Eye / Face protection Help!
 

Hey guys so I am a noob and I am getting my gear set together. I am on the most important part eye / face care. I just don't know which to get. Should I get a paint ball mask? I have read that their hard to talk to team mates and aim with it on. Should I just get some good goggles and mouth guard? What do you people with experence say. Links to stuff really helps. :)

I wear Revision Sawfly glasses with a Brassguard Batwing face protector. What you wear may depend on what your local field requires. Paintball masks provide good protection, but get unbelievably hot and sweaty.

If you're going to play on a paintball field then for insurance purposes the field will usually require that you wear at least paintball goggles. If you're not on a paintball field then ballistic goggles such as ESS are great. Shooting glasses will work in a pinch but are not recommended since bb's can possibly get in on the sides.

As to some sort of facemask, face bleeders happen, and chipped teeth are possible, but alot of airsofters take the risk. Almost no one uses hard masks like paintball masks cause they mess with cheek weld but some use soft balaclavas or wraps or such. The reason why alot of people don't even bother the balaclavas is it's hard to talk and be understood in the midst of battle with those. It's a judgement call on your part. The problem with mouth guards is you can't talk. Hard to coordinate tactics when you can't talk. No one I know uses them.

Nothing speaks protection and reliability better than JT. I have Been running JT Spectra Proshield since 2005 ( obviously not the same lens since then lol ) and recommend nothing less. Yes they look bulky but the visor and side are removable and the lowers can be trimmed to allow better aiming down iron sights.

http://www.pbreview.com/products/reviews/1575/

I am using a JT Delta 2. It covers my face as well as some ear protection.

JT Delta 2

How do you go about trimming the lowers??

Wiley-X PT1,2,3.
ESS Turbofan goggles.
Metal-mesh masks.

I game with a pair of ESS Turbofan goggles, metal mesh half mask, and a shemaugh covering my head to absorb the sweat and take out a bit of the sting when getting shot directly to the head.

The above setup keeps my goggles clear from fog and my head very comfortable. :)

Thanks for all the different types of options so many to chose from. I will look into all said ideas thanks

I ran a bunch of different glasses....however ESS ICE are my fave...65 bucks and you get a great case ...3 different lenses(dark,yellow,clear) and the provide great coverage on the sides with out hindering your periferal vision or sight line to your sights or scope...most guys dont run any face gear just cause they over heat and fog up your glasses.....just a thought

Find out how mush you need to cut using your rifle stock as a guide and trim a little at a time. A good pair of scissors works wonders ( not kidding they work well ) I also trimmed the lowers where they fit to the goggles.if you look closely you will see there is an area that restricts airflow through the vents of the goggles.

(ps) I run mine with just the goggles and the lowers,everything else including the chin strap has been removed. I found it easier to trim witht he lower removed from the goggles.

I just got my ess strikers for around 70 bucks shipped from the US, going to give them a whirl this weekend.

ESS advancer V-12 and a shemagh. I've been using this set-up for years and it's always done the trick.

Sure, I've been shot in the face, even in the lip once, but that's part of the game; it builds character.

I've been using Wiley X PT-1's for a while now. Not bad for fogging up, but Im a pretty extreme example, as I sweat like the proverbial pig! They wrap around real good. As for face protection, IM not a fan for two reasons:

1- anything you put on your face (i.e. balaclava, shemag, mask) will increase the chances of fogging up... my own personal experience there.

2- Man up!:tup:I've taken plenty of hits to the face. Sure... it sucks and you want to smash something (someone?) when it happens:duke:, but you sign waivers for a reason. That reason is risk.

That said, Im talking more about actual masks here, as it still smarts plenty even when wearing a scarf over your face. But getting it in the face dosen't usually happen all that much unless your sticking your head where it don't belong or you're within close proximity to someone that is new and/or not obiding by the rules.

As for a pair that completely inclose the eye, Im picking up a pair of Wiley X SG-1's Can't stand goggles and the SG-1's are a good compromise when you're playing on a field that does not allow "shooting" style eye wear like the SG-1's.

My 2 cents
J

+1 or instead of cutting the mask you can opt for the JT goggles and wire mesh combo, they are accepted at all paintball fields, for the private games i go for the bolle and wire mesh face guard combo

i just wear sunglasses (LOL) ... but i have been shot in the face a few times, it doesn't really hurt that much, depending on who is shooting at you. i dont like wearing goggles because they fog up (sometimes) and dont offer the full field of view that most glasses offer. my personal and newbi opinion is a pair of shooting glasses.

*poster above mine* Way to offer horrible advice you are asking for an injury.

Remember to get thermal lenses too. Or something that will keep ur gogs from foggin up.

Wiley X PT-1's could be considered "Shooting Glasses" and they've been great. It would have to be a really freak accident for a round to get up under the lens as they fit very close to the face. I'd reckon that they're about 90% as safe as a pair of Goggles (goggles being 99%). But that's MY opinion for ME on the field. I feel well safe with those in most scenarios.

For CQC however, I might opt for a more fool proof system like the SG-1's I mentioned earlier, or something very similar (There are a few makers out there that have similar design, ESS is one I believe). Basically "Sun Glasses" that have a seal around your eye area, so no real peripheral interference and they're supposed to be quite good against fogging up.... I have yet to receive mine.

PT-1: http://www.wileyx.com/EcommSuite/Pro...ItemCode=PT-1C

SG-1: http://www.wileyx.com/EcommSuite/Pro...1V&ItemCode=70

Personally I use a Sly Profit paintball mask.

http://paintballheadlines.com/wp-con...Mask-2-Web.jpg


Even though is a paintball mask, it is small and flexible enough to allow you to use the iron sights of your rifle with little effort :)

I'm still noobish myself. I run a pair of ESS goggles and a 3m respirator with filters and rubber flaps removed for better airflow. I moved the strap that went behind my neck to on top of my head to loosen the seal. I'd like to get a face mask that will be compatible with my googles and a mich style helmet down the road tho. I'm thinking the mesh style ones would be nice for improved airflow.

Those look killer! My wife was wondering does its cover the back and top of your head? or is there something you can wear under it to add protection to the top and back of your head. She likes to completely cover up.

A bonnie hat fits nicely with that mask, and ads extra protection to the forehead. I like to use one with my mask when is raining.

Hope that helps.

Being shot in the eye is no joke. You won't grow an eyeball back, and you won't blink faster than a BB you don't see coming.

Glasses, even shooting glasses are meant to protect your eyes while you shoot, not while you are being shot at. Shot at from the front, the side, and the rest of the angles that have no coverage.

Anyone try those Cactus face mask types? This this click here?

I'm looking at the Cactus ones but pretty pricey and looks very bulky, thinking maybe get a Matrix Iron Face Carbon Steel "Striker" Gen4 Metal Mesh Full Face Mask - Digital Woodland instead thoughts?

Just for the sake of argument, what if we look at this from the other end. Does wearing a mask invite others to not be as careful when aiming? Maybe even encourage some to take head shots with the idea "He/She's got a mask on, they'll be fine" Pling!

And does only wearing googles or other proper eye wear encourage most to not take head shots on purpose or make an effort to aim elsewhere?

Personally, if I see that the guy Im about to light up has no face protection, I make it a point to aim low or if all I can see is the dudes head, I'll hold my fire and try to get a better angle.

However, if the same head poking up is covered in ABS and a pair of big ol' googles... then I don't think I'd be as merciful.

I absolutely hate paintball masks with a passion; I own a JT mask only for use when a field requires a full mask. Usually I run WileyX ballistic glasses or ESS NVG Profile ballistic goggles.

Everyone has an opinion, and everyone is entitled to wear more than the minimum level of eyewear if they feel the need to protect themselves further, that being said I am of the opinion that full face masks detract from the realism I like in the sport. I've been playing since 2002 and I have never been seriously injured in the face by a BB. To each their own though...

Hard masks mess with cheek weld, that's why not many will recommend them. On the other hand shemaughs and balaclavas are worn fairly often, though they can be sweaty and contribute to fogging. I've been playing for three years and we only had one case of a chipped tooth. Keep your mouth shut when taking fire and you should be fine, face bleeders will heal. In that much I agree with Kokanee, but as to eye protection I have to disagree. Some sort of properly rate ballistic or paintball goggles are absolutely recommended. Shooting glasses, while properly rated, are only intended for the occasional ricochet. There is a chance a bb might get in the side. A small chance admittedly, but while faces heal and teeth can be repaired, you only have one set of eyes, and once they're gone that's it. If you're playing on a paintball field then they'll probably require you get paintball goggles. If not then get a good set of ballistic goggles, ESS is a good name.

Thanks for all the great ideas and different brands...Ill prob go with good set of goggles being able to use my sights is a must crappy shot with out lol. I have a niece balaclava for some check and mouth protection. I'll get a run of the mill paint ball mask too for any fields that require them.

That does help exactly what she was wondering, thank-you