In airsoft, we strive much as possible to keep people safe, and thus we always suggest that people should not scrimp on protective gear, especially for the eyes and head areas. We do not recommend DIY protective gear that is not properly tested nor durable enough to last. We always recommend gear that has passed international standards and a company that's willing to stake their reputation on how safe a product is.

Much of the previous discussions on safety wear has been on eyewear, joint, head, and mouth protection and now we go to something that can give us a warning that our heads, and in this case our brains, might be in danger. Airsoft is an extreme sport and the operating environment is unpredictable as compared to other sports and thus there are dangers of impacts to our head. We'll slip on surfaces, slam against walls, and even fall down stairs, that's why we wear head gear, knee and shoulder pads.

Whilst helmets provide adequate protection from impacts, they do not necessarily give us an indication on the status of our brains, especially if we have experienced a concussion. The problem with internal body issues is that they do not necessarily show externally. Brain injuries due to concussions are can be missed and are spotted when a scan is conducted at a medical facility and sometimes it's too late to do some quick action to avoid further damage to the brain.

Reebok has created something for athletes  called Checklight. This is a device that is worn with or without a helmet that measure the impacts and severity can be monitored.  It's worn like a skullcap though a head-strap version is also on the way for those who do not want to wear a skullcap. There are light indicators indicating the severity of the impacts taken by the head. The yellow indicates a moderate impact and the wearer should be stopped from the activity and immediately assessed.  The red colour being a danger indicator and any activity should be stopped and immediate medical attention is called for. In the absence of a medical responder, people can protect the head or do not make any movement to it if the wearer is unconscious or unable to move.

Another thing is that the Checklight stores is the "Impact Count." Whilst we are concern of impacts to the head in an activity, impacts to the head over the course of time may already causing a severe injury without showing it and may just appear when it's too late. This especially the case for those who are in contact sports such as boxing, martial arts, rugby, and football. In this case for airsoft, law enforcement, and military, it will be useful tool too. Soldiers in the battlefield suffer concussions due to shockwaves caused by bombs and IEDs apart from the usual impacts to the head. Coaches, trainers, and doctors can check the history by plugging in the Checklight to an outlet and the device will blink to give the number of yellow and  red lights which indicate the number of impacts the wearer has sustained since the last check.

The Reebok Checklight costs US$150 and you can check to see the sizes available. The price may be a bit on the high side but Reebok are working on something more affordable and also that can fit children. For now, if you're concerned about preventing any damage to your brain caused by impacts when playing airsoft, it's a price that we recommend you pay as losing your mind will cost you even more.