Best paintball masks according to redditors

Like others have pointed out, you're spending a lot of money. Hey, that's not necessarily a bad thing considering we know nothing about your budget.

Some tips for your selections:

• If you are willing to drop $100 on that mask you might as well go for a Dye Precision i4 mask. This is the last eye/face protection option you will ever need, for only $30 more than you're already spending.
  
  
• Those gloves seem a bit expensive considering I have never heard of the model, and to be honest they look a little cheap. These Mechanix gloves run about half of what you're budgeting and are highly recommended, probably the best price/quality ratio on the market. Don't take my word, take the 635 reviews on Amazon's word.
  
  
• Boots are totally up to you, but if it's your first time airsofting you don't necessarily need to drop over $100. Running or any athletic shoes would honestly be fine for your first time.
  
  
• Same idea applies to the pants and shirt. If you really want them, don't let anyone here stop you, but jeans and a shirt would do you just fine.
  
  As for a vest, given the stuff you've already picked out, the obvious choice would be a Condor MOPC in black. Plate carriers are generally highly modular, so with some additional MOLLE pouches you can set up your rig however you want.
  
  Edit: model, not brand

Nah, he just bought it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Neoprene-Face-Mask-Smoke/dp/B003ICTER2

I use a dye i4 and it’s really comfortable and doesn’t fog. I can also aim down my sight easily with it on. https://www.amazon.com/Dye-Precision-Thermal-Paintball-Goggle/dp/B002YHFMHS

Here ya go

Dual thermal lenses are best. But they are not fog proof. But conditions have to be bad to fog.

Here is a cheap dual thermal lens mask. 30 dollars on amazon

Empire Helix Goggle Thermal Lens - Black Header https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9HWOBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sHoDDbZ8SDTTW

I use the I-force, though my Valken Sierras (V2G-XPs) work great as well.

They work great in the summer. For the 10-15 minute games at Miami Airsoft, I get nearly no fog, with just a bit around the edges, though I think that's more condensation and sweat than fog. At AO-X this past Saturday, it got a bit annoying after an hour or so. Next time I play long games, I'll probably just get some anti fog spray to really prevent it.

The only thing I've used that was better was my Dye i4 which uses black magic to prevent fogging.

Wow, for the much just keep en eye out for a used Dye I4 mask or just get it new. All masks or even just goggles will affect aiming down sights and most will require a riser for the sight to see properly.

Condor recon chest rig 4 total magazines, w/ extra mag holders for 10 rd pods

Random hoodie I found at a local store, when paired with my (not pictured) beanie and random pair of jeans I wear it fits the whole pseudo resistance fighter type deal I like to roll with in scenario play. (also not pictured is my ghillie suit)

Carbon HK KLRs and diamond clear lens

T15 w/ Ergo Grip a random 1/2 inch rail riser and RGB red dot (currently waiting on Rap 4 TCA stock and tan pistol grip)

https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Safety-Resistance-Airsoft-Paintbal/dp/B00GLS8K2U These look pretty similar.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLS8K2U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_V-Ckzb3WBZ7KF

Mesh is a pos but easy to pull out and replace if you desire, I've used it a couple times, straps are a little finicky but still pretty good for price

Also on mobile so idk if linking works right

This mask is a common rental mask with added full head protection. Rental masks are notorious for being just bad masks. If you feel like you absolutely need a full head mask, go with a JT Flex-8 Headguard. This was my first mask and I still have it. I have i4s now but my friends use it when we play.


But seriously, if you don't absolutely need full head protection, don't get it. It looks kinda stupid, and it's hot and sticky. Not to mention more area to clean when you're done playing. Whatever you get though, get it with a thermal lens.

you could get and Empire evs on amazon for $100 and put some Linerz in a baseball hat for head protection.

Paintball Mask: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071D3QQ77/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-7H0Bb8RYN3HE

Helmet:
Jacobson Hat Company Men's Army Helmet, Green, Adult https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MA6CUYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_W8H0BbAWM3BHB

Get some blue paint for the helmet.

You would rather get these if your really keen on getting a mask that fully covers your head. It is a bit more pricey, but it is worth it since it will be very comfortable and is a cousin to one of the most reputable googles in paintball, the JT Proflex.

Sure! You cane find them here!

Kinda tight if you're buying new.


Usable gear would be a kit like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019EALJ10/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1522785480&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=paintball+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=51zEMBiWPML&ref=plSrch

...but throw the mask it comes with away and use a Helix thermal.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002C01IWU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522785682&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=helix+thermal&psc=1&smid=A371G8H8A5MY53

In case some one would like to know;

http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Neoprene-Face-Mask-Smoke/dp/B003ICTER2

Get each thing individually. Packages are a rip off and most of the stuff that comes with it is complete trash.

The Empire Helix is the cheapest dual pane mask I think? Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.

The Proto Primo is the best gravity fed hopper you can buy. The next best thing would probably be a used Halo B or something, and that's gonna run you around $50 or so. And for a mech gun you don't really need a force fed.

This 47/3000 HPA tank is cheap and suitable. Cheapest I think you can find.

35 + 12 + 40 = 87. Round up to 90 for the sake of simplicity and shipping. Might even be closer to $100. Leaves you between 0 and 75 given your earlier stated budget.

Everybody around here will tell you that a GoG eNMEy is the best mechanical gun you can buy. And they would be right. But they're $150 new and around $100 used. If you can find a used one and don't mind the extra scratch, go for it and you'll have a pretty good budget setup. If not, you can find a 98 Custom or something along those lines and still have a good time out there. Search the used markets. A great thing about 98 Customs is that they're rental guns. Fields that either shut down or are changing stock will often sell off their old rentals cheap as dirt. I've seen 98s go for as low as $30.

Granted, if you're buying a rental gun you can assume it's been beat to shit. But these things really are tanks. They're kind of a pain in the ass to work on, but there's really not too much to mess with on them internally. If you're even reasonably handy, it shouldn't be something to worry about. Another similar blowback marker that's used as rentals are BT-4s. Not sure if they're really functionally any better or worse than 98s though.

If you have any more questions I'd be happy to help. Unfortunately paintball is an expensive sport/hobby to get into and your budget doesn't give much room to work with. Good luck and have fun out there.

Thanks mate, really appreciate it. I am still on the fence about this helmet:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00083DEUM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mainly because of the horror stories some of my friends have told me who have gotten shot on the sides and back of their heads. Also the full helmet looks cool imo.

As for pants go (yikes!) definitely on the pricier side of gear. But I'm sure they're worth the investment.

Now I need to find a solid pair of cleats. Getting into paintball has been quite the investment ;)

1: All you need to run with an 11.1v lipo is a decent MOSFET "Preferably in the gearbox" (I reccomnd BTC, their Specter and Chimera are great http://www.btcairsoft.com )and bearings (Any decent ceramic ones).

2: I am not sure since I do not have any guns wired to the front. I bought a lipo from AEX that was recommended for SCAR stocks and PEQ boxes. It fits well and lasts a whole day without charging, but you might run out sooner if you do a high speed build.

3: I am not sure, since I do not own one

4: I recommend a Dye I4 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0020GCYSS?pc_redir=1406608598&robot_redir=1). I used to have an EOTech replica on my gun and I could see down it pretty well. I mainly used that for CQB, but I have changed to Smith Optics Boogie Regulators and a mesh face mask for field. I use my iron sights because I sold my red dot and I can see perfectly down the sights. The Boogies/mesh mask combo really helps you keep cool.

https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Safety-Resistance-Airsoft-Paintbal/dp/B00GLS8K2U

1. you have airsoft and paintball protection.
   
2. including above but impact resistant, risk is having a badass punch you and mask impacting your face
   
3. all of the above and bulletproof too... $500.00 ish
   
   I guess the link is in the 2nd group.

i used one of these for years.
https://www.amazon.com/Invert-Helix-Thermal-Paintball-Goggles/dp/B00M9HSK4A

These would be better less prone to fogging so you won't have to worry about him taking them off as much to clear the fog. (You tell him not to, but I see it all the time on the fields.)

These are probably outside of your pricerange, considering the cost of the gun, but they're the best full facemask that you can buy.

Yeah so I got most of the stuff off amazon, including

WOLFBUSH Tactics Vest Phantom... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JJR671G?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

2pcs Foundation Special... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PRSKX3Z?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

TClian Skull Mask Balaclava Ghost... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TCN39K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

ATAIRSOFT PJ Type Tactical... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJOSUUA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

LIVIQILY Helmet Accessory... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X1LLH72?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
(This is just the attachment. Not the monocular)

The rest is just
White paint
Black jacket
Black pants
Black socks

Other thing that aren’t in the pic include

FREE SOLDIER Men's Tactical Boots... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BST51FS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Also I couldn’t find the link for the gloves

Aaaaaaand you're on a list.

Here you go, though.

I have like.. 2 extra sly masks that I don't sell because they fog up, and I don't want people do deal with foggy masks (they also breathe horribly, and due to all the ear padding, it's harder to hear).

Go for this instead. https://www.amazon.com/JT-Spectra-Proshield-Thermal-Goggle/dp/B003FVR6S0

46 dollars new^, and it's less prone to fogging than a sly mask.

Get a JT Proshield. It's like 20 years old and a pain to switch lenses, but there's a reason why Empire had to restart production after they discontinued it and people complained. This one even comes default with thermal lens: https://www.amazon.com/JT-Spectra-Proshield-Thermal-Goggle/dp/B003FVR6S0

The Empire Helix is cheaper with an easier lens as well, which is also thermal: https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Paintball-Helix-Thermal-Goggle/dp/B00M9HSK4A?th=1

I would just test fit both of them and buy whichever is more comfortable. If you still can't decide, try factoring in which one lets you see better, lens availability at your area, etc.

Hey good to have you back /u/dbees! I'm with you, used to be big into it and went to a Bachelor Party and got bit! So here's my setup!

Amazon has the Invert Helix with dual-pane lenses (less fog)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M9HSK4A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I picked up an O2 tank (Co2 is out, compressed air is the way to go now) for like... $30 or $40. I would link it but the one I bought isn't in stock anymore


I went on ebay and picked up an Ion XE for like... $75 and I had to put a new board in it (for $50) and I also bought a used Halo II hopper and full pod set (w/ some other crap) for $100.


It's not a pretty set up... and it's not the best, but it's enough to go have some fun again!


Welcome back!

Whilst I'm at it do you guys know how to plug holes like the ones on this mask? https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Safety-Resistance-Airsoft-Paintbal/dp/B00GLS8K2U

This beaut

in case you don't want to go threw the hassle of the used market:

Marker: https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Mini-GS-Paintball-Gun/dp/B00LBJUD4C/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1521136125&sr=8-4&keywords=empire+mini+gs

hopper/ tank:https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Halo-Paintball-Loader-Combo/dp/B003FVP506/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1521136199&sr=1-4&keywords=halo+too

mask: https://www.amazon.com/Dye-Paintball-Goggles-Thermal-Lens/dp/B016SACUTY/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1521136264&sr=1-4&keywords=dye%2Bi5&th=1

a very respectable first setup if you are looking for something that you can learn the basics on and even play decent speedball with. I would look into a carbon fiber tank and a new hopper as some solid upgrades (these will do the job for a long time, I still run my halo on my axe when I loan it out) if you choose to keep up with it and want to put some more money into quality of life. Empire sells solid markers and personally what I suggest for beginners looking to go the speedball rout. they have really good customer support. The dye I series are simply my favorite masks, easily replaced with another mask that better suits your face or is more aesthetically pleasing to you.

If you're looking for just the gun, A TMC will be your best bet. If you also want some other equipment here are some links.

This is a molle vest that also comes with pouches
GZ XINXING Black Tactical Airsoft Paintball Vest (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077P7GC76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-8jPDb57S6RNT

I would also recommend a dump pouch so you don't lose any mags in fast reload situations.
Warrior Quest 1000D Nylon Folding Tactical Dump Pouch - Foldable Molle Magazine Mag Dump Pouch (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076H97B14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_f-jPDbXKJ4AEA

Depending on how much paint you shoot your going to want a tank. I use a 13ci 3000 on my TMC and I can get about 5 mags before I'm out.
HK Army Aluminum HPA Tank - 13/3000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH4XJM7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_c.jPDb07B4QAK

You don't need to splurge on anything dance when it comes to the gun. However, YOU NEED A GOOD MASK.

Here's the mask that I use. It's wallet friendly and hasn't fogged up on me once.
Empire Helix Goggle Thermal Lens - Black Header https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9HWOBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sakPDb62F98GB



All of these items I personally use myself, and all of my loadoat costed me about 350-400 bucks.

check out the invert helix its about $33 and is a dual pain thermal lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Helix-Goggle-ThermaL-Lens/dp/B00M9HSK4A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422397622&sr=8-4&keywords=invert+helix+mask

https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Safety-Resistance-Airsoft-Paintbal/dp/B00GLS8K2U


Not quite the same but pretty close. Also, there are many other options via airsoft masks that aren't quite the same.

Please link. Save phace even sells their own products directly on Amazon and none of those photos have it. They have ansi ratings at the top but no photos from either side show that

Save Phace 2000353 Mirrored Smoked Lens for TM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AT5GA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qHVYCb8MV5FSG
Save Phace Sport Utility Mask 2 SUM SUM2 Just Ill Series - Total Eclipse https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721YM7DQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YHVYCb0EZ8JQP

Save Phace 3010837 Grunt Series Tactical Goggles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094FSFXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TIVYCbPKGHEJP

Here is the other one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLS8K2U

Empire Helix Goggle Thermal Lens - Black Header https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9HWOBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ejYozb2253B6A

Look up empire evs
There all over the place
Amazon probably your best option.
Empire EVS Thermal Paintball Goggles - Black/Gold https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DX67HMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-OhBDb5R9RDC7

I just bought this mask, then I bought some cheap 11 dollar beanie off amazon. It’s thin. Think that will be ok or do I need more?

1. cheap option
   2.expensive option
   
   I’d definitely ask around for suggestions but dual-pane is the way to go. Don’t need to worry about special coatings/ anti fog spray/ fans/ etc. dual pane goggles simply work without fuss.

If you want to "upgrade" your setup, here are some products that will legitimately improve your playing experience:

http://www.amazon.com/Paintball-JT-Spectra-Proflex-Thermal/dp/B00OVAPW8A

http://www.ansgear.com/Custom_Products_CP_1_Piece_Barrel_D_Black_p/cpba1pcdblack.htm

http://www.ansgear.com/Lapco_Barrel_Adapter_Cocker_To_98_p/lapcobarreladaptckr-98.htm

http://www.ansgear.com/Ninja_Grey_Ghost_Carbon_Fiber_Air_Tank_45_4500_p/ninjatank-ghost-45.htm

http://www.ansgear.com/Pinokio_PL230_400_Paintball_Hopper_Clear_p/pinokioloaderclear.htm