New to airsoft - Kit recommendation

[LewisUK]

A baseball cap won't protect you from jack sh*t. Well....maybe from the sun but that's about it. Also - if you wear it back to front for the super cool Oper8tor look I can guaran-damn-tee you that you'll get shot right in the little D where the adjuster is.

You'll also sweat like a rapist wearing a shemagh if it's hot.

If you can get the Revision goggles with a fan in they'll help with the fogging, remove any foam in the dust filters around the frame to improve airflow.

The thing with this mesh cap it doesnt have any gap on the back of it and i was going to wear it backwards to keep the back of my head protected.

I dont want to wear a helmet, and the cap just adds a smaller layer between the bb and my skull, which is all I really want. So if there is anything else I could use to provide back of head protection that isnt a full face balaclava (They feel horrible on my head.) or a thick beanie please tell me.

What else could I use for neck protection other than a shemag, as I sweat a lot anyway, so i would rather not have the ability to wring my shemag out of after a game

With the fan they suddenly become £150+ I did look at fanned goggles, but i think thats a later investment. I'll remember the foam thing, thanks!

 

[Lozart]

The thing with this mesh cap it doesnt have any gap on the back of it and i was going to wear it backwards to keep the back of my head protected.

I dont want to wear a helmet, and the cap just adds a smaller layer between the bb and my skull, which is all I really want. So if there is anything else I could use to provide back of head protection that isnt a full face balaclava (They feel horrible on my head.) or a thick beanie please tell me.

What else could I use for neck protection other than a shemag, as I sweat a lot anyway, so i would rather not have the ability to wring my shemag out of after a game

With the fan they suddenly become £150+ I did look at fanned goggles, but i think thats a later investment. I'll remember the foam thing, thanks!

There is a trade off to be made between comfort and protection. A BB cap will stop all but the worst hits from breaking the skin but it will still hurt like nothing else! A shemagh is unfortunately about the most reasonable thing to protect your neck unless you go for an OTV style vest with the throat protector and then you really WILL sweat! In my experience, neck shots are relatively uncommon when compared to the top of the head, it's about what sticks out from cover. Once you're in the open most people will tend to go for centre mass anyway.

It's worth taking into account the fact that you're playing a game that involves getting repeatedly shot. It hurts sometimes. Every now and then you'll get a bleeder and then (if you're like me and pick the scab) a scar. If you play as a sniper/DM then you'll move about less and be generally further away so your protection can be lighter. If you want to be Mr Gung Ho front line, tip of the spear assault then suck it up, Buttercup you're going to get shot and it's going to hurt!

I tend to fall into the latter category of player. I wear a FAST helmet because it's got plenty of ventilation and stops most of the head shots (trust me, if a BB can find a vent, it will), I managed to get a pair of ESS Turbofan goggles and they are pretty damn good at preventing fogging considering I sweat like a paedophile in mothercare but even they struggle if you run about a lot and it's humid (like when it rains....y'know, British summertime). I gave up long sleeved combat shirts because they're too damn hot and the bruises/welts don't really last that long or hurt all that much. You WILL buy gear that you'll look back at in a years time and think "the fuck did I buy that for?" when you find it skulking about in your kit bag.

 

[PT247]

I'd not worry about neck protection, BBs don't hurt, they just sting, ya just need to man up a bit or play Nerf!

 

[Jam_Man]

What about a cheap OneTigris helmet ? https://www.amazon.co.uk/OneTigris-Protective-Paintball-Multipurpose-Tactical/dp/B01B49K8M0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

[LewisUK]

There is a trade off to be made between comfort and protection. A BB cap will stop all but the worst hits from breaking the skin but it will still hurt like nothing else! A shemagh is unfortunately about the most reasonable thing to protect your neck unless you go for an OTV style vest with the throat protector and then you really WILL sweat! In my experience, neck shots are relatively uncommon when compared to the top of the head, it's about what sticks out from cover. Once you're in the open most people will tend to go for centre mass anyway.

It's worth taking into account the fact that you're playing a game that involves getting repeatedly shot. It hurts sometimes. Every now and then you'll get a bleeder and then (if you're like me and pick the scab) a scar. If you play as a sniper/DM then you'll move about less and be generally further away so your protection can be lighter. If you want to be Mr Gung Ho front line, tip of the spear assault then suck it up, Buttercup you're going to get shot and it's going to hurt!

I tend to fall into the latter category of player. I wear a FAST helmet because it's got plenty of ventilation and stops most of the head shots (trust me, if a BB can find a vent, it will), I managed to get a pair of ESS Turbofan goggles and they are pretty damn good at preventing fogging considering I sweat like a paedophile in mothercare but even they struggle if you run about a lot and it's humid (like when it rains....y'know, British summertime). I gave up long sleeved combat shirts because they're too damn hot and the bruises/welts don't really last that long or hurt all that much. You WILL buy gear that you'll look back at in a years time and think "the f*ck did I buy that for?" when you find it skulking about in your kit bag.

Thanks for the advise,

Yea, my main aim is to stop it penetrating my skin on my head, so a cap will do me for now while i prioritise getting good eye & mouth protection and save up for some lightweight helmet later down the line!

I'll get a shemag (£5, not like im breaking the bank for it) and see how hot i get in it, if i get too hot I'll just ditch it and go for the risk

With the goggles, in terms of no fans, is the revision locust good enough for now?

I'd not worry about neck protection, BBs don't hurt, they just sting, ya just need to man up a bit or play Nerf!

I just dont fancy getting shot in the jugular, the rest of my neck is fine

What about a cheap OneTigris helmet ? https://www.amazon.co.uk/OneTigris-Protective-Paintball-Multipurpose-Tactical/dp/B01B49K8M0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I'll keep this one in mind and bookmarked, thanks!

 

[Sacarathe]

I protect my neck with a multifunctional headwear. Light, but enough to prevent contact from a BB and my skin.

 

[AngelGrinder]

Yeah the i4 comes with the thermal lens standard, you don't need to buy anything separately.

 

[Lozart]

What about a cheap OneTigris helmet ? https://www.amazon.co.uk/OneTigris-Protective-Paintball-Multipurpose-Tactical/dp/B01B49K8M0/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Spend a bit more and get an FMA one with the dial adjuster. It'll fit much better.

 

[djben9]

I have similar protection your looking at, i also have Rev fan googles with thermal lens (yet to remove foam but i will to aid venting and Thermal lens has decided to come apart, no reply from Rev yet....3 months on)

My fan googles still produce droplets that are annoying when in your LOS, last time i played i swapped back for my ESSV12's with some fogtech wipe and was much happier (they have foam removed). Ive also used sawflies, they too got foggy while standing around., with mask and helmet, give good protection around sides, well for me

Wear the same ear/face pro as well as the half face pro, both fitted to my fast helmet with simple youtube method

Also for most GMA games now i wear a cap or boonie with the face/ear pro

No longer wear anything on neck and just wear ubacs with sleeves rolled up, helps to keep you cool, got hit on neck to side of Adams Apple, worst hit ive had, just a normal pain like anywhere else, even been hit between goggles and mask, below eye, you may be worrying to much, ITH will tell you, he'd play in a pair of speedos if he could and enjoy it

most of it is trial and error, what may work for me may not work for you. Also, a lot of the eye pro needs some kind of movement to help air flow, so sitting in a bush under the midday sun, with your neck wrapped up, your going to heat up and you goggles may fog. I have about 6 pairs of various eye pro now!

note - ive been cycling to work recently, not sure why, but under my skid lid i wear my oakley sunglasses, stop at a set of traffic lights....fog in seconds, move away, it clears....so a little comparison for you....hahaha

best go, wife has returned!

 

[Davidpearl]

I just started too so I have started buying stuff

I went with the:

Bolle X1000 Goggles

Mechanix M-Pact Gloves

Warrior 901 Chest Rig

British Military Surplus MTP UBACS Top and Trousers

Helmet wise I am trying to het a British Military MK6 or MK7 helmet

I will be buying a Half Face Mesh Mask once I receive my clothing to see what matches

Will end up getting a scarf/Band at some point

Knee and Elbow pads

Good Hiking shows and good Hiking Socks

 

[KiwiBanany]

I have had some cheap revision locust goggle things from fleabay for a year now that i picked up for about 3 quid. They provide a great seal and once i'd taken out all the foam from the dust filters i havent had a single instance of fog, even on hot days

something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Revision-Desert-Locust-Goggles-/302053824177?hash=item4653cf96b1:g:v4QAAOSwZVlXwJAf

 

[Beethoven]

I just started too so I have started buying stuff

I went with the:

Bolle X1000 Goggles

Mechanix M-Pact Gloves

Warrior 901 Chest Rig

British Military Surplus MTP UBACS Top and Trousers

Helmet wise I am trying to het a British Military MK6 or MK7 helmet

I will be buying a Half Face Mesh Mask once I receive my clothing to see what matches

Will end up getting a scarf/Band at some point

Knee and Elbow pads

Good Hiking shows and good Hiking Socks

I got the Bolle x1000 goggles as well (although the rx version) and am pleased with them. I have a half face mask as well. I wear a cap which covers most of my forehead, so I think I have face protection covered. I am not too worried about being hit anywhere else, although I do wear gloves.

 

[AshOnSnow]

You can wear rated shooting glasses under mesh of the fencing mask stylpe.

Second this. I'm new to airsoft, but I used my shooting glasses. Not only are they prescription (so no need to mess around with contact lenses on the field), but they conform to US Mil-PRF-31013 ballistic levels, so they're more than adequate for airsoft.

 

[proffrink]

Using partial seal is of course a decision that's up to you, but personally I wouldn't recommend it. BBs can and do get under and over them and I think most of us know of at least someone who's had a close shave and switched to full seal.

ESS V12s are great for prescriptions too - the VICE insert is cheap and only has about a 1/3 rim so doesn't get in the way. I think it cost me £57 for mine with the ultra thin, UV and anti-scratch coatings.

Again though, some people do perfectly well with it. I'm just not sure if I'd recommend open eyewear to a beginner.

 

[coreyb10]

Must admit that i tend to go for the Dye i4 as it soooo comfy and never fogs. I used to play paintball years ago and always went for the dye goggles as the thermal lense is the best on the market. The only problem is after a couple of games the foam gets damp, well no....It gets wet. I take a couple of hand towels just to dab dry it between games. I do have the Nuprol mesh glasses which are also very good paired with a snood type doofer which protects my lower head.

 

[karl_liverpool]

I seen a set of goggles on eBay that contain a fan inside has anyone tried them?

I'm currently using the mesh mask and full mesh goggle type. As someone said further up distance aiming they get a bit blurry with your eyes adjusting.

 

[proffrink]

Check the rating on them before anything else.

 

[djben9]

I seen a set of goggles on eBay that contain a fan inside has anyone tried them?

I'm currently using the mesh mask and full mesh goggle type. As someone said further up distance aiming they get a bit blurry with your eyes adjusting.

what are they?, ESS, Smiths, Revisions, FMA?

or just some fan goggles?

as Proffrink said, check the rating / details to be sure. There is a list somewhere of the classes etc you should look at, although I'm sure someone more in the know would let you know anyway if you asked

 

[karl_liverpool]

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131611393568 these are the fan ones I seen not bad priced and look decent. But can't see any ratings listed for them.

 

[proffrink]

No rating: Don't buy them. That £70 you save won't buy your eyesight back.