When you’re looking for a paintball mask, you can be easily overwhelmed by the staggering variety of gear pieces. You can find anything from a basic balaclava and a wacky Halloween mask all the way up to the more advanced stuff like thermal goggles. Finding something that suits you and your specific needs can become a difficult task. If you have a passion for paintball you’re probably willing to spend a little extra for some high-quality masks. But don’t worry if you’re just getting started and want something more affordable, there’s something for you too in this list of the best paintball masks on the market.
That’s quite a bold claim, right? What really makes a paintball mask one of the best on the market? I pondered myself this dilemma too and so I’ve decided to analyze certain aspects that I think are essential to be wary of when choosing to buy a new mask. Without further introductions here they are:
1. Quality & comfort
We all want to spend our money on a quality product. A mask needs to be made from good and durable materials and it has to be well manufactured with the actual user in mind, pertaining to his needs during intense paintball fights. When wearing for an extended period of time comfort becomes a critical issue, nobody wants to get distracted with some uncomfortable slippery straps or insufficiently good padding.
2. Value for the money
If you’re willing to invest some more money in a mask then you’d definitely wish to feel like the product is worth it. No matter the budget, a good mask needs to offer enough to justify its price. What I’ve tried here is to include only the masks that offer the best bang for your buck.
3. Design and appeal
Yes, I’m aware that this is a very subjective area but I think we can all agree on the fact that a good mask needs to have a certain cool appeal so to speak. To feel good and imposing while wearing it is an important aspect in my opinion. Some designs may not be for everybody’s tastes but that’s fine, I’m confident you can discover something that suits you in my selection.
1. Empire Paintball Helix Thermal Lens Goggle
I chose to start the list with this mask from Empire Paintball because it’s pretty much the perfect entry-level mask. It has all the features a beginner needs to get started, a solid construction, thermal lens to prevent fogging up, a decently cool design and perhaps its biggest selling point, it’s quite reasonably priced. If you’re not too keen on renting than give this mask a try, it could really enhance your paintball experience.
When you first look at this mask you can notice right away how lightweight and nicely crafted it is. Fitting it on your head seems to be an easy job, the straps stay tight even in motion and there’s also a chin strap which has a soft gel-like material covering it for improved comfort. Good ventilation is assured through perforations near the mouth area. If you have glasses you should probably know that this mask is spacious enough to feel comfortable with them underneath.
One of the most annoying things you might experience during a paintball match is the fogging up of your lens. Thankfully you will never have this issue again with these goggles. Their thermal lens is specially designed to be fog proof. Glancing at the mask’s construction, you can feel the firm plastic that should be able to withstand some really powerful paintball shots without any worries.
This mask is recommended especially for starters but that shouldn’t discourage you if you’re more of a paintball veteran. It has all the great qualities you probably missed if you never really cared to invest in a more high-quality mask. And so all I can say is give it a shot, you’ll most certainly won’t be disappointed especially considering the fact that this mask is on the inexpensive side of paintball gear pieces.
Key features:
• Solid plastic mask for firm protection
• Clear dual-pane thermal lens
• Easy lens changeability
• Lightweight
• Fits well even for people with glasses
2. Dye Precision I4 Thermal Paintball Goggle
For the professional paintball enthusiasts out there you can hardly go wrong if you’ll choose the Precision I4 Thermal Paintball Goggle by Dye. It is truly an outstanding piece of protective gear you can wear proudly. What’s so great about it? Well, let’s take a closer look at its features.
Before anything else, I have to mention the awesome design. This alone has enough potential to justify a purchase for some people and it’s quite clear to see why. Just take a look at the pics of this mask and its multiple color variations. With these many options, you’re bound to find something that suits your style.
Another aspect is the quality of the materials. The mask feels very solid but despite that, it’s surprisingly lightweight with a very slim profile. Make no mistakes, though, this mask offers superior protection while also fitting your head nicely. It’s true that you should be a bit wary in case you have a big head but for most people, the comfort is top notch. Thanks to its soft foam, the mask contours one’s face flawlessly and keeps a certain degree of flexibility. Coming off easily is also a nice touch.
When you’re out there in the field a mask can offer good protection but it can also affect your visibility. This mask provides an optimal field of view utilizing the optically correct Triodial lenses for increased visibility. Compared to cheaper masks the Dye I4 really stands out in terms of sturdiness, design and overall quality but this where its only downside appears. I’m talking about the price of course. Certainly a bit more expensive than your average mask but still I would wholeheartedly recommend it if you’re willing to invest in it. It can dramatically improve your paintball experience and because of that, I’d say it’s really worth the price.
Key features:
• Superior protection
• Excellent field of view
• Triodial anti-fog lenses
• Low profile, small, lightweight
• Impressive look
• Great variations of colors
3. Invert Helix Thermal Paintball Goggles Mask – Olive
In case you are looking for a very functional, reliable no-nonsense mask and you are not quite keen on spending a fortune then this is the mask for you. Some people prefer a simple tool for a simple job and this is the closest you’ll find to that ideal. The design is not too fancy or remarkable but if you don’t care about that too much this will probably be more up your area.
The main reason this is one of the best masks for paintball out there is the value for the money. Let’s look a bit more in-depth at what Invert packed in these goggles. It has a clear anti-fog lens with a solid 270-degree visibility which should be reliable no matter the temperature conditions. Ventilation is another important aspect and this mask prevents your head from overheating and allows for seamless air circulation so you can breathe comfortably.
Comfort-wise this mask excels as the neck strap is padded and there is enough space inside to accommodate your glasses. It fits very nicely on your head and it’s light enough that you might forget you’re wearing it, very high-quality craftsmanship considering the price range. At this price, this mask is really tough to beat, being so extremely robust and well built, comfy and pleasant to wear and of course reliable due to its anti-fog capabilities. With so many great features I’m having a really hard time finding any flaws. This one is highly recommended to all paintball lovers.
Key features:
• Anti-fog lens with a 270-degree visibility
• Clear dual-pane thermal optically correct lens
• Strap weaved with silicone to prevent slipping
• Easy tool-less lens changeability
• Sturdy and reliable
4. V-Force Grill Paintball Mask
Trying to strike a balance between accessibility and more professional features I’ve come across this model from V-Force. I liked it immediately for its sleek and aggressive low-profile perfect for heated paintball battles.
V-Force made sure to create a mask that appeals to many paintball fans and the most impressive aspect at first is the look of the mask which looks amazing and gives off that competitive vibe we all love. It has that classic cool look with a very impressive array of thematic colors. But this mask makes no compromises on functionality.
It comes equipped with the latest cutting edge technology for the lenses. Fog will be a thing of the past and thanks to its anti-scratch and distortion-free capabilities of the spherical lenses you will breeze through in any game situation. Inspired by sunglass the shape of the lens should allow you a great amount of visibility extending as much as possible your peripheral vision.
What about comfort? The mask is designed to be used for extended matches and so it stays very comfortable on your face. The foam should keep a tight fit without any pressure points. No hurting of the ears or temples like some other masks has been found so this model should satisfy all your needs in this area. Overall this mask is a strong contender for one of the best masks on the market right now. It’s a fairly balanced solution for those looking to invest a little in a high-quality piece.
Features list:
• ThermoCured AntiFog and AntiScratch lenses
• Sleek lenses with a low profile
• Lens shape permits unrestricted peripheral vision
• Soft rubber area in the center of the face to maximize bounce factor and flexibility
• Ultra-lightweight design and multiple color options
5. JT Spectra Flex 8 Full Head and Face Coverage Thermal Paintball Goggles
Next in our list, we have the Spectra Flex 8 by JT. At a first look, these goggles resemble very closely a bike helmet given the similar form of the mask. This full coverage system works nicely for people who prefer strong all-around protection. A small downside would be the lack of the ability to detach the bottom face or top helmet portion in case you wish to only use the goggles if you want to.
Where this mask truly shines is protection from paintball pellets. According to JT, this revolutionary cranial enclosure and exoskeleton frame allow the system to be structurally efficient and protects your head completely including your ears and the back of your head. The helmet feels very solid but it’s also very flexible and doesn’t scratch easily. The airflow is decent and the quality of the materials overall is better than what you’d expect in this price range. You’ll also be able to see well thanks to the wide field of vision of 260 degrees.
There is a cushion inside the lens for better comfort and the mask provides a reasonably tight fit and despite the initial impression, the mask is quite light. One of the most important aspects of the JT Spectra Flex 8 is that it doesn’t fog up under most combat conditions and that alone makes this piece worth the purchase. This common issue will be a thing of the past with this model. All in all highly recommended for those who like maximum protection and comfort.
Key features:
• Full Coverage system for the best comfort and protection
• Cranial enclosure & exoskeleton frame
• Balanced between softness and firmness
• 260-degree field of vision
• Insert molded vents
6. LifeShopping Logan Last Mission Balaclava Full Face Skull Mask
Playing paintball more casually means you might have a knack for inexpensive items to slightly enhance your experience without feeling like you’re breaking the bank. I’ve decided to include here a balaclava that acts like a decent mask, it doesn’t protect you like some of the more advanced gear on this list but you can give it a try if you just want to look cool on the battlefield.
There isn’t really much to add, if you like the design and need a sleek mask this can be perfect for you. The graphics are of excellent quality, it’s well made and keeps you warm. If you’re worried that it has too small of an opening don’t be, it should easily fit a child or an adult. With such a soft material and a nice fit, you can’t go wrong with this balaclava. Awesome for paintball skirmishes and even as a piece for a Halloween costume.
Key features:
• Textile & stretchy
• One-size fits most people
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