As a complete newbie to the game, I've now played twice at Alpha55 in North Wales over the last couple of weeks.
The first day I completely forgot that I am an overweight, unfit 50 year old and was running around like I was still in my 20s. A couple of hours in and I slowed down. Really slowed down but it was still loved every minute. Slowing down let me play a different game. I used to play a lot of paintball when i was in my teens and remember it being a rush of speed to get to the flag but, I've realised, airsoft is a much more tactical game and by the end of the day I was talking more to my team and planning the attack.
I was absolutely worn out by the end of the day but I havent grinned like that in a while.
The week after I booked myself and my 15 year old daughter to play at the same site. It was so hot, even at 9:30, that the old DPMs I'd brought for us were discarded and we played in just our t-shirts. She was a little apprehensive of being shot and held back in the first game but soon got into it after the inevitable hit. We worked well as a team, giving each other covering fire as we pushed forward to the objective. I was so happy, and really proud, of being there with my baby. She hates it when I call her my baby, but she is the youngest!
I talked to a lot of people there, especially on the second day, about their kit and equipment. Ive already done a deal on a 2nd hand, but hardly used and like new, Valken RIF. Its the same as the sites hire RIF so I'm quite comfortable using it. I know its only a starter and I will probably upgrade to something better in time but for now its brilliant.
The site is great. It's all woodland with a lots of different buildings, towers, CQB areas and the like. It was very well run, very professional. It made me feel safe. The hire kit was great, all well looked after and unlimited BBs. On the first day I used about half, of the supplied 2500 ish, over the day. On the second day i had to refill my carrier twice!
My new spending addiction is coming into clear view!