Price up your airsoft loadout item by item. Pick a budget, mid-range or high-end tier, tick what you need, and see the total, plus how many game days it takes for owning your kit to beat hiring.
Typical airsoft kit prices in the UK
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye and face protection * | £25 | £60 | £120 |
| Primary rifle (AEG) * | £120 | £250 | £450 |
| Battery and smart charger * | £30 | £55 | £90 |
| Spare magazines (2 to 3) * | £20 | £45 | £80 |
| Chest rig or plate carrier * | £30 | £90 | £200 |
| Shirt and trousers * | £35 | £100 | £200 |
| Boots * | £45 | £120 | £200 |
| Gloves * | £10 | £30 | £50 |
| Gas pistol sidearm | £70 | £120 | £200 |
| Holster | £15 | £30 | £60 |
| Red dot or scope | £25 | £60 | £150 |
| Sling | £10 | £20 | £40 |
| Gun bag or case | £25 | £45 | £90 |
| Helmet | £25 | £50 | £120 |
| Radio and headset | £25 | £50 | £120 |
| Weapon light | £20 | £45 | £100 |
| Hydration bladder | £15 | £30 | £50 |
| LiPo safe bag | £8 | £12 | £20 |
| Knee pads | £12 | £25 | £45 |
| BBs (1 kg biodegradable) | £10 | £14 | £18 |
| Essentials total | £315 | £750 | £1,390 |
Hire or buy?
Almost every UK site offers hire packages, typically £35 to £60 including a rifle, mask and BBs. Once you own your kit you pay a lower walk-on fee, usually £25 to £35. The difference is your saving per game, and the calculator shows how many games it takes to cover your loadout.
Buying a gun in the UK. A realistic imitation firearm (RIF) can only be sold to someone with a valid defence, usually UKARA registration. Until then, adults can buy a two-tone. Check when you’ll qualify with our UKARA Eligibility Checker.
Five ways to build a loadout for less
- Hire first. Two or three hire days tell you what you actually want.
- Buy protection new, but consider good second-hand guns from reputable brands.
- Use surplus clothing. Ex-military shirts and trousers are tough and cheap.
- Start with a chest rig rather than a full plate carrier setup.
- Don’t buy upgrades yet. A stock AEG with a good hop-up is plenty to start.
Not sure which gun type to budget for? Take our which airsoft gun quiz, and use the Airsoft Camo Picker to choose clothing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start airsoft in the UK?
A first game on hire kit costs around £35 to £60. A sensible beginner loadout of your own costs roughly £315 on a budget or £750 for mid-range kit. After that, a regular game day costs about £30 to £45 including the walk-on fee and BBs. Our airsoft cost guide has the full breakdown.
What should I buy first for airsoft?
Eye and face protection first, then boots and gloves, then your gun, battery and magazines. Good protection makes every game more comfortable and it’s the one thing never to skimp on. Our first loadout guide explains the best order to buy in.
Is it cheaper to buy airsoft kit or keep hiring?
Owning usually works out cheaper if you play regularly. Sites typically charge £10 to £20 less for walk-on players with their own kit, so a budget loadout pays for itself after roughly 20 games, and sooner if you buy second-hand or already own boots and outdoor clothing. The calculator works it out from your own fees.
How can I save money on airsoft kit?
Hire a few times before you buy, so you know what you like. Buy ex-military surplus clothing, look for good second-hand rifles from reputable brands, and spend your money on protection, boots and a reliable gun before accessories.
Kit yourself out
Protection, clothing, boots, rigs and more, with free UK delivery over £100.
More airsoft tools
Which Airsoft Gun Should I Buy?
Six quick questions to find out whether an AEG, gas, spring or HPA gun suits you best.
Take the quiz →Airsoft Game Day Checklist
A packing list built for your game: woodland, CQB or milsim, hire or own kit, whatever the weather.
Make your checklist →Airsoft Camo Picker
Tell us where and when you play, and get the camouflage patterns that will work best.
Find your camo →Prices are typical UK ranges for guidance and change over time.