Airsoft Topics of Interest

Why use biodegradable BBs?

Why Use Biodegradable BBs? What are Biodegradable BBs made from? What's so bad about plastic BBs? Why does it matter?

There are plenty of good reasons to use biodegradable BBs. But first let's take a look at the difference between plastic BBs and biodegradable BBs -

Plastic BBs

Plastic BBs are made of an ABS plastic blended with various fillers. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Stryrene) is a common thermoplastic used to make everything from children's toys (like LEGO blocks) to building materials and car parts. ABS plastic is made from petroleum. ABS plastic does not biodegrade (break down in the environment) - EVER. Every single ABS plastic BB that is shot or dropped on an airsoft field will continue to exist where ever it lands for thousands of years. (Yes, really!)

Biodegradable BBs

Biodegradable BBs are made from starch-based bioplastics produced from sustainable farming methods. Bioplastics can be composed of starches, cellulose, biopolymers and a variety of other materials. Biodegradable BBs break down into substances that are non-toxic and completely disappear into the soil over time. The amount of time it takes for a BB to biodegrade varies depending on humidity, temperature and light exposure. Biodegradation can take as little as 30 days or up to 180 days.

So after comparing plastic BBs to biodegradable BBs, it is easy to see that using biodegradable BBs is an environmentally responsible thing to do.

By using biodegradable BBs we are accomplishing many things: We are keeping our playing fields clean and environmentally sound. We are not creating needless pollution that will remain on Earth long after we are all gone. We are helping to protect wildlife that lives in these fields. We are preserving the land for future generations.

Please see: Leave No Trace https://lnt.org/

How are BBs made?

Here's a pretty cool video showing the process of making airsoft BBs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq5d-PQ6gnY

Why play airsoft at a designated airsoft field?

The most important reason to play airsoft at a designated field is safety! You will be playing airsoft in an area set aside and designed specifically for airsoft (not running around in a neighborhood or park, where someone could perhaps mistake your replica gun for the real thing). You will be required to follow safety precautions (correct safety gear and safe gun FPS) and you will have referees monitoring the gameplay.
When you play airsoft at a designated airsoft field you get to meet lots of interesting people of all ages and from all walks of life that share an interest in the same hobby - airsoft! You will have a chance to meet people from your area that you would have otherwise never met.
Playing at an airsoft field means that you will be playing several different types of supervised games - capture the flag, king of the hill, last man standing, etc. I guarantee that playing airsoft at a field with buildings and structures to hide in with structured/supervised games is definitely way more fun and challenging than running around in your own back yard.
Airsoft is a great excuse to get out of bed on a Saturday morning, go out into the sunshine and fresh air and get plenty of exercise. You will be having so much fun that you don't realize what a good workout you are getting!
Playing at a designated airsoft field means that you will have the opportunity to play airsoft on a regular basis, to learn more about the sport of airsoft and to develop your skills as an airsoft player. The more you play - the better you become! Experienced players are always willing to help new players learn better tactics to improve their game.

Why Mesh Goggles Are NOT safe! (and not allowed on our fields)

The only airsoft safety eye wear approved by our insurance company for use on our field is full seal non-mesh ANSI Z87.1 rated goggles or full coverage non-mesh paintball masks. Please Note - I have heard a rumor going around that ONLY biodegradable BBs shatter upon impact against mesh eye wear. This is simply not true. To prove this is untrue, refer to the videos posted below. The majority of testing in these videos was done with NON Biodegradable BBs at varying FPS and distances.
The truth is: ANY BB has the potential to shatter upon impact with mesh eye wear or to penetrate through the mesh.
Always make sure that any goggles that you purchase for airsoft have a ANSI Z87.1 safety rating. This ANSI Z87.1 rating means it has passed tests to withstand the impact of BBs.
VIDEOS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kLQpvVsbLI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbxNX6vQse4

BASIC BB INFORMATION