Skirmish Airsoft Mansfield

Apr 30th, 2023

My son and I really enjoyed our day here. Friendly staff. Food was great also
Mar 24th, 2023

I've visited Skirmish a lot over the past four years for both public and private days with university societies. Always had good or brilliantdays. If there is ever a complaint, the marshals' areexcellent at quickly resolving it as well as all they're allround friendly people. They are really good at coming up with new game modes or ideas,which keeps the society wanting to return.And, If you areshort of data and don't want any suspense, theMarshalls are also kind enough to check the England score for you.
Mar 3rd, 2023

Very professionally run
Jan 28th, 2023

As a fairly long time airsofter I originally wrote a review 5 years ago for Skirmish, however I felt it needed updating. It's sad to say that the site has slipped in standards since then, and honestly I think it boils down to the quality of marshals. If you go to any site, the day is dictated by the players. That will never change, and I can't criticise them nor any site for how players will be on the day. However the current marshals compared to 5 years ago are what I think is letting the site down. Back then, those marshals not only knew what made good games, but would actually marshal. For the most part, with some minor exceptions, most marshals today just don't seem overly fussed to actually marshal. I have seen marshals looking at their phones in the worst instance, and in other cases not focusing on the key contention areas of the game.. they just wander around.. Quick mention on some games too with regards to marshals, they either straight up are unfair for one side, or have rules that just cause them not to work or just aren't enjoyable. I agree that new game ideas are good, but if they don't work please bin them off and redesign them.. I speculate the problem for all this is likely caused by low pay (less than minimum wage), as marshals have told me what they get paid (allegedly in cash under the table, as they don't ask for NI number at the very least, nor give payslips), so its no surprise they don't care? Plus it doesn't help if they aren't veteran players themselves. Knowing airsoft inside and out, and playing it regularly, you know what works and what won't, and come up with games that work or adjust rules for the ones that can be bad without good structure. Final word on the marshals is that they sometimes take way too long to get the day started. I've had some days start near or after 11am on occasions.. when they should really be starting 9:30-10? Can't say I know what the solution is here. I think pay marshals more for sure, but also sit down and properly design some of the games. Have enough marshals in total to cover the player numbers, have them vetted or checked to actually marshal in the games rather than stand around, and please have them run the day a bit more punctually. It's all well saying extend the end of the day, but that doesn't suit everyone, certainly myself, but also in winter daylight is lost sooner so its nearly pitch black after 4.. Apart from the above points, I can't fault them too much for the site itself. Well explained briefs, strong on safety, nice environment. The only minor points from me are the toilets (even if running-water, they're not the cleanest), and it would be nice if there was free WiFi. I realise WiFi might not be possible if there's low 4/5G in general, but with an antenna installed maybe? Again, a minor point that is more a 'would be nice to have' thing. Overall then will I continue to come here? I think for now yes, as marshals do change over years as noted above, however with the recent state of the site in the last I'd say 2 years I can't say I'm 'not' looking elsewhere.. I think also I'll be avoiding Saturdays. Too often are Saturdays the worst of all of this, for some reason. EDIT: I just wanted to make a point of clarification. It's not strictly the fault of marshals every single time. Sometimes its players on the site, as already mentioned above, but its not bad every time because of the marshals. Some game days are great. It really depends who's marshalling on the day, and who head marshal is. It's that inconsistency which is why I feel the site has slipped, and causing me to look elsewhere. Granted apart from Saturdays which are usually 'miss than hit', Sundays are still generally okay depending on the above, and why I still go on the rare times I can UPDATE: Changing to 4 stars after comparing to the competition in the East Midlands. The 3 stars I previously put I feel is no longer fair after experiencing other sites in the region.
Feb 20th, 2023