should I join AA... or should I wait

[Ice_Man_316]

Well, i have a delimia that im trying to sort out right now.

Iv'e been a Airsofter for many many years, i mean i was having springer wars with my friends science back when you would say the word "airsoft" and 99.9% of people in the US would be like "what the heck is that".  Iv'e been a customer of Ron from JT for ages (heck when he sold airsoft at gameon) and he's always told me to join airsoft AZ.  So anyway summer is coming and i'm done with my college classes for the semester and im gonna have a bunch of free time and money on my hands so im thinking now is the time.  
The main thing im trying to figure out is should i wait and try to get a team together to join with me or join solo.  Most of the people i used to play with for years have one off to college or quit airsofting or something of that nature.  I'm was really hoping to have a squad of about 7-8 people, so we can practice together inbetween AA events and fight as a squad during events. Right now i have about 6-7 people that would be willing to pick up airsoft and practice as a squad.  The main problem with that is me and my one other friend are the only people that have enough equipment and skills to join.
So pretty much thats my delima, should i join solo, or wait for my squad?

Also one other question,

what would you guys suggest would be the baseline amount of gear you should have for AA? like AEG, sidearm, X amount of Mags, X types of pouches and backpacks, exct.

thanks in advance  

[SilentDragon]

Well, first off, welcome.

This is what i can tell you.  I don't have a squad (but i thought it would be cool to have a little group to practice and squad up with), so you can consider me a "solo" player.  Having a team would be a plus, though.  As far as arms and gear, Get what you think you would need... but keep in mind the essentials.  I personally carry 3 spare mags for my AK (they're standard 70rnd mags, and i don't get trigger happy), a GBB sidearm with a spare mag, and a rig to carry the mags in, as well as a speedloader, deathrag, bag of bb's, etc.  It just depends on what kind of shooter you are.  If you go through a lot of ammo, get a lot of mags, unless you decide to go HI'Cap... I just got the rig i have about a month ago and also carry a camelback.  The official games are huge, and in the summer heat, i would highly suggest hydration.  You're also going to need some BDU's.  Might as well pick up a set of woodland and desert, since the teams at most games are distinguished by the BDU color.  And if you don't already have a good AEG, i would suggest you pay $200-300 for a good one.  You really get what you pay for in airsoft if you didn't already know that.  Tokyo Marui, Classic Army, etc... the "high-end" companies have what you want.  

Any other questions, feel free to ask.  And if there is anything i missed, someone here will help you out.

[Airsofter1]

Don't over think it too much or you will never join!  Just start off by coming to a game.  Official AA games are not the most formal affairs, so showing up as an individual is okay, as is the case with most games players post up on the boards.  Being part of a team is not required.  We are a friendly bunch and I always try to be inviting and helpful to new players.  Keep your eye on the monthly game forums for upcoming games.  Start out by attending some games, get to know people, and take it from there.  Welcome!

[delta_echo]

Heck, I'm still an AA member and I'm not even in the state for 9/10's of the year! Whether you play a little or alot, you can never go wrong with attending an AA game.

[Farslayer]

You may attend any AA game and not be a member.  There are advantages to the being a member, however.  You have access to some parts of the forum that non-members do not.  You are also eligible for discounts on some purchases from our sponsors.  You may even get an official "AA Death Rag" out of the whole thing.

Regardless, like Mikey said, come to the games, meet the people and have fun.

[Comrade Commissar]

I run two highcaps for my CA slr105. The only time i went through almost both, was the 1 hr game with respawns at four peaks last weekend.  The two highcaps are 400 each i believe. Normally half a mag got me through a game. Im a little more trigger happy than silentdragon though.

[Phyrst]

Its funny, before I joined AA and started going to games I struggled with a similar dilema.  I wanted to get my group that I used to play with(friends and relatives) to join as a squad.  They are all great people and I have had tons of fun playing with them for years.  So I browsed the forums and waited, but for one reason or another it never came together.  So I said screw it I wanna play more.  I joined and started going to games thinking to be the recon into AA for our little group.  After a few games I realized that my 3 months or so of waiting was 3 months of missed fun!!  I still want to get all of my old amigoes on board and some have already played with AA.  

So my opinion is why wait?  It isnt' gonna hurt your squad to start playing sooner than the rest, only help cause you'll be able to help them with things you've learned.

Also, there are things that I have learned while playing that I didn't think of before I joined and started playing.  Its obvious the advantages of having a group of people that you play and train with, and I hope to be part of something like that someday.  But from my expierence in the games,  the dynamics of the game often force you to learn how many people play, and how to play with them.  After the first rounds of cassualties you find your self re-spawning with many different people.  So.... most of the time squads never stay intact for the entire game.  

Join now, and learn other peoples styles.  It can only help your squad down the road.

As far as gear and the like, I have no advice to give as I am still learning myself and there are many better here to advise.

Just get to games, thats my advice.

Oh yea and welcome to the boards. :lol:

Be Well,
Charlie

[Ice_Man_316]

wow thanks for the awesome response everyone!!!  You guys have really put my mind at ease for joining.  I think im gonna buy a few more extra mags from JT and ill join in the next few weeks.  Me and my two friends are probably gonna join together and get a feel for everything.  We are still gonna try to get a small squad later on but we figure might as well have fun and know what to expect and can give the rest of the squad insite.  

[SilentDragon]

You're off to a good start.  All you really need to do is make it to the games.  Believe me, after game one, you'll wanna attend more and more.  

If you don't mind me asking, what part of Glendale do you live?

[BackInAz]

i am new to the forum and all i can say is play.i havent yet but i've only been back for a week. I am already joans'n because big games in San Diego were  addicting and chances are the ones here are just as bad a** . you will meet all kinds of new friends at any game and introduce them to your old ones and trade skills and advice and stuff like that . :twisted:

[KOBO]

If you like to get in the trigger time then AA is a great tool. I joined up and found cooler friends to play with, and then my old ones showed up so now I am stuck with them again... Just kidding older friends...

In all seriousness though, it’s a great group to join and well worth it all. There is no reason to wait for a team because you can play with or without them and can be formed at any time.

Just get to the games and it will all fall into place.

[Ice_Man_316]

If you don't mind me asking, what part of Glendale do you live?

im from the eastern side of glendale... it kinda hard to pick out a good landmark around here lol.

I'm headed up to JT monday to pick up a few extra mags and such.... should i get an extra battery?  I only have one mini battery for my M4 (never run out of power even after playing for hours) but should i get an extra one?

[Ganef]

should i get an extra battery?

Yes! I carry 2 with me at every game.

[BackInAz]

I have a 9.6v 3300 mah primary and a 8.4v 1600mah as a spare just in case because when i play i hate to stop unless i get tired or everyone leaves.I never use more then 3 hi-caps without time to reload.