Airsoft Action 03 - Dec 2011 | Page 58

worthy cause – this year the named charity is the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SAFFA). Soon enough a loud shout to order had everyone gathering round to listen to the comprehensive site safety briefing, given by one of the eight marshals. After that we were out for the first game, a 15 minute warm-up. The players were split into two teams, but it was done a little differently at Absolute Airsoft and I liked it. The players were asked to stand in two lines, one behind the other; the front rank was asked to move forward, the rear rank backward – and those were the two teams. This put mates who had arrived together against one another and also evened the teams out, mixing both experienced and new players together. The teams then went off to their respective areas and were briefed again by the marshals on how the game would run. Then 058 December 2011 another shout went up and the game was underway. The first game is always fast-paced to get everyone’s blood pumping and in the mood for the rest of the day, and this was achieved very well. Everyone then made their way back to the safe zone to rearm and get back out for the next game, all done quickly and without fuss. The games continued until lunchtime, when everyone came back in for a well-deserved break. Then it was back out for more. The first two games of the afternoon were nice and easy, allowing for everyone’s full stomachs. The final two were extremely engaging though, involving a very clever minefield, but I won’t give too many of Mark’s secrets away – you’ll just have to come and see for yourselves. Overall this is a great little site, one I had never visited before. It caters for every level of experience, from young guns to the regular weekend warriors. Another thing I noticed is that Mark welcomes players who use two-tone guns and actively encourages them to get involved. The site is professionally-run with very experienced marshals and some great regular players with fantastic attitudes to the sport. I didn’t once hear a complaint of cheating or of a player not taking hits, and every person I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed themselves, including the staff. Recommended! ■ ABSOLUTE AIRSOFT Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 3SS www.absolute-airsoft.co.uk, 07871 314951 Prices Walk-on fee: £20 (includes lunch and a can of drink) Hire fee: £40 (includes lunch, can of drink, hire gun, safety gear and a bottle of BBs) Evening game fees: Walk on £10, rentals £22 (pre-booking only).