Quality vs. Price?
 

Hi, I want to get into airsoft but don't have thousands to spend. Basically I think I just need to get a good assault rifle or something, I'd like to get a good gun, but can't spend huge bucks on it. What would you guys suggest?

Thanks,
Nathan-d

Get age verified, read the FAQ (you'll find tons of information there) then once you're verified you can look into getting a used AEG package from the sales part of the forum.

FAQ is at the top of the forum, or http://www.airsoftcanada.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21

you can get started for less than $1000. i don't know what you'd consider "huge bucks", but less than $1000 for gun, gear, batteries, ammo, extra magazines, etc isn't too much in the grand scheme of things.

How bout we give him a list of the essentials and an aprox cost.
It would start with most of what illusion said.
-gun (x1)
-batteries (x?)
-ammo (you can never have enough)
-mags (its up to you, im pretty sure you need at LEAST 3 or 4)
You can make with what your given instead of spending hundreds on authentic looking gear, but thats up to you.

As for quality vs price, the lower costing guns tend to end up costing more due to repairs. (allthough this isnt always the case)

Although 3 or 4 is preferable, I started with 2, as did most of the people i play with. And I'm not talking high caps either.

As for quality vs. price. get the best you can afford. Stick to the big names like TM CA and ICS. Remember that you generally get what you pay for.

This is entirely true. When I started, I believe I only dished out around the 750 mark. For my first season I ran around in some OD cargo pants, an OD work shirt and an old green fishing type vest.

If its not made by TM, ICS, G&P, CA or some other higher end company its not worth it because it will not be able to compete with what your oppenents are packing. You dont wanna go up against someone with one of the above using some CYMA or UTG garbage.

BTW - It'll be easier to answer any other questions you may have (such as where to get verified, etc...) if you list your location.

I would somewhat disagree with that statement. The A&K M4 S-System has proven to be a great little gun for the price. Relatively cheap ($150 or so), and is also compatible with Marui type upgrades. One chap over at Arnie's put in an M120, changed nothing and fired (supposedly) 20,000 rounds through it without any real problems.

In addition, the Cyma copy of the AK-47, and AK-47S are supposed to be equivalent to the original TM version.

If you're looking for more info on lower cost guns (MPEGs) head over to Arnie's. Many people there have them and there are a bunch of threads about these guns.

Sure these guns are cheaper, but they are great for beginners or people who want a low cost alternative.

Good luck!

TM is the way to go but if your gun is made by CA i would spend a little extra money and get a FMU (full metal upgrade) gun from CA.

honestly, wait till you have the cash for one of the bigger brands. You couldnt pay me to use a cheapo gun.
Rember: Power, feel, quality and reliability are priceless.

Thanks for the replies. I read the FAQ, that helped alot. From what I've read by searching on the boards here, it seems that Tokyo Marui makes pretty good AEG's. Is that a correct assumption? I don't think I can spend more than a couple hundred right now on a gun, considering I'd still have to buy things such as ammo, pellets, scope, battery's... Is it still possible to get a pretty good gun for that?

Thanks,
Nathan-d

Get age verified and check out the For Sale sections of the site. You can find great packages with all you'll need to get started. Save your money up and get something decent. Used is your best bet if you're looking to start out and be cost effective.

I'd say with the cash that you've got and wanna spend on airsoft, get a gun. a good reliable AEG, don't ask what gun - that's up to you. read up on em as much as you can and pick one that looks and sounds good to you, no one can pick a gun that you like for the reasons you'll like it. BB's dont cost much but the BDU's are really the other part of any kit.

again pick something you like and build on it. same for the gun. don't worry too much about scopes or lasers etc... And yes TM's are very reliable and have the most aftermarket upgradability. but again its upto you

Accessories are fun but without extra cash not worth stretching yourself for - start with the basics; Gun, battery, BB's, mags, BDU, mask. and then think about adding accessories or upgrades.

just my $.02

i generally assume that a new gun should run atleast $450...anything less is prolly not worth it. (not saying the K is a bad gun).
$650 and up, its gonna be quality and have more metal.

used can be iffy. some awsome finds, and some not. Still, at used, your looking at just slightly less then the regular price.

expect $1000 to start up. thats gun, battery, charger, few mags, goggles, BBs, and a cheap rig to carry your mags....maby a cheap set of camo.

IMO, BCAirsoft supply had the best budget starter package so far.
UTG MP5 with two stocks, two magazines, battery, charger, 2000-3000 quality BBs, including shipping for only $199.99...

Too bad that deal is long gone, and probably will never be back for that price again :(

Cheers,
Alex

I know I shouldn't ask if a specific gun is good, but would a TM gun like this/in this price rang be decent?
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...g-20/ref=nosim
I mean, I'm not asking specifically for this gun, just in general.

Thanks,
Nathan-d