Airsoft in the YubaCity / Marysville area.
Different kinds of Airsofters.
This post was on the SEAD site in Florida. Thought you might enjoy it.
Originaly found this over at www.airsoftforums.com and it hits home:
It doesn't take a genius to see that there is more than one way to enjoy Airsoft. And at the risk of stating the obvious, I am going to expound on this idea. I hope this discussion will help each of us understand and appreciate how an airsoft newbie can be as happy with a $10 springer pistol as a serious airsoft veteran is with the latest $200 upgrade to an already $1200 AEG.
We can begin by breaking down airsoft into three basic components.
First there is the gear. There would be no airsoft without the guns, bbs, goggles, and stuff to upgrade, fix, and customize. The BDUs, tactical vests, boots, slings, radios, and other military style gear becomes essential shortly after becoming an airsoft addict. The variety of airsoft gear and guns is so diverse that the level at which a player can commit to the sport is almost endless.
The second major component of airsoft is the play itself. The variety here is almost as diverse as the gear and a quick survey of the forum reveals just how many different ways the game is played. There are different levels of organization, number of players, creativity of scenarios, terrain, training, weather and dedicated leaders to run things.
The third and certainly not the least important component of airsoft are the players themselves. When you factor in all the differences like age, attitude, economic status, gender, physical condition, life experiences, and seriousity (I got this non-word from one of the forum polls), it is little wonder there are so many ways to enjoy airsoft.
Airsoft players can be separated into categories. Within each category there can and do exist many levels, or subcategories and cross over and mixing between categories is almost inevitable.
Mil-simist - As the name implies, this player finds great enjoyment in simulating a particular military unit, military period, and/or military environment. Airsoft becomes more than just owning and shooting the guns. Uniforms, authentic gear, close attention to minute details, and learning all they can about their military inspirations is the primary motivation. This style of play requires good resources, a constant stream of cash, and dedication. As important as the gear is, the style of play is also key in replicating a true military environment. The Mil-simist is usually very organized and practiced. Teams of Mil-simists usually make up the most effective players at an airsoft event.
Geardo - Replica gear just wont do. For the Geardo, only top quality gear will do. A Geardo will drop 1000s of dollars into his kit. Geardo's can be split into 2 categories, those who do it for Milsim, and those who do it for the gear. It is rare to see a Geardo wearing any replica gear, but when the real deal is rare or just completely unavailable then the replica gear becomes a necessary evil. Geardo are sometimes considered arrogant and cruel to newbies but this is an image brought on by snobs who feel that the by owning a Systema, Crye, Eagle, or Kifaru makes them better then any one else. As author of this article I would like to offer an observation that Masamune's Geardos seem to be part Mil-simist and part Gearhead. Kind of like a cross breed. (Thanks go to "Masamune" for this addition to the list of airsoft player types.)
Gearhead - For this airsofter, guns and gear are the main reason to be involved in airsoft. The enjoyment comes from constantly upgrading, modifying, and customizing their guns and gear. If they are not up to their elbows in gear grease, then they are having a bad day. A subcategory of this particular airsofter would best be described as a "Tinkerer". The main difference is that a Tinkerer is more apt to invent a new airsoft gadget or do some strange custom modification to an existing airsoft weapon, regardless of its practical usefulness. The Gearhead is just concerned with making the most reliable, highest fps, highest rps, most realistic replica possible.
Collector - It doesn't matter to this airsofter that he won't play events, wear camo, or even shoot any of his vast collection of airsoft guns. The point here is to own more airsoft guns then anyone else. There has to be an entire room filled with every airsoft weapon imaginable in order for there to be contentment. There are less severe forms of Collector when the focus of the Collector is narrowed to a certain weapon, style of weapon, or period of weapon. Someone might have an AK fetish, or a 1911 habit, or a WWII addiction, for example.
Action Junkie - The adrenaline rush is why this airsofter plays. He is not happy unless he is in a firefight against 3 or 4 SAWs and is about to be flanked by a platoon of enemies. The guns and gear is important only if it heightens the excitement. ROF and fps is a serious concern only because he feeds off the yelps and moans of victims. And finally, he is not totally content until he goes down with 20 or 30 bbs stitching his body from three directions. Not every Action Junkie needs the latest gun or gear. Depending on economic conditions an Action Junkie can be just as content with a springer pistol as long as he is in the thick of battle.
Generalist - Everyone has seen a mutt whose breed is indistinguishable. Well, this airsofter is the mutt of the sport. This player generally enjoys all the various aspects of airsoft. He will not be a fanatic about it, but he is willing to go along with those who are calling the shots at an event. If all of his airsoft buddies are into Mil-sim, then more than likely he will do his best to keep up with the group. The Generalist is into the sport more for the social aspect of it than anything else.
Assassin - He thrives on the thrill of the kill from a loner's standpoint. Usually the quiet, unassuming type who may not have the resources to buy high priced weapons and typically is wandering off from the main group in search of targets of opportunity. It seems that almost every airsoft group has an Assassin, whose reputation is shrouded in mystery, and wrapped in an enigma. Everyone is pseudo-scared of him and that is just the way he likes it. Obviously a subcategory of this group would be the Sniper. The main differences would be the choice of weapon (high powered sniper rifle) and amount of funds available to outfit in true Sniper fashion.
Competitor - As long as there have been weapons that shoot, throw, or fling a projectile, there will be those who will want to do it more accurately than anyone else. Target competitions will always be a part of airsoft even if it is not the main focus of most airsoft groups. For the Competitor, speed and accuracy is an all-consuming passion and as a result he usually becomes a bit of a Gearhead, at least for the weapon he competes with.
Strategist - For this dedicated airsofter the one thing above all else that cranks his tractor; the mind game within the field of battle. Frequently these players end up being the leaders of teams, organizers of events, and motivaters of other players. It is more important for this player to have a thorough understanding of the terrain, the objective, and his available firepower than it is for him to have the highest fps, latest upgrade, or most authentic gear.
Casualist - Is not to be confused with a casualty. This airsofter is the one who will come out to play once every few months. He likes airsoft but for various reasons is too busy, too poor, too lazy, or has too many other hobbies to be a frequent player. The latest guns and gear is wasted on him and this doesn't bother him over much.
Plinker - This is not intended to be a derogatory category. For those who do not have the money and or access to serious airsoft activities, this may be the only option available. Also, age factors into the equation when transportation and event age limits create roadblocks to play. Add to this the danger of trying to play airsoft in a populated neighborhood, and the only thing left is to occasionally plink at plastic bottles, boxes, and drink cans. Depending on parental permission an indoor (maybe in the garage) target range could be the stepping stone to competitive target shooting and honing skills that will come in handy when better access to events presents itself.
Promoter - An airsoft promoter more often than not started out playing airsoft in one or more of the other categories. Somewhere along the line something changed him, whether it was a desire to expand on a unique passion for one particular portion of airsoft, or a lack of organization in his or her particular region, or perhaps even an entrepreneurial spirit. Regardless of what it was that caused the change to that of a Promoter, the Promoter dedicates a good majority of his or her resources and time to writing scenarios, organizing events, promoting those events, and educating players in safety rules and ethics. Often the Promoter ends up losing his time for enjoyment of the game of airsoft itself. Never having time to actually pick up a replica and use it in game due to the massive amount of time and energy required to keep the game itself running. They continue to do it because they love the game, and they love to see a successful event in action, and see the smiling, laughing and appreciative faces of the players once the day is over. Many do not think of Promoters as Airsofters, especially the entrepreneurial ones, but indeed, they are the core of airsoft, without them, we would have no events to attend.
Retailer - As the name suggests he sells airsoft stuff. There are a variety of retail levels that one can be involved in and many of the smaller retailers started out as a normal airsoft enthusiast but got the entrepreneurial bug and began selling. They too are prone to lose the enjoyment and opportunity to play. Those who come out to an event to supply bbs, gas, spare parts, batteries, magazines, and other gear are the most forelorned of all. Here are all these fellow airsofters going out and having fun and they have to mind the store.
Chairsofter - Often content to just sit around with his guns and plink, the Chairsofter takes an interest in high-quality replica's, but has little interest in playing airsoft. This may be due to several reasons, mostly just laziness. The Chairsofter is less of a category, but more of a "stage". It often preludes the start of real airsoft, or is the sign of the end of an airsoft player's reign. Either way, the Chairsofter is more than content to just admire his guns, write reviews, and talk about airsoft. Some of the attributes of a Chairsofter is similiar to the Collector without the investment in a large collection of guns.
LARPer - In the past several years dozens of Live Action Role Playing groups in North America and Europe have begun incorporating Airsoft into their games. LARPing shares several traits with that of Mil-Sim; however whereas Mil-Sim simulates "real life" scenarios or possible situations using realistic weapons, tactics and organization; Live action role playing games are set in fantasy, alternate history or science fiction settings where the players assume not only combat duties but entire persona's with back stories. They have taken airsoft and incorporated it into intricate rules systems that offer a broad range of possibilities and options, including puzzle solving, diplomacy, economies, to name a very few. To the LARPer, imagination is often of greater importance than gear. However many groups pay great expense in money, time and effort into creating intricate costumes, props, background sets as well as enemies such as from fantastical monsters and aliens to more mundane enemies like crazed humans, guards or soldiers.
The main purpose of this article is to show, briefly, how many different ways airsoft can be enjoyed. Not everyone is blessed with tons of cash, or access to large event battlefields, and each of us have different motivations, interests, and levels of commitment. Airsoft is a fun sport no matter how you do it, as long as safe and private procedures are followed. It is to our collective benefit not to get an elitist attitude about how we play or what we own. Encouragement and understanding will build better bridges between the enthusiasts and the casual players and there is plenty of room in the airsoft universe for everyone to find their own level of fun.
Originaly found this over at www.airsoftforums.com and it hits home:
It doesn't take a genius to see that there is more than one way to enjoy Airsoft. And at the risk of stating the obvious, I am going to expound on this idea. I hope this discussion will help each of us understand and appreciate how an airsoft newbie can be as happy with a $10 springer pistol as a serious airsoft veteran is with the latest $200 upgrade to an already $1200 AEG.
We can begin by breaking down airsoft into three basic components.
First there is the gear. There would be no airsoft without the guns, bbs, goggles, and stuff to upgrade, fix, and customize. The BDUs, tactical vests, boots, slings, radios, and other military style gear becomes essential shortly after becoming an airsoft addict. The variety of airsoft gear and guns is so diverse that the level at which a player can commit to the sport is almost endless.
The second major component of airsoft is the play itself. The variety here is almost as diverse as the gear and a quick survey of the forum reveals just how many different ways the game is played. There are different levels of organization, number of players, creativity of scenarios, terrain, training, weather and dedicated leaders to run things.
The third and certainly not the least important component of airsoft are the players themselves. When you factor in all the differences like age, attitude, economic status, gender, physical condition, life experiences, and seriousity (I got this non-word from one of the forum polls), it is little wonder there are so many ways to enjoy airsoft.
Airsoft players can be separated into categories. Within each category there can and do exist many levels, or subcategories and cross over and mixing between categories is almost inevitable.
Mil-simist - As the name implies, this player finds great enjoyment in simulating a particular military unit, military period, and/or military environment. Airsoft becomes more than just owning and shooting the guns. Uniforms, authentic gear, close attention to minute details, and learning all they can about their military inspirations is the primary motivation. This style of play requires good resources, a constant stream of cash, and dedication. As important as the gear is, the style of play is also key in replicating a true military environment. The Mil-simist is usually very organized and practiced. Teams of Mil-simists usually make up the most effective players at an airsoft event.
Geardo - Replica gear just wont do. For the Geardo, only top quality gear will do. A Geardo will drop 1000s of dollars into his kit. Geardo's can be split into 2 categories, those who do it for Milsim, and those who do it for the gear. It is rare to see a Geardo wearing any replica gear, but when the real deal is rare or just completely unavailable then the replica gear becomes a necessary evil. Geardo are sometimes considered arrogant and cruel to newbies but this is an image brought on by snobs who feel that the by owning a Systema, Crye, Eagle, or Kifaru makes them better then any one else. As author of this article I would like to offer an observation that Masamune's Geardos seem to be part Mil-simist and part Gearhead. Kind of like a cross breed. (Thanks go to "Masamune" for this addition to the list of airsoft player types.)
Gearhead - For this airsofter, guns and gear are the main reason to be involved in airsoft. The enjoyment comes from constantly upgrading, modifying, and customizing their guns and gear. If they are not up to their elbows in gear grease, then they are having a bad day. A subcategory of this particular airsofter would best be described as a "Tinkerer". The main difference is that a Tinkerer is more apt to invent a new airsoft gadget or do some strange custom modification to an existing airsoft weapon, regardless of its practical usefulness. The Gearhead is just concerned with making the most reliable, highest fps, highest rps, most realistic replica possible.
Collector - It doesn't matter to this airsofter that he won't play events, wear camo, or even shoot any of his vast collection of airsoft guns. The point here is to own more airsoft guns then anyone else. There has to be an entire room filled with every airsoft weapon imaginable in order for there to be contentment. There are less severe forms of Collector when the focus of the Collector is narrowed to a certain weapon, style of weapon, or period of weapon. Someone might have an AK fetish, or a 1911 habit, or a WWII addiction, for example.
Action Junkie - The adrenaline rush is why this airsofter plays. He is not happy unless he is in a firefight against 3 or 4 SAWs and is about to be flanked by a platoon of enemies. The guns and gear is important only if it heightens the excitement. ROF and fps is a serious concern only because he feeds off the yelps and moans of victims. And finally, he is not totally content until he goes down with 20 or 30 bbs stitching his body from three directions. Not every Action Junkie needs the latest gun or gear. Depending on economic conditions an Action Junkie can be just as content with a springer pistol as long as he is in the thick of battle.
Generalist - Everyone has seen a mutt whose breed is indistinguishable. Well, this airsofter is the mutt of the sport. This player generally enjoys all the various aspects of airsoft. He will not be a fanatic about it, but he is willing to go along with those who are calling the shots at an event. If all of his airsoft buddies are into Mil-sim, then more than likely he will do his best to keep up with the group. The Generalist is into the sport more for the social aspect of it than anything else.
Assassin - He thrives on the thrill of the kill from a loner's standpoint. Usually the quiet, unassuming type who may not have the resources to buy high priced weapons and typically is wandering off from the main group in search of targets of opportunity. It seems that almost every airsoft group has an Assassin, whose reputation is shrouded in mystery, and wrapped in an enigma. Everyone is pseudo-scared of him and that is just the way he likes it. Obviously a subcategory of this group would be the Sniper. The main differences would be the choice of weapon (high powered sniper rifle) and amount of funds available to outfit in true Sniper fashion.
Competitor - As long as there have been weapons that shoot, throw, or fling a projectile, there will be those who will want to do it more accurately than anyone else. Target competitions will always be a part of airsoft even if it is not the main focus of most airsoft groups. For the Competitor, speed and accuracy is an all-consuming passion and as a result he usually becomes a bit of a Gearhead, at least for the weapon he competes with.
Strategist - For this dedicated airsofter the one thing above all else that cranks his tractor; the mind game within the field of battle. Frequently these players end up being the leaders of teams, organizers of events, and motivaters of other players. It is more important for this player to have a thorough understanding of the terrain, the objective, and his available firepower than it is for him to have the highest fps, latest upgrade, or most authentic gear.
Casualist - Is not to be confused with a casualty. This airsofter is the one who will come out to play once every few months. He likes airsoft but for various reasons is too busy, too poor, too lazy, or has too many other hobbies to be a frequent player. The latest guns and gear is wasted on him and this doesn't bother him over much.
Plinker - This is not intended to be a derogatory category. For those who do not have the money and or access to serious airsoft activities, this may be the only option available. Also, age factors into the equation when transportation and event age limits create roadblocks to play. Add to this the danger of trying to play airsoft in a populated neighborhood, and the only thing left is to occasionally plink at plastic bottles, boxes, and drink cans. Depending on parental permission an indoor (maybe in the garage) target range could be the stepping stone to competitive target shooting and honing skills that will come in handy when better access to events presents itself.
Promoter - An airsoft promoter more often than not started out playing airsoft in one or more of the other categories. Somewhere along the line something changed him, whether it was a desire to expand on a unique passion for one particular portion of airsoft, or a lack of organization in his or her particular region, or perhaps even an entrepreneurial spirit. Regardless of what it was that caused the change to that of a Promoter, the Promoter dedicates a good majority of his or her resources and time to writing scenarios, organizing events, promoting those events, and educating players in safety rules and ethics. Often the Promoter ends up losing his time for enjoyment of the game of airsoft itself. Never having time to actually pick up a replica and use it in game due to the massive amount of time and energy required to keep the game itself running. They continue to do it because they love the game, and they love to see a successful event in action, and see the smiling, laughing and appreciative faces of the players once the day is over. Many do not think of Promoters as Airsofters, especially the entrepreneurial ones, but indeed, they are the core of airsoft, without them, we would have no events to attend.
Retailer - As the name suggests he sells airsoft stuff. There are a variety of retail levels that one can be involved in and many of the smaller retailers started out as a normal airsoft enthusiast but got the entrepreneurial bug and began selling. They too are prone to lose the enjoyment and opportunity to play. Those who come out to an event to supply bbs, gas, spare parts, batteries, magazines, and other gear are the most forelorned of all. Here are all these fellow airsofters going out and having fun and they have to mind the store.
Chairsofter - Often content to just sit around with his guns and plink, the Chairsofter takes an interest in high-quality replica's, but has little interest in playing airsoft. This may be due to several reasons, mostly just laziness. The Chairsofter is less of a category, but more of a "stage". It often preludes the start of real airsoft, or is the sign of the end of an airsoft player's reign. Either way, the Chairsofter is more than content to just admire his guns, write reviews, and talk about airsoft. Some of the attributes of a Chairsofter is similiar to the Collector without the investment in a large collection of guns.
LARPer - In the past several years dozens of Live Action Role Playing groups in North America and Europe have begun incorporating Airsoft into their games. LARPing shares several traits with that of Mil-Sim; however whereas Mil-Sim simulates "real life" scenarios or possible situations using realistic weapons, tactics and organization; Live action role playing games are set in fantasy, alternate history or science fiction settings where the players assume not only combat duties but entire persona's with back stories. They have taken airsoft and incorporated it into intricate rules systems that offer a broad range of possibilities and options, including puzzle solving, diplomacy, economies, to name a very few. To the LARPer, imagination is often of greater importance than gear. However many groups pay great expense in money, time and effort into creating intricate costumes, props, background sets as well as enemies such as from fantastical monsters and aliens to more mundane enemies like crazed humans, guards or soldiers.
The main purpose of this article is to show, briefly, how many different ways airsoft can be enjoyed. Not everyone is blessed with tons of cash, or access to large event battlefields, and each of us have different motivations, interests, and levels of commitment. Airsoft is a fun sport no matter how you do it, as long as safe and private procedures are followed. It is to our collective benefit not to get an elitist attitude about how we play or what we own. Encouragement and understanding will build better bridges between the enthusiasts and the casual players and there is plenty of room in the airsoft universe for everyone to find their own level of fun.
Views: 47
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joseph Aguilar on
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lulz at the LARPers, although i think i'm a Generalist. Mike is definetely a "Geardo" though.
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Permalink Reply by Tank on
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i think (personally) some people can fall into mor than one category this is very interesting to see what categories there are and what types of people would fall into them and how people would fall. even on this team i find many people falling into certian categories
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Permalink Reply by Spidedd on
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ha yeah i agree with both you guys. I fall into the generalist category. but also into several other categories. Like action junkie, and gearhead. I am constantly looking for ways to upgrade my gun, add attachments, or get a new gun in general just after a little bit. I'm into gear a bit. I think once i get my molle that will spark me into becoming a Geardo too
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Permalink Reply by Edric on
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I personally disagree with the notion that a sniper is a "loner" This being how they are generally portrayed. The sniper is a part of a team or he/she becomes a dead sniper.
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agreed the sniper must have a spotter if there is not spotter the sniper cannot have any security and no protection
Edric The Chef said:I personally disagree with the notion that a sniper is a "loner" This being how they are generally portrayed. The sniper is a part of a team or he/she becomes a dead sniper.
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