softair is a game which allows the participants to ?hunt? each other with weapons that look to be realistic. It is considered to be a combat sport where the participants eliminate each other by shooting them with bb which are shot from an softair gun. The game is often played with a military style with the participants hunting down and ?killing? the enemy. The sport is enjoyed in several countries across the world including the United States, Japan, China, and Hong Kong.

Softair is popular in many of the Asian countries because they discourage the ownership of firearms. This game provides them with realistic looking weapons and accessories and allows them to enjoy the sport of hunting without causing any harm to people or animals.

Usually the game is played in an area which is known to all of the participants. Most of the time the participants are divided into teams and will determine their strategy for beating the opposing team. Unlike the game of paintball, softair is played using the honor system. There will be no physical indication that a person has been hit so that person needs to be honest and step up and declare they are out of the game. The winning team will take out all of their opponents by shooting each one.

Varieties Of Game Play

There are several different varieties of airsoft game play. In the Asian countries the game is often played as a hunting game because of the strict gun laws that are enforced. In the United States many of the games are played as military games. This allows the participants to role play by mimicking the military maneuvers. While playing the game in the military style it is possible for one to get shot and still remain in the game. If a participant gets shot in the leg they will have the option to retreat to the safe zone for medical treatment. After a reasonable recovery time they can then return to the game. Shots which hit the area of the heart or lungs will be considered to be fatal and that participant is no longer allowed to play in the game.

Softair is often used in military re-enactments. These re-enactments are usually performed before a public audience and will simulate a historical battle of previous wars. The most relevant re-enactments depict battles of the Civil War and are often preformed on the same site as the real battle was previously fought. These re-enactments are especially popular in the southern states.

Costs, Energy, And Pain

The energy which is expended in firing airsoft bb is minimal when compared to playing the game of paintball. Because of the weight of the balls in paintball, it takes more energy and effort to effectively fire them. The softair pellets are much lighter and will shoot further without causing damage to clothing or people. softair guns can be bought with different velocities but there are usually rules on when and how you can use them.

When playing the game of paintball, if you are shot at close range, there is the possibility of the ball causing a welt on your skin. There is also the paint which splatters and covers the body and skin. With softair bb's there is less chance of injury because the bb are light and have less impact. The rules of the game usually forbid shots to the head because injury to the eyes can occur. Protective eyewear is recommended and in many places it is required.

When comparing the costs of softair equipment to that of paintball, the initial costs are fairly close to being equal. The difference comes with the purchase of the guns. The paintball guns experience more problems than the airsoft guns because of the smaller bb's used in airsoft. Since the guns are the most expensive part of the package, this could represent a substantial savings if you choose the bb guns. The important thing to remember when playing the game of softair is you are there to have fun. Play safe and enjoy and you will find the game to be a rewarding experience.