Paintball is a sport was envisioned by three friends in the middle of a debate in the early 1980s. The discussion centered around whether or not a city person, let loose in the woods or other remote areas, could survive if being hunted by a country person, hunter, or woodsman. Fortunately, they didn’t settle this debate in a Most Dangerous Game scenario but found a more civilized way to test their theories.
As paintball evolved and grew more popular, the equipment also became more sophisticated. The earliest paintball games used rather crude guns, and limited amounts of ammunition. The markers were single-shot, typically had a maximum twelve shot magazine, and required manual cocking and loading, making for a slow and prolonged encounter.
Our Personal Best Choice
Best Overall Model
Dye Special Edition Paintball Goggles
Best Value Model
NINAT Airsoft Skull Mask
Best Overall Model
Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Paintball Mask
Best Value Model
Dye Precision i4 Thermal Paintball Mask
The next generation of markers evolved with the development of a pump-action firing system, which significantly improved the speed of cocking and firing. Gas power came next, displacing some of the spring action guns that were most commonly in use at that time. At the same time, paintballs were also improving, changing to a gelatin-based coating, holding vegetable dyes for betting contact spotting visibility.
Paintball equipment can be rented at many venues, which is an excellent way to get an introduction to the sport. For those that wish to purchase their own equipment, the basic needs include a marker, paintballs, and a hopper or magazine to hold the paintballs. Other optional equipment can consist of protective vests, gloves, knee or elbow padding, and neck protection.
The one absolutely mandatory piece of personal protective equipment is a mask.
The speed at which the paintballs leave the barrel of the gun, or muzzle velocity, is quite high. Getting hit by a paintball can sting, and even leave a bruise or welt. But to get hit in the eye with a paintball could result in serious injury, even including blindness. So, given this, the focus of this article will be on paintball masks. We’ll review both budget and professional models, and give you all the details needed to help you make the best purchasing decision when you buy your mask.
Comparison Table
In this review, we will look at a total of twelve paintball masks; seven of these will fall into the budget category, with the remaining five being professional or expert models.
| Product | Best Features | Rating (No. of Reviews) | Price Range | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Budget Paintball Masks: |
||||
|
|
|
4.7 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
3.9 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
4.3 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
4.3 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
4.9 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
4.2 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
4.1 out of 5 |
||
|
Experts/Professional Masks: |
||||
|
|
|
4.6 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
4.6 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
4.5 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
4.4 out of 5 |
||
|
|
|
4.2 out of 5 |
||
Buying Guide
The purpose of this section is to list several features, terminology, and specifications you should consider when selecting your mask. You may see wide variations in performance among these masks, particularly between the budget and professional masks.
There are three levels you should consider as part of your mask selection process. The first is the must-have features; those things that you cannot live without. Maybe it’s padded straps or a visor, but you won’t buy unless it has it. Next up would be nice to have options; these are things you would probably use but aren’t completely necessary in the function of the mask. Finally, there are those items you really don’t need and won’t use; the bells and whistles that may come with a mask. One example of this might be the ability to wear glasses under the mask, which may or may not be relevant to you.
We’ll try to keep the descriptions relatively brief. If you need more detail, you can typically find information online at the manufacturer’s web site.
Visor
Many models come with a visor or have a visor that can be purchased separately. The visor itself is not a safety feature but does provide improved glare protection while in the field wearing the mask.
Padding/Straps
The padding is what molds the mask to your head, and the straps are what hold the mask in place. There are different types of padding and padding covers to choose from. Some padding is removable and replaceable in case it gets wet or malformed. The ability of the padding to absorb moisture is also a key factor. The straps should have a reliable method of closure to hold the mask in place and be adjustable to fit different sizes.
Bad-ass factor
Admittedly, you won’t see this one listed in the manufacturer’s specifications or as a bullet in the Amazon reviews. But, let’s face it, while you may be prey part of the time in a paintball combination, you are predator all the time! So, you want a mask that will convey that predator instinct to your competition out there. Which of the below do you think delivers that bad-ass attitude?
Best Budget Paintball Masks Review
BOROLA Tactical Mask
This goggle-style mask has a removable faceplate so that the goggles can be worn separately for other activities. The mask is polycarbonate, with anti-glare and UV protection, and has a single, adjustable band to fit all sizes. It can be purchased in nine different colors and patterns.
BOROLA Tactical
Paintball Mask
Features and specifications:
- UV protection of SPF400
- vent holes on both sides of mask for good air circulation
- frame is made of ABS plastic material, foam padding for comfort
Pros
- Very lightweight mask at 6.5 ounces total, goggles only are 2.7 ounces
- Separate mask can be used for other activities, like cycling, skiing, etc.
Cons
- Eye protection rating is 200FPS at 5-meter distance, so may not be suitable for paintball based on rules of the venue. Geared more for Nerf competition
- 4.7 review, but only ten reviews
Dye Special Edition Paintball Goggles – Best Overall
This full-sized mask has a powerful bad-ass look. It has a double pane lens to prevent fogging, and offer distortion free sightlines. The lens design offers a wide-angle 260o field of vision, with full visor for glare shield. The design features a ten-second lens change.
Dye Special Edition
Paintball Mask
Features and specifications:
- multi-ports over ears to allow excellent hearing in surrounding area
- weight is 11.7 ounces, features foam padding for comfort
Pros
- High overall rating, and also highly rated for value, ease of cleaning, and comfort
- User reviews claim anti-fogging capability is excellent
Cons
- Mask coverage does not cover the top or back of head
- Single color and design only
NINAT Airsoft Skull Mask – Best Value
This mask has a polycarbonate lens and thermoplastic body for strength and durability. It is available in four color patterns, with a variety of lens colors available. The mask has a visor for glare protection and a single pane lens with anti-fogging treatment. Foam padding around the eyes and ears gives a comfortable fit.
NINAT Airsoft
Skull Mask
Features and specifications:
- rated for muzzle velocity of 310 FPS within 5 meters
- louvered vents draw warm air out to protect against fogging
- small mesh to prevent paint from getting inside the mask if hit
- lightweight at just over 11 ounces
Pros
- Higher protection rating for paintball use
- Lowest price of all the masks in this review
- Eyeglasses can be worn under the mask
Cons
- Users mention it is a good beginner’s mask, but not especially durable
- Only 12 reviews
Empire X-Ray Paintball Single Lens Goggles
Sporting a visor, with a goggle-style look, this mask is highly rated for value. It has an anti-fog single pane lens, and offers protection for the face and ears, but not the top or back of the head. Foam padding and an adjustable strap give an overall good fit.
Empire X-Ray
Paintball Single
Lens Goggles
Features and specifications:
- multiple vents over ears and mouth for good communications with teammates
- lightweight, and a top twenty mask seller at Amazon
- one-piece construction; mask and goggles are fixed and not removable
Pros
- Lightweight, decent rating, good mask for beginners
- Can be used with eyeglasses, but may require some trimming of the foam padding
Cons
- Vents near eyes can allow paint to get inside the mask near the eyes
- Several user complaints about fogging during use
Invert Helix Thermal Paintball Mask
This mask comes in an olive-green color, to provide good camouflage in a woods or forest setting, and a lightly tinted mask to help prevent glare. It has a wide-angle field of vision, and an easy change lens system.
Invert Helix
Thermal Paintball Mask
Features and specifications:
- 270o field of vision
- non-slip, adjustable strap
- optically correct, thermal, dual pane lens to resist fogging
Pros
- Dual-density foam padding for additional comfort
- At Amazon, 5.0 ratings for value and lightweight (14 ounces)
Cons
- Many conflicting reviews on anti-fog capability
JT Premise Headshield Paintball Mask
This mask offers full-head coverage, with removable panels for the back and top of the head. It has a single pane, clear lens in the goggles. The lens is anti-fog, and can be replaced and upgraded with other JT aftermarket lenses. It features three points of adjustment for a comfortable fit.
JT Premise
Paintball mask
Features and specifications:
- 260o field of vision
- built-in visor for glare protection
- full face ventilation for easy breathing and limited fogging risk
Pros
- Quick-release lens and foam systems to facilitate removal
- Ability to upgrade lens
Cons
- Several complaints about fogging and overall mask ventilation
- Highest price mask on the list (but not by much)
Empire Helix Paintball Mask
Unfortunately, this mask doesn’t do anything for me on the bad-ass scale. It has a dual-pane thermal lens and a visor/brow shield that looks more like a baseball cap. The overall reviews are good, however, with several positive comments on fit and comfort.
Empire Helix
Paintball Mask
Features and specifications:
- dual-density foam padding for user comfor
- well-placed vents avoid paint getting inside the mask
- field of vision is 270o
Pros
- Woven, adjustable strap with silicone to prevent slippage
- User comfort, ability to fit glasses inside mask
Cons
- Some exposure of side of jaw where mask does not provide coverage
So, a quick summary of the budget paintball masks before we move on to the detailed review of the professional mask. Here are my choices:
Best Overall Model
Dye Special Edition Paintball Goggles
Best Value Model
NINAT Airsoft Skull Mask
I really liked the Dye Special Edition as the best overall mask. While it is among the priciest in the budget category, it is still only $40. It came out with high ratings in virtually every category, and users raved about the anti-fog capability. My only concern was not finding a specific protection rating, but, given Dye’s record as a quality mask producer, the assumption is that it is fully paintball qualified.
The best value was a little bit tougher to call, but you really can’t argue with a full-featured, $18 mask. It has a lot of color combination choices and a good rating from users. My only concern was the relatively low number of reviews; only twelve. The Invert Helix would have been my runner-up in this category.
Best Professional/Expert Paintball Masks Review
Let’s shift gears here, and take a look at five paintball masks for experts or professional paintballers. We do see a more significant range of prices in this group, but, as you would hope, based on the higher prices, there is a nice, tight grouping on the quality reviews. Each of the five as a significant number of reviews, so any skewed results are not really a factor.
Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Paintball Mask – Best Value
This mask comes out as tied for the highest rating at 4.6, but shows up as first on the list by virtue of the $95 price tag, lowest of all five professional masks. It’s available in six colors, and offers partial head coverage, leaving the top and the back of the head unprotected. It can be customized with several options from the VIO mask line.
Virtue VIO Ascend
Thermal Paintball Mask
Features and specifications:
- lthermal lens with 100% UV protection
- large vents for good airflow and communication
- scratch-resistant lens coating, distortion-free optical quality, comfortable fit with eyeglasses
Pros
- High ratings for comfort and value
- Lots of upgrades for lenses, strap, visor, etc.
- Good ear coverage
Cons
- Depending on the user, may not cover full jaw
- Large front vents can allow paint into the mask with a frontal hit
Dye i5 Paintball Mask
This is the first of two Dye masks in the professional category, following the selection of a different Dye mask as best overall in the budget category. Boasting over thirty body and mask color combinations, this mask has a built-in POV mount to attach a camera to record your paintball action. The quick-release foam and lens change capability allows for easy cleaning, even in the field.
Dye i5 Paintball Mask
Features and specifications:
- best in class 290o field of vision
- multi-directional venting to release heat and moisture, and provide for excellent communication
- goggle style mask, without full head protection top and back
- certified for double the ASTM minimum requirement
Pros
- Exceptional safety features, including ASTM certification and extensive ear protection
- Top five in sales at Amazon for paintball goggles
- Soft, multi-layer foam padding
Cons
- Lens reported to scratch easily
- Highest price of the professional models reviewed here
Dye Precision i4 Thermal Paintball Mask – Best Overall
This paintball mask has many of the same features as the i5 above, and has a similar 4.5 rating to the 4.6 of the i5. The price, however, is $50 less. The i5 has the camera mount, and slightly better chin protection, but otherwise they are almost identical. This mask does not provide top or rear head protection.
Dye Precision i4
Thermal Paintball Mask
Features and specifications:
- thermal, anti-fog lens, with dozens of colors combinations with mask body
- soft and flexible ear protection, good ventilation in front of mask
- certified for double the ASTM minimum requirement
- foam padding system for extra comfort
Pros
- Exceptional safety features, including the ASTM certification and ear protection
- Top two in Amazon sales
- Good fit for people who need to wear glasses
Cons
- Some concerns about face coverage, depending on personal features
- Complaints about lens scratching
Virtue VIO Contour II Paintball Mask
There are about a dozen color/lens combinations available, and the camo one is really bad-ass. This mask is very similar to the Ascend, reviewed above, with a quick-change, fog-resistant lens with 100% UV protection. It has a large mouth vent for easy breathing and communication and no echo ear pads. The mask can also be customized with parts from the entire VIO line.
Virtue VIO Contour II
Paintball Mask
Features and specifications:
- ASTM certified for paintball use
- lens is anti-fog, scratch-resistant coated, double pane thermal
- 3D molded ear pads with high-grade foam
- has back of head protection
Pros
- One-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Woven strap with silicone treatment for better contact, no-slip
- Back of head coverage
Cons
- Complaints about top to bottom dimensions too small for facial coverage
- Complaints about exterior packaging and received with damages to mask
Empire EVS Paintball Mask
With over a dozen mask and lens combinations, this partial coverage mask has style. It has a scratch-resistant, anti-reflective lens, with a quick, tool-free replacement system, with 100% UV protection. Rated highly for comfort, it has a moisture-wicking, triple-density foam padding system.
Empire EVS
Paintball Mask
Features and specifications:
- distortion-free lens offers 270o field of vision
- flexible lower skirt encourages paintball bouncing off rather than breaking
- ASTM approved for paintball eye protection
- thermo-formed ear covering for protection and excellent hearing
Pros
- Plenty of room inside mask for eyeglasses
- Large facial vents for easy breathing and communication
- Tool-free lens replacement
Cons
- Users complained picture shows black lens, but standard mask comes with clear (product description does state clear lens, but picture is deceiving)
- Complaints about foam padding staying adhered to mask body
By way of summary, below are the best value and the best overall professional/expert paintball masks:
Best Overall Model
Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Paintball Mask
Best Value Model
Dye Precision i4 Thermal Paintball Mask
The best value was a relatively easy selection for me. The Ascend has the lowest price by over $50, and is tied for the highest rating at 4.6. Amazon raters apparently agree, given the high ratings for both comfort and value.
The best overall was a bit of a toss-up. The i4 and i5 are very similar in features and performance but differ in price by over $50. The i5 gives you some improvements in chin protection, and the ability to mount a camera, but that just didn’t sway me enough to overcome the price difference. If those things are important to you due to the style of your game and personal preference, you won’t go wrong with the i5 either.
Conclusion
So, this wraps up our review of budget and professional paintball masks. We hope the information was helpful to you and will assist you in making the best value choice for your needs.
