Loadout priorities

[Starrmont]

Greetings! Long story short, I'm pretty new to airsoft, but I'd like to start acquiring gear. I'm familiar with the type of gear I want to get, but I don't know what kind of stuff is highest priority. Right now I've got a gun and a mask. I trust I'll get it all eventually, but what would y'all recommend l pick up first? Boots, camo, sidearm?

EDIT: As for where I'll be playing, right now I'm just at Fightertown, but I anticipate taking part in the long-form field games. From everyone's feedback, I think that boots, gloves, and utility belt would be a good start, and I can add the BDUs (I'm looking at A-TACS) once I reach full functionality.  After that, I'd start adding more mil-sim pieces, like goggles/helmet/balaclava, radio, plate carrier, etc.

[Buell]

Personally, I'd say a good pair of boots should be your first priority, especially if you're just wearing shoes. Good ankle support will help prevent rolling your ankle. For camo, if you're interested in mil-sim games, I'd suggest a used pair of BDUs from a surplus store. ~$30 will get you pants and a jacket in either 3 Color desert, or Woodland.

As far as sidearms are concerned, I think they're just extra weight if you play at the local fields. They're decent backups if your primary fails for some reason. However, in my experience, I rarely drew mine while playing at Fighter Town or Wild West, so I stopped carrying it. They're fun to use, especially if you like to go pistol only. But if you're thinking of a gas pistol for your side arm, magazine costs will start to add up. I'd put it as your last purchase, after you've got your boots, camo, and chest rig together.

[TheUNIT]

I agree on the Boots. I would just recommend buying a new pair instead of old surplus I have seen for sale. They will last a very long time (if you get a good brand) and provide better support. I believe I have a Magnum Brand. Two years later and it's not even close to breaking down. Investing in a good pair is the priority IMO. And then as said above you can buy some surplus BDU's. Also, gloves are highly recommended.

[Bob Z Moose]

The BDUs would be a good start. As people have said, $30 at a surplus store will get you tri color desert or woodland all day long. If you're hurting for cash or would like to invest in other gear, I would start checking out the local Goodwills. I've found a full set of ACU and lots of woodland in excellent condition for about $7 a pair of pant and $8 a blouse. Even if you can't find legit M81 issue BDUs, there's plenty of civilian copies made for the hunting market that find their way to the second hand store.

As far as boots, I wouldn't spend too much money on them, especially if you're strapped for cash. I've played in my ancient hiking boots, my Converse hi-tops, and my $20 Fila running shoes with no ill effects. I've never had a problem with "rolling an ankle" in my street shoes. If you're playing indoors, then there is absolutely no reason why you couldn't just use your normal shoes to play in...

What type of play are you looking to do the most? Indoors, outdoors?

[Exarach]

Jeans, tee shirt, and a love of chillen's TV will endear you to most of the players.

Set of BDU's, boots, and a solid primary will make sure you stay in the hobby.

Make sure to grab some kind of rig, don't spend high, but, make sure you get something solid. Condor H Harness on the cheap, Eagle/pantac/milsurp on more of a budget.

Best thing you can get starting? - Good face/eyepro. Pair of Flackjacks or similar will ensure you can have a great time on the field, and remain safe.

Night and day difference.

Call your hits!

[alteclansig]

A chest rig is a good place to start. I bought myself a mcr 6 condor rig which is good quality and not to expensive. You dont have to get BDU's but you can always buy surplus or like what some others said go goodwill. I avoid BDU's cause i do a pmc set up, its cheaper haha. Gloves with knuckle protection are a must IMO.

[Camcho]

it actually depends on where youre playing. if your playing at vanguard then i would say that any pair of athletic shoes would be fine to run around in. id also say that BDUs are not that important. I would say at the very least you would need someway to carry mags and a dump pouch. my mindset is that you need a belt or chest rig to hold mag pouches and a dump pouch. with that you can get out and play. boots are good to get as well as BDU but those are not necessary to play. gun mags eye/face/hand protecting is all you need to get out and play. once you have the gear to get out and play then start to get into boots, sidearm, BDUs, ect...

[Starrmont]

Wow guys, thanks for the great responses! givethatmanacookie.jpg
I've modified the first post to include what I've learned.

[Bowser]

Get a metal mesh lower mask to protect your teeth, and a dump pouch to retain your spent magazines.

[Starrmont]

Like I said, I know what I WILL be getting (I've got pretty much everything picked out on airsoftgi.com), I'm just looking for feedback (not necessarily a checklist) to see what stuff I'll get FIRST.

[nukeduster]

Well, if you plan on going to any milsim games(or almost any non-field game really), bdus are more important that a chest rig. You can run around with a few mags in your pockets, but you cannot run around in jeans at mil sim games.

[Starrmont]

On a slightly different note, what brands are most reliable? I've been looking at mostly Condor stuff, but I hear they're not very high quality. I'd prefer to get pieces that will last forever so I only have to buy once, rather than buying cheap pieces over and over.

Here's my abridged list at present:
Condor chest/hydro
Gryffon dragon spine belt
Propper A-TACS
PIG FDT gloves
Under Armor boots
Bravo PJ helmet

Any if these appalling enough to warrant substitution?

[Drummer]

For airsoft/Milsim - that list looks good to me! I've owned a Condor MOPC for over a year and a half, I play 2 to 3 times a month and that plate carrier is still in perfect shape. Sure you can go real military gear (LBT, Crye, etc) but you'll pay a lot of cash for some great gear. I buy what works for me, because I'm the one carrying it around. 

I hope to see you out on the field soon!

[Squintz]

Gonna have to agree with Drummer here.

Used the same condor gear for years, almost once a week during some phases, and the gear never failed me. Most would be some loose threads.

Would recommend also just buying some bare minimum basics equipment wise, and play some few games. As situations arise you'll come across a better idea of what you need/what options you want. The worst feeling is buying/wearing gear thats not necessary.

[Bowser]

Condor gear works fine for airsoft. Its inexpensive, so you can experiment with different setups to try and get your rig tactically squared away.

Pack a few zip ties in case a buckle cracks from getting shot.

Gear whores will tell you that you have to get the newest most expensive gear that will last forever, but I see them flipping that shit at a loss on FaceBook all the time.