Any recommendations for an inexpensive Paintball mask?

[RD62]

Hey guys!

Don't know if anyone here really plays paintball or not. I don't see it mentioned much, if at all.

My co-workers and I have been getting together at one of the local facilities and playing once every 6 months or so. We talk trash, make bets, and enjoy blasting some of our frustrations out. Its a good time.

I've played twice now, using gear from rented from the field. The only problem I have had is that the masks fog up bad and fast!! After a couple of rounds I can't see crap! Certainly makes finding and engaging targets more difficult as well as moving to cover, etc.

I'd like to pick up my own mask to alleviate this problem, but know jack about any of it. I don't want to spend much $$$ on a mask as I only use it once or twice a year.

If anyone has any experience or suggestions I really like to hear them.

I've got a couple weeks before we play next and have glanced at the local Wally World and Dick's sports and have seen a few in the $20-$30 range, which sounded like a good deal, but I have no idea if they will work like I want.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

Does it have to match your skirt?


Just kidding. I wonder if the training forum might yield some more answers.

[RD62]

Does it have to match your skirt?

That'd be great! Do they make them in a Coach pattern?

It is what it is. It's certainly no substitute for range time, but if you've never lit up an aggravating co-worker with a half a dozen paint balls you may be missing out! I just wish I could actually walk around the office with one. I guarantee my productivity would be up, and blood pressure down!

If you really think this would be better in the training forum maybe a mod can move it. I didn't really think of it as training, so it never really occurred to me to post it there.

[Terracoma]

To help alleviate the fogging problem, you'll want "Thermal" lenses in the goggles.

I like the JT Thermal Flex-8 or ProFlex masks, but I'm an minimalist... They're in the $50-$60 ballpark at Actionvillage.

[RD62]

I really don't wanna drop any more money into this than I have to.

I got a Wally World gift card as a coaches gift and see they have a Visible Impact mask with "Thermocured" lenses. Is this what you are talking about?

[FromMyColdDeadHand]

To help alleviate the fogging problem, you'll want "Thermal" lenses in the goggles.

I like the JT Thermal Flex-8 or ProFlex masks, but I'm an minimalist... They're in the $50-$60 ballpark at Actionvillage.

What does thermal mean? Does the lens stay warm to cut down on fogging?

[orionz06]

I used the Dye Invision I4 and it has been the best mask to date. It is a bit more, but worth every penny. If you were gonna spend less, I would consider a JT Proflex or Vforce Grill... My vote is with Dye.

[CoryCop25]

What does thermal mean? Does the lens stay warm to cut down on fogging?

It means that there is an inner and outer lens. It keeps the temperature regulated from your body heat and the outside temperature. It cuts down on fogging.

To the OP, JT masks are what I used. Full helmet for outdoor and half helmet, no top of head, for go fast indoor. I haven't played in like two years and I have thousands of dollars of gear just sitting in the basement.

[RD62]

Thanks for the responses thus far!

Please keep the suggestions coming.

The Dye, VForce, JT Proflex seem to be WAY more than I was looking to spend for the occasional outing of shooting my co-workers in the face. What do these masks offer that the less expensive "thermal cured" masks do not? Lighter weight, better field of vision, more protection? What makes them worth 2-5 times more?

Please excuse my stupidity. This is only the 3rd time I've played and I couldn't even tell you what kind of gun or mask I rented from the field. All I know is it shot orange paintballs!

[orionz06]

"Thermal cured" masks work for about 5 minutes, then they will fog. The I4 is the best anti-fog mask I have used, and sweat a good bit in the face.