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New to airsoft - Kit recommendation

LewisUK

By LewisUK,
in Guns, Gear & Loadouts

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LewisUK Explorer

LewisUK

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I just started airsoft recently and im looking into buying some kit.

 

First off is my face protection, i definitely want something that will keep my entire face protected, I was looking at this sort of setup:

 

http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/kombatuk-clothing/products/kombatuk-mesh-operators-cap-black -Head Protection

http://www.zerooneairsoft.com/product_reviews.php?products_id=6002 -Face & Ear protection (I want ear protection.)

http://www.tactical-kit.co.uk/ess-profile-nvg-goggles-3969-p.asp -Eye Protection (Lots of bad things about mesh goggles, looking at polycarb stuff without fogging issues) //Also trying to find cheaper stuff

http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/kombatuk-hats-gloves/products/kombatuk-shemagh-black-white -Neck protection

 

However reading some reviews and some research has shown that the mask doesnt work well with big goggles, the goggles will have tons of fogging issues unless i buy the ESS ones but smaller goggles (such as bole) will leave parts of my face open to be shot or may not fit on the mask well.

 

 

Any tips on stuff I should get? - I'll be playing primarily CQB with the occasional outdoor :)

 

Im also having some issues with shirts/tops/hoodies to wear, as I can just wear normal KombatUK trousers (http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/kombatuk-clothing/products/kombatuk-kombat-trousers-black) and I have a vest im looking at, but suggestions are helpful. ( http://airsoftzone.co.uk/tactical-gear/vests-and-chest-rigs/cross-draw-vest-condor )

 

Thanks!

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Sacarathe Grand Master

Sacarathe

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So mesh isnt like, more risky than polycarb goggles? Most things i've watches/read have recommended polycarb over mesh.

 

What about these instead of the £65 ESS goggles?

 

http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/airsoft-protective-gear/products/viper-special-ops-glasses-black

 

That depends, while the goggles are stronger in the part which makes up the lens, many other components of them - frame, strap, clips, foam, etc are weaker than mesh - whereas on mesh while it is certainly less effective than a a rated lens, it is perfectly effective for airsoft and is consistent - it has no weak points.

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Guest PT247

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So mesh isnt like, more risky than polycarb goggles? Most things i've watches/read have recommended polycarb over mesh.

 

What about these instead of the £65 ESS goggles?

 

http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/airsoft-protective-gear/products/viper-special-ops-glasses-black

I'd never recommended anything by Viper, not because all their stuff is crap but because it is very hit and miss on quality control. Also those will fog like a bastid
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LewisUK Explorer

LewisUK

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I'd never recommended anything by Viper, not because all their stuff is crap but because it is very hit and miss on quality control. Also those will fog like a bastid

Ah, okay. Any goggle recommendations that aren't ESS price? I saw these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Revision-Military-Bullet-Tactical-Goggle/dp/B007FHFG9Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1471200971&sr=1-1&keywords=Revision+Bullet+Ants and they look quite good for a decent price, and they seem to be smaller and able to fit around the mask (I think)

 

 

That depends, while the goggles are stronger in the part which makes up the lens, many other components of them - frame, strap, clips, foam, etc are weaker than mesh - whereas on mesh while it is certainly less effective than a a rated lens, it is perfectly effective for airsoft and is consistent - it has no weak points.

Oh, okay, thanks for the information! Some of the stuff i'd been reading up was like fragments getting through the mesh and stuff.

 

I've been playing with rented kit at the moment and they give you a fencing mask without ear protection, I was constantly paranoid about being hit in the ears or bb fragments coming through the mesh.

 

 

 

If i can't find any decent polycarb stuff, i'll look at mesh stuff, but i would prefer polycarb, even if I need to buy some good anti-fog stuff to keep 'em clean.

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Sico Enthusiast

Sico

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Did you had a look at paintball type mask (e.g. Dye I4). I personally use one, and I haven't experienced fogging yet. It has ear covers, but offers poor to none, protection on the chin-neck area, but you could cover that with a shemagh. The annoying bit is that they are a bit bulky and you will struggle a bit aiming down the iron sights, it can be solved with an optic and a riser.

Take care though if you go this path as i find myself having problem holding my cap the regular way and I flip it with the visor at my back. I do this because it hits the top part of the mask, and doing so it holds also the strap sturdy. Another part that's annoying is that my cap has a hole at the back, from where you adjust it, and today I got hit straight into that small gap so I have a small red dot on my forehead.

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Greg147 Collaborator

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Mesh is fine safety-wise (to an extent..i.e. don't buy cheap). I used mesh for ages and only had to get a new pair when the foam started falling off around the edges (Viper googles, essentially the mesh version of the ones you mentioned). The only thing for me is that I find it harder to make out details at long range with mesh. But.....it's nice never having to worry about fogging.

 

Personally I use Bolle Tracker IIs now. I've only recently started having problems with them fogging on particularly warm days, and when I'm staying in one position a lot. Otherwise, they provide a seal around the eyes, and provide perfectly adequate protection. I'd know. I get shot in the face a lot.

 

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bolle-tracker-ii-clear-lens-safety-specs/43500

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Sacarathe Grand Master

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Ah, okay. Any goggle recommendations that aren't ESS price? I saw these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Revision-Military-Bullet-Tactical-Goggle/dp/B007FHFG9Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1471200971&sr=1-1&keywords=Revision+Bullet+Ants and they look quite good for a decent price, and they seem to be smaller and able to fit around the mask (I think)

 

Oh, okay, thanks for the information! Some of the stuff i'd been reading up was like fragments getting through the mesh and stuff.

 

I've been playing with rented kit at the moment and they give you a fencing mask without ear protection, I was constantly paranoid about being hit in the ears or bb fragments coming through the mesh.

 

 

 

If i can't find any decent polycarb stuff, i'll look at mesh stuff, but i would prefer polycarb, even if I need to buy some good anti-fog stuff to keep 'em clean.

 

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

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LewisUK Explorer

LewisUK

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I've listed up these polycarb goggles (And anti-fogging stuff):

 

Any feedback on that?
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Sacarathe Grand Master

Sacarathe

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Search the forum, it's all here and in the last three months. Heres a helping hand:

 

http://www.airsoft-forums.co.uk/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=user_activity&search_app=forums&mid=5225&sid=f85d3602abd83b6df32dc85b2c3d914c&search_app_filters%5Bforums%5D%5BsearchInKey%5D=&userMode=content

http://www.airsoft-forums.co.uk/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1

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Jam_Man Explorer

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I just started airsoft recently and im looking into buying some kit.

 

First off is my face protection, i definitely want something that will keep my entire face protected, I was looking at this sort of setup:

 

http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/kombatuk-clothing/products/kombatuk-mesh-operators-cap-black -Head Protection

http://www.zerooneairsoft.com/product_reviews.php?products_id=6002 -Face & Ear protection (I want ear protection.)

http://www.tactical-kit.co.uk/ess-profile-nvg-goggles-3969-p.asp -Eye Protection (Lots of bad things about mesh goggles, looking at polycarb stuff without fogging issues) //Also trying to find cheaper stuff

http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/kombatuk-hats-gloves/products/kombatuk-shemagh-black-white -Neck protection

 

However reading some reviews and some research has shown that the mask doesnt work well with big goggles, the goggles will have tons of fogging issues unless i buy the ESS ones but smaller goggles (such as bole) will leave parts of my face open to be shot or may not fit on the mask well.

 

 

Any tips on stuff I should get? - I'll be playing primarily CQB with the occasional outdoor :)

 

Im also having some issues with shirts/tops/hoodies to wear, as I can just wear normal KombatUK trousers (http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/kombatuk-clothing/products/kombatuk-kombat-trousers-black) and I have a vest im looking at, but suggestions are helpful. ( http://airsoftzone.co.uk/tactical-gear/vests-and-chest-rigs/cross-draw-vest-condor )

 

Thanks!

 

Interested to hear peoples views on the mask with ear protection, looking at those myself.

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Sacarathe Grand Master

Sacarathe

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Interested to hear peoples views on the mask with ear protection, looking at those myself.

 

I tried one, it was awful, I sent it back. I did not use it at a game.

 

I use these:

 

http://www.evike.com/products/53003/ - they hang low in the picture because they're supposed to attach to the roof of a helmet - though I'm sure you could shorten the cord, I have some spare laying around if you want one (costs more than evike price due to import costs/vat etc).

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Lozart Grand Master

Lozart

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Interested to hear peoples views on the mask with ear protection, looking at those myself.

 

I had the Black Bear version and used it for ages. Works well, just maybe not with a helmet.

 

Honestly though, the number of times I've been hit in the ear, I'd say it's probably not worth worrying about.

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AngelGrinder Contributor

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I use the Dye i4 paintball mask, and although I do prefer the looks of goggles and mesh, the i4 is so faultless I don't think I'll find anything better.

 

It will not fog, hot days, freezing days, rainy days...no fog. It's comfortable Aswell and has a good field of view.

 

Yes they're a bit expensive...but from my experience, it's the most comfortable, fog free (and could be argued safest) facepro I've tried.

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Lozart Grand Master

Lozart

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I use the Dye i4 paintball mask, and although I do prefer the looks of goggles and mesh, the i4 is so faultless I don't think I'll find anything better.

 

It will not fog, hot days, freezing days, rainy days...no fog. It's comfortable Aswell and has a good field of view.

 

Yes they're a bit expensive...but from my experience, it's the most comfortable, fog free (and could be argued safest) facepro I've tried.

 

Is that with the thermal lens? Do you have to buy that separately or do they come with it?

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LewisUK Explorer

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I'm pretty confident in the revision desert locust goggles: https://www.revisionmilitary.com/store/desert-locust-carrier-goggle.html

I'll be using this facemask: http://www.zerooneairsoft.com/product_reviews.php?products_id=6002

And a mesh cap to protect my head: http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/kombatuk-clothing/products/kombatuk-mesh-operators-cap-black

With a shemag for neck: http://www.kitmastersupplies.com/collections/kombatuk-hats-gloves/products/kombatuk-shemagh-black-white

 

 

If anyone has any tips or feedback on that setup for head protection that'd be great!

 

I'll be using revisions anti-fog wipes and fogtech to keep them fog free, but apparently they are very good at keeping fog free on their own.

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Lozart Grand Master

Lozart

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A baseball cap won't protect you from jack shit. 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.

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LewisUK Explorer

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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 :P

 

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!

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Lozart Grand Master

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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 :P

 

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.

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LewisUK Explorer

LewisUK

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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 :P

 

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

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