Author Topic: Airsoft Investments: Spare Change or Life Savings?  (Read 12564 times)

Offline seanm028

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • First Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 454
    • View Profile
Airsoft Investments: Spare Change or Life Savings?
« on: November 26, 2004, 11:26:57 PM »
Alright, I've heard a lot of you talking about the money you've spent on airsofting, so just for kicks I decided to make a poll.  How much have you spent on airsofting (this includes gun, mags, gear, etc.)?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by seanm028 »

Offline LeftForDead

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 129
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2005, 03:32:26 PM »
$20,000 to $30,000
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by LeftForDead »

Offline r4nd0m

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Corporal
  • ****
  • Posts: 53
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2005, 10:29:26 PM »
$1250
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by r4nd0m »

Offline IcePlatinumSky

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Colonel
  • *****
  • Posts: 1425
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2005, 10:57:10 PM »
About 5755-6000 on guns and mags. Gear and accessories would be another 1000 and I dont have that much gear. Dang I think I am going to cry now.

Hey left for dead are you serious? I saw your post on guns but still that mucho deinero!!!!
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by IcePlatinumSky »

Offline Dust2Dust

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Colonel
  • *****
  • Posts: 1357
    • View Profile
    • The SPHL
(No subject)
« Reply #4 on: February 14, 2005, 10:59:42 PM »
$3000-$4000 on everything
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by Dust2Dust »

Offline Chayote

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 130
    • View Profile
    • http://chayotemu.com
(No subject)
« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2005, 11:17:50 PM »
1st spring pistol    = $25
Mini-AEG              = $30
3 things of BBs     = ~$20
Shoulder Holster   = ~$15
1st springer rifle   = $40
EBB pistol             = $30
Goggles               = $10 (they've taken direct hits are still good *^.^*)
Tac Vest #1         = $40
Pouches               = $20
Tac Vest #2         = $50
Shotgun               = $40
GBB                    = $60
Charger & 1 batt. = $35
Boots                  = $20
AEG                    = $200
new hopup           = $10
gas (4 games)      =  ~$40
BDUs/hat             = $35
CamelBack           = $20
Knee/Shinpads      = $1 (I love the dollar store)

Current                 ~$741

And I plan to spend another few hundred before ARC and LC IV
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by Chayote »
\"We think Coyotes howl at the moon, but really they laugh with their friend.\"
\"To catch a thief you can hire a thief, to catch a master thief you must be a master thief.\"
MOSKVASPEZNAZ

Offline KamikazeSM

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Master Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 403
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2005, 01:38:08 AM »
Quote from: "LeftForDead"
$20,000 to $30,000


 :shock:

wow... what do you do for a living, if you don't mind me asking?  I know this strays a little off-topic, but that much invested is quite staggering for your average airsofter.  Are you that devoted to any other hobbies?  

Nice collection, btw.  I'm jealous  ;)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by KamikazeSM »
\"I will not fail, I will not falter, B.Co leads the way!\"
\"Books, my young padawan, are the food of the mind.\" -The All-Knowing Rev

Offline LeftForDead

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 129
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2005, 02:21:07 AM »
Quote from: "IcePlatinumSky"
About 5755-6000 on guns and mags. Gear and accessories would be another 1000 and I dont have that much gear. Dang I think I am going to cry now.

Hey left for dead are you serious? I saw your post on guns but still that mucho deinero!!!!


I'm out in CA and started to collect airsoft since I can't collect the real steel versions. I started out buying ready made guns such as Tokyo Marui,
Classic Army, and ICS. Then after buying every model there was, upgrading them with the most potent components, I sold them off and wanted to build from scratch. So all of my current guns are completely custom with the exception of the new G&P SPR/A and SR25 that I just picked up this month.

My collection includes all the metal bodies with all the trademarks you can think of such as Bushmaster, DMPS, Wison Combat, Colt, Knights, etc.  Guarder just came out with some cool metal bodies--I just picked up the Gurarder USMC sand color body from Redwolf.

I went from Systema internals to Prometheus, to G&P and Hurricane. I've learned which company makes the best parts through trial and error...and from all this fun, its costed me easily over $25,000  :D
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by LeftForDead »

Offline LeftForDead

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 129
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2005, 02:37:40 AM »
Quote from: "KamikazeSM"
Quote from: "LeftForDead"
$20,000 to $30,000

 :shock:

wow... what do you do for a living, if you don't mind me asking?  I know this strays a little off-topic, but that much invested is quite staggering for your average airsofter.  Are you that devoted to any other hobbies?  

Nice collection, btw.  I'm jealous  ;)


Just like any other hobby or sport if you're devoted it can get pricy. Besides building and collecting airsoft guns, I collect art, wine, and women.--they are by far the most expensive hobby.

I enjoy sking, snow boarding, mountain biking, horses, and travel

I do all the above for a living---I'm technically unemployed--a philandering bumb; however, my board of directors will differ in opinion. I made, lost and made money in the dot.com wave. Built, sold, built,  lost, built and sold internet based businesses. Started a finance company and now watch others run it into the ground from mis-managing it (time to change some people's employment status). I like to trade stock options and must be occupied with several things at once or I get bored ( I had four flat panel monitors surounding my desk until my girlfriend told me to down size and took one of them--Oh well, the excitment of it all.....
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by LeftForDead »

Offline KamikazeSM

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Master Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 403
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #9 on: February 15, 2005, 03:02:15 AM »
Whereabout's in CA are you?  I'm currently in school at Stanford and I'd love to check out your collection.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by KamikazeSM »
\"I will not fail, I will not falter, B.Co leads the way!\"
\"Books, my young padawan, are the food of the mind.\" -The All-Knowing Rev

Offline IcePlatinumSky

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Colonel
  • *****
  • Posts: 1425
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #10 on: February 15, 2005, 03:12:36 AM »
I'm out in CA and started to collect airsoft since I can't collect the real steel versions. I started out buying ready made guns such as Tokyo Marui,
Classic Army, and ICS. Then after buying every model there was, upgrading them with the most potent components, I sold them off and wanted to build from scratch. So all of my current guns are completely custom with the exception of the new G&P SPR/A and SR25 that I just picked up this month.

My collection includes all the metal bodies with all the trademarks you can think of such as Bushmaster, DMPS, Wison Combat, Colt, Knights, etc.  Guarder just came out with some cool metal bodies--I just picked up the Gurarder USMC sand color body from Redwolf.

I went from Systema internals to Prometheus, to G&P and Hurricane. I've learned which company makes the best parts through trial and error...and from all this fun, its costed me easily over $25,000  :D[/quote]

So then you must have alot of experience when it comes to making guns then. I have just started to move to the build it by scrach stage. I should have done that with my last gun!!! I guess that would make you the du man  to talk to. On what works the best!!!  So what is the best gun you have that you built by scrach, and what did you use. My AK is getting pretty close to no longer being a mauri and the same with my commando. Only thing marui on my commando is the retractible stock and gear box. I think you could be a valuble asset!!! Lots of people have played around with different guns. However, very few have had the ability to play around with the amount you have, and see what works. Most custom guns however, are limited to M4's. What in your opinion is the best gear box? I talk to alot of the guys at AEX, and lived in CA for two years. So I have been around!!!  8)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by IcePlatinumSky »

Offline LeftForDead

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 129
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #11 on: February 15, 2005, 03:34:27 AM »
Quote from: "KamikazeSM"
Whereabout's in CA are you?  I'm currently in school at Stanford and I'd love to check out your collection.


Saratoga/Los Gatos. Stanford? What year are you in? Major?...  Sorry no visitors, the sign clearly reads, "tresspassers will be tortured and set free....in the alligator pit.....
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by LeftForDead »

Offline LeftForDead

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 129
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #12 on: February 15, 2005, 03:53:07 AM »
So what is the best gun you have that you built by scrach, and what did you use. My AK is getting pretty close to no longer being a mauri and the same with my commando. Only thing marui on my commando is the retractible stock and gear box. I think you could be a valuble asset!!! Lots of people have played around with different guns. However, very few have had the ability to play around with the amount you have, and see what works. Most custom guns however, are limited to M4's. What in your opinion is the best gear box? I talk to alot of the guys at AEX, and lived in CA for two years. So I have been around!!!  8)[/quote]

What's the best mechbox? lets start with the worst: Classic Army Version 2--Ive cracked 4 mechboxes with a M120 spring and a 9.6v batt. CA makes two mechboxes for their M15's one with 7mm bushings and 7mm bearings (found on the RIS versions), both are inferior, still yet.
 
The best: M4/M16 variants: theres a few, some cost more than others and are not necessary, for example: Systema. The Progear by Systema is O.K. but you may need to do some minor resurfacing on the inside as the gears won't spin smothly. I really like the G&P mech boxes--they're sturdy and I haven't had problems with high power upgrades.  

The new 2 piece modular mechbox by ICS/Olympic Arms is very durable. Because of the compact size it can handle pretty big spirngs; I've used a M160 spring in one and put through 40,000 bbs before I had to change the bevel gear (my fault---forgot to grease it). However, the lower part of the mechbox needs a complete overhaul, including the wiring.

Give me something more specific like how and what you're using yor gun for and your budget. Do you want a very high rate of fire or power and accuracy? When I play with friends, I leave all my heavy iron at home, my gun looks stock accept for the Eotech 551, by far the best red dot out there. I like to travel light and dont want my gun going all over the place when I run. and when I drop it I don't worry about it.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by LeftForDead »

Offline IcePlatinumSky

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Colonel
  • *****
  • Posts: 1425
    • View Profile
(No subject)
« Reply #13 on: February 15, 2005, 09:24:28 AM »
To Answer your question on, do I prefer a high rate of fire, or power and accuracy? I generaly prefer power and accuracy on my guns. Except my G36 high speed motor & gears along with spring and brushings for a 350fps. But along with power and accuracy, I like durability & reliability. If I have a gun that can shoot almost 400fps, and not need any overhaul for a couple of years great, thats my kind of gun. This is why I love my AK-47 standard. I dont mind spending lots of Money on a gun if I can beat the hell out of it, and it works the same for over three straight years.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 05:00:00 PM by IcePlatinumSky »

Offline LeftForDead

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sergeant
  • *****
  • Posts: 129
    • View Profile
Internals
« Reply #14 on: February 15, 2005, 03:58:38 PM »
Internals that perfomed well under fire and ones that failed the test
   
Springs
  Prometheus, PDI
  Now testing: Matrix
  Dislike: Systema, ICS

Gears: Systema high torque spur gears, G&P flat gear set, Prometheus triple
 torque
 Dislike: Systema helical, All ICS gears

Pistons: Systema poly, Hurricane poly
  Now testing: G&P poly, Pormetheus poly
  Dislike: alluminum pistons, Classic Army

Cyliinder sets: Systema bore up, G&P bore up
  Now testing: Hurricane
  Dislike: Classic Army

Piston head: Systema silent, Hurricane
  Now testing: G&P
  Dislike: Systema pom, Classica Army

Spring guides: G&P, Guarder, Hurricane
  Dislike: Classic Army, Systema

Bearings: Prometheus, Systema
  Now testing: G&P
  Dislike: Classic Army

Motors: Systema super torque, Classic Army (EG1000)
  Now testing: Hammer
  Dislike: ICS turbo

Mechbox complete: Systema, GRS/G&P
  Dislike: Classic Army
  Note: ICS 2 piece is O.K.; the M4A1 AEG is limited to after market products because their  threads are "unique."

Metal bodies: Hurricane, Guarder
  Dislike: ICS/Olympic Arms, Classic Army

Stocks: Calvary arms fiberite LE, LR300, G&P
  Dislike: ICS

Grips: A.R.M.S., Ergo, King Arms, ICS
  Dislike: Classic Army

Sights: G&P, YHM, GG&G, G&G, Troy
  Dislike: Star, ICS

SIR, RIS,RAS: Classic Army, A.R.M.S. #46 & #58, Daniel Defense
  Testing: Surefire M73
  Dislike: ICS, Tokyo Mauri

Lights: Surefire M962U. Streamliight (the best deal for 125 lumens)
  Testing: M900A
  Dislike: Pelican, and all airsoft fakes

Laser/Light combo: Laser Devices Blast
  Testing: Streamlight M6
 
Laser: Otal, MR2, Laser Devices Blast, Eagle Eye, Star S-Lap
  Dislike: G&P PEQ4, Beamshot
  Testing: Green laser

Red dot: Eotech 551/512, For the money: G&P aimpoint
  Dislike: Aimpoint ML2, Trijicon Acog, Star aimpoint
« Last Edit: February 16, 2005, 04:45:54 AM by LeftForDead »