How to Create a Good Loadout for Yourself in Airsoft

Last Updated: October 3, 2021

Choosing the proper loadout for you when playing airsoft is extremely important. Loadouts differ according to your role, the airsoft game type (eg. capture the flag, team death match etc.) and the physical surroundings during the match. A loadout can be one of two types: Impression and Competitive. An impression loadout is basically a copy of a real regiment/combat while a competitive loadout is for competitive matches, airsoft competitions etc. A loadout basically consists of your head protection, body protection and tactical gear.

Steps

1
Decide whether you want an impression loadout or a competitive loadout. Go to websites choose and see videos from YouTube regarding loadouts and finally choose you're style. An impression loadout is a copy of a real combat regiment or a real loadout of an army.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Choose your budget. An impression loadout will easily fit around in a hundred dollars. But competitive may be expensive. Impressions are less practical during airsoft matches.
3
Choose your primary weapon and protection. The M4 platform is widely considered to be the best platform for beginners because it has a lot of aftermarket parts. (If you're using an impression loadout, search the gun you're desired "look" for impression uses; eg. Marines-M16). Most of your budget should go to your gun, because you can play with very little gear but if you don't have gun that can keep up with other players on the field you won't have fun.^{[2]
X
Research source}
4
Select your sidearm and protection. A semi-automatic pistol as a sidearm will be a good start for beginners. Now choose your helmet and camo for vests, helmet and BDU (battle dress uniform) or clothing. Camo will be the pattern of you're whole loadout; if you're playing in an urban field choose a UCP (universal camouflage pattern) pattern or if playing in desert type area choose the desert camo/multicam. If you are in a foresty area, you could choose M81 Woodland which is readily available for cheap at surplus stores. If you're using an assault rifle, a CO2 or Green Gas pistol will be a good sidearm, although many people in airsoft don't use sidearms unless they are a sniper.^{[3]
X
Research source}
5
Select your inner clothing which includes your dress clothing and pants. This is the place on which you're vest and other tactical gear will be placed. It should be of the same camo you chose for the helmet; a sweatshirt of the same camo is preferable as your inner clothing.^{[4]
X
Research source}
6
Choose your vest. You can buy a cheap, plate vest with pouches as a starter or a tactical vest to be more stealthy, protective and tactical. Choose the vest color, choose the color of the vest carefully; if your camo is a desert camo use tan colored vests or black vests for darker camos. You can also use the same scheme, eg. you can use "multicam" colored vest for you're multicam camouflaging which is an important procedure to defend, and conclude tactical attacks on the other team.
7
Choose your tactical equipment like cameras, duty belt, flashlights, extra ammo and mags, first aid, sprays (if allowed), an extra hidden sidearm, walkie talkies, tactical gloves, radios, night vision goggles as needed, etc.^{[5]
X
Research source}
8
If you're doing an impression loadout, add patches or other materials related to that regiment you're focusing on as your impression. Now put your safety materials onto your loadout like guards, safety goggles etc.
9
Go airsoft! Your basic loadout is done!

Community Q&A

Question

Are airsoft shotguns worth it?

Aidan Cruse

Community Answer

It depends. More expensive ones are made of better material and have a higher FPs. If you're planning on CQB, you should get a more expensive one because the cheaper ones don't really cut it.
Question

About how much is a vest?

Community Answer

Hugely depends. High-speed low-drag plate carriers (like the Matrix Lvl 1 line) are about $50; they won't cover your sides, but they give plenty of space. A Condor Gunner Plate Carrier is about $70, which covers your sides better and gives more cover. $50 - $100 is a decent range, maybe a tad more.
Question

What gun is best?

Antp2103

Community Answer

It depends on your budget. If you are looking for a semi-cheap gun (around $160) I suggest the black ops m4 viper. It is made out of really strong material and shoots around 420 fps.
Question

What kind of a vest should I use? Plate carrier or a vest?

Ryan Lobert

Community Answer

That is mostly up to you. Plate carriers are heavy and lack a lot of compartments for gear, but vests lack the same level of protection that the plate carrier offers.
Question

What would be a good airsoft rifle for around $150 and a side arm?

Kerpey

Community Answer

If you have $150, do not get a sidearm. The G&G Combat Machine is really good for $150 and if you end up getting a few more dollars, try the JG Model S System. If you want a Russian loadout, try a CYMA AK platform. If not, look around. Lancer Tactical, Tokyo Marui, G&G, JG and CYMA are good brands.

Warnings

Don't overdo it. You don't have to spend over a thousand dollars on a loadout. You should be able to get everything on the list for about $100 - $400.

Thanks!
Helpful 23 Not Helpful 2
This hobby can be expensive. You can't even just get a vest and some BDUs for about $70.

Thanks!
Helpful 65 Not Helpful 18
Play safely. Always wear full seal goggles and a face mask. If you do not have a face mask, your tooth can get chipped or damaged. Make sure that your full seal goggle are protective against airsoft BBs, because they will break if you use ordinary goggles. Don't cheap out on them because they will also fog up when you start sweating and you won't be able to see what you are shooting at.

Thanks!
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0