6 Tips to Help You Buy Your First Paintball Mask

A full-face paintball mask is the single most crucial piece of safety equipment you can have. The ideal paintball mask will be comfortable to wear, will not obstruct your vision, and will not become too hot or fog up. Finding a nice, long-lasting, and comfortable paintball mask does not have to break the money. However, it will take some effort and study to locate the correct one in your budget range that has the features you desire and fits well.

It might be difficult to pick from the different paintball mask alternatives available. With this guide, you may learn more about what works best for you.

Know Different Types

A simple full-face paintball mask is frequently a low-cost paintball mask at the low end of the price spectrum. A durable polymer coating protects your eyes, nose, mouth, and face. Apart from its hardshell with a few vents, it has relatively few characteristics.

The full-head paintball mask takes your safety to the next level. It wraps around your complete head, covering both the back of your skull and your face, as the name implies. It has the appearance of a motocross helmet.

The purpose of the thermal paintball mask is to keep you cool. You will be incredibly active and burn a lot of calories while playing. In this sort of equipment, a paintball mask fan assists to reduce heat accumulation. Advanced ventilation systems and anti-fog eyewear also help. Because of the added features, these masks are usually more expensive.

Rigid Outside for Beginners

Paintball masks are constructed from a number of different materials and composites. Some are made of a stronger, more durable plastic, while others are softer and feel more like rubber. For novices, using a stronger, tougher material on the outer to ensure complete protection from any direct strikes is probably the best option. 

Many competitive players choose to utilize a softer shell because they want any edge they can get, including the potential of a paintball striking their “softer” shell and rebounding off without shattering it.

A tougher shell, on the other hand, provides no competitive advantage or disadvantage. It just performs a better job of preventing direct strikes.

Proper Mask Ventilation

Make sure there is adequate airflow throughout the mask, not just around your mouth. You need ventilation in the front to assist circulate those deep breaths, but you also need it in the side and rear to keep your glasses from fogging up and to aid hearing. Breathing and hearing are both affected by poor ventilation, thus the best paintball helmet should provide you with enough ventilation to breathe easily. Find a mask with fewer ventilation holes if you’re afraid about paint or shell getting through the ventilation. 

A decent mask should allow plenty of air in and out while keeping paint bits at bay. A decent mask will shield you and keep projectiles out while yet allowing you to breathe properly.

How Much Space Is Inside?

Not all masks suit your eyes the same way, with some having more space between your eyes and the lenses and others having the lenses pressed up against your eyes. If you wear glasses, it’s especially vital to make sure your paintball mask allows for enough breathing room without being too tight or too loose. It’s actually more a matter of personal taste than anything else, so make sure you pay attention when trying them on.

Coverage

Wearing a paintball mask to protect your eyes is crucial, but the quantity of coverage varies from mask to mask. Some masks are more like a full helmet, covering your entire face, jaw, and even neck. Other masks are more compact, covering only your jaw, ears, and brows.

Beginners often select for a mask that provides greater covering rather than less, but there are other possibilities. If you mostly play woodsball or scenario, a model with wider coverage is recommended. 

Durability

You want a mask that can withstand the power of paintballs striking you at fast speeds without shattering. If you plan on playing paintball frequently, your mask will begin to show signs of wear and tear. Pay attention to the material used in the construction of goggles as well. The longer the mask lasts, the more durable it is.

Aside from its longevity, the most crucial aspect of your mask is how well it fits you. Before purchasing a mask, be sure to size and fit it to your face.

Your best bet might be to try on masks at the pro shop next time you’re there, but you can also order them online to save money.

You can’t go wrong with a mask that matches your face, your budget, and your playing style. You should be able to discover your ideal mask with a little trial and error, so don’t worry, and raise your paintball experience to a completely new level.