7 Best Paintball Masks – Review and Buyer’s Guide



Best Paintball Masks

Are you thinking of leveling up your paintball game? For that, it is important to have a quality mask that provides you with great coverage and a clear vision without fog. If you are tired of the fog that gets accumulated within your mask and want a quick solution, I would recommend you do the basic research about masks that offer improved ventilation and thermal treatments. For this purpose, this article offers you some recommendations and a buying guide for the best paintball masks around the market.

List of 7 Best Paintball Masks

1 Dye i5 Paintball Mask – Fog Resistant Paintball Masks

Dye i5 Paintball Mask for Glasses

Dye i5 Paintball Mask has been highly admired among all the paintball masks due to its 12.6 ounces lightweight and ASTM certification. In terms of the peripheral vision of the field, you will be getting the thermal lens with the dual-pane capable of reaching up to 290o degrees. In addition to this, you can show your best talents on the paintball battlefield due to its anti-fogging features.

When we purchased this great pick, we were amazed by the modified design of the Dye i5 because it is an optically improved design. This design will be providing you with a clear vision. Also, it ensures the protection of your eyes maximally while eliminating the glare that glasses users are needed to have. So, there is not a single reason to not prefer it but many features that will convince you to make it part of your game.

If you are sensitive towards UV light, the good thing is that Dye i5 will save you from it. If you use this great pick, you will understand why it has been preferred over other choices, and we attribute it to the GSR pro strap coming with the adjustment dial. It will be providing you with the secure and most comfortable fit. In addition to this, it has a live communication system operating wirelessly. It is referred to as the E.Voke wireless air system, and it works in synchronization with your paintball mask.

Pros
  • Anti-glare lens & UV-proof
  • Unmatched optical clarity
  • Comfortable facial foam
Cons
  • Expensive

Dye i5 is the highly advanced choice among different products. The futuristic technology and other comfort-associated features will enhance your game scoring, and you will feel the difference in first use. Also, the high-quality foam will be preventing the sweat from distracting you from your game. The anti-fogging features of this paintball mask are also impressive.


2 Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Paintball Goggles/Masks

Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Masks

Here comes another remarkable combination of all the good stuff from Virtue VIO. The highlights of this one include its customizable design, improved ventilation, and exceptional vision. Likewise, it has much to offer when it comes to a comfortable experience and aesthetically pleasing design.

The first thing you would notice in this is that it comes with 18 lens and 32 straps options to choose from. So, you can customize the mask according to the version you are going for. Talking about the vision, this VIO has a thermal lens with dual-pane and anti-fog qualities, not to mention scratch-less UV protection that provides you with a clear vision and long life.

Last but not least, the mask has tiny holes all over that are primarily responsible for ventilation and better communication. So, you will be facilitated throughout the game. Here, you will probably love the fit that is not extremely pressured and has multi-layer foaming, providing you with absolute comfort.

Pros
  • It is a cost-effective option
  • Offers great durability
  • Offers smooth communication
  • Includes multi-layer foaming
  • Offers impressive customization
Cons
  • No earpads included
  • Limited colors to choose from

Finally, this one from Virtue VIO is a well-suited option for anyone who is looking for a budget-friendly and performance-efficient mask. It offers great coverage and scope to customize so that you can choose the one that suits your needs. Lastly, it offers you a clear vision and smooth communication that facilitates you throughout.


3 Bunkerkings CMD Paintball Goggles/Masks – Best Budget Paintball Mask

Bunkerkings CMD Paintball Masks

First of all, this Burkerkings CMD mask is one of the best ones around the market, known for its improved ventilation, quality protection, and absolute comfort. Additionally, many people like it because of its aesthetically pleasing design. Thus, it is present in different styles and colors to choose your favorite from.

Secondly, the design incorporates a multi-directional air exhaust system that helps you throughout with smooth airflow and breathability. Here, suffocation and impact are also prevented with the help of a bounce flex zone that offers great safety. I absolutely love the thick earpiece with tiny strategic holes that provides you with an enhanced sound while eliminating all the echo.

Lastly, for comfort, the manufacturers have added a thick foam that keeps you calm and cozy all along. Speaking of the visor, this integrated micro-visor aids you in achieving reduced glare and protection against moisture leakage. I also found the soft silicon grip a perfect fit for any head size that didn’t feel pressured or uncomfortable.

Pros
  • Offers great breathability
  • Includes a thick earpiece
  • Prevents moisture leakage ideally
  • It is highly comfortable
Cons
  • Expensive than usual

In essence, this one is a great choice for anyone looking for reliable and sturdy masks with great protection. It provides you with enhanced sound, better grip, improved ventilation, and a comfortable experience. Lastly, the fact that it comes in different shapes and color gives it an edge over others.


4 Virtue VIO Paintball Goggles/Masks – Paintball Mask Anti Fog

Virtue VIO Paintball Mask

Similarly, this Contour 2 is a deadly combination from VIO, having all the innovative basic features to serve you well. You will find it extremely efficient from comfort to breathability, safety, and sturdy. Additionally, apart from its aesthetic design, I really like the coverage and fit it offers, even for big-sized heads.

Additionally, it is designed with a contour shape and thick 3-D padding that not only perfectly suits your face shape but also offers you unrivaled comfort. You will notice that the strap in this one is wide enough to accommodate you well. Here, I would like to mention that this mask is lightweight, flexible, and durable enough to last longer.

Speaking of sound and ventilation, this one is equipped with improved acoustics with low background noise. It is also relatively better when it comes to breathability. The vision is a highlight of this design as it is equipped with an anti-fog lens, UV protection, and minimal color distortion, providing a pleasant experience overall.

Pros
  • Offers impressive vision
  • Includes comfortable padding
  • Offers great breathability
  • It is customizable
Cons
  • Expensive for newcomers
  • The earpiece is a bit problematic

In essence, this one from VIO is known for its contoured fit and a well-thought design that helps you all along. I really like the strategic holes the manufacturers have added for smooth airflow. Additionally, the 3-D padding and enhanced vision add to the pleasant experience. It is also worth mentioning that this design is fully customizable.


5 HK Army Paintball KLR Thermal Anti-Fog Mask – Top Paintball Mask

HK Army Paintball KLR Thermal Anti-Fog Mask

HK Army is probably the most renowned brand across the market with versatile and high-end designs. Here, this one from the manufacturers is no different and has everything you need to accommodate your game. I really like this one because of its unique and aesthetically pleasing design that is equally efficient.

Similarly, it comes with a thermoplastic, scratch-less buildup that helps you with long service life and durability. Here, for vision, the design incorporates a wide-angle KLR lens that is equipped with UV protection and anti-fog characteristics, adding to a pleasant experience. You will also get thick, 3-D padding that offers you absolute comfort throughout.

Lastly, talking about the fit, this one doesn’t move even an inch from its place. Also, it has ear pads that provide you with protection and clear out the echo. Here, the manufacturers have added loud vents that assist you ideally in easy communication with minimal distortion. All in all, it is a great choice for a smooth experience.

Pros
  • Offers great durability
  • Easy to communicate
  • Includes ear pads
  • It is a cost-effective option
  • Easily change the lens
Cons
  • It might feel a little stiff
  • The earpiece can be uncomfortable

In the end, if you are someone who is in the initial stages of their game and wants a reliable yet budget-friendly mask, I would recommend you go for this one. It is equipped with an outstanding ventilation system and improved communication throughout. Apart from this, you will find this one highly accommodating for a lens change, clear vision, and better sound.


6 JT Spectra Flex 8 Full Head and Face Coverage

JT Spectra Flex 8 Thermal Paintball Mask

If you are invested in long matches and want something that can help you with unrivaled ventilation and improved communication, this JT is the one to go for. It is one of the best paintball masks with all the correct essential features that helps you throughout. I really like the unique and customizable design from which you can choose the one that suits your requirements.

Likewise, it is equipped with an adjustable visor that doesn’t gather fog and provides you with a clear vision with no distortion at all. For ventilation, the manufacturers have added two Vortex fans that offer you smooth airflow and improved breathability. I would also like to mention here that the mask comes with a tight fit that doesn’t move even an inch.

In the end, this JT Spectra mask comes with ear pads and 3-D cushioning that accommodate you with a comfortable experience overall. If you want, you can also use the regular glasses under this one for additional protection. However, one thing you should consider is that it is a bit thick and takes time to get used to.

Pros
  • Offers exceptional ventilation
  • Includes sturdy construction
  • Offers clear vision
  • Offers smooth communication
  • Includes 3-D cushioning
Cons
  • Tight with glasses
  • Expensive for newcomers

Wrapping up, this one from JT is a great choice for anyone in search of a quality mask that offers great coverage and unmatched communication. It is equipped with comfortable padding, better vision, and improved sound acoustics that helps you throughout. Yet, it will take time to get used to, especially if you are using it with glasses.


7 Empire EVS Paintball Mask – Coolest Paintball Mask

Empire EVS Thermal Goggles

To begin with, this Empire EVS is one of the best paintball masks considering the design, technology, and experience. It is a smart mask with a strategic design and innovative features that help you throughout. The highlights of this are its UV protection and the anti-fog system that provides you with enhanced safety and improved vision.

Likewise, this thing is equipped with a silicone strap and anti-scratch construction that offers you a long service life. Moreover, for comfort, the manufacturers have added thick, pressured cushioning and a thermo-formed earpiece. This earpiece blocks all the echo while providing an improved hearing.

In the end, the mask also contains strategically placed holes that offer you exceptionally smooth airflow and overall improved communication. Despite having a sturdy buildup, you will find the 270-degrees peripheral vision extremely efficient. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the material is flexible enough to absorb maximum impact, adding to the overall safety.

Pros
  • Includes replaceable/ comfortable padding
  • Offers smooth airflow
  • Ideal for big heads
  • Offers maximum coverage
  • Offers improved vision
Cons
  • Expensive than usual

In conclusion, this one from Empire is a well-suited option for anyone who needs a reliable and efficient mask with unrivaled coverage. It is best known for its peripheral vision and improved hearing, not to mention comfortable padding. For me, the size, well-thought design, and smooth communication without distortion make it a great deal.


What Should You Look for While Buying the Best Paintball Masks

Here are main things you should consider while buying the best paintball mask;

Lens

The lens is the primary requirement while buying the best paintball mask as it is the determinant of the overall vision. For a good and smooth experience, try to look for a dual-pane lens that offers you 260 or 270 degrees broad vision. Apart from this, try to find a lens with round edges and an anti-fog thermal treatment as it can help you identify objects that are around the corner. Here, the thermal treatment will prevent your sweat from blocking the vision overall for a quality experience.

Comfortable Experience

Comfort is another important factor while buying the best paintball masks. All in all, a mask should be comfortable for the eyes, ears, and head. Here, the most significant element to consider is quality cushioning that is decently thick to help you with support and a pleasant experience. Also, it should not make you sweat like crazy during games as it can accumulate fog that leads to a lack of clarity. Try to ignore cheap paddings or the ones with loose fits as it is going to cause you many problems on the field.

Buildup and Durability

Durability forms an important requirement of a paintball mask as a quality one will not only last you long but also won’t bother you during long matches. However, it is important to note that you can find a durable mask without it being overly heavy. I would also recommend you not to go for a heavy mask as it can very quickly exhaust you in the field.

Try to find the one that is around 1 to 2 pounds with sturdy construction, as it will probably be a one-time investment. Here, most commonly, you can find hard plastics and thermoplastic that are both really efficient when it comes to durability. In addition to this, you should also look for a mask that is flexible so you feel comfortable all along.

Ear Padding

Similarly, you would not want to get hit by a paintball in the ear as it hurts a lot and takes a notable amount of time to clean it out. A quality mask should have ear pads that can protect you from opponent’s attacks. Also, these pads help you with an improved hearing experience as they are designed to clear out the echo with an enhanced voice around you. Hence, it will also help you in communicating with your mates with increased chances of winning.

Ventilation

Better ventilation or smooth airflow is the most important requirement for the best paintball mask. You cannot, in any case, forget ventilation as it greatly influences the overall vision and breathing capacity of a player. Thus, a good vent system can help you in a clear vision and in breathing easily without distortion or fog. Apart from this, during the long matches, a smooth airflow also facilitates you in communicating with your mates easily without much distraction.

Anything Else?

Here are some other things you should consider while buying a quality mask;

  • UV/ Sun Protection is also an important feature while buying a paintball mask as being a player demands most of your time under the sun. Hence, it becomes really important to have a mask that offers you great coverage and saves you from potentially damaging UV rays. You can also use the ones that offer you a facility to use regular glasses for additional protection.
  • You should also look for quality straps as it helps you with overall fit and comfort. Many contemporary models come with double straps that are better than horizontal ones because of the adjustments they offer. Hence, according to your size and convenience, you can buy one.
  • Likewise, always make sure that your mask is fog-resistant i.e., it doesn’t accumulate fog that can hinder your focus and overall vision. Almost all the brands out there are making masks that come with anti-fog lenses, so it won’t be a problem for many designs.

In the end, based on your version of paintball and individual needs, you can choose the one that suits you ideally.

FAQs

What is the best paintball mask?
Empire EVS paintball mask is one of the best across the market with all the correct features to help you. It incorporates a dual-pane, anti-fog lens that helps you in a clear vision and better ventilation. Apart from this, it is designed with thick cushioning that adds to overall comfort. Lastly, the design is aesthetically pleasing and comes in a variety of colors to choose from.

How can I clean a paintball mask?
The most effective and easy way to clean your paintball mask is with a wet cloth and a lens cleaner. Here, you can use a cleanser that is designed for this purpose (preferred to use the one verified by the manufacturers). Try not to use polishers as it can lead to fogging and eventually lack of clarity in vision.

How to prevent a paintball mask from fogging?
A technique many manufacturers have included in their masks is the thermal treatment lenses that can reduce fog. Apart from this, you can use anti-fog sprays (of any kind) to prevent vapor formation that can potentially hinder vision during long matches. Most probably, you will find a quality ventilation system in masks that can help you in countering fog.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up, it is extremely important to have a paintball mask that can help you with basic coverage, protection, suitable fit, and improved ventilation. Many times, players confuse high prices with efficiency, that is clearly wrong and if you are someone who thinks like that, it is significant to do your research. This review and buying guide can help you in the process of learning basic things about paintball masks. Some of my favorites from this list are;

  • Dye i5 Paintball Mask is one of the best with quality construction, better ventilation, ASTM certification, and a clear acoustic experience.
  • Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Paintball Mask is famous for its suitable fit, smooth airflow, UV protection, and clear vision.
  • Bunkerkings CMD Paintball Goggles/Masks is best known for its aesthetically pleasing design, better fit, and overall ventilation system that enhances the vision.

Finally, I hope that you soon will land in the best paintball mask that suits your individual requirements.