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My New Favorite Boots

Capture
My Personal set of Under Armour Tactical Valsetz Boots

I have been using boots purchased at Army/Navy Surplus stores for the majority of my airsoft career. About 6 years ago I purchased some boots online on the advice of my friend and fraternity brother Matt, only to be disappointed by their craftsmanship and lack of ventilation, considering they were desert boots. This led me to refuse to order boots online because I didn’t want to spend any more money on boots until I could try them first hand to make sure I wasn’t throwing money down a hole.

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My UA Valsetz Boots at Hollywood Sports Park’s Combat Center

Little did I know, that I my girlfriend was planning on buying me something special for my birthday and asked me if there was one thing I could have for airsoft what would I buy? So, I told here “I haven’t had a comfortable set of boots in almost a decade, and that’s what I spend most of my time in, so it would have to be a new set of boots.” She asked if there were any specific ones I’d thought about and quite a number of my coworkers had just purchased Under Armour Tactical Valsetz boots from AirsoftGI.com and could not stop talking about them. These same folks would also wear them into work just about every day leading me to believe that they really were as comfy, lightweight, and breathable as everyone had claimed them to be.

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My UA Valsetz Boots at Bob’s Rebel Training Camp: Northern Resistance at Gamepod Combat Zone

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AAR Rebel Training Camp: Northern Resistance Game 1

training camp north

So, I had planned the first game of RTC: Northern Resistance to be relatively simple with the following games adding more and more complexity to the day. For the first mission there were no capture rules and only 5 crates randomly place on the battlefield along with a nuke in the center that had to be recovered. Josh’s forces started just next to the airport and behind the clinic whereas my forces were starting at the Drive-in Movie Theater.

rtc game 1 start pos

[The orange box with shows Bob’s starting location and the green box shows Josh’s starting location.]

My initial plan was to have my forces hit all four main streets and push as far as they could until they encountered heavy resistance. I knew that I had to stake my claim on as much of the battlefield as I could early on to achieve success for this mission. Half of my forces went to the left and the right of the drive-in movies rushing straight down 1st and 2nd street with the rest of my forces proceeding further left then rushing down 3rd and 4th. I expected this shock assault to give my forces at least a few minutes of breathing room to find the Nuke which was, for this game, worth a fair amount of points.

rtc game 1 objectives[In the photo above, weapons-grade uranium cases are marked with a red “X” and the nuclear warhead is denoted with a red “N.” ]

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AAR Rebel Training Camp: Northern Resistance

training camp northWith the second incarnation of the Airsoft GI’s Rebel Training camp occurring at Gamepod Combat Zone in Antioch, Ca there were a myriad of fun things that we could offer new players and Veterans alike.

gamepod1©2014 Terrence Taylor

Gamepod Combat Zone is the largest indoor training facility in North America and as such they have a wide array of game styles available at their doorstep. Not only that, but the field staff are as professional as they come and are always looking for new and different ways to keep us players on our toes. One of the ways they have accomplished this for Airsoft GI’s Rebel training camp is through the advent and use of destroyable buildings. Gamepod staff rigged four different building with air cannons filled with pancake mix that were connected to audio cable jacks within each building that could then be connected to a detonator and set off. This alone made the day that much more enjoyable and cinematic as our marketing manager Daniel found out first hand when his detonator malfunction and was told by game staff that “it’s real world, so make it count.” Make it count he did, but that story will have to be saved for another day and a different blog post.

gamepod9©2014 Terrence Taylor

Another key component to the days’ events was the training staff. Through connections with Gamepod personnel, we at Airsoft GI were able to connect with SGT Brad XXXX and SSGT Eric XXXX (names withheld for security purposes). These were two first rate individuals and their training was second to none. These gentlemen were both deployed overseas in defense of our country and their desire to pass on their knowledge to the next generation was commendable. In fact, one of the most enjoyable moments for me personally was seeing many of the kids at the event, some of whom were first time players, using the training they had just received on the airsoft battlefield. Seeing young Rebels, who normally would have run screaming at the enemy, instead pie a corner was truly enthralling and very gratifying.

gamepod4©2014 Terrence Taylor

Another exciting element to this training camp was also the fact that vehicles were readily available throughout the day. Many players normally don’t have the opportunity to engage with or against armored components on the airsoft battlefield and introducing this scenario to players was an important part of making this event a success. Now, this comes with a caveat because introducing novice players to a battlefield full of vehicles is always rife with danger. However, because of the number and quality of Gamepod trained referee staff, any danger or confusion was mitigated to the point where players could concentrate on their game play and the enemy engaging them.

gamepod3©2014 Terrence Taylor

Gamepod Combat zone is one of the finest indoor facilities in the United States of America and I feel privileged to have been able to play there. More AAR’s of Bob “The Axe Man’s” Rebel Training Camp: Northern Resistance are soon to follow and will go over each game evolution in it’s entirety as well as the tactical movement made by each side.

gamepod7©2014 Terrence Taylor

Make sure to stay tuned to Airsoft GI’s Blog because you won’t want to miss out!

gamepod10Check out these Teasers for the Rebel Training Camp: Northern Resistance below!

And here are the finished game play videos!

 


VFC MK16 / MK17 Line

VFC ( Vega Force Company ) is a well known airsoft manufacturer in the industry. VFC has proven their name through performance and durability. One of VFC’s original line of performance airsoft guns is their SCAR line. The Special Operations Forces Combat Asault Rifle ( SCAR ) is a modular rifle designed by FN Herstal for U.S. SOCOM. The FN SCAR consisted of two main types. One chambered in 5.56x45mm ( MK16 / SCAR-L ) as well as one chambered for the bigger round 7.62x51mm ( MK17 / SCAR-H ).

VFC has done a great job in designing and creating a precise replica of the SCAR. VFC had originally created the MK16 line but had later created their line for the MK17 rifle. These rifles have gone through a major improvement over the past few years. Similar to the real firearm variant, the VFC Scar contains an aluminum upper receiver and polymer lower frame, stock, and pistol grip. Externally, the VFC MK16 / MK17 contain similar parts such as a monolithic upper rail, left and right rail segments for flashlights, lasers, etc. Like most airsoft SCAR variants on the market, the folding stock makes it easier when transporting your airsoft gun as well as exiting vehicles during a training scenario. The ambidextrous fire selector and magazine release serve a great purpose for left handed shooters especially when transitioning around corners, in buildings, etc. One thing that sets the VFC SCAR line from others is the folding stock, no wires are exposed when stock is folded over. VFC uses a unique hinge system. The gold plated contacts are built in the hinge making the VFC SCAR a more realistic airsoft gun. Although the VFC MK16 and MK17 are one of the more popular SCAR variant airsoft assault rifles on the airsoft field, the VFC MK17 SSR serves a great role for the long range shooter.

The VFC Sniper Support Rifle ( SSR ) is based off of the MK17. Unlike the MK16 and MK17, some of the more noticeable differences is the longer upper receiver as well as the longer barrel. Having a longer inner / outer barrel, allows the user to engage targets in the distance quickly and accurately. The longer monolithic upper rail allows the user to mount their preferred optic(s) at the preferred eye relief in order to adapt to the mission. The extended lower rail will allow the user to not only mount a bipod for stabilized long range shots but for mounting additional vertical grips for more control and comfort at mid range engagements. The VFC MK16 / MK17 has been well known to perform exceptionally well especially in stock form.

Internally, the VFC SCAR line contains simliar components. VFC’s pre-upgraded version 2 gearbox contains reinforced, self shimming, steel gears. Having reinforced drive train components alleviates the worry of parts breaking during operation on the field. Unlike other gearboxes, VFC is equipped with 8mm steel bushings which provide stability and longevity over plastic, copper, and brass bushings. The self shimming system allows the gears to be more stable during rotation. The polycarbonate piston is much stronger yet lighter for durability and longevity. The compression components such as the piston head, cylinder head, cylinder, and air nozzle provide superb air seal even over time. Having a great air seal provides a more consistent velocity output. Less deviation between shots.

Overall, the VFC continues to strive ahead in the airsoft industry by providing one of the best if not the best airsoft guns on the market. The externals are made out of the strongest materials while maintaining a slim and lightweight design. The external finish is exquisite and the internals are by superb. The entire airsoft The MK16 / MK17 line of airsoft guns by VFC are surely designed to impress the average airsoft player or collector.

More details can be found at airsoftgi.com.


Bob’s Rebel Training Camp 10/19/2013

One aspect of airsoft that makes the hobby great is the players. Honesty, integrity, and respect are all aspects that make airsoft what it is. Players who follow the rules and call their hits are always appreciated, and it is these qualities that often make the difference between a decent player and a great player.

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New players learning the ropes.

Although some veteran players may not realize it; many new players look up to them and are influenced by their actions. When they see a veteran player cheat, or fail to call their hit, then what is to stop the novice player from doing that as well? Everything from airsoft gun and tactical gear choice to behavior on the field affects the airsoft development of the novice generation. Our actions shape the future of airsoft.

Bob
Bob “The Axeman” Hildebrand

Airsoft GI is interested in the survival and integrity of airsoft, and so we are hosting Bob “The Axeman”s Rebel Training Camp on October 19 for players with less than a year’s worth of airsoft experience and/or under 18 years old. At this camp, players will be taken under the wing of more experienced players and be shown the basics of movement, shooting, and leadership. This camp will build confidence, which will be beneficial to players in both airsoft, and outside in normal everyday activities.



This event is being hosted at the world famous SC Viper on 10/19/2013, which is a fantastic place for learning airsoft basics.

Airsoft will live and die on its player base, and part of creating a responsible and honest community is introducing positive behaviors in the new player base. One day, these new players are going to be the bulk the airsoft player base, and only by teaching them now will we ensure the future of airsoft.

www.airsoftgi.com

Rebel Training Camp Tickets