The following is a list of safety concerns that US Airsoft members have noted about their experience at Soft Air Depot (SAD). Due to these concerns, USAS will not be supporting Soft Air Depot in any manner. Hopefully, Soft Air Depot will make the appropriate changes to improve their safety reputation. Please note that all of these issues come from my direct experience and conversations with Soft Air Depot Management.
10. SAD's target market is minors (ages 8-17)
9. SAD does not carry sealed protective goggles. SAD does sell shooting glasses. These are considered adequate protection for minors by store management.
8. Airsoft weapons can be dry fired in the store. SAD staff does not check the weapons for rounds before handing it to a client.
7. Most of the staff has little to no experience about actually playing airsoft safely (safety briefings, game rules, surrender rules, velocity limits)
6. Store staff does not know specific product information. Information about airsoft weapons, such shot velocity, rate of fire, and range is often made up.
5. Chronographs are considered unnecessary by store management.
4. Although management has stated that they can not fire airsoft weapons within the store, they have test fired weapons outside of the store in public.
3. Management has publicly stated that they are unaware of any injuries or law suits arising from the sport.
2. Management has publicly stated that airsoft bb's are harmless and will not damage the eye.
1. Although SAD Management claims to request input from experienced and knowledgable players, US Airsoft has found this difficult as SAD Senior Management has a know-it-all attitude that prevents any true communication between the Airsoft Community and SAD.
SAD has a great responsibility to build a solid future for the sport of Airsoft. If these safety concerns are not addressed, the sport's future is uncertain at best.
