Introduction: Airsoft-Proof Vest for Free
In this Instructable, I will show you how to make an airsoft proof vest for free. This is my first Instructable, so bear with me. It will be small. Even though I am not experienced in this, it protects against airsoft guns and some BB guns. I can only get a photo or two from the web, since my vest was ripped apart. I also cannot be held responsible for any incidents happening. This is for protection only. I also do not hold ownership to any of these images on this Instructable.
Step 1: Gathering the Materials
First, you need to get a vest. Just a small, cheap vest. Like the one in the picture.
Then you need a roll of duct tape.
Finally, just some cardboard. I just got a cardboard box from Tanner's Orchard and tore it apart.
If you want to test the vest at the end, just get a BB gun or two.
Step 2: Padding and Lining
Cut out the cardboard to fit around the armholes and cover the back. Now you need to tape down the edges of the cardboard. After that, just cover the cardboard with duct tape. To ensure safety, add another lining of tape or two to catch the BB if it rips through the first layers. If you want to add some more padding, feel free. The more padding, the heavier, but not that much.
Step 3: Testing
This is optional. The vest might be a little tight, but that shouldn't matter. I do not advise you to shoot yourself while you are wearing the vest. Just put the vest over something that will hold it up as if it were on someone. The month was early November when I created mine, so I still had my pumpkin I carved. I didn't use that because it was too round and short. If the BB went through, I wanted to see how far it went in. Also, my pumpkin was an awesome, puking pumpkin. Look at the bottom of the page to see it...See? You wouldn't want to shoot the seeds out of it would you? Anyway, just put the vest over the object, stand a good distance away, and shoot. When I did it, it protected against my airsoft guns and the BB pistol, but not a BB rifle. Sorry this was so short. Look for my other Instructables. At least now if your friends get trigger-happy in an airsoft war or something, you might not get really hurt.
45 Comments
6 years ago
I dont know about some other people, but I have lots of scrap metal, and I actually sewed it into the vest. This stopped a BB rifle easily, never mind the dinky little airsoft pellets.
14 years ago on Introduction
To make this vest capable of stopping high velocity, heavy (0.20g and up to 0.80g) airsoft rounds from a snipers gun you might want to add several layers of dense cloth, or to make a more realistic vest you might just want to replace the cardboard with 10 or 18 layers of dense fabric. That might be kinda' expensive, though.
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
ore use arcrylics boards in 1/8 thickness. easy to cut with a hand saw
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I would use the cardboard, but put a layer of thin flashing behind the carboard, so the armor would stop bbs, but not get all the way through.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
One thing you can do to make a airsoft proof vest and a "tactical" vest is get 2-3 old backpacks, some tape and a hoodie. Take off any small pockets plus the padding on the backpack. Sow or tape the padding to the inside of the hoodie. Then sow the little pockets (i.e. the little mesh pockets on the side, or like the water bottle pocket on the side) to the front for placing extra bb's or clips just stuff like that. I think I'll make an instructable on that. I'll check to see if anyone has done this yet though.
10 years ago on Step 3
Hahah. I love the pumpkin. Btw Nice instructable! :)
12 years ago on Step 3
what is the difference between an airsoft rifle and a BB rifle?
Answer: the names. They are the same thing, bb's are the bullets an airsoft rifle shoots. Therefore an airsoft rifle is also a BB rifle.
So what do you mean with: "it protected against my airsoft guns and the BB pistol, but not a BB rifle". What BB rifle?
Reply 11 years ago on Step 3
an airsoft gun and bb gun arnt the same. airsoft guns use larger bbs and hey are plastic, not metal
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
You made a derpderp.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
and what's a derpderp, if i may ask?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Derp is an internet term for dumb. By implying that a BB gun and an airsoft gun are the same thing, he made a derpderp.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
airsoft guns shoot 6mm plastic bbs. BB guns shoot .177cal copper or steel bbs.
12 years ago on Step 3
i made a sheild that stops 950fps guns yes i said 950 fps the only mark it made was the lead dust on it i dindnt even leave a scratch in the paint an no i didnt stand really far away i stood 50 feet away
12 years ago on Introduction
hmm. i saw the title and it said '' Airsoft-Proof Vest for Free''. FREE! i think that vest cost money. ( great instructable besides that )
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
It did it cost 15.95$ on hobbytron
12 years ago on Introduction
isnt a rashguard good yes or no
12 years ago on Step 3
Cool Instructable! I havent started airsofting yet but I'm geting my gear together and I needed a vest but not any more! I'll post back after I make it.
12 years ago on Introduction
What happens if you were a hobo and you had nothing apart from some trousers and a jacket, then it wouldn't be free. but apart from that its a good idea.
13 years ago on Introduction
MP5 SD?
14 years ago on Introduction
In my opinion, and with experience, I can say the best airsoft armor is loose clothing. I say this because airsoft BB's do not have a large mass at all so hitting a part of a t-shirt not in contact with skin will protect you. The BB's may be moving at a high speed but they do not have enough mass to continue traveling at a very high speed to hurt you.