SpeedQB
One of the best things about airsoft is that it has different branches so that all types of players can fit in, not only individually but also in the same match. Today I will talk about SpeedQB, a modality that is gaining more and more followers worldwide.
You don't know what speedqb is? no worries, i will explain
North American players wanted to take a step further in airsoft and competition, taking competition paintball as a reference. So they adapted airsoft regulations and even created new rules to play games where two teams of five players competed with each other.
How does a game develop?
The matches face two teams of five players at the best of three rounds. They score by:
- 5 points for eliminating a player (a maximum of 25 points having eliminated the entire team)
- 25 points for capturing the flag for the first time
- 50 points for bringing the flag to the enemy respawn point
- 15 points bonus if the flag is carried to the enemy respawn point with any of the enemies still in game.
Each round lasts a maximum of three minutes, and so the rounds can end without the need to have carried the flag to the enemy respawn point or taken out the all the enemies. And then the scores are checked so that the winning team of the round is determined.
Are there roles in SpeedQB?
As there are strikers in football, SpeedQB has a front, they are usually somewhat more aggressive and they are in charge of going for the flag. The goalkeeper would be equivalent to the backs, whose function is to cover and provide information about what is happening in the field. As you well know this is a game of angles and spaces. Without coverage there is no progress and without communication there is no coverage.
As a general rule, the equipment of each role will be chosen by the team you belong to. It seems logical that a player who needs less mobility uses an AR to provide coverage and one who needs to be on the move uses a short weapon. But each player can only use a single replica gun per round. The firing mode is always semi-automatic and the maximum power is 350 FPS and 1.1 J of power. The weight of the ammunition can never be greater than 0.3 gr.
Are all fields the same?
The playing field has to be 20x40 m, symmetrical and can be outdoors (outdoor) or indoor (indoor). The provision of cover is at the free will of the organizer and their location is not known until the day before the match.
The teams start the game from the centre and in opposite sides of the field, they need to wait for the starting signal and each player must be touching the wall with the replica and some part of their bodies.
Are there judges like in standard airsoft games?
The number of judges depends on the organization but, normally, there are as many judges as there are number of players. The judges make sure the players comply with the rules and can give up to three warnings to a player and even disqualify the team from the tournament if necessary.
How can we know if the SpeedQB is for us?
A big difference compared to conventional airsoft is that these matches can have an spectators since, as in all competitions, you can enjoy both on and off the field. In fact, most of the fields are equipped to house an audience.
Crye or dye: let's talk about equipment
Differences between a Milsim kit and a SpeedQB kit
To play a SpeedQB game there is no specific type of dress code, we do not have to be dressed in a special way or use a specific type of replica since there are almost no rules regarding the outfit. We could say that the only compulsory thing is eye protection. The equipment for Milsim is more focused on long-term periods so you can carry supplies, food, change of clothes, radios, NVG, etc. On the contrary, in a SpeedQB kit, the player will carry the essentials for each round. That is why the lightness and comfort of the equipment is prioritised over aesthetics.
Gear carriers
This depends on the player’s personal preference and how he feels more comfortable when playing, for example many have a first line to have better mobility, on others carry a plate carrier or a chest rig. In short, comfortable and lightweight equipment that allows you to endure a round. It is not compulsory to dress in matching colours, but it is always better that the teams dress all the same or similar, as in standard airsoft.
Protection
The protection is the same as requested in conventional airsoft games. Since shooting takes place short range, it is recommended to wear long clothes and with some protection to avoid injuries. Although this is airsoft, and we are here to fire upon each other, it is quite normal that if you are hit in a soft area, a BB will hurt more than it should.
Two details that you should know about some SpeedQB players are that the former USA champions (LTD) wear Woodland at the bottom and the Japan champions (QuickRaptors) do not use integral protective masks, many opt for simple protection glasses.
3rd line
Many players choose to use the HPA system, therefore they usually carry the bottle in a minimalist backpack loaded on the back occupying what is necessary to carry the bottle and not thicken the silhouette much. Unlike those of MilSim, which are usually bulkier, , larger and heavier due to the amount of things they have to carry, be it food, raincoats or ammunition.
Communications
An important issue during the matches is strategy and communication, if you see a SpeedQB match you will see that the players are constantly communicating at all times, giving call-outs about the areas they cover or movements of players of the enemy team, casualties caused etc. All this is done at the top of your voice, in such a small space it does not make sense to carry a PTT and a radio, firstly because of the dynamism of the game and secondly because your team mate is not so far away from being able to hear you.
Magazines
There is no minimum or maximum number of magazines per player, this means that you can carry as many magazines as you like, the only rule is that these must be mid-caps.
Can a standard airsoft game be played with a SpeedQB kit?
If you mean using a lighter load out with a first line to be able to move more comfortably, use a Dye, add colour to my replica or make it more comfortable for me, sure, yes you can, to wear a vest or similar during a game is not normally compulsory. As for the Dye mask, it is a paintball mask with the EU’s seal of approval and as far as I understand everyone can use the protections they deem necessary at the time of the game provided they are approved.
And finally, regarding the customisation of the replica each one is free to make the modifications that he deems appropriate as long as the power standards in FPS and joules are met.
