Back at it.

Well, this has been quite a while, hasn't it?

Why so long?  Well, simply put, a lot happened.  When I thought about posting, I got distracted.  For the last couple years I've only barely been involved in airsoft due to other things in my life.  I've focused more on my job and career.  I'm not single anymore.  I haven't been for a while.  I went to Israel for another stint with Sar-El.  This time, with my father- though he couldn't so Sar-El with me.  I didn't bring a netbook, and haven't found the time or inclination to transcribe my notebooks.  I'd end up editing myself anyway and I think that would defeat the purpose.  I'm a small businessman- whihc means that I am effectively working two jobs- one of which, outside of a ton of useful experience, has yet to pay me.  (Buy a T-shirt!)

I've also changed my schedule to that of normal people.  For the first time in almost 9 years, I work during the day.  That means that I have more time for my relationship, family, business, and airsoft.  I can have a work-life balance.  Part of that life, is once again going to include skulking through the woods looking for n00bs to pwn. 

But a lot has happened in the last couple years.  I used to be part of the "inner circle," senior membership, ruling cabal, (Buy a T-shirt!) or whatever of the old Western NY Airsoft League.  That's gone.  The guys who did that with me, by and large don't play anymore.  Too much work, too much BS, too much other stuff in life. 

We used to have one field to play at.  Now there are easily a half dozen within a 2 hours drive of me.  There are a lot more players too.  What does that mean for me?  (Buy a T-shirt!)  I'm right back where I started in 2006.  Except this time I'm not on a team.

I'm going to try holding myself to a once a week update so I can get some things out that have been rattling around my head like bb's in a hicap.

First off, is the airsoft arms race.

Since Polarstar and other HPA guns have come on the scene, I've definitely been feeling the pressure to pay out for the performance.  Believe me- there is no small part of me wanting to.  I'm an adult damn it- if I want the cool toys I can buy them for myself! 

But here's the thing- I'm not in it for the kills, wins, etc.  I'm in it for the experience.  I always have been.  And shelling out a hell of a lot of money (Don't tell me how affordable it can be or how much better than an AEG it is unless you're willing to give me one at no cost.) (Buy a T-shirt!) is not going to improve my player experience nearly enough to justify the cost.

But it's not just the HPA users, it's also the new crop of high end AEG's.  You do get what you pay for in terms of looks, fit and finish and a performance boost.  Is it worth it to me?  If I weren't setting aside money for experiences that aren't airsoft- then maybe it would be.  But I want those other experiences.  (Buy a T-shirt!)

I feel like I'm justifying my frugality here- and I suppose I am in a way.  On the other hand- the flask I have that fits conveniently into a dual M-4 magazine pouch?  There will never be cheap whiskey in it.  BUY A T-SHIRT.  (I'll make it worth your while for reading all this stuff.  Free shipping with the discount code: 6MIL.)