The tragic story of Brandon Lee explains a major reason “airsoft” and all the gear related to it remain a welcome development. The actor was accidentally shot on set of the movie “The Crow.” His death could have been prevented if an
airsoft rifle or
airsoft shotgun was used instead of a real gun. However, just because an
airsoft gun isn’t deadly, it doesn’t mean it can’t cause injury without proper protection. This explains why airsoft masks are gaining worldwide popularity and acceptance among players of the game and other enthusiasts.
Even though playing with an airsoft offers protection up to a point because you're not handling a real gun, you still need an airsoft mask for enhanced security. If you are like most people, you must have discovered it’s not easy to come up with an airsoft mask that can endure the ruggedness of reality gaming, hunting, or any other use you have for it. You need an airsoft mask that can hold up under all that running, hiding, hitting, aiming, moving, and pressure without putting your face in any danger.
Thus, when you choose an airsoft mask, there are important points to consider, the most basic of which being ventilation. You don’t want a mask that will choke you up whether you are wearing it for a long or short time. Therefore, you should opt for a well-aerated airsoft mask. The options we reviewed have different kinds of ventilation systems including mesh venting, full vent, and the opportunity to change lens systems.
Next, consider the type of field you would be playing at. Since the impact of a projectile at close distance is different from that from a far distance, you must ensure that the airsoft mask can protect you throughout the distance covered by the field of play. This also determines the degree of sophistication that your vision should have. For example, an indoor use would require less site picture compared to outdoor use.
Other features to look out for include eye protection, strap, and the type of material the mask is made of. While it doesn’t make much difference, or affect the quality of the material, you have the option of choosing a full-face airsoft mask or a half-face airsoft mask. A full-face mask comes with inbuilt goggles, while for the half-face, you will have to buy the goggles or visors yourself. Since eye protection is a necessity, people who buy a half-face airsoft mask do so primarily because it offers them the opportunity for customization.
Price
Different types of airsoft masks have different features, but you can be assured that the options we present to you are among the best in the market today, and the brands that produce those options have other variations that offer other features and benefits. The price range of an airsoft mask can vary a lot depending on features, from anywhere between around $7 to $135. Airsoft masks prices differ because of the materials used in production, the unique features each product has, the protection it offers, how popular the brand is, among other reasons. If you want a cheap airsoft mask, there are some around, although they won’t offer the same protection as a top-quality investment.
Features
The way you intend to use the mask determines the features you need to look for when searching for the ideal product for you. Here are the features you should look out for if you want to buy an airsoft mask:
- Venting system - including the size of the vent
- Type - half-face or full-face
- Material - steel, mesh, or plastic
- Eye protection - goggles, visor, wire mesh eye protection
- Straps – adjustable, elastic and chin straps
Here are the ways these features affect the choice you make…
Construction and Design
Whatever your reason for needing an airsoft mask, there is one unquestionable expectation, and that is to have fun - lots of it! You want to taste the thrill and feel the adrenaline surge as you aim for the hit. You want to be in charge as your opponent docks and dodges for cover. You want power, real power, and you want to ride on your excitement till it’s time to quit for the day. If you do not pay attention to the venting system of your airsoft mask, you may become the victim rather than the protagonist. You must ensure that the ventilation holes of your mask are smaller than the size of the BB or airsoft projectiles, which are often about 6mm. This is to prevent shrapnel and fragments from penetrating the mask and causing injury to your face.
Whether you need an airsoft mask for Halloween, hunting, military, paintball, or airsoft, you should pay attention to the type of airsoft mask you buy. If you are using a half-face airsoft mask, you may have a more natural feel since you would be able to choose the goggle by yourself. However, a full-face mask already comes with these features, thereby eliminating the need for other side expenses.
The material an airsoft mask is made of is an important factor that affects its durability and ruggedness. Most are made of steel, fiberglass, foam or plastic, while some combine materials. Users who choose plastic airsoft masks do so because plastic offers overall protection, won’t easily shatter, and will not allow fragments to pass through to the eyes.
The straps determine how adjustable an airsoft mask will be, and it is important to choose a suitable one. The right strap will ensure that the mask stays in place if you must make sudden movements or take to your heels. Without fitted straps, the mask may fall off the face consistently or allow projectiles to hit spots that should have been otherwise protected. Straps can be elastic or enhanced, they can be chin straps, and some are adjustable. It is important you select a product that allows you to tighten or loosen the mask beyond the comfortable spot.
Performance and Ease of Use
To get the best protection from your airsoft mask, you should run it through this test; try forcing a BB or projectile through the vent of the preferred product. If it doesn’t tear apart with little forceful application, then you are safe and can buy it.
Apart from that, there are basic maintenance measures you can take to prevent fogging, especially if you don’t plan to buy an anti-fog mask with thermal lenses, and that is by using anti-fog spray or anti-fog wipes regularly.
When it’s all been said and done, the best airsoft mask for you depends on what you will be using it for, where you will be using it, and how frequently you will use it.
In choosing the best mask for you, you may want to consider variables such as how comfortable it is and if it is stylish or easy to use. So, keep in mind what you would like about a mask while reading our review of individual brands/products to choose the perfect airsoft mask for you.
Now that you have taken out time to go through our reviews, we are sure you are not only better informed, but also emboldened to make the right choice of mask for you. Please, go ahead and place your order right away.
