Okay so you just went you and bought your new AEG and your camouflage and tactical gear, what are you going to do next? There are some who may disagree with me, but honestly, no matter how much gear you have, how much money, nothing can beat first hand experience. Some people like to say "Well I just came here to shoot my friends and have fun", well this is a game after all, but why would you spend so much money and deny that your sport takes no skill to operate what so ever? I highly doubt anyone will ever say "It takes no skill to be in the Special Forces", well it does, and more than you can ever know. I'm not here to train you, just to point you in the right direction, which unfortunately, will cost you a little more money (you've already spent at least $100 on stuff, and if you haven't, you either got a really good deal, or you don't have much). If your just starting out here's a list of what you will probably need

An AEG- There is no way I can myself make a good AEG buying guide, but I can point you in the right direction, It should be shooting at least 280FPS, TM, Echo 1, JG and CA are popular to name a few
"For the AEG, make sure you search up 1-3 TEXT reviews on Google. This will tell you weather the gun is good or not. Considering most newbies want an Armalite, I would suggestion the G&G M4A1 Combat Machine, JG/Echo1/Dboys M4 series (after they've have been re-shimed, re-greased, and brought down to 300-350 FPS by a local tech), or the ASGI G4 series."-Blackpig
I personally would only buy a gun if the reviews are talking about how great the gun is PERIOD, if they are not raving about it, forget it, otherwise you won't be completely happy with your gun. When you read a review, look at what they consistently comment on what is a pro with the gun, and what are the cons, too many people are caught up with the extras, what you are looking for in all the reviews you look at is a consistent Pros and cons that keep appearing the same, look for reliable reviewers and use that to determine how reliable the peoples testimonials are. There are tons of companies out there, USE THESE FORUMS, there are plenty of experienced people that can help you out here.

Secondary Gun
Once your whole Airsoft loadout is complete, a good idea would be to consider a backup gun, These could be another AEG, or a GBB, I would advise getting a GBB with a lower FPS (300 or lower) if you have a gun that shoots over 400FPS, as if you are raiding a bunker, and they are really close, you will need a lower FPS so you don't blast them, Regardless, your secondary should have a lower FPS than your main gun, the idea is a backup, also and secondary AEG can be used for CQB, but it is advised that you leave secondary AEGs back at the load up zone.

Camouflage- US M81 Woodland is a popular beginners choice, and can be found in almost every surplus store in many conditions, don't pay more than $50 for the shirt and pants, try to get it new
"the US M81 Woodland BDU, as it has an effective design, without paying the high price, though it is already dated, but if you are first starting out and do not have alot of funds, then the cheap way is the proper way"-S-17

Gloves-These are Important and will be the only protection from your weapon, they need to be thin, so you can feel your weapon, but hard wearing, some tight leather gloves can fit the bill, popular ones are mechanic gloves for $20 at any hard wear store, cover the white lettering in grease or oil
"For the gloves, I wouldn't suggest one of the first things you buy is gloves. I know a lot of people like them, but a lot of people don't like them. If you can, try to borrow them from someone to see if you like them. If you do, BUY em. If you don't, don't buy them! That simple."-Blackpig
"Do no buy hatch hardknuckles, they kinda suck...., but if your low on cash or want to save some, then probably look into stuff from a Army Surplus, they will have the best deals, but maybe not the best in quality as it will already be out dated."-S-17
"I love Oakley pilot gloves, they're so comfy... $30 shipped from ebairsoft."-Kavurcen


Boots - These are very Important, as they will be on your feet for 5-8 hours at a time, fast drying are good choices, as waterproof ones will become water buckets, ones that zip up the side are great, these are long time investments, and sadly, a good pair are never cheap, check Here Look around on that site as good ones can be had for $30, look hard, converse is a popular by airsofters, Bates are well known.
A good testimonial on reasons why to buy Quality boots
"Also boots...yes you can get regular boots or Factorys Seconds for 30 bucks. I do not recomend this at all. Like the OP said you are gonna be in these for Hours. you don't want boots with no support. Personally I like buying American but if you don't care I would HIGHLY recommend a pair of Converse zip up 8 inchs. My dad works for the military and they pay for new shoes Twice a year. I always take his old ones for yardwork or airsoft or something like that. They use a compound for the toe instead of steel, which is more protective and LIGHTER. They are regulation 8inchs. The zip up is really really nice and useful, don't think it sacrifices the boot or makes it looser. It is rock solid. Most of all these things are COMFY as hell. I wear skate shoes which are supposed to offer alot of heel support. These things are an entirely different level of Heel support.
Seriously you guys, go buy a pair of 100 dollar boots. They are WELL worth it, you wont be hurting at the end of the day and will last you as long as it takes to spend the same buying more 30 dollar boots."-sidescrollin

A Gun Sling - Probably they cheapest of the lot, will relieve stress off of the body from your gun, quite simple to make, just go out and buy a 3-5 ft of nylon webbing, look at some online references, a good custom one can be had for under $10, and nice place to buy all these materials is here

Vest -Second-to-Last off is the infamous (or famous) tactical vest or chest rig, don't be fooled into buying a $40 crossdraw vest, as you will soon be replacing it, a popular cheap choice is the ALICE vest system, used in Vietnam, it is tried and true by our very own US armed forces, can be found in a lot of surplus stores.
My personal favorite is the $20 chest rig by condor, can be found here please note, they come in five colors, black, OD, Marpat, Woodland, and ACU
"For the vest, if you have a little bit bigger budget I would recommend the Eagle universal chest rig. Not only is it cheap at $70, it is REAL DEAL gear and will not fail on you. There's a ton of space to put anything the average players needs plus some. Definitely worth it if you think your going to be into airsoft in the long run."-Blackpig

Eye Protection -This is probably the most important of all, look for a solid pair, you should invest a good amount into this if you can, a popular (and cheap choice) can be found here , they sell cheap because of some phantom non-existent defect, or can be found on Airsoft GI for $25, if you don't have a pay pal account
If you really want to spend the extra money, Look at Revision or ESS eyewear, ESS has been the longstanding best, Revision is a new, but good, up and coming eye manufacturer. Expect to pay $60 or more, on ebay you can sometimes find them for $20-$30

MISC (extras or helpful little things)

Midcaps- a very nice addition, and they make them for almost every type of airsoft AEG out there, checkout MAG brand mid-caps, as they will be the cheapest, and the most reliable I have seen, you can buy a box of 8 solid mags at any good retailer, midcaps are my set standard mags, as they are quite (no hi-cap rattle) and you do not have to wind them (which you do with hi-caps), Just really make sure that you DO NOT OVERFILL THEM, you will ruin the springs, and the first 20 bbs will go 5 ft, fill them up to 90 BBs or 30 pushes with a Speed loader I personally use them in my M4, just check to make sure they fit in your type of gun you will also need to buy a Speedloader- A must to reload Midcaps and GBB's, about $12, check on Amazon or ebay to get them really cheap
"Also, I know a couple of things I wish I had when I started was a dump pouch, a shemagh, and some kinda water holder.
A dump pouch is a very useful piece of kit at $15. You can put just about anything in there. Empty magazines, pistols, parts, tools, ect. I think every new player needs one. There is SO much you can do with it, that even if you don't use it at first, you'll find a use for it.
A shemagh is good for a lot of things too. Of course you can wrap it around you head to protect you from the sun and BBs, but you can always use it as a quick towel. If you get some dirt/water on something important, you can use it as a last minute resort. Also when it's cold or hot, it keeps the temperature cool wherever.
No matter what you think, you won't be able to carry around plastic water bottles for the rest of airsoft "life". Get a camelback, canteen or a water bottle with a pouch/sling. You must keep hydrated especially during the summer. When I was playing airsoft today, I thought I had enough water so I left my water at my FOB to travel later. Bad idea. I didn't realize I had to walk a mile through mountain terrain for thirty minutes. Lo and behold, at the end of the first sceario, I got my kicked by the terrain and was feeling light headed. Luckily, some let me have some on their water on their camelback. Moral of the story, ALWAYS CARRY WATER."-Blackpig
Nalegene water bottle, but that is always never enough, I do carry water purification tablets with me as I am usually near water, I would advise carrying two 1L and one 2L water bottles, I don't prefer the camelbaks, the system seems a little to fragile for me, and I could not keep up with the cleaning invovled, you can always buy $15 knock offs at any sporting goods store to see if you would like them, but they seem like a bit of work for me.

Tactics

"So its your choice, look up paintball tactics and fire the same. You will probably get more kills and get killed less. However it isn't as fun IMO. If you try and learn real squad tactics and shoot from real firing positions. and learn to properly clear building , you will have alot more fun and be more into it.
I would recomend trying both but if you are going for realism I would not look up paintball tactics as the OP referred."-sidescrollin
"I don't think it will be as fun, on the other hands you will probably do alot better and it will be easier.
I kind of mix it up. One of the biggest things that you need to decide is how you shoot."-sidescrollin
Ask your self, Realistic, Or paintball/airsoft style?

Alright (whew) first off is the Magpul Dynamics video series which can be found here or on Airsoft GI for ~$30

Its quite possibly the most thorough video to make anyone individually perform better, It is mostly based of the M4/M16 Variant system, which actually teaches you how to use it in the most effective manner, It was that video that showed my why they have spent the past 30 years developing it, and why it is possibly the most combat effective system in the world. Let this be known, that even though you teach yourself to become combat effective, It will be of no use if you do not teach your team. Let me take this time to rant about how important it is to join a team or make one if you haven't already. A team should be formed with your closest of friends, your bar buddy, your best friend etc. Since you probably have similar interests, then you can probably drag them into this sport as well, Note, the Video is made for Real World Operators, and there is a 20 min section of unjamming techniques that you should skip over, regardless, the techniques shown are top notch.

"You may discover by watching Magpul: Art of the Tactical Carbine, a more effective way to reload, or move up on an enemy. Or just a faster way to draw your sidearm. Even if they can't replace actually playing airsoft, they can give you a different view on it, so you can be ready when you need to be." -Eissaye

"DVD's are all fine and good, but if you want free helpful videos just search youtube. a thread that expounds on tactics also might be good."-Greenace

Second is Amazon, just look in the book section and type in "Airsoft" I have done this already if you are too lazy, and the results can be found here
I will list the good references here, they can also (surprisingly) be found at your local book store, I found some of mine at Barnes & Noble bookstore, just go to your local book store and ask

The first book is Paintball and Airsoft Battle Tactics by Christopher E Larsen, I personally own this book, and can vouch for its great and thorough view of tactics, that is good for even the most seasoned veteran

The Second book is Practical Airsoft Tactics: For Beginner: 2009 Edition (Paperback)
by Airsoftpress Mechboxpro, It is a great introduction to Airsoft

There are millions of books on Amazon, and I sadly could not look through them all, but Amazon has a online "try before you buy" system, where you can look through small sections of a book to see if you would like it, you can also save (alot) of green by buying used books from them, if you like the way they introduce information to you, then it will probably be a good learning tool, the ones I have listed were the ones I took a liking to and found to be helpful, and I hope you will too.

Free Online Magazines
If you want a consistent source for Airsoft, that is free and archives all of there magazines look into USA SOC Mag can be found here
Its a very excellent source, and they have been improving with every issue


"There's also that "Airsoft Amazon" free "e-zine" thing. It's pretty much brand-new, but the info seems to be solid."-Kavurcen
http://www.airsoftamazon.biz/


Podcasts

Another excellent soure (You'll need some time for these, at least an hour uninterrupted) Is Airsoft Podcasts, Totally free, but you will need to download itunes from the apple website, you do NOT need to own a Mac or an ipod in order to use it (there has been some past confusion)

First is Dead Rag Airsoft Radio, an excellent source, the first Podcast I downloaded, they are number 1, very serious and centered on airsoft, more info can be found here

Second is OPSEC airsoft radio, based in Socal (Southern Carolina) they often do reports with area related thing, but have VERY useful hints a tips to become a better (and less annoying) airsofter, they keep a tabbed database on their website, and full descriptions, they are more laid back than dead rag, often telling jokes, which I like as well, more info can be found here

Last of all is CQB Radio, they are a bit new, but they are right on track, and of the lesser podcasts, they sure do put out (no pun intended) they are quite a podcast, and can be found here

The Final Note I have to leave to beginners is too really look around at their local surplus, and at big online retailers like Amazon, Ebay, and the Commerce sections on this very forum, you'd be surprised on what great deals you could find, most of the people who play Airsoft sell things for ridiculous prices, just because they don't fit or they don't like the color. Look around, read some of the pins on this forum, it will be time well spent.

Looks good. :D

EDIT: Oh yeah, forgot to say. Add some pictures. Will look a lil more "exciting".

This post has been edited by Blackpig: Jul 29 2009, 02:35 PM

I vote PIN.

Great article!

You should try to get this stuff pinned.

A very informative guide for airsofters, new and old..

Extremly well written and has alot of very useful information. I didnt know about the airsoft podcasts. See you learn something new every day.

I also vote for a pin. But wait a little longer as once some things are pinned not everyone reads them.

Good stuff, I also vote to pin.

I assume you're talking about the condor crossdraw?
I just got one on eBay, are they really bad?

for their money, yes

This is definitely one of the best starter guides I've read. Thanks a lot for writing this.

Next time you make a guide, try to cut down on the run on sentences(darn english class is getting to me).

"Eye Protection -This is probably the most important of all" I would change that to the most important. You can't push new players to the importance of eye protection hard enough. Anyways, I'm just getting a little picky. Overall, it's a great guide. I deffinantly think this should be pinned. =)

I vote pin!

Of course, I too vote pin.
But I also have useful information to add.
Airsoftology is a decent podcast. Great for news and they have tech tips.
Also, they're freaking hilarious.

If we pin this when should we do it (at what milestone?)

But wait, are you talking about the Condor crossdraws or UTG?

This post has been edited by Kavurcen: Aug 2 2009, 11:44 PM

been airsofting for about 4 years. I WISH I had someone tell me the basics like this.
very good article.
+1 on the pin.

Crossdraw vest fail if your on a budget. The Condor and Eagle chest rig are great if you must be under $100 and still need to carry gear. If you must have a PC though, Condor has some has some decent ones.

I say at 25-30 posts.

This thread must not die!, Ill try and keep it up as long as I can so as many people as possible can see it.

I understand that. He just loosely mentioned "crossdraws" and I'm wondering what manufacturer or type he's referring to.

I just think that crossdraws do not hold enough for their value, you pay ~$40 for something that can hold a pistol (which when you start out, you probably won't need and takes up 1/4 to 1/2 of the vest space) holds about 3 mags, and a very lacking GP pouch, the material on the shoulders is low grade, and I found mine fell apart after a few games. Compared to a condor $20 chest rig (half the price btw) It has two generous GP pouches (could probably hold a box mag each, for surely can hold a bag of BBs) , with a large document pouch, and 3 mag pouches that can hold up to 3 M4 mags each, I actually am using my condor right now. Its a fantastic vest for its value, and I challenge you to find a better deal.

This post has been edited by S-17: Aug 9 2009, 05:22 PM

Ok, so you meant ALL crossdraws, not just the UTG or anything.

All crossdraw suck :censored2: end of story.

Wow that part actually slipped my mind...., there's one or two spelling mistakes, and places where I could correct my grammar, I try to be as grammatically correct, but I always make a few mistakes once in a while, oh well it gets its point across right?

Very nice article, it was a good read.

How do people neglect my posts so often? I already reaffirmed that five times.

Just because "the almighty kavurcen" spoke doesn't mean nobody else can talk about the subject.

Ouch.

+1 for pin. I'm surprised that something like this doesn't already exist as a pin. Great thread for beginners.

+1

On topic: I think we should pin this now.

This post has been edited by Blackpig: Aug 11 2009, 09:35 AM

I'll add another +1 for the pin.

don't forget airsoftology podcast. they are quickly becoming my favorite.

Yea, the other newbie guide is extremely well written, but all of the links are out dated, and its quite long compared to mine.

UPDATE: Deadrag radio has released its final episode, that's right, they've decided to stop as some of the hosts are settling down, pursuing careers and setting up a film company. This really sucks, but they might start it back up again. Past episodes should still be up for download on their website.

Now that I re-read this, there is a lot of spelling and grammar mistakes. Might want to re-read the guide too.

If I could get the chance to Re-edit this that would be nice, re posting the links sucked, but every guide has a flaw, except for those that spent days developing it.

This post has been edited by S-17: Aug 21 2009, 09:36 AM

Maybe just try harder next time?

Well a re-edit main topic post feature would be great, saves a lot of re-posting

Don't need one if you just try harder.

This ought to be pinned.

Some good links for new players:

http://asrdb.com/
http://www.tcairsoft.com ...local store (orlando FL)
http://www.airsoftology.com/ ...good podcast
http://arniesairsoft.co.uk/
http://airsoftreports.blogspot.com/ ....in orlando FL