Most people will argue that the marker is the most important item of your paintball inventory, but the truth is the goggles you wear are equally essential. After all, you can’t hit what you can’t see.
The best paintball mask relies on a series of factors, and you need to factor all of them in before making a purchasing decision. You also need to pay close attention to how well the product gets along and interacts with you. That being said, let’s see what you should look for while considering a new paintball mask.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
- A Good Fit. You’ll be running and jumping and rolling and shooting, so finding a mask that fits during a paintball game is as important as wearing the right pair of shoes while jogging. You don’t want it to be too tight or Otherwise, your performance will suffer. There is nothing more frustrating than constantly adjusting a mask that moves up or down and sliding off your face.
Also, if the goggles give you an itchy sensation, change them without a doubt. A good mask must fit you from the start.
- Budget and Expectances. Prices on the market range from around $20 to $150, but how much you pay should be decided only by how often and how rough you play. The amount you’re prepared to spend should always match your specific needs, since blowing up the budget doesn’t assure a better game.
Top 10 Paintball Masks Table
| Picture | Name | Field of Vision | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Invert Helix Thermal Paintball Goggles Mask - Olive | 270-Degree Field of Vision | $$ | 4.6 |
| 2. Dye Precision I4 Thermal Paintball Goggle | 290-Degree Field of Vision | $$$$ | 4.4 |
| 3. Empire Paintball X-Ray Single Lens Goggle, Black | 290-Degree Field of Vision | $$ | 4.4 |
| 4. GXG XVSN Paintball Masks | 180-Degree Field of Vision | $ | 4.4 |
| 5. VForce Profiler Thermal Paintball Goggle Mask | 260-Degree Field of Vision | $$ | 4.4 |
| 6. V-Force Grill Paintball Mask/Goggles | 260-Degree Field of Vision | $$$ | 4.4 |
| 7. JT Spectra Flex 8 Full Head and Face Coverage | 260-Degree Field of Vision | $$ | 4.3 |
| 8. Empire Paintball Helix Thermal Lens Goggle | 270-Degree Field of Vision | $$ | 4.3 |
| 9. Sly Profit LE Goggles | 270-Degree Field of Vision | $$$ | 4.2 |
| 10. Tippmann Valor Paintball Goggle Mask | 260-Degree Field of Vision | $$ | 4.1 |
Buying Information
From fit to style and price, the mask you wear in the paintball game dictates how much you enjoy the whole experience and how safe you feel while playing. Pay attention to this information to make sure you are choosing the best paintball mask for your needs.
- Function and Utility. Shape and color change, so the particular style of a paintball mask should not be decisive when you start looking to purchase one. Instead, consider the functions and different parts of the mask in order to purchase a quality one.
- The Lenses. They are the obvious threshold that let nothing pass by, from paint to smoke and dirt. The latest lens technology includes special tints, anti-fog capacity, and even UV filters. All this means that your eyes are carefully protected against splashes and hits, while your sight is enhanced and cared for.
- Field of Vision. The field of view refers to the amount of peripheral vision a mask allows. Most entry-level masks offer a limited field of view, but as the mask’s quality increases so does the field of view. Consider your level and style of play before making a decision.
- Fog Resistance. There’s nothing more annoying than having to interrupt a game to clear your mask from the fog. Since paintball is an intensive game, make sure to choose a mask that comes with anti-fog lenses.
- The Bottoms. This part wraps around the sides and covers the nose and cheeks, going down to the neck level to ensure protection and ventilation. The bottom is where you breathe from, so it has slots angled away to prevent any direct contact with the paint while allowing the air to vent in and out.
- The Ears. The earpieces of the mask are designed to keep your ears safe but enabling to hear calls, shots and other noises at the same time. They can usually be swapped out with different models and types of masks.
- The Strap. This holds the mask to your head, so it’s important that it feels comfortable when tightened. Some players choose different colorful straps to personalize the mask with, but it’s not the primary purpose or priority.
Top 3 Best Paintball Mask Reviews
1. Invert Helix Thermal
The Invert Helix Thermal Paintball Goggles Mask is the overall highest rated paintball mask by experts and recreational players. The mask features a rigid plastic shell that will protect your face and ears from the impact. The robust construction also ensures sturdiness and durability, so that you can rest assured that your mask can withstand years of constant use.
One of the best features of the Invert Helix mask is the thermal dual pane lenses. Not only that, they also offer a spectacular field of vision and they come with anti-fog protection. You won’t have to waste time during a match to wiping your goggles clean.
If you are going to play paintball regularly and for long periods of times, you will appreciate the great ventilation system provided by the Invert Helix mask. You will be able to breathe easily regardless of the weather conditions or how fast you are running.
Performant, affordable, and equipped with great features, Invert Helix might just be the best paintball mask for players of all skill levels.
2. Dye Precision I4 Thermal
When it comes to the price-performance ration, The Dye Precision paintball mask is one of the best that money can buy. One of the features that make this mask such a great purchase is its ability to reflect the sun’s ray, which can give you a wider field of vision than most paintball masks. This aspect will give you a great advantage over other players who have a less performant mask.
Another feature that you will appreciate is the anatomic fit and function. This mask is designed to fit perfectly on your head regardless of your face sizes and contour.
The mask also features the dual stage foam technology, meaning that it eliminates perspiration from your face. As a result, you won’t have to stop your game to clean the moisture inside the mask.
To conclude, the Dye Precision mask delivers user-friendly features, comfort, and great performance.
3. Empire Paintball X-Ray Single Lens
If you are looking for a paintball mask that can deliver superior protection, outstanding anti-fog qualities, and good visibility, then look no further than the Empire X-Ray Single Lens Goggle.
This mask is crafted from a sturdy plastic material that ensures great endurance against even the toughest paintball battles. You will love its great ventilation and amazing anti-fog properties that allow you to play even in humid conditions.
The high-quality adjustable strap will hold the mask tightly on your head even in the most vigorous encounters. It can also give more flexibility and control during the game.
All in all, the overall build quality and comfort that this mask provides makes it a great choice for any player.
