Best Airsoft Masks: 2024 Ultimate Guide | Redwolf Airsoft
Best Airsoft Masks: 2024 Ultimate Guide | Redwolf Airsoft
Much like other action sports, it is important to consider personal protection when we play airsoft. What part of our body needs better protection when we play than our eyes and face? As we run around shooting BBs, there will always be a potential risk of injury (because sometimes airsoft can hurt) whether directly or indirectly every time we pull the trigger. This means when we play airsoft, one of the most important pieces of gear is the mask. There is no "one size fits all" solution to what can be considered the "best" mask. However, there are different options for different players and situations!
What Makes a Good Airsoft Mask
A good airsoft mask should provide at the very least a basic amount of protection to the wearer's face. Ideally, they should be made from high-quality nylon, plastic/polymer, or lightweight metal mesh. These materials when used or even used together combine for some of the more popular and often seen airsoft facemasks. Other than materials, comfort and retention play a big part in how "good" your mask can be. An example of this can be certain airsoft full face masks. These have good protection, use robust materials, and are comfortable to wear. Not to mention it stays on your head comfortably by using adjustable straps. These are some of the reasons why the full face mask is one of the best airsoft masks.
Materials
As previously mentioned, some of the materials are important. The ones to look out for are nylon, plastic/polymer, and metal mesh. The reasons for using these materials are threefold: weight reduction, protection, and ventilation. Though you may see these materials used by themselves on certain products you will be far more likely to see a combination of these materials used together. Airsoft half masks are usually mesh and nylon. Full-faced masks can be made from plastic or polymer. Some might come with eye protection!
Eye Protection
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As we briefly touched upon earlier, it's important that we protect both our face and our eyes and in the previous paragraph, we have established that some facemasks come with eye protection. Probably the most important organ on our face, our eyes deserve the best and in such when looking for eye protection we consider a few factors. Firstly, clarity is crucial. In order to be aware of potential harm, you must be able to see potential harm. Secondly, materials. We cannot stress enough the importance of high-quality materials when it comes to airsoft goggles. High-impact resistant acrylic is usually the best option for this as it is able to absorb a high amount of force directed at it and not shatter. Finally, design. Some eye protection comes standard with an insert that can you clip to the inside of the goggle or glasses which offers full seal. This means you will be protected from shattering BBs, stray debris, or other foreign objects flying into your eyes.
Straps
While this can be something of a preference, there are many practical applications to having adjustable straps for your eye protection. Starting with the obvious, having straps help to better secure your eye protection to your head when wearing them, especially when you are using more glasses style eye protection. This allows for better retention when quickly moving your head around and prevents dropping. This only applies to more glasses-style eye protection as goggles already feature straps.
Styles
As we alluded to earlier, there are indeed different styles of eye protection. While the glasses style of eye protection is more "stylish" if you are looking for optimal protection, the goggle style would be a better choice. Goggles already provide full seal and offer a high degree of impact resistance. Their wide bungee straps ensure that they can wrap around many different head sizes and even helmets! Many of the goggles have upper and lower vents for better air circulation and foam inserts around the face area for comfort. There are different airsoft facemask styles as well and as we have previously touched upon!
The next evolution in the DYE goggle line is also the next evolution in paintball eye and face protection technology. New groundbreaking features like the GSR pro-strap and e.VOKE communication system make the i5 the most advanced goggle system in the industry today. Engineered to perform, designed to inspire, the i5 is the pinnacle of paintball mask development. The new i5 goggle system is an aggressive, Ultralite mask, offering more protection, more venting, better comfort, better sound processing and better safety, all combined for complete unmatched performance.
The SRU Tactical Helmet Mask Set is a fast helmet wrapped with high-quality 3D printed armor outer shell. This helmet set has been tested by SRU and the 3D printed parts are able to withstand full auto fire from 5 meters with 0.2 gram BBs firing at a velocity of around 490 FPS. The flip-up button was also torture tested in this way and SRU noted that has no safety issues.
This helmet features 2 fans, an anti-fog lens, a flip-up mask, and modular parts, allowing you to add different first-party parts designed by the SRU team.
The WoSport Chastener Mask II is designed with style in mind. Featuring high-strength polymer construction, impact-resistant lenses, and a sleek, tactical contour. It is user friendly, with paddings on the inside of the mask to ensure a tight and comfortable fit, adjustable straps, and an extremely breathable mesh. This mask is a must-buy for those who want to look badass when encountered during a skirmish.
This full-face Mesh Mask is exactly what it says on the tin, it covers the whole face except the eyes; the intention being to combine with your own goggles to offer supplementary support. Effectively this is the Airsoft equivalent of a ballistic mask, offering protection for your face which goggles otherwise might not. The mask secure with two side and one top middle strap for a very secure fit which will not slip down your head if adjusted correctly.
Mesh masks allow breathing and talking through it unobstructed and as such are not as uncomfortable as solid masks nor do they have as much issues with fogging the eye protection or muffling your voice as much. You can also show off your army face paint designs under this Mesh Mask
These are the best Airsoft masks on the market today. Handmade and hand painted with extra polycarbonate eye protection, these masks can take sustained hits of over 500fps from close range without danger of injury. Built from multiple layers of fiberglass, RWL masks are rugged and durable, and made to last. The paint is certified to be safe and lead-free. Built by the same factory that made the original Takaplupa masks, these RWL masks are the original and best there is. Fully adjustable head-straps with Fit Foam technology for a very comfortable non-slip fit. Don't be fooled by cheap china-made copies that are less durable (do not offer acceptable protection for Airsoft) and painted with god-knows-what paint that has a duller finish. Get this original mask!
The Impact-rated Goggle with Removeable Mask is a stylish and affordable option for facial & eye protection against BB's. Not only it looks awesome but you can also remove the lower face portion. Easy to install and use without any tools required. Available in 2 different colours Black & CB.
Pros
Face protection
Very affordable
Full seal goggles
Compatible with helmets
Cons
Smaller area of protection
To Mask or Not to Mask
At the end of the day, the goal we set out to achieve with this post is to not only talk about the importance of airsoft masks but to highlight the many different types that can best suit you as a player. Often times we are confronted with questions like "what are the best airsoft masks" or "do I need a mask for airsoft"? The simple answer is there's no "one size fits all" solution for everyone, each player has their own set of needs and desires. And while there are certainly masks such as the Dye Masks that can come close to being near perfect, some might prefer the option of choosing their own eye protection or love the increased ventilation of using mesh masks. However, to answer the latter part of the question: do I need a mask for airsoft? We would absolutely recommend it as it truly does form an essential part of our gear setup!
