Help needed - Really want to start Airsoft BUT..

[Madhouse]

I'm a mountain biker with the occasional foray into gravel biking. Both frames were written off within about 6 weeks of each other last year, at no point will my airsoft addiction come close to costing me what that did! 😂

 

Anyway, I digress. I looked at Specna and G&G for my first pew and only opted for the G&G because I preferred the looks of the 308. I fitted a better mosfet and it's been almost faultless apart from the RHS ambi fire selector cogs being paper thin and therefore jumping if you use it, causing selection issues (fix : don't use that selector). The main issue with looking up stuff on the internet is that if there's an issue then people are likely to shout about it and then bang on about it for years after, whereas all those people who use and abuse their pews every week with no issues aren't doing the same.

 

I did CQB as my first game (most of my games actually), it's totally different, faster, more intense and a lot more ouchy than an outdoor game. You'll have fun but will look like you have measles for a week after which may give rise to a few weird looks if you also like swimming. Definitely make sure you have good eyepro and lower face protection, teeth cost a lot more than any pew could. If it's dark where you're going then take a torch, there's a high likelihood that the rental won't have one or a tracer - both of which I wouldn't be without in CQB, but that's for the shopping list when you get your UKARA.

 

Oh and welcome, you'll get plenty of good advice from everyone here.

[Mik3F]

CQB is how I got into Airsoft

 

The anti fog is a great tip, I have Muc Off for my MTB Goggles and use that before every game.  No Issues so far with fogging up since using it

 

Patrol Base do a Specna Arms starter bundle - https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/specna-arms-sandy-sneak-beginner-bundle

but if you get it before you have a UKARA it would need two toning

 

I honestly would consider a starter bundle, as even if you purchase another gun its always there as a backup and can be loaned to mates so they can see what the sport is like

[WillMidz]

@Tackle 

Thanks for that. 

I do like the look and sound of the Specna Arms Edge 2.0 Series BUT I’m going to take the peoples advice and go for something more budget/ beginner friendly to start with , so polymer instead of full metal and hopefully as reliable as can be. I’ve seen on patrol base  : 

Sa C19 Core 
https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/specna-arms-daniel-defense-r-sa-c19-core-tm-hal-etu-tm-mk18-m4-ar-15-aeg?pv=24996

Delta Armoury Bravo bundle 

https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/delta-armory-da-b13-intermediate-bravo-bundle

 

G and G Armenent CM16 2.0

https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/g-g-combat-machine-cm16-raider-2-0?pv=5103

Same again from G&G

https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/g-and-g-armament-combat-machine-cm16-raider-l?pv=2438

 

CYMA CM .623 

https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/cyma-cm-623-m4-m-lok-airsoft-rifle

 

G and G Cm 18 MOD 1 

https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/g-and-g-armament-combat-machine-cm18-mod1-aeg-rifle?pv=5738
 

So much to choose from , such little knowledge I have ! Please share your opinions and thoughts on these guns for my first Airsoft gun. Good beginner gun, easy accessible parts that makes repairs simple and maintenance , shoots relatively well for that price range and durable to withstand the mistakes of an Amateur. 
 

 

@Jez_Armstrong

 

That’s what I’m looking for! A good enough stock gun to have fun with that’s as reliable as can be for that price range to allow me to play . At the end of the day, all I’ll want to do is play and have fun. No mods, little repairs as possible to keeping me playing for as long as possible. The more I play, the more fun I have , the more I get into Airsoft .. inevitably my budget will expand with my enjoyment to a reasonable mature amount for a young lad that’s just bought his first house and looking to get married in the near future 😂 

ouch! I’m a tad nervous about CQB now 😂 but nothing like a good old Baptism of fire 😂 🔥 

 

@The_Lord_Poncho

Great advice thank you . I plan on getting these : 

Bolle X810
https://www.bolle-safety.com/gb/x810-5294.html?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAo5aBKb83N5LeHvczb8tHDcZx6qkm&gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC-pxrsvmit1hQO-6MT6ST0E_rFn_Qng1cnAIbC_Q2Fhzr9p-P4G5fhoCPTkQAvD_BwE

@Madhouse

 

That’s what I was scared of so I’m glad you said that! Biking is  expensive period! 
 

that is so true and it’s my biggest problem, I pay so much to the negatives, I don’t trust something that is rated Very good on average ! 
 

@Mik3F

I’m happy to go a bit more for my first gun and get the Specna arms CORE and source all the other stuff I need separately. What do you think? 
 

 

[DanBow]

Welcome @WillMidz

 

Just to throw my tuppence in, and echo what everyone has said, great sport, very addictive, cqb really is a lot of fun and will leave you scarred. I have some on my right forearm from a couple of indoor games last June/July. If you're happy to wear them like a badge of honour, you'll be good. Just remember that chicks dig scars!

 

On the G&G front, I have the CM16 12" Wildhog and love it more than some of my children but had to replace the trigger unit as the contacts burned out. From the online drivel I've read, this seems to be a known problem with G&Gs. I fitted an upgraded unit that is a massive improvement and has different settings that you can play with. It was as easy swap but it does mean taking the gearbox apart. Again, not difficult by any standards but some don't want to do it. 

 

Where is your first game?

[WillMidz]

@DanBow

 

Hi Dan, im seeking as much advice as possible from all angles to reach a solid conclusion so thank you. 
 

I forgot to add , the reason I booked a CQB session instead of a field was because I thought that the rental guns are probably battered and are highly likely to underperform. My thought pattern was that it mattered less at close range than at long range. 
 

however, it’s the skirmish sites I’m interested in. Flanking enemies, hiding in the undergrowth behind enemy lines before popping up out of the ferns and spraying all those in my sights . That will be my sort of play style 😂 

 

I’m fine with the war wounds 😀 

online drivel is accurate, nearly every gun I check the reviews on there’s a bloke saying don’t buy this piece of junk! 
 

Wm Airsoft my friend . It’s in the West Midlands. 

 

[Mik3F]

34 minutes ago, WillMidz said:

@Mik3F

I’m happy to go a bit more for my first gun and get the Specna arms CORE and source all the other stuff I need separately. What do you think? 
 

 

 

If thats what you want to do then don't let anyone stop you.

 

Trust me it wont be long before you are looking for a Pistol and another Rifle

 

In our house 3 of us play, myself and my 2 lads and between us we have 2 AEG's and 5 Pistols

 

And I am planning on another AEG in the next few months

[DanBow]

My style of play, generally, puts me right at the tip of the action in CQB and woodland, nothing like being in the thick of it. I really wouldn't worry too much about the effective range of your rental gear, just play the type of game you want to play and get stuck in.

 

Saying that, HC2 is a cracking site. Some of the scars I have are from there! 😁

Spoiler

 

[Tackle]

@WillMidz, I'll be honest, only g&g gun I've owned is an AK74, same goes for the cyma, only had m14's & vss, as for specna, ive got a couble of they're gearboxes im putting in to project AR's, so im not really the guy to say on those you listed, that said im sure theyre all up to the job.

If your primarily focusing on playing cqb at the mo, maybe consider whatever model you mentioned that has the shortest barrel, can make a difference in room clearing etc.

[The_Lord_Poncho]

2 hours ago, WillMidz said:

 

Great advice thank you . I plan on getting these : 

Bolle X810
https://www.bolle-safety.com/gb/x810-5294.html?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAo5aBKb83N5LeHvczb8tHDcZx6qkm&gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC-pxrsvmit1hQO-6MT6ST0E_rFn_Qng1cnAIbC_Q2Fhzr9p-P4G5fhoCPTkQAvD_BwE

 

 

You would be wise to pair these with a cheap mesh face mask - to protect your teeth (and your face!) e.g.: https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/nuprol-mesh-lower-face-shield-v3?pv=5289

[Mik3F]

Or consider a full face mask

 

Something like this

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387812008868

[Rogerborg]

6 hours ago, Mik3F said:

Patrol Base do a Specna Arms starter bundle - https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/specna-arms-sandy-sneak-beginner-bundle

 

I'd say "nope" to that because of the Nuprol burn-your-house-down charger, and starting off with Tamiya, when there are guns now that come with Deans as standard.  Not a big deal to swap if you're OK with soldering, but why make work for yourself out of the box?

[Mik3F]

In that case don't go for a starter bundle then, although I am fairly sure they wouldnt be sold if they were that bad as a charger (disclaimer I don't know if they are good or bad)

 

Soldering the connectors is fairly easy and you coudl always get an adaptor, but thats frowned upon by some too

 

Swings and roundabouts really

 

Just research and ask questions like you are doing and I am sure you will find a gun that you are happy with

[Barry Sayer]

1 hour ago, Rogerborg said:

 

I'd say "nope" to that because of the Nuprol burn-your-house-down charger, and starting off with Tamiya, when there are guns now that come with Deans as standard.  Not a big deal to swap if you're OK with soldering, but why make work for yourself out of the box?

I've got that charger 🤣 no fires yet, it's fine just don't leave it unattended and stand bye with a fire extinguisher, fire blanket and phone at the ready for 999 fire brigade...what could possibly go wrong.

As for deans & tamiya, I have these due toa selection of lipos.

[Cheeky vimto]

When you eventually buy your own gun resist the urge to open it up and most guns will last you a decent amount of time. When you start trying to push the limits of Rate of fire or joules/fps that's when things can go wrong. 

[Mik3F]

14 minutes ago, Barry Sayer said:

I've got that charger 🤣 no fires yet, it's fine just don't leave it unattended and stand bye with a fire extinguisher, fire blanket and phone at the ready for 999 fire brigade...what could possibly go wrong.

As for deans & tamiya, I have these due toa selection of lipos.

 

How do you charge the battereis, multiple chargers or do you have one that does all types?

 

[Barry Sayer]

2 minutes ago, Mik3F said:

 

How do you charge the battereis, multiple chargers or do you have one that does all types?

 

I only charger one battery at a time, I only ever need two on a game day tbh. The charger in the specna arms starter bundle kit from patrol base you linked is what I've got (the blue box). They are cheap, and work as should. Maybe they've had some bad press 🤔.

Use good quality lipos, don't leave unattended whilst charging, as recommended , ist just common sense. I've been charging batteries for probably over 35 years (RC stuff), never had a single fire. 

33 minutes ago, Cheeky vimto said:

When you eventually buy your own gun resist the urge to open it up and most guns will last you a decent amount of time. When you start trying to push the limits of Rate of fire or joules/fps that's when things can go wrong. 

Sound advice 👍 they work great out of the box. 

[Reef]

Well @WillMidz, I’ve been using my VSR10 bolt action rifle and really loving the different style of play compared to an assault rifle. This, along with my pistol have given me hours of fun.

I recently bought a ICS L85 second hand off here to learn how to ‘tech’. I’ve taken the whole thing apart and am in the process of upgrading. I used it at a game the other day and enjoyed the bullpup style, fits with my loadout also.

I’m currently waiting for the Noveske N4’s to come back in stock so I can get my first GBB rifle.

 

I’ve come to the conclusion that having a few different weapons allows you to mix things up depending on the game. I go with my kids so we tend to share which is great to mix things up.

 

If I was buying a starter rifle again I would probably go for a Specna Arms Edge. I bought one for my daughter, £170, and it’s fantastic out of the box. I find myself gravitating to this weapon for your standard woodland skirmish, it’s a great all rounder.

[WillMidz]

Thank you guys for sharing the safety gear. I will definitely be covering my face aswel as eyes. 
 

Now to try and narrow the gun search down to the right gun for me. 
 

I think I’ve found the best gun I can buy on patrol base for the money (not purchasing until I get my UKARA) Please compare and tell me which one you’d pick and why? (If you have a recommendation that trumps what I’ve found , please shout up): 

CYMA .605 M4 

https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/cyma-cm-605-m4-carbine-aeg?pv=9554

 

Specna Arms C 19 CoreM4 

https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/specna-arms-daniel-defense-r-sa-c19-core-tm-hal-etu-tm-mk18-m4-ar-15-aeg?pv=24996
 

It seems for my price range it’s CYMA V SA. 
 

If anyone can recommend me a more competitive site than patrol base please do. 

Thanks again for your continued support. Quality Engineers make very picky people 😂 I do apologise. 

[The_Lord_Poncho]

Re. chargers - I have two of these - they do fantastic service - they allow all cells in a lipo battery to be 'balanced' (important, as if one cell has a lower voltage than the other, there is a danger that in use that low cell will drop below a voltage that results in the battery cell being irreparably damaged), and also allow for batteries to be slightly discharged to put them in a storage state to prolong their life. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/365089024868

[WillMidz]

@Reef

 

Just saw your comment my man ! The edge is what I was drawn to but again , people online kept shouting about what parts to replace immediately like the gearbox ! 
 

im a new starter . I’m not taking that gun apart for some time! 😂

 

what do you think?

 

p.s I think from what the guys in this forum say, for my first gun, an SA for first gun is right at the top end of what I should spend before it’s no longer a “first gun” . 

@The_Lord_Poncho

 

Thank you for talking batteries and chargers. I need to know about that too but really I need to pick a gun first 😂

Edited Tuesday at 19:56 by WillMidz

[Reef]

Sorry just checked her rifle, it’s a Flex not an Edge. The local shop I use say they sell loads of them and have no issues. I defo buy another one.

[WillMidz]

WOW the Specna Arms Flex! I totally overlooked and ignored this gun! This gun looks great. 
 

What do the rest of you think about this gun? : 

 

Specna Arms Flex 
https://www.patrolbase.co.uk/specna-arms-sa-f05-rl-flex-tm-hal-etu-tm-m4-ar-15-aeg?pv=26812

 

 

 

[TheFull9]

I'd say there's 2 reasons you see so many posts online about guns that broke super quick:

 

1. I'd bet that in 99%+ of the instances where somebody buys an AEG, goes to a game and the gun works, they don't say anything about it on the internet. Whereas if it breaks there's a strong likelihood they will say something (applies to all conceivable products).

 

2. People starting out unfortunately don't tend to really know which brands are good so they just buy 'the cool looking gun' (whatever that is in their mind) and some of the turd brands happen to be good at knowing how to design the aesthetics of their guns in order to sell lots of cheesey gearboxes e.g. Ares.

 

Plus of course there's a possible newbie fudge factor with people jamming dropped-BBs in to mags or other random acts of RIF mis-use. Also crappy uber cheap BBs, mags and/or batteries can be huge contributors, just like bad ammo or mags with real firearms.

[Cheeky vimto]

2 hours ago, Reef said:

Well @WillMidz, I’ve been using my VSR10 bolt action rifle and really loving the different style of play compared to an assault rifle. This, along with my pistol have given me hours of fun.

 

 

Having a variety of play style is always fun. I tend to Snipe during the warmer months and use a M4 for cooler months/CQB games. 

 

I must admit though, I find sniping more fun 😎

[Mik3F]

2 hours ago, The_Lord_Poncho said:

Re. chargers - I have two of these - they do fantastic service - they allow all cells in a lipo battery to be 'balanced' (important, as if one cell has a lower voltage than the other, there is a danger that in use that low cell will drop below a voltage that results in the battery cell being irreparably damaged), and also allow for batteries to be slightly discharged to put them in a storage state to prolong their life. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/365089024868

 

Will that charge a battery with a Mini Tamiya connector?