To play paintball safely, you need to have the best paintball masks. Any of you must have wondered in the very beginning whether paintball is safe or not.
We have listed out the best paintball masks for different skilled players, which are reliable & perform well, and are protective but also cost-effective for beginners. You will love to read paintball mask reviews to decide on the best paintball mask you want to wear.
Indeed a very concerning question for people like us who love to play adventure games like this.
And to answer that question: YES, paintball is safe to play BUT with proper safety gear and following game safety rules. A good paintball mask is one of the essential parts of the safety gear because we only have two eyes.
This list we have prepared according to our latest experience and usage in 2023. It will assist you in finding anti-fog, upgradeable, comfortable, and budget-friendly paintball masks.
Want to save time? Here’s our Top Paintball Mask pick for 2023!
Dye i5 Paintball Goggle
- Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 9 inches
- Weight: 0.36 Kg
- Level: Intermediate to Pros
Top 10 Best Paintball Masks 2023
Paintball masks are also known as paintball goggles. You can buy your own, but if you don’t own one, you can have rental ones offered by the paintball arenas.
But we don’t suggest that because you often encounter one or two problems with them, which ultimately hinders your performance in the match.
Finding a mask that accommodates their eyewear can be challenging for paintball players who wear glasses.
The best paintball mask for glasses should provide ample space between the lens and the face to accommodate the glasses and prevent fogging.
It’s also essential to ensure that the mask has a comfortable fit and a wide field of vision to avoid obstruction of vision during gameplay.
These are the top paintball masks in our opinion and experience. We will tell you the essential factors to help you narrow your paintball mask options.
1. Dye i5 Goggle – Fog Proof Paintball Mask
Dye produces very high-quality and durable masks. They upgraded their already good i4 mask into a better version, the i5. Like, they have widened your chin’s view area and coverage area.
- Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 9 inches
- Weight: 0.36 Kg
- Level: Intermediate to Pros
It offers more peripheral vision than the other masks. In addition, the Dye i5 best anti fog paintball mask lens protects your eyes from paintball paint and UV rays and comes with a protective liner for both sides; remember to remove it before use.
In terms of modernization, it has a Heads-Up POV Mount & an “eVoke technology system,” which allows you to record your film of action and wirelessly know about game timings.
Its multi-directional venting design lets you breathe easily and fight off the heat simultaneously. This feature also makes it easier for you to communicate with your partners.
The paintball mask’s head strap is super comfortable and easy to tighten to get the right fit. In addition, the Dye i5 Paintball Goggle comes with a one-year warranty.
Tip: Be careful not to touch the inside of the lens while cleaning because it has a “special anti-fog coating”; you don’t want to damage it.
- Dye i5 delivers the best protection shield to your eyes and can also be used playing airsoft.
- It is very comfortable and lightweight.
- It provides a good field of vision.
- This paintball mask doesn’t fog up AT ALL.
- We found this one with the most accessible lender changes.
- It fits perfectly and is comfortable for both women and men, even those with slightly bigger heads than the average and those wearing glasses.
- Although expensive, they are ideal for paintball and airsoft pros with their upgrades and specs.
- Dye i5 comes in a good range of colours and lens colours for you to choose from according to your liking.
- Dye i5 Paintball Goggle does not provide full head coverage. Therefore, you might need a cap or tactical helmet to cover your head.
- With its tint, it is a bit difficult to use in indoor dark playing areas.
- These are a bit more expensive than others for beginners.
What we loved most about it: Dye i5 paintball goggles never fog up whenever we play with them. We find them very comfortable and easy to wear. And these have a strong build—an ideal option for intermediate and pros players.
2. Dye Precision I4 Thermal Goggle – Cool Paintball Mask
Dye Precision I4, Thermal Paintball Goggles, are durable and sturdy but look fantastic. This mask is the smallest and lightest item from the dye, with excellent field vision.
- Dimensions: 9 x 9 x 9 inches
- Weight: 350 grams
- Level: Pros
It has a thermal lens installed, which gives you extra clarity of movement, and a rapid change lens mechanism, regardless of any weather, does not fog up, be it hot, cold, or humid.
Its breathable venting design makes communication with your teammates easy, so they can hear you even from far away.
This paintball mask provides excellent ear protection, which is soft, light, and flexible, and the thing we love the most is that it also has fantastic max material, which helps keep your ear at an average temperature.
The Dye Precision I4 Thermal Paintball mask has many lens options for indoor and outdoor battles.
- It serves protection and anti-fogging purposes perfectly for both paintball & airsoft.
- These Goggles come with many lens options for different requirements
- The foam inside the paintball mask dries up a sweat fast and is very soft.
- It doesn’t fog up in weather conditions or even during heavy breathing.
- It is lightweight.
- The paintball mask comes with a microfiber storage bag.
- The lens is quickly removed and cleaned.
- It only covers your facial areas; your forehead, head, and throat are uncovered.
- Not a good option for players who wear glasses.
- It will be uncomfortable for players who have bigger heads than the average.
What we loved most about it: Dye I4 Thermal Goggle is one of the pro paintball masks because of its high definition and anti-fog lens and provides a wide field of vision to the paintball players.
They give you a cool look and provide the complete protection you need during any paintball battle with great comfort.
3. Empire X-ray Single Lens Goggle, Black – Best Paintball Mask for Beginners
Empire Paintball X-ray Single Lens Goggle is a great deal for beginners in paintball, as it serves its safety purpose exclusively and is budget-friendly.
- Dimensions: 10 x 9.3 x 8 inches
- Weight: 0.39 Kg
- Level: Beginners to Intermediate
It has all the specs a top paintball mask should have—an overall solid faceplate with an anti-fog clear lens for uninterrupted action.
For more ease, it has an adjustable strap and louvred vents for maintaining the inside temperature.
- You don’t have to worry about it fogging up.
- The interior foam is smooth and has excellent absorbability.
- Its strap is adjustable so you can change it according to your liking.
- The lens is easily replaced.
- It’s easy to clean.
- It does not give you the full head coverage like a paintball mask helmet.
- It is not that comfortable for players who wear glasses as well.
What we loved most about it: we consider Empire Paintball X-ray Single Lens Goggle for beginners because you can get all the quality-based specs at an affordable price. However, it is neither too expensive nor too cheap.
4. Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Goggles- Customizable Paintball Mask
Virtue offers sturdy and creative design in its line of products. The same goes for paintball masks. It is creative. You get more room to customize it, including ear pads, lenses, foam, and straps.
- Dimensions: 8.43 x 8.43 x 7.09 inches
- Weight: 0.52 Kg
- Level: Intermediate to Pros
Anti fog lenses and shock absorbents are their main features to enhance your paintball gaming experience.
It has a modernized ventilation system for comfortable breathing & temperature control. In addition, the Virtue paintball mask is durable since it is made from quality-based plastic & foam.
Virtue VIO ascend thermal paintball goggles don’t have a visor, which is a bit of a bummer with all the specs.
- The lens has an anti-fog feature for UV protection.
- This best paintball mask has long-life durability.
- It is also super lightweight.
- VIO thermal goggles are shock absorbent.
- It has a modernized ventilation system.
- You can choose a lens from 18 available options.
- You can also entirely change the inside foam of your choice.
- It gives you room for customization.
- It is comfortable even for players who wear eyesight glasses.
- The goggles come with a protective bag for you to store them in.
- The lenses are easy to change and come with easy-to-understand instructions on how to do it.
- It lacks a visor.
- It doesn’t provide you full head coverage. Your forehead is exposed to it.
- Some of the users did complain about it being loose.
What we loved most about it: I loved how Virtue VIO ascend thermal paintball goggles fit so well and won’t even budge while running vigorously. In addition, the lens is easy to remove within seconds, which we find handy during intense paintball battles.
5. Invert Helix Thermal Goggles – Best Paintball Helmet & Mask
Invert Helix Thermal Paintball Goggle protects your head and face ultimately, which is made from hard plastic. It has a visor as well for your ease.
- Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 7.8 inches
- Weight: 0.4 Kg
- Level: Beginners to Pros
Its design has a good range of ventilation systems, a reliable strap grip, and an anti-fog dual lens for the finishing touch.
- It does not fog up in any weather condition.
- This paintball helmet is also ventilated pretty well.
- It’s spacious enough for you to accommodate glasses as well.
- The interior foam of these goggles is smooth & comfortable.
- The lenses are very easy to clean.
- This best paintball mask can fit easily on various head sizes.
- You can easily change or replace both lenses and visors.
- It has a relatively very straightforward design, which has minimum customization to it.
What we loved most about it: we loved how simple the design is, and the helmet fulfils each purpose of an excellent paintball mask. It is a great deal if you don’t want to spend money.
Tip: Paintball Players who love wearing sunglasses or eyesight glasses should ensure they have an anti-fog coating. Even if the paintball mask & helmet lenses are anti fog coated, it won’t do you any good if your glasses fog up.
6. Virtue VIO Paintball Goggles/Masks with Dual Pane Thermal Anti-Fog Lenses
Virtue VIO Paintball Goggles have a fog-resistant thermal lens so that no weather conditions can stop you from having a blast in a paintball battle.
- Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.6 x 7.5 inches
- Weight: 0.75 Kg
- Level: Intermediate to Pros
These lenses are easily clean and changeable with UV rays’ protective layer coating.
The adjustable strap comes with headgear to protect the back of your head, which also fits securely during your run.
The interior of the paintball mask is made from a soft foam material with a breathable ventilation mechanism.
- The lenses are not only anti-fog but are also anti-reflective.
- These are lightweight and comfortable.
- The ventilation design was good; it faced no breathing, hearing, or communication issues.
- It gives room for customization: ear pads, lens frame, lower mask, strap, and of course, lenses.
- It is lightweight and doesn’t get in the way of playing paintball.
- It doesn’t give you full head coverage.
- The strap could be a little bit wider for good security.
What we loved most about it: With all the upgrade options and excellent specs, we found them the most comfortable paintball masks.
7. Valken MI-7 – Full Coverage Paintball Mask
Valken Paintball MI-7 Goggles lenses are made from polycarbonate material, making them strong, resilient, anti-fog and anti-scratch.
- Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 8 inches
- Weight: 0.42 Kg
- Level: Beginners to Intermediate
It has dual-layer foam for both the inside interior and ear side for double protection from the impact of paintballs.
This full-head paintball mask has a good vision of the field for you to survey the whole playing area quickly. With its quick-changing lense feature, it sure is handy in hot situations.
- It is lightweight to carry around.
- Lenses are anti-fog and anti-scratch coated and are sturdy enough to stand close to paintball hits.
- It gives you complete coverage protection.
- The lenses are easy to change.
- MI-7 goggle’s visor is replaceable.
- It comes with a 90 days warranty.
- It is a bit tight on larger heads.
- The foam on the ears’ side hurts after use for more than 3 to 4 hours.
What we loved about it was that we didn’t need to wear any baseball cap or anything to cover our heads, as Valken Paintball MI-7 Goggle provides full-coverage protection.
8. JT Flex 8 Full Coverage & Thermal Paintball Goggles
We recommend this paintball mask to those players who play in long tournaments. When you have to spend a lot of time wearing a protective helmet or mask, you need it to be extra comfortable, breathable, and lightweight.
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.8 x 7.6 inches
- Weight: 2.15 Pounds
- Level: Intermediate to Pros
JT Spectra flex goggle gives you a full-head paintball mask and faces coverage with an adjustable visor. The lenses are both strong and anti-fog. In addition, they accept Vortex II Paintball Mask Fan and other popular JT accessories.
In addition, it has two vortex fans installed in its ventilation system for easy breathing and temperature control.
- It gives you full face and head coverage.
- It comes with thermal-based lenses.
- The JT Spectra Flex mask gives you room for customization.
- It has a double-layer ventilation system.
- It is comfortable and lightweight.
- You can adjust the settings according to your choice.
- The helmet feels tight when wearing glasses, but you can get used to it over time.
- Very little room for customization.
What we loved about it was that we didn’t encounter discomfort or ear pain in our long paintball battle. Wearing it throughout the whole was very comfortable.
9. Bunkerkings CMD – Full Face Paintball Mask
Breathing, protection, great field of vision, and accessible communication are all the specs offered by the Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask.
- Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 7.6 inches
- Weight: 0.55 Kg
- Level: Intermediate to Pros
It has multi-directional ventilation mechanisms for easy breathing and temperature control. Lenses are both thermal & anti fogging and are easily changed.
- The dual foam is easily removed for cleaning or replacement.
- Lenses have an anti-fog coating and anti-scratch layer and are easy to change.
- It has a VIO lens system, so you have almost 45 options according to your taste.
- Comfortable for glasses-wearing players as well.
- It comes with a goggle bag to store your mask safely.
- It’s unsuitable for airsoft because the holes are bigger near the mouth area to go through.
What we loved about it is its ventilation system makes it airy for comfortable breathing and supplies enough air even if you are panting. This paintball mask ventilation is something we find the best as extremely breathable others.
10. Empire E-Flex – Paintball Face Shield
Although Empire E-Flex has no visor, it didn’t compromise on its quality specs of lenses, vents, and interior/exterior design.
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 8.75 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 0.86 Kg
- Level: Intermediate
Lenses are both anti-fogging and protect you from harmful UV rays.
Its ventilation provides great air for easy breathing and keeps warm air out of the paintball mask. In addition, it gives you plenty of room to upgrade it to your unique taste.
- It is comfortable and breathable.
- Lenses don’t fog up under any weather conditions or heavy breathing.
- It protects you from not only paintballs but harmful UV rays.
- You can use this best paintball mask for woodsball and speedball without worry.
- If you wear prescribed glasses, you might feel uncomfortable in this mask.
- It does not give you full-head coverage; you might need to wear a hat under, which could also be uncomfortable for you.
What we loved about it: we loved the sturdiness of this mask; it easily withstood short-distance shots of paintballs and survived without a single dent or scratch on the lens.
What is the best paintball mask?
A paintball mask is protective equipment players wear to cover their faces, eyes, and ears during gameplay.
It is designed to protect the player from the impact of paintballs, which can travel at high speeds and cause injury if they hit an unprotected area.
A paintball mask typically consists of a hard plastic shell with foam padding on the interior, a lens to protect the eyes, and straps to secure the mask to the player’s head.
The mask is an essential piece of equipment for any paintball player, as it provides crucial protection and helps ensure a safe and enjoyable game.
How to tighten a paintball mask?
Tightening a paintball mask is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here’s how:
-
First, wear the mask and adjust the straps to ensure a comfortable fit.
-
Once the mask is in place, locate the strap adjusters on the sides of the mask.
-
Use the adjusters to tighten the straps, pulling them snugly against the back of your head.
-
Next, adjust both sides of the mask equally to maintain a balanced fit.
-
Test the fit of the mask by moving your head around and checking for any gaps or looseness. If necessary, make additional strap adjustments until the mask fits securely and snugly.
Remember, it’s essential to wear your paintball mask properly and ensure that it fits securely during gameplay to prevent injury and ensure optimal protection.
Buying Guide Factors to Consider While Purchasing Best Paintball Masks
There are a few factors that you should not compromise at all for your safety. First, although this sport is safe, you will get shot with paintballs at high FPS speed.
Any great paintball mask or goggles aims to protect your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears and, if possible, even throat guard to avoid injury and lifelong regrets.
Customization Level
In addition to the features mentioned earlier, another essential factor to consider when selecting paintball goggles is their customization level.
Many top-tier models offer interchangeable lenses and various colour options, allowing you to tailor your goggles to your specific needs and preferences.
Foam Padding
You may also want to consider the type of foam padding used in the goggles and the durability and ease of maintenance.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which best paintball goggles suits you is to try on different models and see how they feel and perform on the field.
Investing in a high-quality pair of goggles allows you to enjoy your paintball games with confidence and peace of mind.
Weight
The weight of the paintball mask you have to carry around your face can affect your overall performance. You are already carrying around the weight of other essential paintball gear, and if your mask is also heavy, it will exhaust you quickly and affect your scoring.
Ventilation System
Of course, you must look for a good ventilation system because we all must breathe to keep going. Also, running, hiding, shooting, adrenaline rush and anxiety during stealth mode can make you easily pant.
For this, you need a good ventilation system for a good amount of passage of air which supplies you with enough air to catch your breath and keep warm air out to protect you from heatstroke.
Any good ventilation system also enhances communication with your teammates or competitors.
High-definition Lenses
Any high-definition lens has these attributes:
- An anti-fog coating.
- Anti-scratch coating.
- Protective Layer from UV rays
These attributes will ease you into performing well in any match without worrying about losing your visuals, damaging your lens, or the harmful UV rays.
There are many types and tints of lenses available in the market. Go for the ones that work best according to your paintball playing arena, the timing of the day, and the weather condition.
Strong Build
Each part of the paintball mask should be made of sturdy material which can withstand high FPS speed shots even from close range. Sturdy and durable materials will ensure your head and face safety.
If you are starting, we recommend going for those paintball masks that give you both full face and head coverage, but if you are a pro at it, you can manage with just full-face coverage paintball masks.
Easy Change/Replaceable Lens & Interior Foam
The paintball mask or goggles you are considering buying should be able to change quickly or replaceable parts because, after every match, you have to clean them before storing them in a secure place.
Maintenance is the first step in prolonging the life of any product you own.
Comfort Level
It is essential because you can wear your paintball for hours in tournaments and long matches. So it should be comfortable enough to wear for that long and doesn’t get in your way.
Some paintball masks have very irritating and hard ear pads, which could hinder your game. Talking about comfort level also includes whether it fits perfectly on your head and is glasses-friendly for those with eyesight glasses to play with during a paintball match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Prevent a Best Paintball Mask From Fogging?
Many options are available in the market, like replacing your lens with a thermal lens or spraying it with anti fog spray to keep it from fogging up and distorting your vision.
Many people also go for DIY tactics, which you can find on youtube.
Others use a mask fan installed on top of the goggles. These mask fans operate by a battery to evaporate the humidity inside the mask to keep the lens from fogging.
Can You Wear a Paintball Mask With Glasses?
Yes, you can, as long as it has a spacious area around the lens. We recommend trying out the paintball mask with the glasses before making a purchase or making sure with the buyer before ordering any specific mask.
Can I Use a Paintball Mask For Airsoft As Well?
Many use their paintball mask for airsoft as long as their mask is solid and sturdy enough. Ensure beforehand that the holes of the ventilation system are not big enough to let the bb pass through it.
Conclusion
Now you know the best paintball masks out on the market. We have ranked our list according to the top-rated paintball masks in the market.
We have written down the MAIN SPECs we loved about them according to the latest 2023 models and features of Paintball masks.
Choosing a suitable paintball mask is crucial in your game because it can alter or enhance your performance. I hope you liked our paintball goggle reviews and recommendations.
Although safety comes first, do look out for other specs, especially the anti fogging and ventilation system. Our buying guide will help you choose your paintball mask best.
