Airsoft - Then and Now

[Phalanix]

A little (or not so little) thought on my view of airsoft over the years...

I think my love for airsoft evolved out of countless hours of gaming in Rainbow Six with my friends. I became aware of airsoft in the late 90's but never really thought twice about it. Around early 2000, my friends and I got into looking at airsoft a bit more, mainly pictures and reviews from Redwolf Airsoft. We have heard rumors of airsoft in Canada and that a local store in the GTA (Pacific Mall) was selling airsoft guns. But then we also heard the rumor that it was banned so they were forced to close down. Oh, unhappy days as our dreams of owning airsoft MP5's became out of reach. So we looked to the next best thing - paintball. We dressed ourselves up in CQB outfits and mostly played out of Sgt. Splatters. I had even used some TM parts to convert my Tippmann Pro/Carbine to look more like an M4. Some old timers from the Tippmann forums might still remember my username.

I can't really remember how I got back into looking at airsoft - but I believe it started when some of the old ASC guys raided a Canadian paintball forum poking fun at paintballers (speedball in general). One of the links posted took me back to ASC (the black and red version). I prodded around and found out that airsoft was still very much alive in Canada, though very much underground. But I was excited, as that meant I would finally be able to get an airsoft gun! It just so happened xTu-Stan (of Planet airsoft) was doing a pre-order sale of Classic Army stuff - sweet, metal bodies! After a few e-mails back and forth with Stan (who was very helpful in answering my total n00bie questions), my friends and I pre-ordered our CA guns.

Mid-summer of 2002, while we were still waiting for our AEGs, one of my friends who worked at customs knew a guy who played airsoft. He invited us out to a game at the old Wasaga field - unfortunately our pre-ordered AEG's hadn't arrived yet - but we went anyway, decked out in our CQB gear.

When we got to the field, our jaws dropped at the sight of all the other airsofters. They all looked so hardcore, woodland camo, face paint, ghillie suits, body armour, etc. Honestly, we felt pretty intimidated by all that 1337ness. *lol* It was during that game where I first met one of the airsoft figureheads, he was hosting the Wasaga game and went by the username of Meta (although I didn't realize who he was till much later). He introduced himself as Sean and I told him my name. We talked for about a minute before he turned and started with the game briefing to everyone.

I didn't play much that day, since I was only sharing one AEG with my friends borrowed from another player. But being out there and getting a feel for airsoft was exhilarating enough for me. I remember asking my friend the biggest n00b airsoft question when he first got hit, "Did it hurt? What did it feel like?" Since we were coming from playing paintball, he said he barely felt the hit. And it wasn't long after till I got to experience a hit firsthand - I remember thinking, "Wow, this is great, no mess!" *lol*

I received my AEG's about two weeks after that first game. Probably the happiest day of my life (thus far) - but n00bishly, I mostly chairsofted at home for the remainder of 2002 save for a couple indoor games hosted by SD-Unit.

The Airsoft n00b Camp of 2003 (at Flag Raiders) really helped kicked things off for me. Though it was held in February, full of snow, I simply had to go. The turn out was quite large and I got to meet some more airsofters in person. Although I can only remember two, Starlight and HoJo. The most notable event of that day was when my friend took one shot at HoJo, it bounced off his goggles and hit another guy in the head.

Games didn't really kick in till the summer of 2003, and I was there at just about every game. I had a blast meeting a lot of great players (and friends) such as Freedom Fighter, Quaestor, Nortus, Ice-Man (Steve), Tomolok, Gump, Tharkad, Malinak, Tru, etc. There are just too many to list. The first time I met Tru was like meeting the god of airsoft ... but I guess that's another story all together. :grin:

2003 was probably the best year of all my time in airsoft, perhaps because it was my first "full year" of getting into airsoft; but many players that were there around the time will probably agree with me when I say it felt different than today's airsoft. There was a real sense of currahee which I find lacking this past year or two. Perhaps it's how fast this hobby of ours have grown. With the influx of new players being introduced to airsoft, people come and people go - it feels like a revolving door with only a handful of "regulars".

It's great to see the regulars whenever I go out to games, and I think there's a real mutual respect for each other that grow as you play together more. But with many of the new players coming and going, it becomes hard to keep track and you lose out on some of that social aspect. A few years back, there was a real mainstay of regulars that you'd see every week, and I can tell you, there were a lot more smiling faces on the field. I find there are more and more arguments on and off the field, often with newer players. Arguments over the mercy rules, for example, it seems like a more common fire starter on the field lately. People refusing to accept mercies, or sometimes they argue over the technicalities of distance. Argument ensues - both party gets off the field with a sour taste in their mouths. I have to wonder, why is that? Are players now more focused on winning? Getting the "kills"? What ever happened to having fun? Laughing at the situation, shaking hands and walking off the field with a smile? Something that happens quite commonly not that long ago.

And aside from some of the Chicken Slaughter events, what happened to all the social meets that we used to have? This seems fairly lacking in recent years.

I feel that a part of all this is also the fact we're losing (or lost) many of the veteran players, or that they have pretty much secluded themselves away from the n00bs, myself included. I find my self socialising with new players less and less - not that I socialised much in the first place. =P I leave that to [DI]DeathSniper - which most of you all know (or should know by now). *lol*

Scarecrow brought up the suggestion of the "mudroom", which many of us thought was a great idea. I think it's about time to bring back some of the social aspects and have the more experienced players help out the new guys starting in on this hobby. Personally, I'm looking forward to have another "n00b camp" game put together - perhaps for the 2007 season.

No doubt with recent events in the media and on this board, there created some tension amongst the cliques. A few years back, it really didn't feel this way - it felt as if we were one big happy group here on ASC - at least on the local level. I wonder if sometime in the near future we can get past some of these differences and band together here on ASC or at least the Ontario players (since a big chunk of ASC members are in Ontario).

I often find myself pondering, "what's changed" over the years? Perhaps some of the other senior members of this community can share in on some of their thoughts. There's a general decline in respect and "honour" on the field (and on the forums) for other players. Fire discipline also seems to be declining as I've witnessed countless occurances of shoot first, ask later.

What's airsoft? To me, it's not just the military role-playing, but it's also about the guy next to you when you're out on the field. It's also about honour, respect, friendship and fun. There are many players I've met over the years who I'd gladly call my friends - even if we only see and talk to each other once a week or two.

When people asked me before why am I so into airsoft, this was the reason I tell them. When people ask me why am I so into airsoft now, I find it harder to be able to say the same thing.

Perhaps, something we should all think about next time we head out to the field...

(pardon the fragmentation in thoughts...too much things going on in my head. *lol*)

[Aaidin]

What's airsoft? To me, it's not just the military role-playing, but it's also about the guy next to you when you're out on the field.

Well, I'm pretty new (only played for a year with my small team out here in BC) but that is exactly how I feel about Airsoft and it's why I love to play so much.

It would be super cool if there was a way to bring players together easier but Canada is a big place. I know my squad will be heading out to Keystone Strike next year if it's going on and we're all really excited about that but we need more things like that.

Also, clubs that are growing should remember to treat new players like they would veterans. Push comes to shove they'll still end up the man beside you at some point. I've seen a fair amount of veteran clubs use new players more as fodder than actually making them part of the 'inner circle'. They just want someone to shoot at, not with.

Either way I just love the thing you said that I quoted because it's what I always tell people when they ask me what it is. Good post!

[Renegade)]

Myself, I grew up with bb guns, real rifles, running around the forest with plastic guns, ect ect So when a coworker showed me airsoft on the internet at work, I was hooked with just seeing pictures of it, and hearing what it was all about.

Later that month I was already out to a game to meet up with now good buddy Sean(Meat) to get verrified and have a look at everyones gear set ups, weapons, ect. I was overwhelmed with the respect shown for just showing up and putting that effort out there. I just asked what they were using and right away they take it off their shoulder and hand it to me to have a look and explain more about their gun. Was just awsome to talk to the players and got to know several players right there!

Well, another month and I was fully suited up with a uniform, M4A1, Sig 226, and a few mag pouches ready to go! First game was Fr Old field with the IC crew and man did I have a great time! Fully enjoyed ambushing, shooting, tactics, when the IC guys are out there full, it is an awsome time on their side. Second game I stepped up to command the other team as many players had never played the field, had no radio, and just didnt seem to know what they were gonna do to set up a defensive possition. I just sort of took command and placed the players in defensive spots around the bridge and surrounding and they all immediatly moved, took the orders and I just sort of comfortably led them to a nice battle with the more experienced OD team.

Well since then I have made ALOT of friends and contacts in this great community, from all over the GTA, guys who really helped me while I was starting out(storeskeeper,Meat, many others), Ottawa guys (Stalker, Droc), Quebec, and many others that know I appreciate. I have hosted a few games at FR with Fader, youonlywish, and leecas and all have been great sucess, our WW2 games are alot of fun.

I guess to sum up, this has been an amazing season for myself, making a good name in ASC, playing lots, learning lots, getting to know alot of the members, other hosts, and so forth. So much to say but just not enough words to put it together lol.

Hope this fits your thread plan Phal.

Derek
Renegade)

[Lakonian]

Originally Posted by Phalanix

When people asked me before why am I so into airsoft, this was the reason I tell them. When people ask me why am I so into airsoft now, I find it harder to be able to say the same thing.

Perhaps, something we should all think about next time we head out to the field...

(pardon the fragmentation in thoughts...too much things going on in my head. *lol*)

People these days suck. Alot of the speedballers that are getting into airsoft are fucking assholes...

[youonlywish]

Originally Posted by kos

People these days suck. Alot of the speedballers that are getting into airsoft are fucking assholes...

I totally, wholeheartedly agree.

[Brakoo]

Originally Posted by kos

People these days suck. Alot of the speedballers that are getting into airsoft are fucking assholes...

This is the kind of reaction this thread should not generate and the kind of reaction that was not so common back in the days but recently it seems to be a trend.

I can easily remember my first game ever which happened in December 2003 at our beloved Action Commando. It was my first encounter with a lot of the vets from Quebec and even some from Ontario which to this day I still don't get why he did this whole road trip to play at AC.

If you showed up with a positive attitude and you were being courteous everyone around was willing to help you or answer you questions. People need to be more relaxed about that and no one should feel that they have to be helped, if you're nice people will be willing to help if you're rude they won't.

I am honestly not too sure what I am babbling about but what I really am trying to say is that there's too much of a line right now between new players and old timers. We need to see that line fade away and it will take everyone's effort for that. It's to the vets to be more welcoming of the new players and to the new players to be aware that the vets have knowledge that they'll be willing to share if asked nicely. The whole argument about new players all being useless to the game and old timers always being mean to newer players need to stop.

Always keep in mind that this is a community and no matter what laws are working against us we can be our biggest problem.

[stokes]

Brakoo you couldnt say it any better. You totally took the words/idea out of my head... +1 to you.

[DuffMan]

Originally Posted by Phalanix

It's great to see the regulars whenever I go out to games, and I think there's a real mutual respect for each other that grow as you play together more.

I still think you're a cumdumpster.

[attack-beaver]

its been a 19 months for thats 2 indoor seasons and 2 outdoor seasons.

and in the past 19 months I've seen airsoft in my area grow in huge leeps like not to long ago JOC grow to a 1000 members on they're forum in witch I'm welling to bet as some where around 300-400 players that play on a regular basis and another 100 or less learning about airsoft.

but yes airsoft is hobby not one viewed all to well in the media or the "soccer mom" but we must persevere through the hard times we as a community must band together and let our strength as a group over come any obstacle past, present or future.

because the voice of many can always out weigh the voice of a select few.

[Col.Thumper]

I think t was much better back in the day ..... before it became as mainstream as it is now with all the rich kids mommies buying them guns .
Remember when it was next to impossible to find a "retailer" we used to have to ask Kevin a Kurrame and convince him you knew he sold them ( after the other shop shut down in Pacific Mall)

Throw me on a field with 100 rounds and im happy.... not these 500 round hicaps that peopel carry 3 or 5 of now a days.... try carrying 100 real round , not to mention the 1500-2500 you would need to to play that way ..... If you cant see him , dont shoot .... if you see him and need 100 rounds to kill em ...go home

[nemesis_83]

I dont know how things were then since my intro to airsoft was about a year and a bit ago, in that time I learned that Tru lives in my hometown when he still used to sell guns...he was very helpful and even invited me in to his home to look at all the cool toys. now that was really awesome of him.

[Treadstone71]

Originally Posted by Duff_Man_in_CADPATs

I still think you're a cumdumpster.

HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA!

Time's change, but the latent homosexuality in airsoft stays exactly the same.

PS. Phalanix is a cockfag.

[Bravo One-Six]

My first game was one of the largest of it's time. All 7 of us were out at a woodlot that our friend had managed to secure through a friend at university. I was 18. Dreams of large games were mostly a figment of my imagination at that point.. my MP5 mags held in my LBV88, my bag of bb's stuffed into a pocket.

Who was there?

Tru, Brian, Goose, Recoil, Suppressor, and Sin.

Who was I?

Tactic
Meta
Meat
Bravo One-Six
Sean

Things have changed. Fragmented. But good people are still out there in little pockets among the countless faces. You used to be able to trace the history of a gun you bought through every person who owned it and who brought it in.. be able to know how many rounds had passed through it. Things have definitely become more anonymous. In some cases worse.. but in others.. much better. It's too early for me to rant. But I felt I had to get in on this.

And the kind words of Phalanix and Derek are greatly appreciated. I'm just one man though.

[Phalanix]

Originally Posted by Treadstone71

HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA!

Time's change, but the latent homosexuality in airsoft stays exactly the same.

PS. Phalanix is a cockfag.

You two are just mean. /shoo

Col.Thumper, wow - haven't seen your name on the board in ages. Welcome back, man!

[Vivisector]

Then? Well for me, "then" wasn't too long ago.

I started playing three seasons ago. Our group at the time was half paintballers, half airsofters, all playing together. Eventually most of the paintballers bought AEGs. The group was tight, everyone got to know each other well enough to trust each other with rules. My first few games were played with a TM Glock 26, one mag, and a hope and a prayer. I never got kills, but I didn't care. It was fun to just hang out, meet new people, talk about "If I had the cash, this is the gun i'd build...".

A couple of guys in out group were Russian military fanatics. They started talking about starting up a small Russian squad. I had long been into Cold War military equipment, so I figured "Hey, why not?" I bought my first AEG from a local fledgling retailer: TM AK-47 full stock, with one battery. I remember the long wait for the battery to charge the first time. It seemed like forever. When it was finally done, I plugged it in, loaded up my one lowcap, and took my new toy to the garage.

I was hooked on the first pull of the trigger.

The next week I bought a set of Flora BDUs and a M21 vest off of my teammate. A couple more AK lowcaps, and one more skirmish later, we were the Windsor Spetsnaz.

Fast forward to now, and things have changed a little. I went to my first out of town airsoft event (OP: High Anxiety). It hooked me even more. This time, it wasn't the gear, it was the people. I had a massive head cold the entire time and STILL had the most fun i've had in a long long time. We expanded our little Russian group to 8 players, and merged with another Russian themed team (Comrades in Arms). I've finally built the gun I had been talking about before, my dream gun. I look forward to building many more dream guns to come.

As for our little group down in Windsor, we're still small. We still all pretty much trust each other. The only thing that has changed for us it that we now all crave the bigger games, 2-5 hours drive north. A long ride back from a game after running around for hours. But i've come to realize something in my few years of playing.

It's not the equipment or gear that make this game so much damn fun. It's the people.