Airsoft FAQ: Is Airsoft Suitable for Children?
If you've heard about Airsoft and want to give it a try, welcome on behalf of Patrol Base!
Click "play" on the video above to start your Airsoft adventure!
A Bit About Airsoft
Airsoft replicas are replicas of real firearms that shoot small plastic pellets. They are often used in outdoor games and activities such as Airsoft battles, target shooting, competition shooting and training simulations. Airsoft replicas can be a fun and exciting way for teenagers to engage in active play and develop their coordination and teamwork skills.
Think of Airsoft as Laser Quest, but instead of lasers, we shoot little plastic balls. It's cheaper and safer than Paintball, the replicas shoot more accurately and getting hit is less painful, resulting in much more fun for all participants!
Airsoft games are held on official Airsoft sites like our very own HALO MILL CQB Arena in Huddersfield and are attended by safety marshalls with first aid training.
The marshalls keep an eye on the ongoing battle at all times, test all replicas on the site to ensure they do not exceed power limits and make sure everyone is safe and happy while experiencing intense, action-packed gameplay.
Like Paintball and Laser Quest, most Airsoft game sites offer equipment for rental. This means if you aren't sure if your child will enjoy Airsoft, they can try it out before you make any purchases.
Rental packages usually include full face protection, an Airsoft replica and enough ammunition for the whole day.
To attend an Airsoft game, most sites will require that the child be at least 14 years of age and attend with a parent or guardian who is over 18.
Most Airsoft games have a range of age groups and ability levels in attendance, and as a whole, Airsofters are a very welcoming bunch and will go out of their way to make everyone feel right at home.
Is Airsoft Safe?
Put simply, yes! One of the key advantages of Airsoft over other skirmish games is safety. Unlike real firearms and Air Rifles, Airsoft replicas are designed to be non-lethal and do not cause significant injury when used properly. They also have many safety features built in and are often finished in unrealistic "Two-Tone" colours to keep them visually distinct from the real thing.
All Airsoft replicas have built-in safety mechanisms to prevent accidental discharge ranging from a trigger guard to physically block the trigger, to trigger lock safeties which prevent the trigger from being pulled altogether.
Safety is a big part of Airsoft culture and most Airsofters and Airsoft sites practice the same rules for the safe handling of Airsoft replicas as one would for handling real firearms. While the consequences of mishandling an Airsoft replica are far less severe than the real thing, safety is always the number one priority.
Similarly to Paintball, eye protection is necessary when shooting Airsoft replicas and face protection is also recommended. Beyond this, little other protection is needed due to the low power output of Airsoft replicas.
The average Airsoft replica has approximately 1 joule of energy at the muzzle, whereas Paintball replicas can produce up to 14 joules, making Airsoft far safer and less painful, but equally if not more fun! For more information on Airsoft Safety, check out our Airsoft Safety Guide.
Are Airsoft Replicas Expensive?
Airsoft as a hobby can be very affordable, depending on how you choose to play! Patrol Base offers a wide range of Airsoft Starter Packs at different price points, all of which feature competitive platforms on the Airsoft field.
If you need any help or advice with any products you find on our website, feel free to get in touch with us via sales@patrolbase.co.uk.
If used safely and responsibly, Airsofting can be a fun and affordable way for teenagers to engage in active play and develop their physical and mental skills.
In the modern day, there are fewer and fewer reasons for children to get outside, get exercise and get experience meeting new friends, working as a team and solving challenges in real-time.
If a young person in your life doesn't care for sports and prefers playing Call of Duty, Fortnite or Helldivers, why not give them the chance to try it for real in a safe and controlled environment?
Now you know a bit more about Airsoft! If you like the sound of an active outdoor activity involving teamwork, exercise and cool replica replicas, click one of the buttons below to learn more!