Noob with Gear Questions!

[ericwilliam]

My name is Eric, I'm from Ontario and as you can tell I am quite new here. I've done some research, saved some money but would most definately be open to tips from the more senior members here.

I've looked at Pantac/Phantom gear, and at the moment I don't believe that it is in my price range (i'm definately not excluding it from future options!), but I do not want to sink into the lowest end gear possible, so I ask this; is Condor reliable gear (mainly for a beginner)? I've read some good stuff about it, but would really appreciate some information based on user experience. I've been looking at their Coyote Tan stuff, and I'm diggin it, haha.

Well, thats really my only question as of now, but please load me up on tips and information on gear as well as guns! Airsoft is something I would love to get into, but as a student I am somewhat financially challenged at the moment. I hope this post wasn't too long or even annoying, I won't judge people on harshness as I know some people take this hobby very seriously(they have every right).

Thanks guys!
Eric.

[Forever_kaos]

I've yet to have or hear a problem with any Condor gear I or friends have purchased.

I can totally understand being on a budget, it's why I usually buy Condor. The only time I have not bought Condor is when price was only a few bucks more for something else. In that case it was a used item off a friend.

[L473ncy]

Good to know.

First the FAQ section is your friend. Peruse it twice or even three times and ponder it.

Second, I know how it can be being a student myself in my third year (and it doesn't help I'm going on an exchange next year). It's definitely doable, just don't go to the pub/bar/club as often and don't blow your money on girls.

$600-700 is probably a good budget to start out with, that includes the basic minimal gear (excluding things like hiking boots and biking or work gloves).

Finally, you're in luck as well since I believe that Ontario has quite a large number of Age Verifiers ans should be able to get verified easily.

PS: I have a used Pantac RAV vest and I love it. Very good on a students budget and the quality is decent. BUT remember for some things not to go too cheap, if you buy cheap, you buy twice.

PPS: I also have a condor "operator hat" and shemagh and they're actually great for what I paid for them so I heartily suggest it especially on a student budget.

[ericwilliam]

Thanks guys!

I am getting age verified very soon hopefully, the end of this week might be likely. Then i'll be hitting the classifieds as soon as possible!

And about buying cheap, I'm thinking that Condor is probably the cheapest I might go (judging by what I've read here and there), but I'm still learning and reading! lots more to do, haha.

[juicy]

Condor... hehe - let me tell you a story of a battle belt. First belt. Loaded it up with a few plastic mags every now and then... put some pistol mags on it, rigged 1-2 drop legs off of it. Stuff came and went. Along came a G3 and a Hi-Capa. The Hi-Capa was fit on the internal duty belt inside the battle belt, in between the right and rear MOLLE panels. The belt tore at that location within a week. In terms of the G3, I looped a few carabiners and zip ties and the like onto a chest rig to act as a suspender system to keep the battle belt at the right height. The D-rings worked, but the belt failed where the D-rings connected to the padding - everything still held in place, but had begun to flop around like a mofo. I can take a few pics if you'd like...

I'm not saying avoid Condor gear - it's great for someone on a budget who is just starting out and wants to try out a loadout (I was taught to reload from mags on a belt - thus the initial purchase of a battle belt instead of a tactical vest/chest rig/plate carrier/what-have-you). I'm just saying that you need to be aware that Condor stuff will not last as long as some of the more expensive brands. Oh - Condor's MOLLE webbing isn't always to spec, but it gets the job done (nothing to dock points for, but worth noting).

[Rugger_can]

Welcome


Airsoft is a sport that can be expensive. But selective buying and slowly accumulating kit can help mitigate this. As for Condor kit, most would agree that it is the best of the lower priced kit and will work just fine for an airsofter. Im a student as well and I know the pinch can suck. A good checklist is to get things in this order; Goggles, Boots, Gun, Gear. As goggles and boots are required for safe play and then the gun comes followed by gear that suits your chosen gun. I do however you attend at least one game and rent before committing to make sure you enjoy the concept as well as a chance to see the different guns and get actual user feedback.

Also, check out www.lzottawa.ca. Its a local field just outside Ottawa filled with great guys and has multiple AV'ers that regularly attend games. Also there are plenty of gear nuts that come out to games there so they would be ecstatic to talk shop with you about gear and help you get an idea as to what you want.


Also Check out http://ncr.ottawa-airsoft.com/ for information on some of the other fields and the local rules. I can't comment on the fields as Ive personally not been to any other then the LZ. But Im sure they are good people.

Cheers.

[ericwilliam]

Thanks! I joined the ottawa-airsoft forum to get area specific details, so thats been a bit of a help, and I definately plan on attending a game as soon as I can! I currently have a pair of Merrel boots, would they be suitable? and goggles shouldn't be an issue, my friend is in the army and has a pair of ESS he said he'd hand down to me.

[L473ncy]

Originally Posted by ericwilliam

Thanks! I joined the ottawa-airsoft forum to get area specific details, so thats been a bit of a help, and I definately plan on attending a game as soon as I can! I currently have a pair of Merrel boots, would they be suitable? and goggles shouldn't be an issue, my friend is in the army and has a pair of ESS he said he'd hand down to me.

People highly suggest "military boots" (to get into the role or w/e) but for now just starting out hiking boots are fine. ie like these I have these boots that I use (not exactly like that but in a similar style). I've found that most of what I need to do my hiking boots are suitable.

As for eye/face protection make sure the field allows those, most paintball fields won't since they're required by their insurance provider to have only ASTM paintball goggles on the field (military goggles although they can stop a .50 cal or w/e don't have the "magic" ASTM rating so the insurance company may deny claims if that's found out (they're in it to make money so any loophole and technicality they can use to deny a claim they will use)).

[Rugger_can]

ESS goggles are all ASNI rated as well as "milspec" and are acceptable eye protection within the Ottawa Airsoft Community.

As for boots. Merrel is probably one of the best commercial "civilian" line of hiking boots made. If you have any of the higher then ankle models they should work just fine.

Otherwise I can suggest you look into getting a nice pair of Combat or Tac boots as they will keep your ankle protected.

There are tonnes of online retailers available to order from, But in terms of local there is only R Nichols (for new stuff. Their pricing is so so, but their service is a joke, and whatever you do, do not mention airsoft or they will ignore you). Irving rivers is downtown and they have some stuff but they are terribly overpriced and carry an abysmal selection. JT's Paintball occationally carry's some stuff as well as Camo options, again their prices are not stellar but at least they are friendly and pretty laid back.


Long and the short of it. If you live in Ottawa either get used to buying online or get out to games and buy used from people cycling their kit.

[Drow]

Condor gear is good quality and affordable, not a bad place to start out.

[ericwilliam]

Alright, thanks guys very helpful! I'm thinking Condor will be a kickoff point for gear, from there i'll slowly get into more expensive gears as time goes on.