After reading through the whole thread, it sure seems like the problem most people have isn't the equipment itself, but the new (and old?) players' attitudes as well.

Etiquette is something you learn either from someone who teaches you, or from being bitched at when you do something wrong. I suggest events that teach new people to play Airsoft. I've taught members of my team the four safety rules of a rifleman and many other tactical movement training sessions ensued after those. Like I said, it's an investment.

You could teach people in every province how to learn Airsoft, but you're going to have to go out of your way and deal with the loads of questions. I'm sure this could be a solution.

Hell, if I was as seasoned a player as some of you, I'd organize a seminar of sorts for new players to attend. I'm sure it would attract loads of people. If done in a proper and ordered manner, people could learn a LOT and that would do a big service.

Or is this impossible?

Airsoft in Ontario was small enough that Every time a new player started the game changed a little. The dynamics would change. Some would lead and some would follow but it always changed. The introduction of the Clearsoft has changed the game again. So the positive thing to do is to work with what we have and find a way to improve it.

No it's not impossible.. I have done it..

I have graduated about 150 people through the TTAC3 ATQ1 course .. a lot of those people have gone on to substantial success in the community.. well grounded and prepped.

the Western New york AS Association, has a AS 101 course that people MUST take before they can get into games.

So there is precedent for this..

The "noob introduction days" are awesome. Why? Because it teaches new players right away, before they get used to their bad habits.

You can teach proper trigger discipline, general safety rules (no blind firing, safety on when you're not under "direct threath", etc...). You can also "highly suggest" no hicaps, the use of some form of gear (may it be just a BDU and chest rig with some tan or black boots).

That is a way of keeping airsoft to an higher level. Sure, it needs some sort of commitement from more experienced members who want to run these, but it can work. And to these, accept minors who will be the next players.

Krakens, Broxas can be alright... but sure, someone who gets to a game with some crosman springer or electric shit should be thought what is suitable for play...

that works in smaller markets.. but here, in Ontario.. in some cases the "tourists" outnumber the locals..

When you are the soul voice raising issues of safety and control at a game... who come off as the jerk? The 20 boneheads that seem ok with loaded guns in the safe zone .. or the one guy who is raising the stink?

Depends on your point of view. I'd like to think of the safety issue as paramount. Stupid preventable accidents and injuries are exactly what airsoft DOES NOT need.

But you're also a field owner, Brian. On your field, your word is law and anyone with a brain and fundamental understanding of how society works should understand that. And if they don't, they're free to leave but not free to stay.

I completely agree with Brian.

I'm really tired of people with clone/half-breed/shitsoft guns complaining that their guns don't shoot as well as the people with CA and G&P stuff... then coming to me to get work done to it... and not choosing the recommended upgrades to make the gun shoot well because it costs as much as their gun.

Don't get me started on Broxas... Those things are the most awful pieces of shit I've ever dealt with. I couldn't install a freakin' inner barrel properly because the system that holds the front sight on interfered with a properly made aftermarket barrel, pushed it upwards and completely tore the hop-up rubbers.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

that IS how it is at his place, he's talking about when he goes to other places

Range and effectiveness
 

Well, clear guns or not the question is does the gun and player perform well. If I'm hit with a clearsoft or an all-metal "hopped-up-everything" it's still a hit right? I agree that the stuff they are selling at Canuck tire, etc. are worth a chuckle or two.
A lot of new players can be nervous and they may feel unwelcomed and out gunned. It only takes one game for the adventurous to realize they are the true Kamikazes of the field. if there guns are inadequate, but is this not part of the fun??? Well, kind of. If there is a lot of real airsoft floating around on forums and sellers are fair with there pricing then it can be enjoyable.

Fire teams of mixed experience is an obvious answer.

I still think the whole idea of airsoft is supposed to be fun, a little less on the serious might be in order. After all, we are hurling plastic at each other. ; )

again, it's not entirely about the guns, don't get sidetracked, it's the calibre of players that this cansoft/clearsoft is bringing into the sport

and Amos, you advertise for gundoc services, now you're complaining that you're getting buisiness?

Who in Montreal would do this? I would absolutely love to do it, but I'm not exactly old or have much Airsoft experience. How many reel steel rules apply to airsoft anyways? Apart for movement, gun/trigger and breath control, there's not much really.

I know someone is trying to open a field IN Montreal (not its outskirts), so that could help loads.

9/10's of real weapon handling applies to airsoft. About the only things that don't are the literal application of shots at a distance, and clearing the weapon of live rounds / jams.

Hahaha I bitched about clearsoft from the start ........

FULLY agree with Brian, I also agree with whoever siad clearsoft should NOT be allowed to be sold in the classifieds

No, I'm complaining I'm not getting buisness and people are wasting my time because they ask for my help and suggestions... Then decide not to because decent quality parts cost more than their gun.

ahh sorry, read it differently :)