Paintball masks and airsoft goggles are pretty simple things. Basically, they consist of a clear piece of plastic hooked to some more plastic and strapped to your head which keeps your eyes safe. They are necessary but often are uncomfortable, frustrating and often a hassle to care for… Or are they??
A challenge many beginning players face playing paintball or airsoft, is that most of their time is spent either with a mask that came as part of a package or a cheap rental mask from the local field. These masks typically are uncomfortable and have limited range of vision. They also tend to fog at the most inopportune times. Many attempts are made to clear the fogging, however, it always seems to return.
The reasons above are just a few of the many of why I recommend that one of the first upgrades any airsoft and/or paintball player makes is to purchase a nice mask or a good set of goggles. Sure, a nice mask or set of good goggles can cost a few dollars. However a nice mask or good goggles will increase your comfort and you can almost eliminate the fogging problem. In my opinion, those reasons alone make it worth the small cost. At a minimum, I recommend choosing a thermal mask which usually costs around $40-$50. If you spend any time playing in hot, cold or humid weather, you will be grateful for your indulgence all day long. Plus, the improvements in visibility may actually make you a better player.
One question I often hear is, are there separate masks/goggles for paintball and airsoft. The simple answer to that is no. Masks/goggles are built now so that they can be used for either game.
Typically, players want a full mask for playing paintball and a pair of goggles for playing airsoft. However, you can use either for both games. The important thing is that your eyes are covered and protected. The rest is pretty much the option of the player.
Now the cool thing with mask and goggles is that there is a large selection. You can get a mask or goggles in a variety of colors. Masks are also available with a variety cool designs. Some people like the design on the masks because they think it helps to intimidate the opposition. While this may be true in some cases, it’s not always the case, especially with the more experienced players.
Designs on masks are typically a lighter color which allows them to stand out. This can actually be a bad thing because it can make you easier to see by the opposition. So, if you are considering a mask with a design, you may want to keep this in mind, especially if you are a player who likes to stay hidden for sniping or other purposes.