As a paintballer, vision is everything. Being able to see where to take cover and being able to spot opponents that are shooting at you helps improve your overall gameplay.
Before I get into all the gory details, here are my top 3 choices for paintball masks if you wear glasses (scroll down further to get all the details!):
If you wear glasses and are passionate about the game of paintball, don’t lose hope. There are ways you can effectively participate in the game and still see clearly. Wearing glasses, then a paintball mask might seem like a herculean task but with the proper gear, it is as easy as pie!
You can either get contact lenses or invest in anti-fog equipment such as anti-fog sprays and cream or a paintball mask with a fan. There are two things to consider when selecting a paintball mask to wear over glasses.
The first and most essential thing is the comfortability of the mask. This has to do with the gap between the lens of the mask and the frames of your glasses. There should be enough room between the two lenses, so they don’t press against each other
The comfortability also has to do with how firm the foam paddings of the mask press against your face. It is always advisable when choosing a paintball mask to wear over glasses, to choose a slightly bigger mask with an adjustable strap for increased convenience.
It is also advisable to use a glasses strap to help make sure your glasses do not slip off while playing the game. Another vital factor to consider is the weight of the helmet. Players should always try to go for a lighter helmet when using glasses.
The second thing to consider is if the mask has an anti-fog thermal lens. Fogginess is one of the biggest challenges paintball players face while playing airsoft. It is even worse for players who wear glasses because not only can the lens of the mask get foggy, the lens of their glasses can also get foggy.
Ergo, it is important to wear the proper gear and apparel which can help reduce the level of fogginess. When trying to reduce fogginess, it is important to choose a paintball mask with proper ventilation and breathability.
Wearing headbands can also help reduce fogginess because these headbands soak up sweat that could drip down into players' eyes and increase the level of humidity which in turn leads to fogginess. Making use of anti-fog sprays or creams can also help reduce the level of fogginess for players.
Regardless of which option you pick-either getting contact lenses or purchasing various paintball mask anti-fog equipment- getting the ideal mask is just as important.
In this article, we will be highlighting the various paintball masks we believe are most suitable for paintballer ballers who wear glasses.
Below is a comparison chart highlighting the differences between the masks listed above based on the following factors: price, weight, peripheral vision, and lens type.
Let us get right into the details!
Our pick for the best overall paintball mask for glasses users is the Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Goggles. Virtue VIO is a line of top-shelf paintball masks that usually cost about $200. Even though the VIO Ascend is not equipped with various features like its more expensive counterparts, it still provides a quality user experience.
The VIO Ascend is a more recent addition to the Virtue paintball mask line, designed to provide users with a more affordable, yet quality option. The VIO Ascend is also compatible with the VIO stealth visor fan which costs an extra $50.
Its main features and specifications are highlighted below:
The JT Spectra ProFlex LE Thermal Goggle must come as the best budget pick for paintballers who use glasses.
The JT line has a special feature that most paintball masks do not have which makes it stand out when compared to other paintball masks. It has a line of vortex fans that are compatible with some of their models like the ProFlex LE Thermal Goggles.
This fan has a two-way switch which enables the fan to either draw air out or blow air into the mask. The fan is shock and waterproof and can last up to 30 hours with just a single AAA battery. It is extremely lightweight (weighs about 3.2 ounces)
However, the Vortex fan isn’t sold with the ProFlex thermal googles so players have to purchase it separately. The Vortex fan costs about $25
The JT Spectra ProFlex goggles are considered one of the most comfortable paintball masks for glasses users given its extremely comfortable facial foam. The mask ony weighs about 1.4 pounds.
The masks are equipped with anti-fog spectra thermal lens which ensures the user a fog-free experience. The lens is also capable of protecting users against UV rays.
Listed below are the features of the JT Spectra thermal goggles:
Our pick for the best alternate paintball mask for glasses users is the Dye i5 Paintball Mask. This mask must be one of the best paintball masks currently selling on the market. It would easily beat the JT Spectra Proflex if not for the compatible Vortex fan.
It was designed to ensure maximum comfort for paintball users. Priced at about $200, this paintball mask is equipped with features that make the user experience a smooth and enjoyable one.
Below are the features and specification of the Dye i5 mask:
Our pick for the best paintball mask for glasses users under $200 is the Empire EVS Thermal Goggles. Often tagged as the world’s first smart paintball mask because of how easy and quick it was to switch out its lens and facial foam.
The mask is designed to have enough room to fit in any frame size for glasses users which easily makes it a go-to option. It is well ventilated and breathable thereby easily eliminating fog. The proper ventilation also ensures proper circulation of sound which prevents echoes and ensures clear communication.
This mask offers glasses users an affordable, yet quality option when it comes to choosing an ideal paintball mask. It costs about $150.
Below are the features and specifications of the Empire EVS thermal paintball mask:
Our pick for the best paintball mask for glasses users under $100 is the V-force Profiler Thermal Goggles.
This paintball weighs about 1lb making it super lightweight. It was made with soft full-flex panels without compromising its durability. This mask is the first in the V-force line to gain prominence making it a go-to option for professional paintball players.
Its wide peripheral vision and soft facial foam make it conducive for glasses users and increase the chance of the paintball bouncing off.
Equipped with similar features as other high-end paintball masks, the V-force profiler is a force to be reckoned with in the paintball mask industry.
Highlighted below are the features and specification of the V-force Profiler:
Our pick for the best paintball mask for glasses users which cost less than $50 is the Valken Paintball MI-7 Goggle. This paintball mask by Valken only weigh about 1lb.
Most of the paintball masks that cost less than $50 often come with a single pane lens as opposed to the dual-pane lens that comes with higher-end goggles. You can check the FAQ section to understand better the difference between these two different types of lenses.
The Valken MI 7 goggle offers a very affordable option especially for beginners to the game of paintball. The paintball mask is equipped with adequate features, some of which are also present in more expensive masks.
Highlighted below are the main features and specifications of the Valken MI 7 mask:
Generally, lenses are made of polycarbonate material which makes them sturdy and resistant to shock, scratch, and glare.
Single pane lenses like the name suggest means that the goggles have just one set of polycarbonate lens which has an anti-fog coating. Single pane lenses are more affordable and easier to maintain but are however subject to fogging easily.
Dual-pane thermal lenses, on the other hand, require the goggles to have two sets of polycarbonate lenses reinforced together with glue and foam which help regulate temperature and prevent fogging.
Dipping your dual-pane lenses in water may damage them and render them useless because the foam between the lenses is absorbent.