What Is A Patch In Airsoft?

Patches continue to be popular among the airsoft community due to their stylish ways of exhibiting a player's team spirit or favorite league. Often, these patches are attached to clothing items or kit and made to signify an individual's alliance with a particular team or style. Although initially popular for aesthetic purposes, more and more players are beginning to use patches to enhance their performance on the battlefield.

What is a Patch in Airsoft?

A patch in airsoft is an emblem or insignia that is affixed to gear for tactical purposes. It is a popular accessory that comes in all shapes, sizes, and designs, typically bearing the logo or color scheme of any team or group that the user is affiliated with. These patches are sold separately, and usually attach to tactical gear via hook-and-loop fasteners or sew-on patches.

Why are Patches Used?

Patches can be used for multiple purposes in airsoft. The most prominent use of these patches is to show off your affiliations on the field. Additionally, they also come in handy when it comes to tactical application. Patches can be used to identify team members, scan the immediate area for enemies, and provide camouflage benefits as well.

Tactical Identification

In larger games, especially when teams are in the hundreds, patches can be used to easily distinguish team members from those of the opposite forces. By enforcing a strict policy that requires all members of a team to wear patches labeled with the team's logo, individuals can quickly and easily tell who to friend or foe is on the battlefield. This eliminates the risk of friendly fire when teams are subjected to high levels of confusion.

Environment Scanning

Patches can also come in handy for environment scanning. Because most patches are brittle and easily recognizable, hugging the ground with your patches on can be a wise choice when attempting to spot enemies that may be hiding from view. By attaching multiple patches in various areas on your playing gear, you can gain situational awareness, as patches are more noticeable than airsoft players who may be concealed in their environment.

Camouflage Benefits

Lastly, patches can also provide camouflage benefits as opposed to plain cloth which can stand out in certain environments or battlefields. If you're playing in a woodland environment, for instance, you can attach green-colored patches or woodland patterns alongside other camouflaged clothing to decrease your visibility.

In Summary

Patches have come to play an important role in airsoft, not only as a form of team identification, but also to provide tactical and camouflage benefits to the wearer. They are an effective accessory that allows players to easily distinguish their teammates from the enemy and increase their awareness of the battlefield.