| The paintball mask is the single most important piece | | | | most cost efficient masks. |
| of equipment you will use during your play. It alone has | | | | You will also want to pay special attention to the type |
| the function of stopping paintballs traveling over 200 | | | | of foam that is used to seal off the lens area of the |
| feet per second. Most masks will cover both the eyes | | | | mask from the rest of your face. Some goggles use |
| and ears; however some are designed to protect the | | | | neoprene foam while others us a two-layer foam. The |
| eyes only. It is recommended to purchase one that | | | | two-layer is usually the most comfortable. |
| also covers the ears. | | | | Styling can also be a factor when making the buying |
| Because paintball masks have to absorb direct shots | | | | decision. Some masks put more effort into looking |
| from any range or distance, ordinary safety goggles | | | | good and not so much effort into the anti-fog abilities |
| will not work. All manufacturers of paintball goggles | | | | or the comfort level of the foam. |
| must produce gear that is DOT certified, insuring | | | | There are even masks that incorporate a battery |
| safety for the wearer. | | | | operated fan to aid in the removal of condensation |
| Masks are made from different types of material. | | | | during play on the hottest days. While most of these |
| Some are made from rubber while others are | | | | types of masks do work very well, the noise level can |
| constructed from plastic and even others from foam. | | | | affect how clearly you hear the opposing team as |
| There are two basic types of lens, thermal and | | | | they are advancing upon your position. |
| non-thermal. Thermal lens usually have a pocket of air | | | | You should always try on any mask before you |
| sandwiched between two lenses. This method helps | | | | decide to purchase it. Make sure you can see clearly |
| to stop condensation or fogging inside the mask during | | | | out of the lens. You will also want to make sure if |
| play. The goggles with non-thermal lens are normally | | | | feels good on you as you will be wearing it every time |
| just a single lens which will fog up on a warm day. You | | | | you are playing. |
| will normally find that the non-thermal lenses are the | | | | |