Snowsuits vs. Airborne: Which Soviet Bolt Action Squad is Right for You?
So, you’re building a Soviet army in Bolt Action and torn between the Soviet Veteran Squad in Snowsuits and the Soviet Airborne Squad? Yeah, I’ve been there too. Both are fantastic choices, but they play very differently on the tabletop.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✔ Stats & loadouts – Who’s got the better firepower?
✔ Tactical roles – Stealthy winter ambush vs. elite paratroopers
✔ Painting & modeling – Which one’s easier (or more fun) to paint?
✔ Gameplay performance – Real-world results from my own games
By the end, you’ll know exactly which Bolt Action Soviet squad fits your playstyle. Let’s dive in!
1. Meet the Contenders: Soviet Veterans vs. Airborne
A. Bolt Action Soviet Veteran Squad in Snowsuits (Product Link)
These guys are the definition of winter warfare. Clad in thick snowsuits, they’re perfect for:
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Ambush tactics – Harder to spot in snow terrain
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Durability – Tough veterans with better morale
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Thematic lists – Great for Operation Barbarossa or Battle of Moscow scenarios
But… they’re slower and lack some of the fancy gear of the Airborne.
B. Warlord Games Bolt Action Soviet Airborne Squad (Product Link)
Elite, mobile, and packing serious firepower:
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SMGs & assault rifles – Deadly in close quarters
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Paratrooper flexibility – Deep strike potential (if your scenario allows)
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Better movement – No bulky snowsuits slowing them down
Downside? They’re pricier points-wise and less durable in prolonged fights.
2. Head-to-Head Comparison
A. Stats & Loadouts
|
Feature |
Veteran Snowsuits |
Airborne Squad |
|
Armor |
Regular (6+) |
Regular (6+) |
|
Weapons |
Mix of rifles, SMGs |
Mostly SMGs, some rifles |
|
Special Rules |
Stubborn, Camouflage |
Fanatics, Forward Deployment (sometimes) |
|
Best For… |
Defensive play |
Aggressive pushes |
Personal take? The Airborne shred in urban combat, but Snowsuits dominate in winter scenarios.
B. Tactical Roles
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Snowsuits = Ambush kings. Hide them, let the enemy walk into a kill zone, then open fire.
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Airborne = Shock troops. Drop them (or rush them) into the enemy’s face and watch them panic.
Ever had an Airborne squad wipe a German MG team in one turn? I have. It’s beautiful.
C. Painting & Modeling
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Snowsuits = Easier to paint (white wash + minimal details) but boring if you don’t add weathering.
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Airborne = More detailed uniforms, but trickier to get right.
Pro tip: Drybrush the snowsuits with a light grey to avoid that “primer white” look.
3. Which One Should YOU Choose?
Pick the Soviet Veteran Snowsuits if you…
✅ Love winter-themed armies
✅ Prefer defensive, attrition-based tactics
✅ Want a cheaper (points-wise) squad
Pick the Soviet Airborne Squad if you…
✅ Play aggressive, fast-moving games
✅ Need elite troops for key assaults
✅ Don’t mind paying extra points for better guns
Still unsure? Try proxying both in a game—you’ll feel the difference fast.
4. Key Takeaways
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Snowsuits = Stealthy, tough, great for winter battles.
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Airborne = Fast, deadly, perfect for shock attacks.
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Painting? Snowsuits are simpler; Airborne look cooler if done well.
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Gameplay? Depends on your strategy—defense vs. offense.
FAQ Section
Q: Can I use both squads in the same army?
A: Absolutely! Mix Snowsuits for holding objectives and Airborne for pushing flanks.
Q: Are the Airborne worth the extra points?
A: If you use them right—yes. They’re glass cannons, though, so don’t throw them away carelessly.
Q: Which squad is better for beginners?
A: Snowsuits—they’re more forgiving and easier to paint.
Final Verdict
So, Snowsuits or Airborne? If you’re playing in snow, the choice is obvious. But if you want a versatile, hard-hitting unit, the Airborne can’t be beat.
What’s your pick? If you’re ready to buy, check out:
Happy wargaming, comrade! 🚀
