When your child comes to you asking to try airsoft for the first time, it is understandable that you may have some reservations or concerns about it. Surplus Store is here to guide you through all the key things you should know about airsoft and whether it is suitable for your child, as well as quell any concerns that may be holding you back from saying yes.
What Is Airsoft?
Airsoft is a team-based shooting game that is very similar to paintball. The main difference between the two games is the types of guns used and the ammunition fired. Paintball uses a weapon with a paintball container attached – they don’t look much like real guns. In comparison, airsoft guns bear more resemblance to traditional, real steel guns. They also use ammunition called BBs rather than capsules of paint.
In terms of the game itself, each team works together to try and 'take out their opponent's team, which happens when a player is hit with a BB pellet. A range of different airsoft games and scenarios can be followed, so it is always a new adventure.
What Are The Benefits Of Airsoft?
Airsoft can have many benefits for the player, especially for juniors. Firstly it is a fantastic form of exercise; it provides a muscular workout, activates the cardiovascular system, and improves the respiratory system. This is because your child will perform a range of movements such as sprinting, crouching and climbing.
The benefits of playing airsoft don't stop there either! It has proven social and emotional benefits as well. It can improve their teamwork, problem-solving, and confidence, just to name a few.
Is Airsoft Safe?
In short, YES! Airsoft is just as safe as any other sport or activity so long as you play sensibly and have a good understanding of all the rules.
Like many other sports and physical activities, there is a chance of getting hurt, such as twisting an ankle or scraping a knee. Still, airsoft is not considered any more dangerous than any other typical sport adolescents or teens play.
Does Getting Hit In Airsoft Hurt?
Being hit by an airsoft BB pellet is far less painful than being hit with a paintball; it is 1/10th of the impact. This is because a BB pellet is smaller and weighs less than a paintball, so on impact, a BB pellet can feel more like a flick than a 'hit'.
Occasional small welts can form when softer parts of the body are hit, but they often aren't painful and go away quickly. However, to reduce the chances of pain or potential injury, it is essential your child wears the right protective gear.
What Should Children Wear To Airsoft?
Dressing your child in appropriate clothing and safety gear is imperative when they are taking part in airsoft. Wearing proper camouflage gear will not only help your child remain covered and out of sight while in play, but the loose-fitting nature of the clothes reduces the impact of the BB pellet, meaning it hurts even less than expected.
Surplus Store has a range of affordable and durable airsoft clothing for kids available for you to browse.
Children’s Safety Equipment For Airsoft
Although airsoft is just as safe as many other sports, it still requires some protective equipment and garments to further minimise the risks.
The most important piece of safety equipment for any airsoft player is eye protection in the form of airsoft goggles, glasses or masks. All airsoft fields require players to wear eye protection, which many airsoft clubs commonly provide. Your child may also benefit from other protective airsoft gear items like helmets or ear defenders.
Airsoft Face Protect
Full coverage airsoft face protection covers everything from the neck up, so every inch of their head and face is covered with hard plastic. If that isn't something you or your child wants, then we also have mesh half-masks, which prevent any BBs from being able to catch the skin on the face.
How Old do You Have to Be to Play Airsoft?
Like most sports, there is some risk involved with taking part in an airsoft skirmish, and players do need to be responsible; therefore, age restrictions exist. Although it does depend on the airsoft field, in general, the majority of fields require your child to be 12 years or older.
At 12 years old, we often see our children begin to transition into young adults, and with that, they gain the necessary awareness and understanding to safely enjoy airsoft.
Choosing An Airsoft Gun For Your Child
One of the first things you will end up buying when your child first steps into the world of airsoft is their first gun. With hundreds of airsoft guns on the market, it can be confusing to know which would be the best starting weapon.
A helpful article that is worth a read is our guide to airsoft terminology, as it decodes the terms used to describe the functionality and features of airsoft guns.
What To Consider Before Purchasing A Beginner Airsoft Gun
A short-barrel airsoft rifle with a plastic body is usually the smartest and most popular choice for a first-time gun. The high-quality polymer body is often lighter than its metal or wood counterparts, meaning that while your child builds their strength, they won't be struggling with a heavy rifle on the field.
We also recommend choosing a two-tone airsoft pistol or rifle. These guns are designed with a non-realistic colour incorporated into the bodywork, such as blue or red. A two-tone gun complies with the Violent Crimes Reduction Act set out by the UK government, meaning that you don't require a UKARA membership to purchase and use one.
How Much Should I Spend On My Child’s First Airsoft Rifle?
Investing in an airsoft gun for your child may seem like an expensive purchase; therefore, you might be tempted to buy the cheapest on the internet. However, we advise against this.
We understand that children's interests tend to change faster than the weather, so you won't want to blow a large sum of money on a top-of-the-range gun. But we do suggest that you invest around the £100-£150 price point.
At this price point, you are ensuring that your child's gun is well-made and, therefore, accurate. Trust us; there is nothing worse than lining up a perfect shot just for the weapon to fire off-target!
Our guide to choosing your first airsoft gun has lots of more in-depth advice and considerations to help you make the right decision.
Should You Let Your Child Play Airsoft?
We believe that airsoft can be a fantastic activity for adventurous children! It helps keep them fit both physically and mentally, and it can boost their confidence! So if you are asking yourself, 'should I let my child play airsoft' then we say YES!