advice for starting gear and first game (NOT a what to buy thread)

[skittles13]

Here is a list of what i have, and what i have on the way

SRC G36-e (gen 3)
2 hi cap mags
1 9.6V 1600mA NiMH re-chargeable battery and an auto cut-off charger

Multicam digital camo set
surplus canadian army combat boots
paintball goggles

crappy tire spring shotgun (fires 3 shots at once and uses shotgun shells as mags)
crappy tire spring pistol

im working on finding a tac vest that suits me and my needs, but since i dont really know what i need yet im saving it for last so that i make a good choice on it.

it started with just a bunch of guys playing clearsoft at a farm and has ended in 3 of us deciding to make the leap to real airsoft.

what i would liek to know is really:

what else do i need?
what should i know so that i dont look like a complete noob?
how can i not be useless ?
have i made any huge mistakes so far?
any advice/words of encouragement/random thoughts/questions

[L473ncy]

Nothing for now. That's pretty good for starting out and kind of what we want to see for a first game (either that or renting some stuff and going out to the surplus to buy other things like boots and BDU's).

Don't be a retard and you'll fit in nicely (oh and get a $4 can of krylon flat or ultra flat and go at it to cover up that active camo).

Experience, which only comes with gaming, this obviously isn't like video games and airsoft is more akin to a "musket" than a modern day rifle in the way the projectile (the BB) is fired because there's no rifling per se rather it's just a smooth tube that air compression pushes a BB out the end.

No mistakes that I can see. Just go to the field and get AV'ed is the only thing that's pretty much left to do. Then you'll regret not waiting and want to spend your paycheque on another gun.

[skittles13]

Originally Posted by L473ncy

(oh and get a $4 can of krylon flat or ultra flat and go at it to cover up that active camo).

you lost me about here....

[krap101]

Originally Posted by skittles13

you lost me about here....

Yeah... me too. Active camo hasn't been invented yet (we're getting close).

[Thenooblord]

he means the clear plastic
anyways ditch the hicaps and get midcaps

[The Saint]

Consider a second battery. It's always better to have a spare.

Consider a hydration system, either standalone or built into your vest. You want to carry water into the field and drink regularly in the dead of summer.

Don't buy cheap ammo, don't use anything below 0.25g.

Good base layer (sweat-wicking shirts, underwear) and proper socks make for more pleasant summer play.

Save up for transition from hicaps to locaps or midcaps. You will make the switch after you find out how annoying the rattling is. Unfortunately, G36 locaps and midcaps are usually more expensive compared to other types of mags, even when it comes to the economy box sets.

[L473ncy]

I meant to cover up the clear parts but I guess with the SRC it is a smoked/tinted receiver.

Oh yes, I have played in a cotton t-shirt before but now I roll in a polypro (polypropylene or "Under armour") shirt that I got from MEC (or the one from Marks Work Wearhouse, or any other outdoor shop).

And don't forget the water, either a large bottle (ie. a 4 litre jug from Safeway or your choice of grocery store at MINIMUM) at the staging area or a hydration pack (ie. when there is no staging area or you're in a longer game/milsim).

[Boyso]

Originally Posted by skittles13

you lost me about here....

Your clear Canadian Tire crapsofts.

EDIT : DANG 4 posts in a minute.

[Rugger_can]

A good set of gloves (such as mechanix) is a nice purchase. And if your an active sort of gent then Knee pads can't hurt, even if you only wear one (on your dominant knee).

Its been said before, but water is important. Often your location on field will be removed from a water supply and keeping hydrated is always a good idea. Even if its just a simple bottle (although hydration packs are nice as they don't slosh and are easier to lug around) usually carry with you 2 liters per 8 hours if possible. And I know this sounds insane but carry something salty, such as peanuts or a granola bar with around 200mg of Sodium. Or substitute the water for a sports drink. Try to take it easy with water, over hydration is just as bad for you as under hydration drink when your thirsty.

Some other things that are nice, Environmentally friendly bug repellent as it does not contain anything that can be detected easily and it won't eat through your plastic on your guns like bug juice will, also sun screen is nice.

Most everything else you can best determine by just trial and error. If you find that you could really use something that does something then you get that, if you find a piece of kit is useless then dump it. I do suggest though that you consider modular gear, as it will last you longer and will allow you to modify it over time to suit your needs.

Good luck and have fun.

[CimmShark]

I did a game with out bringing a hydration pack and paid for it, i was sweating all day long and only brought2 small bottles of water,about half way through i could barely breathe and had to stop constantly to try and moisten my mouth.

since then i've picked up a 3L hydration pack and I always make sure to bring a bottle or 2 of Gatoraide and another bottle or 2 of spare water.

As for the salty intake like Rugger mentioned, I'm a big fan of Beef Jerky and bring a bag or 2 each time lol

[Forever_kaos]

Best advice I was ever given -
Grab a gun
BB's (good quality as mentioned, BB Bastard is awesome)
Hicap (Bleh, they usually suck ass but for your first game whatever)
Goggles (Depends on where you go to play)
Water & Food (Always bring extra, you never know how bad you'll work yourself out)
Money

Have at 'er!
You'll learn what you need from there and improve as you go.

As for
"what should i know so that i dont look like a complete noob?"
Nothing, you are what you are at first

The only way to fix that is get out to a game and learn.

Have fun!

[skittles13]

thank guys for all the advice

looks like i was indeed on the right track, but i admit i DID underestimate the nessesity of food and water so the vest i buy is definatly going to have to be able to have a bladder on it, as well as fit the aparently awkward G36 mags.


one question though. why all the hate on the highcaps?

is it for realism sake?

[Rugger_can]

Originally Posted by skittles13

thank guys for all the advice

looks like i was indeed on the right track, but i admit i DID underestimate the nessesity of food and water so the vest i buy is definatly going to have to be able to have a bladder on it, as well as fit the aparently awkward G36 mags.


one question though. why all the hate on the highcaps?

is it for realism sake?

Hi caps unfortunately generate a bb hose mentality in some cases, Also they rattle and therefore give away your position, which also sucks. Where as Mids, Lows and Real caps are generally preferred as they foster a more reasonable fire rate and a healthy respect for reloading.

In terms of realism its up to the player to decide and the game type. Hicaps are fine for a scrim, But if you have any plans on attending milsim events you will want to invest in lows and mids or possibly real caps.

[scurvythepirate]

Originally Posted by skittles13

thank guys for all the advice

looks like i was indeed on the right track, but i admit i DID underestimate the nessesity of food and water so the vest i buy is definatly going to have to be able to have a bladder on it, as well as fit the aparently awkward G36 mags.


one question though. why all the hate on the highcaps?

is it for realism sake?

:Shake: :Shake:

Oh there he is. :bang: bang:

[101jinx101]

Hicaps you have to wind or "tickle" the bottom every 20 seconds... mid caps give you approx 100 rounds with no starwheel, and yes, more realism for changing mags

ALSO, I can't believe no one has said this yet, but ditch the springer pistol... the shotgun isn't so bad for a sidearm (a good sling does well) but anyone who pulled out a springer pistol on me, I would seriously pull my kill rag because I wouldn't be able to stop laughing.........
maybe that's a bit harsh, but you get my point

OH, and another point for a fellow G36E enthusiast.. what I've heard is, the clips on either side of the mags that allows for doubling tend to crack and break with even moderate use.. other people have cut/sanded down the tabs to prevent this, as well as make the mag easier to get into/out of mag pouches.