BTA – Black Thorn Airsoft Seasonal Ops:
As stated on the HOME page…
“We host games every weekend, all year long, rain, snow or shine!”
We are not trying to say we are the most hardcore milsim team out there. However, we are not about to let some foul weather get in the way of our favorite pass time!
In fact, we look at the seasons and elements as additional props and challenges that add to the game!
Every season and weather condition offers unique challenges to test your abilities or heighten your airsoft experience.
For example, there is nothing like tracking the enemy in newly fallen snow, or laying in wait in deep snow wearing “overwhites” while unsuspecting enemy players move about with their normal camo standing out amongst all the snow-covered terrain.
The purpose of this article is to advise you of specific gear and techniques to help you prepare for airsofting in any season or weather condition. BTA will post each of the following articles on our NEWS page prior to its corresponding time of year to help our members, regular visitors, and new comers get ready for the conditions to come.
Spring/Rain Ops
The days are getting warmer; the snow is turning to rain. Spring has sprung!
Here at BTA “We host games every weekend, all year long, rain, snow, or shine”
BTA Spring Ops are here.
It is time to get your rain ops kit in order.
Whether you are a seasoned wet weather fighter or a new player looking forward to playing regardless of the rain, here are some things to consider in the wet spring months…
- Hydration: Always stay hydrated, rigorous activity robs your body of essentials needed to perform.
- Layered clothing: Be able to adjust for the varying temperatures. A waterproof outer layer is a must in the spring rains.
- Waterproof Boots: There will be wet and muddy conditions until the summer heat takes over.
- Maintenance: Learn how to dry and clean your guns immediately upon getting home.
- Spare dry clothing: Leave the games warm and dry!
Night Ops
Spring is upon us, and the nights are getting warmer.
Very soon, BTA will begin hosting Night Ops!
It is time to get your night ops kit in order.
Whether you are a seasoned nocturnal fighter or a new player looking forward to games in the dark, here is a list of what you will need…
- A low power AEG (300fps or lower/310fps max with 0.20g BBs). With a tracer unit or mounted flashlight that you can turn on when firing.
And/Or
- A semi-auto, 300fps or under (310fps max with 0.20g BBs): shotgun, GBB (Gas Blow Back) pistol, AEP (Auto Electric Pistol). Tracer/Flashlight not required in semi-auto.
NO Co2 PISTOLS!
NO SHOOTING OVER 300fps (310 max)!
NO FULL-AUTO AT ALL WITHOUT A TRACER/FLASHLIGHT!
- A RED chem-light or LED glow-stick for your “dead-light” (ONLY RED, OTHER COLORS WILL HAVE OTHER PURPOSES AT BTA NIGHT OPS.)
- A flashlight.
Other highly recommended items are…
- A training knife.
- A headlamp.
- A zombie mask! (Must be worn with eye-protection)
All other normal rules will apply. Games to be held on Friday or Saturday nights. Games commence at night-fall, approximately 9:00 p.m. Usually we begin early to hold some higher fps daylight games beforehand.
Summer/Hot Weather Ops
The days are getting hotter; players are shedding clothing. Summer is upon us!
Here at BTA “We host games every weekend, all year long, rain, snow, or shine”
Summer Ops are here.
It is time to get your hot weather ops kit in order.
Whether you are a seasoned fighter or a new player looking forward to joining our games, here are some things to consider in the hot summer months…
- Hydration: This is the key season to stay hydrated! Dehydration and Heat Stroke can be fatal!
- Full coverage clothing: As tempting as it is to strip to a t-shirt, remember you are still being shot at! If you choose to expose yourself, do not complain when you are hit!
- Comfortable durable boots: Protect your feet and support your ankles. Prevent injuries during strenuous play.
- Maintenance: Clean & maintain you gas sidearms, grenades, “snipers”, etc… This is the season they shine!
- Spare dry clothing: Get out of those sweaty clammy clothes after the game.
Fall/Autumn Ops
The days are getting shorter, the nights and mornings are cooler, and the leaves will soon turn. Fall is in the air!
Here at BTA “We host games every weekend, all year long, rain, snow, or shine”
Fall Ops are here.
It is time to get your unpredictable weather ops kit in order.
Whether you are a seasoned fighter or a new player looking forward to playing all year, here are some things to consider in the unpredictable weather of the autumn months…
- HYDRATION: As always, remember to hydrate!
- LAYERED CLOTHING: In the fall, it can go from cold in the morning to hot in the afternoon. If you put it on in layers, you can adjust for comfort throughout the day. Consider a waterproof outer layer in case it rains!
- WATERPROOF BOOTS: Keep your feet dry and warm and you will be able to play all day!
- MAINTENANCE: Learn how to dry and clean your guns immediately upon getting home
- A ZOMBIE MASK! (Must be worn with eye-protection): BTA hosts our annual Halloween games around this time every year!
- A THERMOS/HAND WARMERS/LIPO BATTERIES/A SPRINGER OR AEP SIDEARM: All winter airsoft staples… great for unexpected cold in the autumn.
- SPARE DRY CLOTHING: Your ride home could be a lot more comfortable if you can get out of wet clothes and shoes.
Winter/Snow Ops
The days have gotten shorter; a chill will soon be in the air. Winter is on its way!
Here at BTA “We host games every weekend, all year long, rain, snow, or shine”!
Winter and especially snow-ops are nearly here.
It is time to get your cold & snow ops kit in order.
Whether you are a seasoned arctic fighter or a new player looking forward to games in the snow, here is a list of recommended items…
- HYDRATION: It is still all too possible to dehydrate in the winter.
- BASE LAYER: Be it “Long-Johns” or Under Armor, it all starts with the first thing you put on!
- LAYERED CLOTHING: If you put it on in layers, you can adjust for comfort throughout the day. Consider a waterproof outer layer!
- WATER PROOF BOOTS: Keep your feet dry and warm and you will be able to play all day!
- HAND WARMERS: They work on AEG batteries and Grenades as well as your cold hands!
- LIPO BATTERIES: They work in the cold when NiCad’s fail!
- A SPRINGER OR AEP SIDEARM: Because GBB’s don’t like the cold!
- SNOW CAMO: “Overwhites”, the number one camo for snow!
- THERMOS: Filled with something hot for your belly, to fight off the chill!
- SPARE DRY CLOTHING: Being dry after the game can mean the difference between catching that cold or not!
Learn to adapt and overcome, use the conditions and elements to your advantage. Enjoy these games all year. Do not let seasons and weather get in the way of your airsoft experience!
~Trooper