Great, so you and some mates want to get out on the airsoft course and channel your inner warriors. But your firing air compressed BB pallets at each other at high velocity. You need to make sure you are as safe as possible first before. Its starts with protecting your face, finding the best airsoft mask for you and your buddies take a bit of know-how.
No two faces are the same, it is the same with airsoft masks. In this article, we wanted to share our tips and tricks for buying the best airsoft mast for you. Keep in mind what suits you, might not suit your mate.
What is the best Airsoft mask?
There are literally thousands of different masks, makes and shapes on the market, all at different prices, all promising different levels of protection. You have lots of different design choices from:
- Full face
- Half Face
- Wire steel mesh
- Anti-Fog vision
- Regular vision
Making the right choice can be as confusing as hell. But wearing the best airsoft mask for you is a lot better than losing an eye.
Features of the best airsoft mask
Airsoft masks have a lot of features and different designs, choosing what’s right for you can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the main features of an airsoft mask you should be considering.
Full face V half-face airsoft masks
It’s like milk in your coffee or no milk. It’s purely a personal choice on this one. While full and half airsoft mask will do the job in keeping your mouth and eyes protected. There are some added benefits to consider.
Half face airsoft masks
Half face airsoft masksA half-face mask is usually cheaper, and are a lot more adjustable. They weigh less, come in more customizable options and are generally able to be used for a number of other things.
Obviously, with a half mask, you are more exposed in other parts of your face. Keep in mind that a full-speed BB will hurt like hell when it hits your exposed melon.
Depending on the design of the half mask, you might also need to buy a pair of eye goggles for eye protection as well.
Full face Airsoft masks
A full-face mask design is a lot more robust, it will cover every part of your face, from chin to your forehead.
Full face masks don’t fog as much and design patterns can be amazing. Think Crossbones from the Avengers.
Other considerations for choosing a half-face or full-face airsoft mask
Breathing and air-circulation
Breathing with a half-face mask will always be easier. They are typically designed with more air vents. Although we’ve road-tested a few vented full-face masks and found that they can be very breathable as well.
Some full-face masks can even have built-in ventilation fans to assist in air circulation. Poor air circulation will ruin the day out and playing airsoft. Just make sure whichever mask you go for, doesn’t sit too tight and at least has plenty of holes/mesh to supply fresh air.
Overall face protection
There is no comparison here, Full face airsoft masks win every time. The half-face mask will leave some parts of your face exposed.
A full-speed BB pellet hitting you eye, you will lose your eye. But if it hits your cheek you’ll end up with a sting and a nasty bruise. So, rule one here is to protect your eyes at all costs.
Lens fogging
What a giant pain in the arse. Fogging happens when your warm breath shoots upward out your mouth. When it hits the colder lens, it cools down and causes fogging on the lens.
Full face masks can have built-in ventilation fans which can significantly reduce fogging. There is nothing worse than moving your eye protection to wipe the lens, and missing that perfect shot.
Most airsoft eye goggles are designed and sold as anti-fog. You can also get accessories like antifog sprays and pastes.
Mask adjustment
Half face masks win here with adjustments. A half mask and separate eye goggles sit independently so you can adjust them both to suit.
Cost of mask
Without a doubt, full face masks will cost you a lot more. In some cases, a full-face mask will be double what you would pay for a half-face mask.
If you need to save a dollar, then a half mask and eye goggle would suit your budget. Just don’t scrimp on safety, being a one-eyed warrior is never fun. Deathstroke is the only noted exception here.
Size of mask
Just like an ill-fitting pair of bowling shoes. The best airsoft mask is one the fits properly. The “one size fits all” is really a marketing ploy. Take the time to try on and make sure your mask will fit properly.
If you are buying a mask online, take the time to read the reviews and look up the measure and fitting chart that the manufacturer provides.
Metal or plastic masks
Every mask will be made from similar materials, but it boils down to two different types, metal or plastic.
Plastic is by far the winner here. Plastic is easier to mould giving you more shapes and design choice. Crazy designs are always going to be plastic.
With modern manufacturing practices, plastics are extremely strong and durable.
A solid plastic face mask might not be that breathable. These types of mask materials can lead to fogging. So, make sure you get one with built-in ventilation.
Metal mesh material will generally be more cost-effective. They will tend to be the more boring masks. These type of mask designs tend to be more breathable as well as not fogging up as much.
A metal mesh mask might not be as protective as a plastic designed one. A close-up shot from an airsoft gun can punch through a metal mesh mask pretty easy.
You can get a hybrid mask, which is a good design of both materials.
Eye Protection and Safety
This is by far the main thing you need to consider find the best airsoft mask for you. A fully speed pallet to the eye, you are guaranteed to hurt your eye. The damage could be:
- Detached retinas
- Corneal scapes
- Bleeding of the eye
- Rupture of the eyeball
- Losing an eye (Yep end of the line)
As Airsoft popularity has climbed so has the number of eye injuries that are occurring according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Decent eye protection, whether its goggle or built-in visors, you will limit the chance of that happening.
The lens will be made from shatterproof plastics like polycarbonate, so direct BB pallet hits don’t shatter the lens, and a piece doesn’t go into your eye.
Stay away from metal mesh eye protection, BB pallets can shatter and shards can end up in your eye. Not that common but can happen.
What’s the best Airsoft brand?
Well, that’s a very subjective question. When researching the best airsoft mask for you, take the time to learn a bit about the company you are buying it from. Here are four very popular Airsoft brands in the marketplace.
CYMA Airsoft
Is in the innovative and affordable airsoft range. Made and manufactured in China. This brand is great for the players that are on a budget.
Lancer Tactical
A decent quality product priced pretty well. A great range of protective and tactical gear. Based in California USA.
Umarex
The brand does some amazing replica work. Great for collectors as the product that makes is so lifelike. Originally from Germany but with USA subsidiary.
AGM
Another Chinese manufacturer, make a decent range of products. Fits into the middle of the road price-wise.
The wash-up
So, what’s the best airsoft mask, well that a personal choice. You can wear your favourite superhero mask, and get a replica Ironman airsoft face mask or batman airsoft mask. Full face or half face, standard black or designed to look like a walking nightmare.
There are so many different masks out there on the market. I’d suggest at the very least going with full seal safety airsoft goggles. Protect those eyes at all costs.
Lightweight and breathable are always the features you want from the best airsoft mask. How it looks as well, you can scare your opponents, but if you are running away looks don’t really matter that much.
Cost is a huge factor, hobbies and sport can cost you money to buy the necessary accessories. So, spend your money wisely. The best airsoft mask for you is something you want to last for a long time. If you want to learn about cheap airsoft guns then click here.
