We understand starting this hobby may seem overwhelming and complicated at first. We have formulated this page to help new airsofters begin their airsoft journey.
If you are new to Airsoft and do not yet have your own equipment, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Apra Airsoft offers free loaner gear for new players during their first two meetings, including weapons and basic equipment. We never want a lack of gear to prevent someone from joining us.
If you have been playing with us for some time and need temporary replacement equipment, please fill out the form below before the event to let us know what items you need. Equipment that breaks during gameplay will be replaced if possible, but any gear you know you will need in advance must be requested ahead of time through the form.
Loaner equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to submit your request early to secure the gear you need for the next event.
If you have any questions about equipment, please contact us at ApraAirsoft@gmail.com.
To reserve loaner gear, please complete the Google Form below.
If Airsoft is something you are interested in, we have compiled the information below to help players who are looking to purchase their own equipment. Having reliable gear can make a big difference in both safety and effectiveness on the field.
Below is a list of essential items you will need—or that are strongly recommended—when preparing to play.
Airsoft Rifle
Extra Magazines
Extra Batteries
Biodegradable BBs (Ammunition)
Sealed Eye and Face Protection
Water or Hydration Source
Boots or Closed-Toe Shoes
Optional Gear
Webbing or Plate Carrier
Camouflage Uniform
If you are new to the sport and do not yet have equipment, loaner gear may be available for your first few events.
If you have questions about gear or need recommendations, please contact us at ApraAirsoft@gmail.com.
Your rifle is by far the most important item in this list. Good rifles can be found on websites such as amazon and evike. Knowing which rifles are good is the problem. Most of the Apra airsoft group runs off of the Lancer Tactical brand. It is generally very reliable, durable, and good for the price. This brand sells most of their guns for around $150-$300. The price of a weapon often reflects its quality. Good Lancer Tactical weapons include the Gen 2; Lt-19, LT-25 and LT-15 models.
Extra magazines are important. Extra magazines allow you to survive longer in battle by providing more easily accessible ammo. While one magazine is usually sold with every airsoft gun, having multiple is very beneficial. Extra magazines for most rifles can be found for relatively cheap on Amazon. Most if not all Lancer Tactical Guns take the more standard M4 magazine. Acquiring more M4 High-Cap Magazines will be a well worth the upgrade.
Just like extra magazines, extra batteries can drastically extend your playtime. These two basic upgrades should come before gun modifications like optics and foregrips. If you are buying a Lancer Tactical gun or an M4 model weapon, you will need to buy 9.6V nun chuck batteries. These batteries are rechargeable and should be recharged with the charger provided with your weapon the battery.
Most airsoft guns shoot the standard 6mm diameter BBs. The proper weight also helps BBs fly straight. Most Lancer Tactical guns shoot 6mm 0.2g BBs best. These BBs will go fast and are not reusable, so consider buying these BBs in bulk on sites such as Amazon. Be mindful of how much ammo you have spent, so you can purchase more ammunition when needed. Additionally, biodegradable BBs are required.
Eye Protection is required when in play and in a combat zone. Some people wear simple safety glasses, while others like to have more protection by wearing a full face mask. Both of these options are acceptable; it usually comes down to player comfort. If you are looking for face masks, Amazon has good masks for relatively cheap. Two-piece masks are suggested as they are usually more comfortable and fog less.
Webbing is something you can use to put your extra magazines and batteries in. A backpack or simple satchel will work for this job. However, if you are looking for something more tactical, plate carriers and original army surplus gear can be found on eBay for relatively cheap. Army surplus items will last longer and are overall more durable than the cheaper (but more expensive) plate carriers found on sites such as Amazon. When choosing a water receptacle, it is a good idea to buy something tactical and lightweight. Army canteens or camel packs can also be found for cheap on eBay. These receptacles will also usually attach to army webbing easily and securely. However, this is not required and a simple hydro flask will do the trick.
While cammo is optional, gilly suits and cammo uniforms help camouflage in the woods. Much like webbing, surplus army uniforms can be found for cheap on eBay. These uniforms will be more durable and cheaper than the Amazon alternative. If you would like free cammo uniforms, we usually have them in stock. All you would need to do is ask.
Close-toe shoes are required; boots are suggested for our airsoft meets. Boots provide crucial ankle support and often keep the participants' feet warm and dry. Surplus boots can be found for cheap on sites such as Ebay. Boots may be available for free if in stock with Apra Airsoft. Please do not hesitate to ask.