SLAYDIES SERIES SPOTLIGHT! ALDINA THORNBERRY/TACTICALALI!

Hey everyone! 

So it's that time of week again! It's time for another Slaydies Series Spotlight! This instalment is on a Slaydie who has supported FFA since the very beginning - Aldina Thornberry!

Hey Allie! Thanks for taking part in the Femme Fatale Airsoft Slaydies Series Spotlights! Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?

Aldina Thornberry, but most of my friends call me Allie. I’m 19, about to be 20. I’m from San Jose, California. I work in admin (basically I’m a secretary) at a biotech company here in Silicon Valley, I’m also a student. I currently major in Psychology but I’m considering a switch to History. If I stay with psych I’d like to get my doctorate in Psycho-Trauma and work with Veterans who have PTSD. I’m also currently in school so I can get my EMT license and then hopefully my paramedic license.

How long have you been Airsofting?

I started in April 2014, so almost three years.

What got you into Airsoft?

Ha. A guy. A guy I was talking to was a “sponsored player” (all that meant was 10% off at the local store) and he asked to take me. I ended up going with his friends for my 17^th birthday and I loved it and have been playing ever since.

What do you love about Airsoft?

I love everything about it. I like the physical aspect of running around, jumping through windows, shooting people. I like that if you want to win you have to come up with a plan, execute it, and be prepared to deviate when things don’t go the way you want. I think my favourite thing has been the people though. Some of my best friends have been people I’ve met at the local fields, or online on Facebook. Shout out to my Slaydies/WOA girls. There may be a lot of drama in Airsoft but if you stay away from the bad eggs, most of the people in Airsoft are great.

Where is your home site?

Fort Ord (Roundhouse Productions? They have like three names) down in Marina, California. I also play at Gamepod Combatzone a lot.

What are the most memorable sites you’ve played?

Fort Ord seems to be my favourite, its unique because it’s outdoors but it’s on a retired military base so you also play in the buildings. They’ve done a few really amazing night ops as well.

How would you describe your playing style?

I’m probably the opposite of MilSim whatever that is. I try not take myself too seriously because come on, it’s Airsoft. I’m a pretty aggressive player and I definitely like to win. I can get kind of bossy on the field if my team starts to lose (which is how I got my callsign) but that’s worked in my favour a few times.

Weapons and Loadouts:  What’s your weapon of choice? And what loadout do you normally run?

I run a completely re-done KWA CQR as my main rifle. At this point I’m not even sure you could call it that, I’ve had all the internals replaced, it has a new stock, lower, and a keymod rail. His name is Leonidas and he’s my baby. My sidearm is a KWA M9 usually I have one standard mag and one extended. I also have started running with 2-3 thunder b’s at any one time.

Usually my goal is to be as light weight as possible so a chest rig or plate carrier with no plates. 6-7 mid cap mags, Valken Zulus for eye pro, and then the rest varies depending on weather.

What are your experiences of being a woman in Airsoft?

I think being a woman in Airsoft has its pros and cons like anything else. When I first started it was rare to see another woman at a game and so guys would kind of go all doe eyed. Now whenever I play there is usually 3-5 of us women so it’s a little more normal to see but not really. A lot of the guys I’ve been lucky to become friends with have been really great to me since joining, my sidearm was a gift, a lot of the gear I had when I first started were hand-me-downs from my first team, even my first MultiCams were hand-me-downs from them. I’m not too sure if that’s because I’m a woman or because they are nice guys but from what I’ve heard it’s a chick thing to get free stuff.

One huge con to being a girl in Airsoft has been harassment and overall creepiness from guys online. I’ve been very lucky to not have been harassed at fields very much due to having a lot of staff friends at the fields I play at, but it has happened once or twice. Mostly though it’s in PMs on Instagram or comments on forums and stuff like that. As more women get into the sport though I’ve been noticing it get better. I had to publicly shame someone once and it happened a lot less after that.

I had the honour of being the Captain of an all girls Airsoft team (The Pink Rangers) for about two years, and that was pretty amazing. At our height we had 7 girls, at our smallest we had 3. I was extremely surprised at how welcoming the (mostly) male community in Airsoft was when we started and how supportive they stayed while we were still a team. It was always really cool to come out to games and have guys know who we were and want to play with us. A few times guys were really sceptical of us being a girls only team, but 9/10 times by then end of the day we were all friends and having a great time. One of our main goals as a team was to bring more women into Airsoft, and when we’d go out a lot of guys would be like “I should bring my (insert significant female in their life) and have them play, maybe seeing you girls would help them be more comfortable”.

Can you let my readers know where to find you on social media?

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/callsignboss/

Instagram: @tacticalali

Is there anything you would like to say to other players out there?

Call your hits, don’t be creepy, and listen to the briefing. 

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SLAYDIES SERIES SPOTLIGHT! MILSIM_ASHLEY!

Hey everyone!

Following from our last Slaydies Series Spotlight we have another! In this post we chat to Ashley Arvelo, a MilSimmer from Southern California!

Hey Ashley! Thanks for being a part of the Femme Fatale Airsoft Slaydies Series Spotlights! Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?

Hi! My name is Ashley aka Milsim Ashley and I am 21 (22 in March) I'm from Southern California, USA and I’m a full time college student getting a degree in Criminal Justice.

How long have you been airsofting?

About 4 years give or take a few months.

What got you into Airsoft?

I’d always wanted to go, but I didn’t have anyone to go with. When I started dating my boyfriend we went for his birthday and within a month I had bought my first gun.

What do you love about Airsoft?

I don’t know if it’s the people I get to meet or if it’s the fact that I get to shoot my family members and boyfriend. I’ve met some great friends playing airsoft and it has led to a lot of opportunities for road trips.

Where is your home site?

Code Red Airsoft (but you can sometimes find me at Jungle Island)

What are the most memorable sites you’ve played?

Boron, an abandoned prison was one of my favorites before it was closed to Airsoft events. The history of the place was really interesting to me as a CJ major and there were tons of awesome hiding spots. Also, AMS Broken Home in Oklahoma because I rode a helicopter for the first time there and it was my first Airsoft road trip. I got to meet a lot of people I had only talked to on social media and the crew put on a great event.

Describe your playing style.

I play Milsim, but I tend to be that person who goes on suicide runs and hard charges an objective (I could never be a good sniper).

Weapons and Loadouts:  What’s your weapon of choice? And what loadout do you normally run?

I tend to run my mp5 swordfish and 1911 pistol the most, but my first gun is Freddy, my KWA m4 that caught on fire. You’ll probably be seeing more of my KWA coming up. As for a loadout I have a lot of hand me down and surplus gear from Army Navy stores. I can’t afford to spend a lot of money on my gear so I have a Condor Chest Rig that has held up really well and I wear Magnum boots. The smaller stuff like hat and gloves comes from Voodoo Tactical which if I had the money I’d buy a lot more of.

Being a women in Airsoft, what are your experiences?

When I first got into Airsoft I could definitely feel a pressure to “prove myself” as a player and not as some arm candy that a guy brought out. But, I think that mentality is slowly dying out. I’ve gotten a lot of hate from both players and Airsoft companies because I won’t conform to their idea of what a “female player” should be and I’ve been told I don’t need to play, I just need to look pretty by past sponsors. But, I’ve also received a ton of support from a ton of people (you know who you are) and I can’t thank them enough because it’s kept me in the sport.

Social Media, where can my readers find you?

Instagram: @milsim_ashley

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milsimashley/

Your thoughts: Is there anything you would like to say to other players out there?

I see so many people trying to become “Insta- famous” or an “Airsoft celeb” and it kind of pains me because that isn’t the point of these social media sites, which may sound like I’m a pot calling the kettle black. But, I’ve had experience trying both the “sponsored Airsoft celeb” and the normal everyday player and I’ve found that people respond much better to those who are themselves on social media versus a walking advertisement. Which is why I stay away from individual sponsors. By being yourself you meet so many other players and make friends from all around the world. These relationships are worth more than any sponsorship. So stop trying so hard to reach those follower goals and start being yourself and making friends with each other. In the end, you get something so much better than a discount or a free patch, trust me. 

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SLAYDIES SERIES SPOTLIGHT! SAMARA FERRIE!

Hi everyone, so following on from our last Slaydies Series Spotlight, we have another! This instalment is a spotlight on a fellow Slaydie from Glasgow, UK!

Hi Samara! Thanks for taking part in the FFA Slaydies Series Spotlights - can you tell my readers a little about yourself?

Hi, I'm Samara! I’m 22 and work full time as a Transport Co-ordinator and account manager within a Haulage company in Glasgow. I’m a total home girl and absolutely love Scotland so I try and camp somewhere different one weekend and play Airsoft the following! 

How long have you been playing Airsoft? What got you into the sport? And why do you love Airsoft?

I’ve only been playing Airsoft for about a year now. It’s flew in and it all started when my friend Paul at the time, who by the way is now my Fiancé! Invited me along to a CQB night game. Although he forgot to bring his torch so it was an interesting first game with the both of us following the opposite team around for 20 minutes before being rinsed! 

I suppose the main thing I enjoy about Airsoft the most is the diversity. Regardless of gender, age or race everyone comes together to play a sport that only ever ends in laughter and friendship. 


Where is your home site? What are the most memorable sites you've played?

My home site for CQB would have to be The Depot in Castlemilk as I play there fortnightly which usually has around 70-90 players each game day. If I was playing outdoors I would swear by Scottish Airsoft Centre! The marshals and game play is by far the best in Glasgow and it promises a great day.

My most memorable site would have to be The Sandpit which I fortunately got to play a few weeks before it closed. The range of firefights and scenarios spread over acres of land meant you never played the same situation over again. Me and my Fiancé travelled 12 hours from Glasgow to Dartford and it was definitely worth it, from speedboats operating with various vehicles and genuine players only interested in having fun! 

How would you describe your playing style?

My playing style constantly changes ever since I had a car accident at the start of the year and has an impact on the length I can play due to my left knee and back. It sucks but If I'm not playing 100mph I'm usually limited to taking my time and being more stealthy which usually works out pretty well compared to sprinting to an adjective anyways. Me and my fiancé always play as a couple (cheesy I know!!) and it always works out for us both as we constantly watch each other's back, we clear rooms together and most people know if I get shot that he isn't far behind me so it's hilarious watching them hide and prepare for a firefight! 

What is your go to loadout?

As I said my back gives me so many issues so I try keep my load-out simple and narrowed down to essentials only... The love of my life is my G&G CM16 FFR A2! I use it for absolutely everything due to its length only being around 750mm so it's perfect for CQB. I usually carry around 4-5 mids per game on a Viper Tactical LAZER waist belt attached to a Nuprol PMC MOLLE harness to try and distribute any weight of anything else I have to carry! I always carry my reloadable TRMR impact grenade as well and it's amazing how much it helps when you're attempting to clear room after room so I usually carry that in a H W Holster that is custom fitted with some disposable pyro too! 

What are your experiences regarding being a woman in Airsoft?

Being a women in airsoft hasn't created any issues for me thankfully but I think that's because I'm so laid back and love sarcastic banter so guys don't see me as being any different! Don't get me wrong there's the odd 'oh there's a girl on my team' when I go to random sites but why get bothered, personally I think it's hilarious watching them go off on one! 

Is there anything you'd like to say to fellow players? Any advice etc?

I think people need to remember that at the end of the day we're all adults playing a huge game of toy guns. No ones better than anyone regardless of experience, it's all about having fun. So leave the bullshit at the door and enjoy yourself!  

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SLAYDIES SERIES SPOTLIGHT: SUZI TOOLE!

Hey everyone! I have another Slaydies Series Spotlight in store for you! This feature is on Suzi Toole, an Airsofter from Manchester, UK.

Hi Suzanne, thanks for taking part in the Femme Fatale Airsoft Slaydies Series Spotlights! Can you tell my readers a little about yourself? 

My name is Suzanne “Suemoo” Toole. I am 28 Years old from Manchester UK and I work as a college Biology teacher. I live on a canal boat in Wigan and when I’m not Airsofting I’m out on the motorbike or playing video games.

What got you into Airsoft and how long have you been playing?

I’ve been playing for around 3 years. I played paintball a bunch of times but what got me into Airsoft initially was that I was looking into buying Wesker’s Samurai Edge M92F pistol from Resident Evil (because it’s one of my favourite series of games). I found out due to VCRA restrictions I would need a UKARA to buy one so I researched Airsoft, found a site about 4 miles from where I live, convinced the boyfriend to come along and we both absolutely loved it and never looked back. Now I own that Samurai edge and about 10 other weapons!

What do you love about Airsoft? 

What’s not to love? Firstly the awesome guns. Being a massive tomboy I’ve always had a bit of a gun fetish, I’ve been playing with toy guns since I was tiny so this was sort of a natural progression for me. The people are amazing, I’ve met some truly brilliant people and made some lifelong friends. I really enjoy the thrill of the games, that sneaky bang kill, holding down objectives, fast paced CQB and the long range sniper shot between trees/pallets/impossible gaps. Love it!

Where is your home site? 

I flit between two local sites Military Outdoor Adventure in Wigan and Delta 3 in Skelmersdale.

What are the most memorable sites you’ve played? 

Taffy’s EX site in Mold was great, ridiculous hills though – be prepared for a leg workout! Farmistan run by Gunman Innovations is a good large site too. I also played a great MilSim at Nesscliffe Army Training Camp. Hoping to try out some more sites this year.

Can you describe your playing style?

Sneaky. Almost all of my weapons are suppressed, I ran with a TM P90 with a suppressor for the first year or so and was known for ambushes and flanking manoeuvres then I got into sniping about 2 years ago. I LOVE creeping about and taking out players and whole squads without them knowing where I am. The expressions of fear on other players is hilarious - it’s like that scene from Predator “There’s something in those trees!” Quite a few players have said they only see me in the safe zone at lunch and occasionally hear my psychotic laughter out in the field, otherwise I’m usually invisible.

Weapons and Loadouts, talk us through them.

Sniper loadout –

Primary: TM VSR10 Gspec Sniper rifle (upgraded to 490 fps)

Sidearm: TM MK23 or TM Glock 17

Jack Pyke LLCS hat and gloves

Home made ghillie suit over DPM or Kryptek mandrake camo

CQB loadout –

TM P90 or ASG Scorpion Evo with a mounted Nuprol torch

Sidearm: TM Glock 17
Mechanix gloves.

Being a woman in Airsoft, what are your experiences? 

Thankfully I have never really encountered any negative side to being a woman in Airsoft, you can expect a bit of light-hearted banter but I’ve never faced any kind of discrimination or sexism at any of the sites I have played at. If anything the best part of being a female Airsofter is that guys tend to underestimate me and then quickly learn the lesson - women with guns are fierce!

Social Media, where can my readers find you?

I have a YouTube channel that you can check out here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtEJYj_F9bA27c0koG3JwLg

Is there anything you'd like to say to other players out there? Any advice etc?

Don’t rush out and buy a sniper rifle, a large proportion of players find out it’s not for them AFTER they have spent hundreds of pounds on a rifle and upgrades, harbouring the misconception that they’re going to be the Airsoft equivalent of Chris Kyle instantly. Sniping is 80% fettling with your rifle, 10% missing due to wind, scope/bb/hop issues and 5% people not feeling/taking the hit. Don’t get me wrong that 5% of the time when you land a long range shot through a tiny gap is amazing, if you want to get into sniping borrow one from a site or a mate first and don’t expect to be as good as Bodgeups in a week!

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SLAYDIES SERIES SPOTLIGHT! LINZI HORN/LINZI_H_X!

Hey everyone! Following on from our popular Slaydies Series Spotlights we have another in store, Linzi is a player I met at the Viper Titanium Launch at Landwarrior Airsoft in April 2015! Since then we have played a few Skirmish days together and I can honestly say this lass plays to win!

Hi Linzi, thanks for taking part in the Femme Fatale Airsoft Slaydies Series Spotlights! Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?

Hey guys!! My name's Linzi, I am 26 years old and from Glasgow. After years of studying, I am now an accountant and have been working in accounting for 2 years. I also have an awesome 8 year old son!  

How long have you been Airsofting?

I have been Airsofting now for around 5 years but it really doesn’t seem that long!

What got you into Airsoft?

My brother got me into Airsoft, I had played a few games of paintball and enjoyed it but it was incredibly expensive. He invited me along to an Airsoft game day, after the first game I was hooked and never looked back.

What do you love about Airsoft?

In typical Glasgow style, I love the banter!! I have always been a tomboy and felt more comfortable with the guys, I have never left a game day unhappy, I have always had a fantastic day and laughed … A LOT. It’s so much fun and I have made so many great friends. It also gets me off my backside on a Sunday to socialise and do some exercise at the same time.

Where is your home site?

Depending on my childcare it would either be Airsoft Edinburgh or The Depot (Glasgow).

What are the most memorable sites you’ve played?

My most memorable would be Catterick, run by the Stirling Airsoft guys, my favourite being Scotland v England. I also really enjoyed playing at the Mall in Reading which is quite unique. I haven’t had much of a chance to travel around but that is now changing! Next year will be full of road trips.

Can you describe your playing style?

I am in no way “operator” - I like to have fun!! I like to be sneaky when I can but to be perfectly honest I just get stuck in, usually getting hit in the process.

Weapons and Loadouts, talk us through them! 

My modified H&K 416c is my preferred gun, I have had a few over the years, mostly M4 variants but this has to be my favourite. I also have a Sig P226 but I don’t use pistols very often, I really should and I am going to start! I also have my trusty little TRMR, that always comes in handy. I am usually rocking jeans and a check shirt/t-shirt or grey kit as I mostly play CQB now, accompanied by a Haley chest rig. Recently I have started using an LBX plate carrier which I find surprisingly comfy. I carry 5 Mids and 3 pistol mags. If it’s woodland, Crye trousers and a hoodie or softshell jacket with chest rig. ( I am not clued up on kit, I trust my friends and take their advice)

Being a woman in Airsoft: What are your experiences?

Being a woman in Airsoft was a little tough in the beginning, I received many sexist comments. Once people got to know me as a person and realised women can actually enjoy the sport as well that all changed. Other than that I don’t really have much else to say, as a woman that plays Airsoft I am just another player, accepted the same as everyone else. I always feel included and part of the team. I just wish more women played because fart jokes get really boring after a while!

Where can my readers find you on social media?

www.instagram.com/linzi_h_x

Do you have anything you'd like to say to other players?

Have fun!!! It’s only a game at the end of the day. Chill out, have a laugh and go with the flow. Oh and if you haven’t tried it give it a go, you will love it!!!

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SLAYDIES SERIES SPOTLIGHT! KIMBERLEY SEDDON/CALLSIGN_KIMBOSLICE

Hey everyone! Following on from the popular Slaydies Series Spotlights, here is our next installment! An Airsofter from Manchester UK who regularly frequents the MilSim scene! 

Hi Kim! Thanks for taking part in the Slaydies Series Spotlights! Can you tell my readers a little bit about yourself?

Kimberley Seddon, 23, from Manchester and I work for the Ambulance Service, working towards becoming a Paramedic!

How long have you been Airsofting? What got you into Airsoft?

I've been playing about a year now! My Fiancé started playing with his best friend, because of our jobs we don’t have a lot of spare time together, so it was a way of spending more time with him, also the thought of shooting at things as a way to de stress seemed like a cool idea at the time, 1 year down the line, I’m still playing and spending a silly amount of money!

What do you love about Airsoft?

The Camaraderie, the togetherness, especially if you’re part of a team like I am fortunate enough to be a part of. I play with the Wolfpack.

Where is your home site?

My home site is Trojan Airsoft in Stockport. It’s a CQB site, played in a old mill very compact, lots of opportunities to engage. Get yourself down there and say hello!

What are the most memorable sites you’ve played?

Probably my favourite site would have to be where I played my first Milsim - Sennybridge FIBUA. It’s basically a town they’ve created. It’s brilliant, very compact moving building to building, lots of opportunities to engage, but it has a woodland down one side and it’s on a hill so depending on which side depends on whether you play uphill or downhill. We played uphill, was a real challenge, had to really think about what you were doing and use the site to our advantage. It also rained all weekend so you had to have something about you to play whilst you were cold and wet. It was also quite hard being ambushed every time you slept. It didn't seem funny at the time, but I could imagine it being quite funny seeing someone come at you with only one boot on because you were ambushed at silly o’clock in the morning and had no time to think (yup, I did that.)

I also enjoyed playing at Caerwent, it was the complete opposite to sennybridge, wide and expansive, able to see vast distances, was hard work defending such a large FOB and being attacked from all sides. Was even more of a challenge attacking the enemy FOB with it being so far away, it was a all or nothing kinda deal. Felt immense when we captured it! Looking forward to playing there again. 

How would you dscribe your playing style?

As a team it’s go hard or go home, very aggressive - in your face, we like to let you know we are here. Personally I quite like the sneakiness of the game, I could quite happily sit in a bush for hours on end waiting for the perfect time to strike. It’s so much more satisfying surprising the enemy, seeing their faces when they’re like “what the eff has happened here?”

Weapons and Loadouts:  What’s your weapon of choice? And what loadout do you normally run?

I run 2 RIFS, not at the same time obvs!

My first baby is my Tippmann M4 Carbine, G&G stock, Tight-bore barrel and custom hop. It’s got loads of recoil and is just noisy and offensive. Puts a smile on my face when you hear people go “Oh FUCK! There’s that Tippmann again!” They’re so distinctive in how they sound. A few of the guys on our team run them, they all sound different in their own way, kinda have a character to them, it’s dead cool. I run mine on a HPA system. Dead reliable once you know what you’re doing.

Next baby is my KRYTAC arms CRB. it’s a beautiful thing to run. Personally think Krytac’s are the best AEG’s on the market. They certainly aren’t cheap, but you get what you pay for. Dead smooth, quiet and look really mean with a tracer unit on it.

I’m fortunate that I never get bored of either of my rifles, it’s a privilege to open my gun box and know that both of my RIF’s are AMAZING.

I also run 2 1911’s one full sized and one baby colt. I think they look dead smart, the baby colt fits in my hand PERFECTLY. They run so well, I love them.

Rig wise I run a Warrior Assault System DCS. It’s so well made and fits so well, really adaptable, I also run a back pack for my HPA system, keeps everything out the way and tidy. I also run contrast Bollee’s, they’re handy and everything seems clearer!

All I need now is a pink BFG and my load out will be complete!

Where can my readers find you on social media?

IG: callsign_kimboslice

www.callsignkimbo-slice.tumblr.com

 Is there anything you would like to say to other players out there?

Keep slaying you Badass Bitches! Haha! But in all seriousness just get yourselves down to your local site - get involved, don’t be afraid to ask questions, people will be more than happy to help out and point you in the right direction. Would be amazing to see more women playing! Can’t wait to see more of you ladies on the battlefield! 

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SLAYDIES SERIES SPOTLIGHT! LEANNE WILDER/WILDAIRSOFT!

Hi all, so in this next instalment of the FFA Slaydies Series Spotlights is a lady from Florida, USA - Leanne!

Hi Leanne! Thanks for taking part in the Femme Fatale Airsoft player spotlights! Can you give me readers a little info about yourself?

Leanne Wilder, 21, Plant City FL, I am a waitress at O’Briens Irish Pub in Plant City. I play Airsoft almost every Sunday as work restricts me to that day unless I take off for a specific event.

How long have you been Airsofting? 

From sometime in either 2009 or 2010, not super sure but I have continued to always improve on both my kit and my skills!

What got you into Airsoft?

Honestly, my brother. He started playing Airsoft at Black Tiger Airsoft (BTA) when it was run out at the Orbital Paintball field, up until they got kicked out. My brother mentioned that we lived on a large amount of land (about 100 acres) to the then-owner Mike, and Mike and my dad Barry were able to work out the details and get Mike and Black Tiger running out on our property, which is when I started helping out and really getting into it. After a while, Mike sold the business outright to my parents and I worked as a referee/sales rep/photographer/internet marketer/food stand manager up until the day they sold it.

What do you love about Airsoft? 

I love and extremely appreciate the physical exercise that comes with it and the awesome camaraderie that I have built with the people that I had the joy of working with. Almost everyone was there to have a great time, and that’s exactly what we strove to do, and we’re successful in most accounts.

Where is your home site? 

Either TAC in Lakeland or DV8 in Lithia, but BTA will always have a piece of my heart.

What are the most memorable sites you’ve played? 

I went and played at my first major MilSim event last year at ALTAIR Training Solutions in South Florida and wow! I could have never imagined how it would be in a million years. I’ve played at indoor facilities before, but to be in an old detention facility like OP Overwatch was in, it was simply amazing. DV8 also hosts a game at their #2 field about every year, and the hills and dense woodland areas are an awesome change to the regular flat Florida outdoor field.

Can you describe your playing style?

 Hard and fast with lots of communication. I know that it’s the basic principles of this game, but if you don’t apply it and really get into the mindset of making buddies everywhere you go and working as a team, then you aren’t going to play the game to it’s fullest. Also, I enjoy being the designated medic on the team because it’s fun to really rush out and try to help someone while your teammates cover you, knowing that they will do everything to protect you and the guy (or lady) you’re trying to help. It’s an ideal situation for myself to go to a field with a big group of dudes that I know, but it doesn’t always happen so I like to sort of put myself out there when the mission is green-lighted. “Okay, which way are you guys gonna go?” “Alright, let’s do this” “Yes, I’ll cover you” are all great ways to let the dudes you don’t know that you’re a team player and you will have their back no matter what.

Let's talk about weapons and loadouts: What’s your weapon of choice? And what loadout do you normally run? 

My weapon of choice is my Frankenstein M4. It has a classic army lower, and an ICS (maybe?) upper, with all kinds of different internals, a Daniel Defense free-float RIS, and Magpul MOE pistol grip and stock. Any BDU pants will work fine, but a women’s cut is preferred. With my vest, I just recently purchased a JPC (which I am oh-so-excited to try out and review), but my go-to has always been my condor chest rig. I have two similar loadouts, one for my JG M14, and one for my M4. Both use the condor chest rig, but the black one with 5.56 mag pouches I modded (half hazzardly) a 3-day pack to hook into the back of it, to give me a place to put my hydration pouch and miscellaneous medical supplies and Intel found on the field. I never, EVER go to a game without my 5.11 boots (though one time I did and had to make an emergency trip to Walmart, terrible mistake) and some nice long black socks. ESS goggles, my skull lower mesh mask, and either my FAST helmet or a ball cap complete my look.

Being a women in Airsoft: What are your thoughts?

It’s just like being a man in Airsoft, only people expect less of you. My goal is to overachieve what I think I am capable of, and it almost always stuns my opponents and team mates alike.

Where can my readers find you on social media?

Facebook: www. facebook.com/WildAirsoftFL
Youtube: www.youtube/6HtJUPGYyGY
Instagram: @WildAirsoft

Your thoughts: Is there anything you would like to say to other players out there? 

Call your hits. Even if there is no one watching, call it. The game is just that, a game and everyone gets hit. Remember that you’re there to have fun and work your ass off to do so, so do it.

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SLAYDIES SERIES SPOTLIGHT! JEN EVOLA/GOLDILOX!

Hi everyone! For the next instalment of the Femme Fatale Airsoft's player spotlights is a Slaydie from the US!

Hi Jen! Thank you for taking part in the FFA player spotlights! Can you give my readers a little information about yourself? What long have you been playing? What got you into Airsoft and what do you love about it?

My name is Jen Evola. I go by GoldiLox on the field. I'm 20, and I've been playing airsoft with my husband for the last two years. My first big game was AMS Operation ESR 19-3, but it was also my third airsoft game ever. Right now I'm focusing on school. I'm going to Fisk University for Pharmacy Technician, then on to my EMT in January. 

As far as what got me into airsoft, that would be my husband. I got sick of him "wasting" his time at the field every week on my one day off, so I decided to go out with him. Sat in the parking lot painting the first few times. And then I got onto the field and actually played. My husband and his buddy made plans to go to ESR 19-3 together, but the buddy bailed. I took his ticket and went in his place. I've been hooked ever since.

The thing I love most about airsoft is that it gets me outside, in a comfortable environment with people I know. I have anxiety and minor depression. Airsoft helps to get me on the field and in public and let's me focus on something I'm passionate about.

Where is you homefield? 

Our home field is in Junction City, Kansas. Foxhole Paintball and Airsoft. My husband and I actually just started a sponsored team out of there, and are planning our first Op together to be Copperhead in the next week or so.

How would you describe your playing style?

My playing style is interesting. I am a diverse player, capable of taking on several positions for my team. At OP's I'm usually our teams medic. At home field games, I run as a rifleman or DMR. Lately I've been training with a sniper to move quieter and work as sniper/sharpshooter team. I'm more of a backup player, and usually play more of a support role. My husband is Rambo, I kind of hang back with a big gun and provide cover for him and the rest of the team. I feel I'm a better asset to the team that way. Just me alone though, I'm an aggressive player with a list of names to cross off, or an objective to complete.

What is your favourite loadout and go to weapon?

My weapon right now is a G&P Rapid Fire 2 with barrel extension. Chronos at about 390 with the extension and 340 without. It's a standard M4 setup. As for the rest of my load out, I'm not particularly brand-loyal. My JPC is an Emerson, cheap and pretty tough so far. I always take the plates out, because boobs. Other than that, multicam. Mechanix gloves. A ball cap. And Oboz Bridger boots. I'm still working on tweaking and making my load out what I want it to be, getting the gear I really want. Solomon boots would be amazing. :)

What does being a woman in Airsoft mean to you?

Being a woman in Airsoft is for me an experience. It gives me the chance to shoot down stereotypes, because I've always done the "boyish things" like mechanics and fishing. To prove women can push just as hard as the men can, and sometimes we outperform the men. Smaller bodies sometimes means quieter movement or fitting in really weird places. For me it's alot like having a bunch of brothers. Someone at another field says something about me being a female, they're pretty quick to shut it down. Overall it's been a pretty positive experience, very few people have made me feel inferior for being a female.  I blew my knee at Broken Home 4, full tear of the Meniscus and MCL the first day. I was on the field the second day to everyone's shock. Finished out the op. The people I play with really started taking me serious after that, realized I'll push until I can't. I want to be the girl that helps other women find a place they're comfortable. If it means pushing as hard as I can to prove to the sexist men that women can bust their asses also, I'll do it. It paves a road of positivity for women to come, and that makes me happy.

Do you have anything that you'd like to say to other players out there?

To other players, just don't quit. If you love it, and you have a passion for it, don't quit because of someone being rude. So your team sucks... Find a different one. Build your own. So your field isn't so great about the way the treat women. Be the change at the field. So you think you suck, find someone better and learn from them. Don't ever quit your passion because of a lack of self confidence. You'll find out pretty quick that when you accept yourself, so will everyone else.

Where can my readers find you on social media?

Mine and my husband's Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/GoldiloxandDH

My team's new fb page: www.facebook.com/FoxAirsoft2016

And my personal Instagram is: www.instagram.com/Mrs.evola

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