| Some sports such as hockey or football have a large | | | | glue job with no corners or seams unattached. |
| list of safety gear ranging from shin guards to shoulder | | | | Lens |
| pads and helmets to name a few. But paintball really | | | | When looking through the mask; make sure that the |
| only has one wearable piece of safety equipment; the | | | | lens area provides enough side vision. On average |
| mask. | | | | human have a field vision of 180 degrees, unless you |
| Paintball masks are designed to protect your face and | | | | are planning of looking out of the corner of your eye |
| ears. When looking for a mask you should look for one | | | | instead of turning your head, a mask with 120 degree |
| that covers your whole face area, forehead to chin | | | | field of vision should be more than adequate. Next you |
| with coverage for your ears. If the mask doesn't fully | | | | should look for a mask with a thermal lens. Thermal |
| cover all these areas look for a bigger mask. Some | | | | lenses are simply two separate lenses with air in |
| mask also provide protection for your head, although | | | | between them which helps prevent fogging. You will |
| this is not entirely necessary as the top of your head is | | | | also find some lenses are tinted, while these do not |
| hard and can withstand a paintball, some people feel | | | | add to the safety of the mask, they can provide a |
| better with this option. | | | | function similar to sunglasses or just a cool factor. |
| Fit | | | | Value |
| Since this is your primary protection you want | | | | Paintball masks can cost from $20 to more than $100. |
| something that fits just right. Look for a mask that fits | | | | To decide which mask is best for you determine what |
| firmly on your head without pinching. You should be | | | | features you really need (for example, you may want |
| able to tighten the straps to make your mask snug | | | | good fog protection, therefore you will want to look at |
| without maxing out the adjusters or permanently | | | | masks that offer a thermal lens) and then see what |
| stretching out the straps. Make sure that your mask | | | | masks fit your budget. The best mask is not |
| comfortably fits around your ears and that the mouth | | | | necessarily the most expensive; it's simply the mask |
| guard doesn't hit your chest when you look down or | | | | that fits and works best for you. |
| your shoulders when you look to the sides. Remember | | | | Additional Things |
| this is about safety first then style. You need to make | | | | Most masks come with visors which some find to be |
| sure that everything is protected and feels | | | | useful when playing outdoors. Additionally, some masks |
| comfortable first, then try to get the look you want. | | | | come with built-in fans designed to reduce fogging, |
| Padding | | | | while others are designed to have a fan added on if |
| While most people don't pay much attention to the | | | | necessary. The plastic of the mask come in many |
| foam padding inside a mask it can be a huge | | | | levels of rigidity. Some players prefer softer plastic |
| difference between a good mask and a great mask. | | | | which may help prevent a ball break. When choosing a |
| Most importantly you want make sure you like how | | | | mask; chose one that is rigid enough for your liking. The |
| the foam feels on your face. You are going to be | | | | plastic also comes in numerous colors ranging form |
| wearing this a lot so comfort is a big part of safety. | | | | bright reds and blues to dull blacks and greens, so you |
| You want to find a mask that has form which is | | | | should able to find a color you like. There are also |
| flexible and will mold to your face, but will also return to | | | | many purely cosmetic upgrades you can add to |
| its original shape. You also want to inspect how the | | | | customize your mask. |
| form in secured/glued to the mask. Check for a solid | | | | Have fun and play safe. |