[quote=“Derek”]What kind of protection do you need for airsoft? Are safety goggles enough?[/quote]That’s the only absolutely essential piece of equipment, which you won’t be allowed on the field without (and one of the issues to be worked out).
It seems that Airsoft eye protection should be rated ANSI Z87.1 (it should say that somewhere on the equipment). It should be able to withstand at least a 3 joule impact on a small point.
There’s three main types of eye protection available: Goggles, which are fairly self-explanatory. Mesh masks, which usually cover much of the face, and the eyes are protected by a thin mesh of material - some people love them because they aren’t prone to fogging up like the other two options, but some people hate them because using them is kinda like wearing sunglasses. And finally, airsoft glasses, which look a bit like real ballistics glasses (think what they wear in CSI when they’re test-firing guns in their lab).
Check out ASGC, the only dedicted airsoft store I know of in the whole country for a couple of examples of what’s out there (and the other airsoft paraphernalia).
I’d also be planning to give stuff a ‘test of fire’ whereby it gets a point blank shot from the highest powered gun I can find on the day. If it can stand up to that, it should be fine. If not, it was not up to standard anyway.
Of course, any and all extra safety equipment you want to bring, you’re welcome to do so. There’s a few guys who always wear kneepads.
EDIT: I just realised that I should mention what’s on that website is a very small proportion of what’s around in the airsoft world, and more can be found in this country, not to mention overseas. However, I’d VERY strongly recommend against anyone getting over-enthusiastic and trying to import anything on their own.