Interest in airsoft is at an all-time high, and many people wonder how to start with this game, which airsoft gun to buy, and where to play. However, one thing that scares people is the cost associated with airsoft guns, accessories, and gear. There's a misconception that people need to spend a lot of money before they can start playing matches.
However, this is just a misconception; airsoft guns can be very budget-friendly if you know where to shop and what to look for. In this article, we'll answer the most common questions beginner and intermediate people have about airsoft gun costs, what determines these costs, and how much they should spend.
How Much Money Do Good Airsoft Guns Cost?
Airsoft guns vary a lot in price. Some pistols and submachine guns cost as little as a hundred bucks, while more realistic, true-to-life replicas of popular weapons with cutting-edge features can cost upwards of 400 dollars.
This doesn't mean that the cheaper models aren't "good," however. It largely depends on your specific needs and requirements. For example, if you are looking to enter competitive airsoft matches and want a cutting-edge, powerful airsoft weapon, then you'll likely have to spend more than someone who is just starting and wants a reliable and accurate weapon to learn airsoft.
What Impacts the Price of an Airsoft Gun?
What goes into the airsoft guns' cost? How is the price determined? Often beginners see two airsoft guns, one costing a hundred dollars and one costing two hundred, and they have no idea why the price difference exists. By understanding what goes into the cost of an airsoft gun, you can make a more informed decision on what to buy.
#1 Quality of the gun
What is the gun made of? How realistic is it? Quality is, by far, the biggest factor when it comes to cost. Airsoft guns that have a full metal body will naturally cost more than guns made from less expensive materials. Replicas made from high-quality wood to stay true to the original design will come at a premium.
If you want an airsoft gun that looks and feels realistic, then you have to accept that you have to pay a little extra for it. Though, cheaper guns remain perfectly serviceable, especially if you're just starting out.
#2 Its Features
The type of gearbox the airsoft gun uses, the accessories it comes with, and the features it offers all impact the price. If you want an airsoft gun with the latest and greatest gearbox, quick trigger response times, and other features, it'll cost you more. These features aren't always necessary, but they do undoubtedly give you a competitive edge.
#3 The Type of the Gun
All things being equal, airsoft pistols will generally cost less than airsoft sniper rifles and airsoft shotguns. An airsoft pistol is simpler to design and requires fewer materials, and this, ultimately, makes it a bit cheaper than sniper rifles.
This doesn't mean one type of weapon is better than the other, however. They all have their uses. Pistols are great in close-quarters combat while assault rifles are the most versatile. While you should keep the prices in mind, it is generally best to go with the weapon type that best suits your play style.
#4 The Brand
More reputable, popular brands usually charge more for their products. Though airsoft is popular, it is a relatively new sport, and commercial space hasn't fully developed for it. So, there are many companies who try to make a quick buck by providing subpar airsoft guns that are inaccurate, low-powered, and made of plastic and other cheap materials.
Going with an established brand means you don't run the risk of buying from one of these untrustworthy companies. Though they might be cheaper, the lower price usually doesn't make up for the lack of durability, reliability, and performance, which are necessary if you want to truly perform on the battlefield.
#5 The Store
Different stores source their guns in different ways and add their own markup. This naturally results in a difference in prices. At Taiwangun, for example, we directly work with a number of airsoft gun manufacturers on weapons development, and we're able to provide airsoft guns at unmatched prices.
How Much Should I Spend on an Airsoft Gun?
How much should you spend on an airsoft gun? This is a question every airsoft player asks himself, and the answer isn't simple. There are many weapons with large price differences, and if you don't know what you're doing, the amount of options might be daunting.
- Price doesn't necessarily reflect quality: Always keep this in mind when shopping for an airsoft gun. Though quality and price are often correlated, it isn't always the case. Maybe you're buying from an expensive shop, maybe the airsoft brand overcharges its customers, or maybe it offers a feature you won't need as a competitive airsoft player. There are many reasons why the quality and the price might not match.
- Your needs: Airsoft players have different needs. If you're a beginner who is not sure he'll stick to the hobby, entry-level options are perfectly serviceable. There is no need to spend money on expensive airsoft guns if you're not sure you'll still be playing a year down the line. If you want a true-to-life replica for historical reenactments, the quality of the workmanship and the materials are far more important than the gun's performance, and you'll find airsoft guns at more suitable price ranges if you can compromise on performance.
- The type of gun you want to buy: as we mentioned above, different airsoft guns come at different price ranges, and you have to keep that in mind when shopping. It is very easy to find airsoft pistols at below a hundred dollars, while airsoft sniper rifles' cost rarely falls below 200. Airsoft assault rifles and pistols are generally more beginner-friendly as well, so if you're shopping for a gun within a certain price range, starting by checking out these types of airsoft guns is a good idea.
- Long-term considerations: You shouldn't only think about the upfront costs of paying for an airsoft gun as there are more things at play. How the airsoft gun is powered, for example, will determine how much you spend in the long term. If you buy an electric-powered airsoft gun, you need to charge it and pay for battery replacements. Meanwhile, spring-powered guns need more maintenance. Take these costs into account before you make the final decision.
Is Airsoft an Expensive Hobby?
The short answer: no, airsoft, compared to other hobbies, is not expensive.
The long answer: while cutting-edge airsoft guns cost quite a bit, they are not required for beginners. You can find entry-level guns and affordable tactical pieces of equipment that can get you started for relatively low amounts of money. Then, if you play airsoft and enjoy it, you can find upgraded versions of your gun, buy accessories that improve performance, fit a new gearbox into your existing gun, etc. You have many options if you want to play airsoft in an affordable way.