2. Airsoft beginner set, complete checklist

Getting started with airsoft is fantastic, but your first round of purchases can also be a pitfall. Many beginners either buy too much (unnecessary gadgets) or too little (making your playing day less comfortable or even unsafe). With this complete checklist, you will know exactly what you need to get started without making any bad purchases.

This page is intended as a practical airsoft beginner's set guide: clear, complete and focused on a setup that you can easily expand later.

What should be included in an airsoft beginner's set?

A good beginner's set consists of three parts:

1. Safety (mandatory and not to be skimped on)
2. Comfort (so you can play longer and better)
3. Practical gear (so you can take everything with you and use it)

You don't have to buy everything at once, but the basics must be right. Below you will find a complete checklist that you can use as your ‘airsoft starter pack’.

Checklist: airsoft beginner set (essentials)

These are the items you need to play safely and without any problems.

Eye protection (always a priority)

Good eye protection is not optional. It is the basis and obligation of every airsoft setup.

Important when choosing:

• fits your face well
• comfortable during longer playing days
• suitable for outdoor and CQB

Face protection

Many players start with a combination of glasses + face protection. This is particularly pleasant (and often wise) in CQB.

Keep the following in mind:

• breathing space (prevents fogging)
• fit with your glasses/helmet
• comfort when talking/communicating

Good quality BBs

BBs seem simple, but quality really makes a difference. Poor BBs can cause malfunctions and reduce your performance.

Beginner's tip: it's better to choose well once than to experience frustration three times.

Battery or gas (depending on your setup)

Depending on your platform, you will need power or gas. Make sure you always have a reliable solution so that you are not “out of the game” after half an hour.

Basic maintenance (small but important)

A simple set to keep your equipment tidy is not a luxury. Especially for outdoor use and changing weather conditions.

Checklist: airsoft beginner set (recommendations for comfort)

This gear isn't mandatory, but it will make your playing day much better.

Gloves

Gloves are a real game changer. Not only for grip, but especially against painful hits on your knuckles.

What to look for:

• adequate protection
• good freedom of movement (dexterity)
• breathable material

Sturdy shoes

Good shoes provide stability and prevent injuries. Outdoor airsoft means running, braking, turning, and sometimes sliding on wet grass.

Airsoft clothing (comfort + camouflage)

Good airsoft clothing helps with:

• freedom of movement
• ventilation
• camouflage per terrain
• protection against branches, stones, and mud

For beginners, neutral often works fine, but if you play more often, it pays to choose camouflage wisely.

Checklist: airsoft beginner set (practical gear)

These items make your setup ‘playable’ and organised.

Magazines (and a way to carry them)

If you want to play for more than 10 minutes without constantly reloading, extra magazines and a carrying solution are essential.

Practical options:

• magazine pouches on a chest rig
• magazine pouches on a tactical belt
• plate carrier setup (for more extensive loadouts)

Chest rig, tactical belt or plate carrier?

This is often the first real “gear choice”. For beginners, it is important that it is not too heavy or too complicated.

• Chest rig: light, fast, ideal for beginners
• Tactical belt: flexible, comfortable, easy to combine
• Plate carrier: extensive setup, more capacity, more weight

Hydration (carrying water)

Sounds simple, but don't underestimate this. Especially in hot weather or during longer skirmishes, a hydration solution is a must.

Dump pouch

A dump pouch is one of those items that you only miss when you don't have it. Useful for:

• empty magazines
• BB bottles
• loose gear during the game

Start smart: beginner set based on budget

A beginner set can be as cheap or extensive as you want. The most important thing is to prioritise wisely.

Starting with a small budget

Focus on:

• eye protection
• gloves
• basic clothing
• practical carrying solution

Starting with an average budget

You can expand with:

• extra magazines + pouches
• better clothing for your terrain
• tactical belt or chest rig
• hydration solution

Common mistakes with a beginner set

We often see these mistakes among beginners:

• spending too much money on ‘looks’ instead of comfort
• wrong size or fit (vests, belts, clothing)
• buying cheap eye protection
• not having a solution for magazines or water

If you build your setup smartly, you won't have to worry about these issues and your loadout will grow naturally with your playing style.

Useful next steps

Want to go deeper? Then read:

• Airsoft rules in the Netherlands (NABV, transport, storage)
• AEG vs GBB vs HPA, which one is right for you?
• Airsoft budget guide, starting under €150/€300
• Common beginner mistakes (and how to avoid them)

With the Airsoft beginner set checklist, you can start with a practical foundation, so you can play comfortably and expand your loadout wisely later on.