The best paintball mask should give you a clear vision. It should be comfortable and must have good breathability and most importantly, it should be thermal and fog-resistant. This feature is probably the most crucial, especially if you are playing when it’s cold.
It is also important to note that the choice for the perfect paintball mask will also be dependent on your specific preferences and needs. You may go for something that is lightweight or something that provides ultra-safety. It’s just unacceptable to be running around on the paintball field and have your mask fog up!
If you are looking for insight into some of the best anti-fog masks on the market today, then this is the right article for you. The masks here are chosen according to their quality, price range, and available features.
Overall, these masks are great, not just with the fog-less features. Let’s start with the best overall fog-less paintball mask!
The Dye Precision I4 Thermal Mask is one of the most impressive masks you will ever encounter. The best thing about it is that it provides full-face protection. The Dye Precision mask also provides a wide peripheral field of vision.
You can still wear it even if you are wearing glasses because the layout of the vent can maintain clarity. Precision I4 Thermal has wide template cutouts so that it can accommodate both thick and thin-armed glasses.
The design also boasts a multidirectional mask design. This feature makes it possible for you to communicate with your teammates easily. This is because it can carry your voice further.
Price: $$
These Base GSF Paintball Goggles are the ideal choice for those looking for budget-friendly masks. With this mask, you will always get the perfect visual range through the fast-release anti-fog screen. These goggles have a visor for added protection. The visor also functions to minimize the potential of glare in all conditions.
Check Price & AvailabilityThe Base GSF Paintball Goggles are a great mask for the price. It certainly isn’t perfect, but if you are on a budget, then this is the mask to choose
This mask is comfortable and can be adjusted to fit any face shape. The straps are non-slip and moisture resistant. There is no concern, if you are sweating heavily during a hot day or wild game, your mask will stay in place and not slip down as others do.
The woven strap and quick foam change lenses hold the silicone coating perfectly in place as you continue playing thereby preventing any slips.
Again, these goggles have many features and benefits at a very affordable price.
Price; $
The Dye I5 Paintball Goggles are one of the best masks for competitive players. It is ultra-light and has a variety of features that are comfortable when one is running in the field. I noticed that the price of this mask depends on the style and color you choose.
Dye i5 provides amazing vision and the best protection through its 290-degree thermal anti-fog screen. The anatomic fit and compression ear mounts make this mask an excellent choice for paintball lovers.
The Empire EVX Paintball Mask comes with a tool-free replacement lens that is also scratch-resistant and anti-reflective.
The Empire EVS offers a 270-degree vision thanks to its spherical shape. Not only is this mask exceptionally comfortable on the face, but it also provides maximum eye protection.
It also features a non-slip ear coverage that ensures excellent hearing. It is also very durable and flexible enough to wear with no difficulties.
Price; $$
Virtue VIO Paintball Goggles are a great alternate goggle with a price tag under $150.
Virtue mentions high durability and cutting-edge technology for improved comfort and optical clarity. It has been designed to look streamlined and semi-flexible making it both stylish and functional. It is made of lightweight material and a replaceable multi-layer form.
The virtue VIO is extremely versatile giving 100% UV protection, fog-resistance, and the ability to change the lenses swiftly.
Price; $$
This Empire E-Flex Paintball mask is trusted by countless users from across the globe because it can withstand pressure and regular use.
It is one of the best masks in the market and it is also very durable. It is designed to be lightweight so that it offers good breath-ability and, a swift lens exchange.
With this mask, you will never have to worry about visibility because of the anti-fog lens system. It offers zero visual distortion every time even with regular use.
A great price for a very good mask!
Price; $
GI Sportz Vforce Profiler Mask is best at giving good performance and at a very affordable price.
Check Price & AvailabilityNot only does it have a 280-degree peripheral vision that enhances field vision, but it also has an ultra-lightweight design to ensure comfort during the game.
The mask has a fantastic head target design that minimizes the target zone. Besides, VForce profiler will keep you safe and protected with its solid frame that can handle hard blows and hits.
Price; $
If your on a budget, then for under 50 bucks, these JT Premise Headshield Paintball Goggles are a good option...
With this mask, you will get 360 degrees of protection for any field or any game. You will experience total protection from impact with this mask so that you can concentrate on the game with confidence.
Price; $
Comparison Chart
Fog-Free Mask Name | Amazon Rating | Price |
Best Overall Fogless Mask Dye Precision I4 Thermal | 4.6 | $$ |
Best Budget Fog-Free Mask Base GSF Goggles | 4.4 | $$ |
Best Fogless Mask Over $150 Dye I5 | 4.6 | $$ |
Best Fog-Free Mask Under $150 Empire EVS Thermal Goggles | 4.0 | $$ |
Best Alternate Fogless Mask Under $150 Virtue VIO | 4.5 | $$ |
Best Fogless Mask Under $100 Empire E-Flex Goggles | 4.4 | $ |
Best Fogless Mask Under $60 GI Sportz V Force | 3.7 | $ |
Best Fogless Mask Under $50 JT Premise Headshield Goggles | 4.6 | $ |
If you are searching for a high-quality mask that will meet your specific needs, then you need to pay close attention to these important factors:
Comfort
Ensure you get a paintball mask that offers you the utmost comfort. A mask that fits and sits well in your face. Don't go for a mask that moves around a lot; you don’t want to be fixing and adjusting your mask during a battle! That’s just not fun.
Some games last an hour, some last all day. A comfortable mask will make the difference between a great day and pure frustration!
Some masks have low-quality padding that is itchy which is annoying. Go for a mask that provides you with a decent level of ventilation and can provide comfort for many hours of play.
Durability / Protection
One way of ensuring your paintball mask lasts longer is by not abusing it too much. While taking care of the mask makes it last longer, is it important to choose a mask that has been constructed from durable materials.
Paintball masks should be designed to withstand rough situations. Get yourself a paintball mask that is made of sturdy, soft, and at the same time flexible material.
Also, remember dual-pane lenses are more strongly built than a single pane making them more durable.
The Lens
You need a wider lens to retain your peripheral view. The peripheral view improves performance when playing in areas such as clearing structures or indoors. Ensure to get a paintball mask with a thermal antifog lens. This means that even as you start breathing heavily and sweating, the fog will not form on your lenses. You won't have to compromise your safety during the game by wiping your lenses occasionally.
Not only are good lenses coated with materials to adapt to temperature fluctuations but also to repel moisture. You only need to have a foggy mask to ruin your entire day in the field.
High-end paintball masks can swap lenses for a more customized look by adding splash color to adapt to the weather. Just like snowboard googles, there are lenses designed for extra sunlight and some for cloudy weather.
Beginners rarely think about their mask and how much a mask can fog during a day of paintball. Sure, your mask is there to protect you and your eyes during gameplay. However, mask fog can easily form while you are in the heat of a campaign, even with some high-end paintball.
Your mask can fog when moisture from your skin condenses on it. It happens when you are breathing heavily or sweating such that the inside is warmer compared to the outside. A paintball mask fog can significantly affect your performance in the field. It is a nuisance you do not want to deal with.
Nevertheless, mask fog is inevitable and one day you will experience it one way or the other. Here are ways to prevent it:
Get a mask with a fog-resistant coating
Getting a fog-resistant mask is a short-term solution for preventing fog masks. Manufacturers line the lens with a thin coating from the inside. It works perfectly well when the coating is still in place.
However, as you clean the mask over and over again the coating wears off.
Use a mask fan
Some paintball masks come with an in-built fan for defogging. Other masks have the option of accommodating the fan later on. The fan is placed above the googles to blow air across the lens. As a result, moisture is evaporated preventing fog from forming on the lenses.
Although the fans work well, there are some cons to using them. First, they can be very noisy, require a battery to use, prone to breaking, and are expensive too.
Nevertheless, mask fans are effective even in humid conditions. If you are using a single pane lens, a mask fan is only effective during the warmer periods.
Use an anti-fog spray
Every paintball player’s bag should at least have an anti-fog spray. It is still not a permanent solution but it helps a lot. Clean your lenses using the spray before every game. Ensure you spray the lens' inside then use a microfiber cloth to wipe it.
It works to prevent moisture from condensing on the inside of your lens. Using anti-fog spray is the easiest and the cheapest method of preventing paintball mask from fogging.
Buy a thermal mask
Thermal masks have dual panes with different lenses that have different attributes. The outer lens is thicker and very similar to a single-paned lens while the inner lens is thinner.
In between the two lenses, there is an air cushion to ensure that air around your face is protected from the outside temperature. For more details why paintball masks fog and how to prevent it.
You know the struggle is real when you cannot see more than 10 ft yet you want to play. Worry not because you can wear your paintball mask with glasses. Another concern while wearing glasses with the mask is the “fog war”. You just need to have the right items to enjoy a clear vision while playing.
The most important item to consider first is getting yourself the right mask. Walk into your local sporting store and try on different masks. Ask the retailer for masks specifically designed to accommodate glasses. This type of mask typically has furrows in the foam to give the arms of the glasses some space. This feature ensures that your glasses are not pressed so hard against your eyes.
Make sure you get a mask that is a little bit bigger so that your glasses are not squashed to your nose bridge. Besides, you will not have to worry about fogging if you get this right. While trying out paintball masks, ensure that there is some space left between your glasses’ lens and the mask’s lens.
Look for a mask with a soft mouldable foam that will take the shape of your glasses' arm easily if you cannot find one with foam cut-outs. Finally, opt for well-ventilated masks to avoid fogging. There are other items and tips to consider when you want to play with your glasses on. Click here, “can you play paintball with glass” for more details.
At the very least replace your paintball lens once a year. Most paintball players replace their lenses during the spring as they wait for the very big play game season. One year is standard and it only applies to when you have taken good care of your lens and there are no visible cracks. If you are a paintball player then you probably know how important it is to take good care of your lens. A dirty mask or a mask that has defects can malfunction in the field. Do not get in trouble by going to play with such a mask.
A good lens does not just function to give your mask the shiny look. It gives you a wider and clear vision improving your performance in the field. You know it becomes easier to dodge or attack your opponents if you can see them. Remember how important it is to protect your eye during a paintball game. Certainly, have a good functioning lens that can keep paintballs off your eyes.
Paintball mask lens is fragile and would easily break if a paintball hits it within a 15-yard distance. We recommend you replace the lens immediately if it is hit within a close range. The impact from such a close range can challenge the functionality of your lens. You might not see a visible crack at the time but if hit again, it will probably not survive the hit. You know how dangerous that can be.
It is just safe to replace it although it will pinch you a bit by costing you some money. You will regret not changing your paintball mask’s lens when a paintball hits it and it breaks right in the middle of the game. It will be sadder if you sustained an eye injury just because you assumed it.
The answer is yes. You are probably now an enthusiast in playing paintball and have your equipment. You can freely personalize your gear to fit your style. One way to personalize your playing style or your personality style is by painting your paintball mask. It is pretty easy and simple to do by yourself.
You may have some paint that lies around your home but it is likely not the paint you need to use on your paintball mask. Just invest in the right paint/supplies and save yourself the hassle of having to do it again or ruining your hard-earned paintball mask.
If all you just want to change the base color, it is pretty simple. All you need to have is a painter’s tape to cover the areas you don’t want to paint and a special type of paint that sticks to plastics. If you are looking for a bit more customized look for your mask, then add a design to it after painting the base. For the customized look you will need to have an x-Acto blade for cutting a pre-made vinyl stencil.
Here are a few types of paint that work best on plastic: