What Is Airsoft?

Airsoft is an outdoor sport that simulates military, law enforcement, and other tactical combat scenarios. It has been around since the late 1980s, and has developed a growing following in the United States and abroad. Airsoft is played with light guns designed to shoot plastic pellets, commonly known as BBs, at opponents in a highly competitive fashion.

History of Airsoft

Airsoft originated in Japan where it was developed in the late 1970s by a group called the Tokyo Marui Company as a way to provide a non-lethal means of recreational shooting. It rose in popularity, especially in Japan, and slowly spread to other countries throughout the following two decades.

The inaugural World Airsoft Championship was held in Tokyo, Japan in 2004. This event drew players from 28 different countries and was a major milestone for the sport. Since then, the popularity of Airsoft has only continued to rise, to the point where Airsoft competitions now draw massive crowds outside of Japan.

Airsoft Guns

Airsoft guns are designed to be non-lethal and cannot cause serious physical injuries. They are typically made out of plastic or metal and fire plastic pellets with a velocity of around 300-400 feet per second. There are two types of Airsoft guns: Automatic Electric Guns (AEGs) and Gas-Powered Guns (GasGs). AEGs are powered by either lithium polymer batteries or airsoft-standard batteries, while GasGs are powered by compressed gases such as propane, green gas, and CO2.

Safety In Airsoft

Airsoft is known for its safety measures, which help to ensure a safe playing environment for players of all ages. Protective eyewear is mandatory for all players, as well as long-sleeved shirts, full-length pants, and headgear. The use of bio-degradable BBs is also encouraged in order to reduce the environmental impact of the sport. In addition, high-quality airsoft guns are designed with various safety features to reduce the risk of injury, such as integrated hop-ups and no hard edges.

Airsoft Gameplay

The rules for airsoft can vary from game to game, but they typically involve two teams trying to eliminate each other or capture the opposing team's flag. In some cases, a referee may be present to enforce safety rules and issue appropriate punishment, such as warnings or game disqualifications.

Common airsoft game modes include Capture the Flag, Deathmatch, and Milsim. Capture the Flag requires teams to capture their opponents' flag and return it to their side in order to win. Deathmatch is a more freeform game where the objective is to eliminate as many opponents as possible. Milsim stands for military simulation and is typically a more organized, tactical version of airsoft where teams must complete objectives in order to succeed.

Popular Airsoft Brands

Some of the most popular airsoft brands are Tokyo Marui, KWA, G&G, PolarStar, Zenit, and Ares. Tokyo Marui is well known for its high-quality AEGs, while KWA is known for its reliable GasGs. G&G, on the other hand, has become popular in recent years for its innovative designs. PolarStar, Zenit, and Ares all specialize in high-end gas guns that are popular with more experienced airsofters.

Insights

Airsoft is an increasingly popular outdoor sport that has become popular in the past few decades. It is known for its safety measures, which help to ensure a safe playing environment for players of all ages. It also has a versatile range of game modes and a variety of equipment and brands for enthusiasts to choose from. Therefore, Airsoft is rapidly becoming a well-established recreational activity enjoyed by millions of people from all around the world.