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You’ll find some of your most intense and challenging airsofting at a CQB game. Having the right gear for this fast paced environment will make your gameplay more enjoyable, and improve your effectiveness on the field. I have compiled a list of the basic gear I bring to a CQB game to help you figure out what you need for your CQB game.
CQB Gear List
1. CQB Legal Weapon- I run a KWA SR7 at CQB fields. It meets the “under 350 FPS” rule that most indoor fields have. Also take a look at the G&G Combat Machine
2. Light Weight Load Bearing System- I use a Lancer Tactical Chest Rig (Model CA-307A)
3. BDU (Jacket and Pants)- Having a set of clothing that will protect you from the hazards of CQB fields (nails, debris, and BBs littering the floor) and will wear like iron is a priority when selecting gear for a CQB game. I use a set of military surplus ACU Jacket
4. Knee Pads- I used to be very skeptical about the necessity of knee pads in airsoft. I figured they were a waste of time and money. But, after using them in a game, they have become one piece of my load-out I never leave at home. If you’re looking for an inexpensive option, try the Condor Knee Pads
5. Magazines and BBs- I carry 7 120-round mid cap magazines (1 in my gun and 6 in my chest harness) during a game. I usually go through 2-3 mags per game at a semi-only field, and 3-4 at a full-auto field. but it’s nice to have extra. I use Lancer Tactical 0.25g BIO BB’s, although most fields will allow you to use non-BIO and 0.20g will work fine in the controlled indoor environments.
6. Batteries- Bring 2-3, fully charged batteries for your primary weapon. I use Tenergy 9.6V NiMH 1600mAh batteries
7. Water and Snacks- Bring a case of bottled water to your CQB game. Although you’re indoors, hydration is still key to staying safe and at the top of your game. Drink water in the staging area between each game. I rarely carry water on the field because there is no time to actually drink it, and it’s not as important to have with me when each game lasts 15 minutes and the staging area is only 50 feet away. A few CLIF Crunch bars
8. Red Dot- I have found that a good red dot sight can be worth its weight in gold during CQB battles. You’ll be able to acquire targets faster, have an easier time aiming, and be able to shoot off-hand more effectively. I’m able to see more of the field with an open, reflex style red dot rather than the tube style, which increases my battlefield awareness. You can check out the Sightmark red dot I currently use HERE
9. Gloves- With the naturally close encounters you’ll have at a CQB game, figuring out a way of keeping your hands from getting shot up is an important mission. I use half finger gloves
10. Footwear- Find a good, comfortable pair of boots that will protect your ankles and feet from punctures by nails or other debris. I like to wear a pair of 8-inch boots for added protection. Make sure that you break them in before airsofting, and wear a good pair of boot socks to prevent blisters.
Optional CQB Gear:
Sidearm- Although a pistol might be the most iconic CQB weapon, I have found that the need for one, when you have a good CQB primary weapon, is rare or non-existent. I almost never consider switching to a sidearm during a game. My primary weapon has a much larger magazine capacity, and I’m much more familiar with it, so there is no reason to take the time to pull out a side arm. The only time I may use one is if my primary goes down, or I’m in the mood (really tactical reason, right?). If you do carry a side arm, get a good pistol holster
Flashlight- Flashlights can be used to stun your enemies and give you a split-second advantage on the field. You can also use them to search dark rooms and corners while moving up the field. Be aware that improper use (i.e. having the light on all the time or keeping it on longer than you need to) can give you away and actually reduce your effectiveness on the field. Make sure you get a flashlight with at least 150 Lumens or it won’t have enough brightness to do much good beyond showing you the ground on your way back to respawn.
Grenades- Often times, indoor fields will have rules regarding the use of grenades. If the rule set allows you to make kills with them, then you might consider picking up a couple. They are a ton of fun to use. Pull the pin, chuck one into a group of enemies, and then sit back and watch the show!
Here is a printable, CQB packing list-
Make sure you have (as always) a good set of eye pro and some form of face mask. I would also recommend printing and filling out the field’s waiver before you go. This will make check-in much easier and faster when you get there.
As a final tip for selecting gear for your CQB game, ask the field owners or other players who have been to the field you want to visit. Usually they can make the best suggestions regarding what you will need to have with you to play at a specific field.
Great tips! I love playing CQB!
Thanks, Chief! Looking forward to seeing you at a CQB field sometime soon!
– TAW
For flashlights, I love the Streetlight ProTac 2L, which has a high brightness in a compact (and durable) package. Still want to check out the 1000+ lumen ProTac HL3!!!!! 🙂
Awesome Venator! I’ve been looking into getting a Fenix PD35 Tactical Edition (1000 lumens with 5 brightness settings and strobe) for my night and lowlight games.
– TAW
By the way, the Streamlight ProTac HL3 lasts longer in its brightest setting than the Fenix. If you buy the MFT TRCH STD MNT (look it up on Amazon) and the flashlight, you will have an extremely cool light that fits on your gun. It is almost cheaper than the Fenix itself and has better ratings.
By the way, I meant STREAMLIGHT, not Streetlight! Autocorrect strikes again!!! 🙂
Just so you know, you feature two different red dot sight links on your website, one here and a different one on the “Why you need/don’t need a pistol” page. Which one is it. I am confused… 😉
Either one will work. They are links to Amazon, and sometimes the cost is better depending on the company you buy from. As always, be sure you do your own research to find the best deal for you. – TAW
I was looking around at some of Sightmark’s red dot sights for fun, and I wondered what your opinion was of the Sightmark Core Shot Pro Spec. It seems like a relatively good red dot sight for the money… 🙂
Thank you for your question, Venator!
I personally think that for CQB and most other airsoft games, open reflex style sights (like the Core Shot Pro) are the best option and give you the greatest situational awareness during a game. One other thing to consider when buying a red dot for airsoft, is whether the benefits of the particular sight are worth the extra cost since it can break during a game (airsoft BBs have been know to shoot out red dots before, ruining your expensive investment).
I would invest in a red dot protector for that extra level of insurance against BBs. Be sure to install a Lexan (clear polycarbonate) lens for added protection.
– TAW
I run a kwa m4 cqb with a 12 rail system and a valken wepon light with a aim point red dot and version 2 metal gearbox
Nice load out, Heston! How do you like the Valken weapon light? I’m looking around for a tac light set up for my load out.
– TAW
Love your videos Blake you are better than me
I’m glad you enjoy the videos, Heston! Videos take a lot longer to edit and produce than most people realize and it’s always good to here when people enjoy them. 🙂 You can check out the Airsoft Warrior YouTube channel HERE for more of my videos. If you’ve made some airsoft videos, I would love to see them!
– TAW
Hey what do you use for a side arm
I used to have a Umarex H&K USP. Great weapon except for the mags that come with it. I don’t use a sidearm very much (You can see the reasons why in THIS post), but I would like to pick up one of the Elite Force 1911 Tac pistols. What sidearm do you like to use?
– TAW
The valken light is exelent consider getting one
Hey Blake have you gone to high ground air soft in spring Texas go their exelent playing feild for cqb
I haven’t yet. I’m planning on making it down Texas way sometime to check out the new Airsoft G.I. store and play at D14. I’ll have to see if I can head to High Ground!
– TAW
Is the pistol you are using good
I like my current weaponry. I’m in between sidearms right now, so I’m using a backup when I need it.
– TAW
I don’t use a side arm I used to use a Walter PPq but the co2 caused a. Ruption and blew the slide off and burned my hands I will be getting the elite force 1911 tac
I will be going to high ground this Saturday
How did you get into airsoft
Great question, Heston! I got into airsoft after playing with friends. Military tactics and history has always been an interest of mine, so airsoft was a perfect fit! I bought a basic gas pistol and started playing whenever I had the chance. Now with the blog and Airsoft Warrior social media, I’m able to share my experience, interact with airsofters around the globe, and help grow the airsoft community!
– TAW
How long have you been playing airsoft
I’ve been playing airsoft for over 4 years. I’ve had a great time and plan on doing it for years to come! You can learn more about me (TAW) in the “About The Airsoft Warrior” tab.
-TAW
Do you use thunder bs
How do you deal with cheaters
What was your first airsoft gun
Do you attend milsim games
Do you attend milsim