paintball goggles, and that's their right.

BDU purchase should be based on three factors:

1) The area you intend to play in

Desert combat fatigues look great, but they're not all that effective in the summer bush. Likewise, woodland camo or cadpat may not work so well in the badlands.

2) Your budget

Self explanatory. Multicam is pretty nice to look at but it will cost you a pretty penny. If you've got to do it on the cheap, you'll probably have to look at some used woodland or OD CF gear. In a pinch, the OD CF stuff is remarkably effective in all kinds of terrain, so it's probably the best bag for your buck. Im my opinion, it looks like shit but if you're on a budget you take what you can afford.

3) Your desired "emulation"

If you have the money and don't mind spending it, you can buy all your equipment based on the role you wish to emulate. For instance, the Black Hawk Down Delta look or the Army Ranger look, etc.

Hope this helps.

July 5th, 2005, 12:57	#10
MadMorbius Guest Trader rating	Hold off on a gear purchase until you're certain of your AEG and personal preferences. Many people go out and spend a pile of money on gear only to find it doesn't meet their gaming requirements and are forced to buy something different. For instance, you may find a BHI tac vest interesting, but your primary AEG might not be compatible for mag stowage....it's important to know the requirements for the rig before you purchase one. First, go out to a game and see what types of equipment are being used by your local player base. Chances are some of the more senior players in your area will have a couple of different setups that have been tailored with games in that area in mind. Don't be afraid to ask around in the safe area and try on people's gear (with permission). What works for one person may not work for you, and what you think looks good may be completely wrong for your body type or style of play. Some people swear by cross-draw tactical vests. Others swear by high speed gear like HSGI, Paraclete or So-Tech. Personally, I've owned all kinds of rigs and I currently have about 6 that I rotate depending on the game specific objective. For instance, when I'm in a command role, I don't need to carry a dozen mags. I use a streamlined rig or my CF vest. If i'm going to be out in the field, I use a rig that has lots of ammo storage for my armalite, like my SoTech Rifleman's rig or my Wasatch. If it's crazy hot out, I'll wear something that breathes well with plenty of room for hydration, like a standard LBE webbing setup. If I'm going to be in the field for a LONG time for large-scale milsim events, I use one of my modular rigs and set it up to carry all the gear I'll need for the operation, in other words lots of utility pockets and mag stowage and compatibility with a backpack and hydration unit. In my opinion (and this is strictly based on my personal preferences), you can serve all conditions with two rigs. A modular vest, and a modular LBE setup. Buy the base carrier, and then buy compatible pouches as you need them. Going into a CQB environment? Slap on a bunch of MP5 mag pouches. In the field? Attach a bunch of M4 pouches and some utility pouches. It might get expensive buying all the modular pouches, but you can get them fairly cheap off the buy and sell board or ebay if you're paying attention. As mentioned above, a good pair of boots is often overlooked. Running shoes are a no-no. You'll roll your ankle for sure and could incure serious damage. Not worth the pain. There are plenty of acceptable forms of footwear, just make sure it has sufficient ankle support and sole traction. Surplus combat boots are cheap and readily available, but you'll have to break them in to your feet; this can be difficult since they're usually already formed to someone else's and there is little give left by the time they get to you. There are plenty of commercial alternatives available, ranging in price from $50 all the way up to $300. When buying footwear, you get what you pay for. Go on the cheap, and your feet will suffer. Foot pain can seriously screw up your life... Gloves are also very important. In addition to the points raised above regarding protection, you should also consider the effects of mosquito repellent on your AEG. Gloves allow you to protect your hands from buggies while keeping your AEG in one piece. Goggles are a must, and again you should base this purchase on your playing field. Most fields require paintball approved goggles, so that should be your first purchase. A full mask provides greater protection but can be cumbersome and uncomfortable in the field, as well as impede your ability to shoot. Some fields allow the use of safety glasses (such as AOS safety) but you should assume they will not. This is also a matter of personal preference, based on the level of risk you're willing to accept. I know people who steadfastly refuse to wear anything other than paintball goggles, and that's their right. BDU purchase should be based on three factors: 1) The area you intend to play in Desert combat fatigues look great, but they're not all that effective in the summer bush. Likewise, woodland camo or cadpat may not work so well in the badlands. 2) Your budget Self explanatory. Multicam is pretty nice to look at but it will cost you a pretty penny. If you've got to do it on the cheap, you'll probably have to look at some used woodland or OD CF gear. In a pinch, the OD CF stuff is remarkably effective in all kinds of terrain, so it's probably the best bag for your buck. Im my opinion, it looks like shit but if you're on a budget you take what you can afford. 3) Your desired "emulation" If you have the money and don't mind spending it, you can buy all your equipment based on the role you wish to emulate. For instance, the Black Hawk Down Delta look or the Army Ranger look, etc. Hope this helps.