Reddit mentions of Tactical Crusader 2G Airsoft Strike Steel Half Mask, Jungle Camouflage

Here's what I'd go with:

Tippman Commando w/ 9.6v nimh and smart charger

Pyramex I-force and One Tigris mask (With ear protection)

There are plenty of other variations of these as well. Classic Army, G&G, and ICS make great M4s. CYMA makes great AKs. You could use a lipo instead of a nimh which requires a bit more care but work better and are smaller.

For eye protection you could get surplus ESS NVGs or Revision Desert Locusts

for face protection you could get a standard full metal mesh mask or a steel mouth (which I use)

Airsoft can get pricey, but one thing that helps a lot is separating needs from wants. For example, you need a good gun that'll last you a while, but you don't need that $200 optic or that mock suppressor. You need something to hold your mags and stuff, but not that stupidly expensive Crye JPC plate carrier.

Now, onto the gear.

Gun - G&G Combat Machine Raider 16L - a really good starter gun that will last a while, as long as you take care of her (as with everything in airsoft). I'd recommend getting the charger and battery package because you'll need both and it saves you a decent amount of money.

Chest Rig - Condor Recon Chest Rig - my first chest rig. No idea how it's only $36, this thing is awesome. High quality and holds a lot of stuff, with room for more accessories. Only con is you can't remove the mag pouches it comes with. Also comes in a bunch of different colors, such as tan, black, and I think multicam.

Magazines - Evike BAMF 190 round Mid Caps - the cheapest midcaps I can find that are still good quality. Not the best on the market, but they get the job done and I've heard they feed well in Combat Machines. You'll also need a speed loader, which are only a couple bucks. One thing though, is that you don't really need a ton of magazines. If you're in a budget, one hi cap and a smart trigger finger can last you longer than you think. Sure, more magazines are always helpful, and if they're in your budget, go for it. But it won't hurt to wait a little, and save up some more money, and then buy them.

BBs - Check Evike and whatever other airsoft stores you shop at. I'd use .25s for the Combat Machine (maybe .28s later on), just check to see what is the best choice in terms of cost to amount. Also make sure they're high quality and not some Walmart $5 special.

Eye pro - Not Lancer Tactical goggles. Pyramex I Forces are a good choice.

Other stuff I'd recommend are gloves and a mesh mask. Gloves can really be any old mechanic/ work gloves you have lying around, or even some wool gloves that you cut the finger tips off. Anything to lessen the impact of a BB against your knuckle. The face masks are nearly essential in CQB so you don't get your tooth shot out - this one is only about $5 and can save you from a ton of expensive dental work.


Now, before you go ahead and add all this stuff to your cart, go to your local field and rent a gun for a day. If you like it, start saving. If you don't, then you just saved a couple hundred bucks. Don't dive head first only to realize it isn't as good as you thought it would be; there are many things that sound awesome on paper but once you actually do it, it's the worst thing ever. I'd hate to have you waste a bunch of money like that, especially if you're on a tighter budget.

Here's my setup,

Revision Desert locust goggles : https://www.evike.com/products/35174/

These thermal lenses : https://www.evike.com/products/51192/

Magnetic Fog Wiper for Ski & Snowboard Mask
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009WRSVI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kzn3Cb5EXERCM

Jaws Quick Spit Antifog Spray, 1-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012Q2S4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IAn3Cb3CAXGBT

Tactical Crusader 2G Airsoft Strike Steel Half Mask, Jungle Camouflage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EP6YVUK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iBn3CbVYH3186

Take the face mask, goggles and zipties and follow this video tutorial
https://youtu.be/Vx7mxc5vn0A

This is what I'm running. Best thing out there in my opinion. If you are STILL having issues - return the goggles and get these https://www.evike.com/products/36909/

These have a fan in them to help. And you can put the thermal lens in these and everything else too.

Now you don't have to go all out, there's cheaper stuff out there. But for the love of god, do SOMETHING different. Because with a "setup" like that nobody's gonna feel bad for u when u get an eye shot or lose a tooth.