1.  BB's

  Buy KSC, Mauri, Airsoft Elite, Maruzen, Inertia, Cybergun, Stealth, or Excel.  Why?  You just paid $250 on an AEG and you are going to risk tearing the thing up with crappy BB's?  Also, when you lend ammo in a tight spot, better to not jam your pals guns.  These brands are fairly well agreed upon by most airsofters.  The black Inertia BB's are not really suggested for SMG's and such as you cannot really see where your shots are landing.  I use them personally.  I just mix in white Excels so every few rounds acts like a tracer.

2.  Primaries

     Mauri is good.  Classic Army 3rd gen guns or later are great.  Mauri generally has better internals, but CA is almost all metal and is catching up in quality.  It is cheaper to go ahead and get the CA if you are going to upgrade later.  Whatever you do...get an AEG.  There is no real way to play without one.  Avoid the Top Army support weapons unless you know someone who own the very same model you want to buy.  Find out from them if it is worth it.  An upgraded G3 with an ammo drum may be a more accurate and cost effective SAW.  The Mauri shotguns can be a workable primary too if your play your cards right.  Shotguns require a lot of running, so if you are old and slow like me, get an AEG.

     Do not buy anything from Y&P, STTI, or Kangam.  You will be very disappointed.  Yeah, I know that Y&P FAMAS is only $150.  It is cheap for a reason.  The Mauri one is only $50 more and Airsoft Atlanta often has them.  I own two TM brand FAMAS SVs and they are top notch.  That Super 9? Steer clear.  Just buy a brand name sniper rifle and upgrade it as you go. The KJW Mark 1 carbine is a great gun and a good way to get started sniping.

    Get yourself at least 3 standard, 2 midcap, or 1 high cap mags to go with your weapon. More ammo is rarely a bad thing.  An extra battery is a good idea.  This is especially vital if your gun uses mini batteries.

2.  Secondary Weapons

  Springers are ok here by my book.  Mauri makes really good springers.  KWC and HFC are not too shabby either.  The norm is to have a Gas Blow Back sidearm.  KSC makes a nice full auto capable Glock, but it can eat ammo quick.  Without the metal upgrades they often chew themselves up.  The KSC mac11s are nice.  The Mac retails about $130...the Glock about the same if you get the metal upgrades.  Some extra clips and you will be fine.  Even the Hardball 2 shotgun can make a good backup for CQB.  My favorite is my M93r.  This is a fearsome 9mm that can fire semi, burst, and full auto.  It is loud and with extended clips it can really keep your opponents pinned. KJW also makes a mean gas gun. I would suggest their metal M9.

3.  Gear

    Sportsman's Guide has just about anything you could need...at the cheapest prices I have ever seen.  Team BlackJack often uses Tiger Striped BDUs.  I got a full set for $20 total.  Brand new never issued.  I own several pairs of their BDUs and am pleased.  You can get mag pouches, combat vests, boots, you name it.  Sometimes they even carry airsoft...but they have not learned correct pricing for such items yet.

      You MUST have airsoft legal eye protection.  This means no laboratory goggles.  Bolle makes some really nice eye gear.  Wal-Mart sells good JT paintball masks for $20.  If you go into CQB without a paintball mask...you are asking for pain.  Personally I have several pieces of eye gear...and change them out depending on comfort level vs. safety needs.  The mesh masks by cybergun are great too but some fields will not allow them. We have never had any problems. Helmets are good if you for are in for some CQB.  The plastic look-alikes are just fine...just don't raid the toy isle at Target ok?

Balaclavas will prevent many painful welts on the ears and neck.  They may look hot, but the ones made by Blackhawk actually wick the moisture away from you.  I use them and have no problems. 

4. Family Relay Service (FRS) Radios

  These usually have minor problems working together with other brands.  Make sure you get ones that let you use an ear bud and mic.  Go ahead and get these as soon as you can.  A talking radio will get you shot when you are trying to hide.  Motorola makes the best FRS radios in my book.  Cobra isn't too bad either.  GMRS radios will handle FRS transmission as well.

5. Get a BlackHawk Hydrastorm ASAP. Don't screw around with being hydrated.

  This one is a no-brainer.  Carry your own water into the field.  You might want to bring a power bar for long games.  You could be out in the field for awhile so best to plan ahead.  If the field is small and the games quick, you should not need your water on the field.  I leave mine on the sidelines for such games.

Suggested starting Kit

1.  AEG.  Mauri, Airsoft Elite, ICS, and Classic Army Brands are safe.

2.  Correct battery for your AEG

3.  Enough mags to carry at least 700 rounds for your AEG. 

4. 1 set of BDUs or Coveralls

5.  Paintball mask

6.  LBV or basic combat vest

7.  5000 BB's or so

8. Canteen or Hydrastorm

9.  Backup pistol (springer or gas)

10.  FRS radio and ear bud/mic