In part one, I outlined my idea to create a modern Russian Spetsnaz loadout for airsoft, using both real photographic reference and the ideas proposed in the game mod 'Udmurtia Spetsnaz'. In this part of the series I will be looking at the headgear and safety.

MVD Spetnaz - 'Russian SWAT'

The idea behind choosing to create this particular loadout is one which will allow me to play a Russian Special Forces unit in the context of CQB (Close Quarter Battle). This loadout - uniform and equipment collection - is being assembled in anticipation of SOuth Yorkshire Airsoft's new indoor 'CQB' site in Sheffield.

Obviously, because the mode of play is, by definition, 'close quarters' safty is paramount. Therefore a helmet and goggles combination was central to my thinking when I chose the 'look'.

The helmet and cover

I had decided to cheat and simply use a run of the mill open motor cycle helmet to impersonate a Russian military type. Both are of generally similar shape, and by disguising my imposter further by using some old Russian camouflage material I hoped to give a fair imitation (at a fraction of the cost of sourcing an original). 

Safety first

Another key part of the equipment was good set of goggles, up to the job of protecting me from close range BB fire.

Above: On the left is the Bolle X500 goggles, and on the right the Bolle X800 'low profile goggles. You can see how the reduction in depth - half the depth of the X500s - and the flat tops of the X800s allow them to be used with helmets.

I do not, in any case, trust shooting glasses, and do prefer the thicker military tactical goggles format. My favourite goggles of this type have been my Bolle X500s - deep, thick goggles that fully enclose my eyes. But the problem with the X500s is that they are quite rounded, and do not fit properly when used with close fitting helmets.

Therefore, I looked at the rest of the Bolle range, and in combination with a very fair review in 'Airsoft International', I decided to purchase a set of low profile Bolle X800s. These goggles were designed from the start with helmet wear in mind.

Additionally, a neoprene half-face mask would be worn, or a black tactical balaclava. The neoprene mask may be worn  with or without a black 'head over' neck gator to give a more authentic look.

Summer alternatives

While it seems only sensible that the team member who is to be first through the door in any CQB 'entry' wears a helmet, my team mates were less anxious to weigh themselves down with a 'hard hat'. So, an alternative headgear was purchased, once again based on headgear found in the game 'Udmurtia Spetsnaz'.

The team agreed that the square shaped patrol cap was ideal for the summer, it allowing air to circulate to the head. These type caps are very common, very comfortable to wear and popular in the Russian Army.

Again, the X800 goggles worked well with this type of peaked cap. 

----- 

In Part Three of this series I will, finally, be looking at the BDU type uniform and attaching the team badges.

< Click here to go back to Part One | Click here to view Part Three >