Thinking about getting into airsoft as a hobby or a sport? You’re going to need, at the very least, a quality airsoft gun to get into it. While you can buy all of the essentials piecemeal, you can save some money and trouble with an airsoft starter kit - provided you go about it the right way.

Here’s what you need to know - follow these guidelines for choosing your first airsoft starter kit, and one that will set you up for success instead of frustration.

1.Establish the role you expect to play on your team

Most guides will tell you to establish your budget first, but we’re not going to follow that model for a very specific reason. The role you will fill will dictate your gear more than your budget, and it doesn’t matter what the price of an electric rifle is if you’re going to end up needing a high-quality spring-powered, bolt action airsoft sniper rifle.

So figure out, first, what position you plan to fill. Are you going to fill the role centered around providing reconnaissance? Would you rather be a scout, or a sniper, or an infantryman? First, figure out the role you’re going to play and then you can choose the best airsoft starter kit.

2.Establish your budget

After you establish your role you can settle on a budget. Once you know how much you’ll be able to spend on a kit you can take it from there.

The good news is that there are lots of affordable airsoft starter kits that can get you started playing airsoft at a great price, and most of these kits don’t just come with the gun. Here at MiR Tactical, we have several kits that contain (almost) everything you need for under 200 dollars.

3.Simple features and functionality are best in an airsoft starter kit

One thing we’d like to suggest is that as a general rule you should shy away from really high-end airsoft guns with a lot of sensitive adjustable features. The reason for this is that serious players upgrade and personalize their airsoft guns as they develop their skills. This means that even if an airsoft gun doesn’t come with a feature you like, you can probably add it later. Plus, the more complex and the more expensive an airsoft gun is, the more likely it will be to require particular care and attention. Besides, you don’t always get what you pay for.

4.Consider the upgradeability of the platform and the quality of the internals

Many airsoft starter kits come with airsoft guns that have a wide variety of features that can easily be upgraded or replaced. For example, we sell airsoft starter kits that contain G&G ARP9 AEGs that have version 2, full metal, fully upgradeable gearboxes. Not only can they be upgraded as needed, but their metal intervals are less likely to experience stress-related damage in the course of intense competition.

It’s also worth your while to consider the durability of the overall platform. Many airsoft starter guns feature metal receivers, metal tight-bore barrels, or construction from impact-resistant, extremely tough polymers that are resilient to all sorts of adverse conditions. For beginner airsoft pistols and rifles, the tougher the better.

5.Weigh the bells and whistles

The great thing about quality airsoft starter kits is that they don’t just come with an airsoft gun. Some of them come with a lot of other accessories, attachments and other tactical gear you’ll need to effectively partake in a competition.

Many of our airsoft starter kits come with the airsoft gun itself as well as engine upgrades, regulators and ammo, along with certain attachments or optics like red dot sights. Some of them can also be upgraded to include a sidearm (because you’ll need one, trust us) as well as eye protection which is an absolute essential for competitive play. One of the great advantages of starter kits is that you can save money by bundling instead of buying everything separately, so check out each kit and see what comes with it.

What Else You Need

Just in case you choose an airsoft starter kit that doesn’t come with the accessories below, you’ll want to throw them into your cart, too. A starter kit may come with most of what you need, you’ll you’ll want everything below, where applicable.

1.Ammo, propellant, and batteries

Obviously, you need airsoft ammo, propellant (green gas or CO2, if you choose a gas airsoft gun) and batteries if you choose an AEG, since some of them don’t come with batteries. While you’re at it, get spare batteries, extra gas, and extra BBs. You may think you won’t need them, but you do.

2.Spare mags, speedloaders, and ammo containers

You’ll also want each of these in your tactical vest. You’ll never want to go into a match without some spare loaded mags in your vest, as a matter of course. Also, you might as well invest in some large ammo containers (many can hold more than a thousand rounds) as well as a speedloader. Speedloaders, particularly, are very useful in a match as they can enable you to recharge your spent mags much more easily and efficiently.

3.Personal protective equipment

Just in case you decide to get everything on your own instead of buying an airsoft starter kit, you’re going to need personal protective equipment - at minimum goggles. It’s not safe to play without them and events won’t let you participate without them anyway.

We also recommend long pants, a jacket, and gloves. You may not be required to wear them in the match, but gloves will protect your hands from painful close range pellets.

Call Us for Help!

There are plenty of other attachments and gear you might find useful in a match, including optics, lights, lasers, slings, and more. We carry all of the tactical gear you could possibly need in addition to airsoft guns from top brands, including Elite Force, JAG Arms, Lancer Tactical, KWA Airsoft and more. If you need help choosing an airsoft starter kit or you’d like a personal recommendation based on our experience, feel free to reach out to us at 800-581-6620 and we’d be happy to help.