5. Common beginner mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Every airsoft player makes mistakes in the beginning. That's part of the game. But some beginner mistakes cost you unnecessary money, frustration or comfort during your playing day. The good news: most mistakes are easy to avoid if you know what to look out for.

In this guide, we list the most common beginner mistakes, with practical tips on how to avoid them. This way, you can start smarter, play better and immediately build a setup that suits you.

Beginner's mistake 1: skimping on eye protection

This is by far the biggest mistake. Eye protection is not an accessory, but a pure necessity. The cheapest option may seem attractive, but often leads to:

• poor fit
• fogging
• uncomfortable wear
• faster damage

How to avoid this

Invest in a model that fits well, is comfortable and suits your playing style (CQB or outdoor). Comfort is more important here than a “cool look”.

Beginner's mistake 2: buying gear for looks rather than comfort

Many beginners start with a plate carrier because it looks great. However, a heavy or awkward setup can completely ruin your day of play.

How to avoid this

Start with a light, practical base such as:

• chest rig
• tactical belt
• a few good pouches

This allows you to play faster and more comfortably, and you can always expand later.

Beginner's mistake 3: choosing the wrong size and fit

A vest that is too big, a belt that is too loose or clothing that does not move comfortably may sound harmless, but in practice it causes:

• pouch shifting
• irritation when running/kneeling
• less control over your gear
• faster fatigue

How to avoid this

Choose gear that is adjustable and fits well. Think “functional”: your setup should work with you, not against you.

Beginner's mistake 4: not having a plan for magazines and reloads

Beginners often take one magazine with them and think that's enough. Until you're empty halfway through the round and your whole flow is disrupted.

How to avoid this

• Bring at least one extra magazine.
• Make sure you have a logical place to carry them (pouches).
• Use a speed loader (where necessary).

It may sound minor, but this will immediately make your game day more enjoyable.

Beginner's mistake 5: using poor-quality BBs

BBs all look the same, but quality makes a huge difference. Poor-quality BBs can:

• cause jams
• give irregular performance
• reduce your accuracy

How to avoid this

Choose good-quality BBs. This is one of the cheapest upgrades that will immediately give you better performance.

Beginner's mistake 6: taking too much to the field

Some beginners drag their entire kit along as if they are going on a survival weekend. The result:

• unnecessary weight
• messy setup
• lost items
• stress with every reload

How to avoid this

Only take what you need:

• essentials (safety, ammo, water)
• minimal spare gear
• clear loadout

The simpler your setup, the faster you will learn what you really need.

Beginner's mistake 7: not taking the weather into account (the United Kingdom...)

Airsoft in the United Kingdom often means:

• rain
• wet grass
• mud
• wind
• temperature changes

Many beginners wear clothing that is too cold, too warm, or gets too wet.

How to prevent this

Dress in layers:

• base layer (comfort/ventilation)
• mid layer (warmth)
• outer layer (protection against wind/rain)

This will help you stay alert and comfortable for longer.

Beginner's mistake 8: underestimating comfort (shoes and gloves)

Beginners often think, ‘I'll worry about that later.’ But:

• bad shoes = faster injuries
• no gloves = painful hits + less grip

How to avoid this

Invest early in:

• sturdy shoes with grip
• gloves with protection and dexterity

These are comfort items that immediately improve your performance.

Beginner's mistake 9: upgrading too quickly without a goal

Some players upgrade everything right away: sights, grips, lights, upgrades... but without a plan. That costs money and yields little return.

How to avoid this

Only upgrade when you know:

• what you are missing while playing
• what your playing style is (CQB/outdoor/milsim)
• what your goal is (comfort, speed, capacity)

Beginner's mistake 10: not taking rules and transport seriously

Many beginners think, ‘It'll be fine.’ But transport and storage are areas where you don't want to take any risks.

How to avoid this

• Always transport your gear in a closed bag or case
• Don't leave your gear lying around in plain sight
• Store it safely and neatly at home
• Read the field rules in advance

Summary: how to get off to a really smart start

If you take one thing away from this page, let it be this:

• safety first
• comfort determines your enjoyment
• build your setup step by step

A smart beginner's set is not the most expensive set, but the set that is logically constructed.

Useful next steps

Want to read more? Then these are the best next pages:

• Airsoft rules in the Netherlands (NABV, transport, storage)
• Airsoft beginner set, complete checklist
• AEG vs GBB vs HPA, which one suits you best?
• Airsoft budget guide, starting under €150/€300

With the Beginners' Mistakes in Airsoft guide, you'll start with the right foundation, so you can play comfortably, spend less on bad purchases, and improve faster.