lundi 11 août 2008

Fast guide to building up a SG-like uniform

There's been some indirect askings for such informations, so I'm rapidly making a short guide to "how building up a SG-like airsoft uniform". I say "like", because there's already tons of info about accurate costumes (100% identical), both in English and in French.

I first made that guide in French since I play wich french-speaking airsofters, but my sister who also plays airsoft, got questions from english players so I'm trying to translate it for you guys :) Don't hesitate to point out any mistake or things impossible to understand ! All prices are the ones we find in Western Europe, in USA you'll probably pay less for the gear.

Costume choice

The SG-troops have many uniforms available: the "offworld" (khaki trousers and shirt, black t-shirt, black boots, sometimes khaki cap), the one I call "combat dress" (woodland trousers and shirt, black assault vest, black boots, woodland helmet), the "desert" (desert camo on trousers, shirt and cap, tan boots), "snow" (white suit), "infiltration" (black assault vest, black trousers and t-shirt, black boots),...
In airsoft, snow and desert of course are inadvisable since the're too showy. The offworld is certainly the one that makes most think of Stargate, but it lacks of practical aspects: khaki is not the most discreet camouflage, it's a bit difficult to find and lacks of pockets to stock all the airsoft material. The infiltration one is the coolest, but black makes a bad camouflage since when you're static and in the dark it's perfect but if you're in light or moving you'll be far more visible. That's why I choose the "combat dress": the assault vest offers tons of pockets, and you've got less black areas on you. Of course the choice is still yours and you can build up any uniform you want or even have several of them :)

The combat dress
- the assault vest

There's only one vest able to carry P90 magazines and matching the vests used by SG troops, but it's rare and extremely expensive. Still, Strike Systems (and other factories) makes two models of black assault vest, a "standard" version and a "swat" one (which replaces two pockets by a holster, on the left side, made for right-handed players). Each of the four (two on the SWAT model) large pockets can carry two M16-type magazines; there's two pockets for GBB/GNB magazines, one on the left shoulder for the radio and a large pocket in the back. The two models are available in airsoft shops, around 20-25€.
-tactical belt
Available in airsoft shops and american stocks for only a few euros.
- boots

No matter the brand you choose, they must cover your ankles in order to protect them while you'll be running and jumping in the forest :) About the upkeep/cleaning, just put some shoe cream on it from time to time - but if you played on a humid field, you must clean them fast or the germ will attack the leather. Available in american stocks. Mine are Magnums E55, strong but expensive since they're over 70€.
- the uniform itself

Also available in american stocks, you can choose between many camouflages: marpat (not pretty but very efficient), woodland (more pretty but a bit less efficient, and not always the same depending where you buy it), russian camo (less easier to find, you'll find help and info on Frontovik, a french-speaking forum for fans of russian material),... Depending on the camo and brend the price will vary, but you should expect a twenty euros for each piece (trousers and shirt). I use Parks' woodland, 25€ each piece, very waterproof but a bit sensitive to velcros.
- the patches

There are dozens of models and easily available on the web; the closest ones to the show are at PatchGeeks and by BlueTigerTrading's. The latest is a bit cheaper, but if you're looking for specials patches (Delta team, Gatekeepers, every weird things you don't even see on the show) you'll have more choice at PatchGeeks. If you order a twenty at BlueTiger, take time to ask if he can makes you a small discount, it can be worth the effort. Take also time to carrefully choice the patch you want, since he has different versions of some of them (especially the SG-1, if I'm correct). Note that the "Earth" patch goes on the left shoulder and the patch with your team number on the right shoulder (with the USAF patch under it). You can find packs with the whole set around 10€.
- mil-force magazine holders

If you're using a P90, you certainly know that it's difficult to find an assault vest with big enough pockets to hold your P90's magazines. Unfortunately, it's also the case with Strike's vest, but Mil-Force makes magazines holders especially for the P90. You can find them in airsoft shops around 20-25€. Take note that the original velcro is a bit short and you'll need to extend it in order to correctly attach it to your thigh (but they're made so you can wear them on your arm too). And while you're busy with some velcro, I suggest you put some female on the back of the magazine holder (where there's a large male velcro), to prevent your trousers being eroded by the male velcro.

Airsoft model
First of all, I remember you that choosing your AEG/Bolt must be done with your taste and needs, and not only because you want a specific dress/gear. Luckily in stargate the choice is wide and it's easy to have a replica of a gun appaering in the show: M16, MP5 RAS, MP5 A3, FN P90, AK74, AK47, G3 SG1, SAR Taktik II, H&K SL8, Minimi, Beretta M92F, Jaffa stick, Zat, knife,...
Note the P90 fans: the one used in Stargate is mostly the Standard model, and sometimes a custom version of it (added left side rail for the lamp).
The plastic knife can easily be found in american stocks and on the web for 10-15€, sometimes less. The Zat on the other hand is far more expensive, and often made with breackable material so you shouldn't take that on the field. There are however a few fans that builds zats with resin, but to find that you unfortunately need to find the right person. Same thing with the Jaffa stick.

Airsoft gear
Beside your SG-uniform, don't forget to always wear your protective mask, and think about using knee pads for more comfort. I wish you nice games, and may the BB be with you !

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