Look out, paintball — here comes Airsoft

When playing paintball just isn’t enough…

Airsoft Guns started in Japan, and now is making its way onto paintball fields in the U.S.

Don’t let the name "Airsoft Gun" fool you. There is no "soft" when you’re hit by an Airsoft BB. Morgan Evans, 22, of Marshall says: "If you don’t mind getting shot, it’s the sport for you. However, if you mind BB’s flying at you, then maybe you want to stick with the X-box or the PlayStation 2."

Most Airsoft guns are spring, gas, and electric powered and can shoot their rounds at 150 – 307 feet per second. Airsoft Guns can sell for as little as $5.00 and as much as $1,200.

Ammunition is cheaper than paintball. The cost of 2,000 rounds of paintballs is about $70; 2,200 Airsoft BB’s cost about $14.

Before anyone can play in a Wisconsin Airsoft Association game, players under the age of 18 must complete basic Airsoft training. During the one-day training course, players learn about safety and equipment and are given a marksmanship evaluation.

Unlike paintballs, which make a mark, Airsoft employs an honor system: When a player is hit, he calls him- or herself out. Not doing this can get you banned from future play.