Thermal Lens Paintball Masks

Thermal Paintball Goggles To Keep You Fog-Free

Paintball masks come in two basic varieties, dual or single pane. Dual pane masks are frequently called thermal lens goggles because the second lens provides a degree of insulation, similar to a storm window, which can also help combat fogging. Dual pane goggles are usually more expensive, but most players find the benefits outweigh the modest outlay. If you're considering playing anything but infrequently, you might want to consider buying thermal. Thermal lenses also come in many varieties, from the sleek speedball tournament varieties to masks that are better suited to woodsball.

You've already decided to get a thermal lens, but there are still so many options. How can you pick?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a thermal paintball mask.

  1. Does it have good visibility?
  2. How simple is it to change out a goggle's lens?
  3. Which matters more: profile or protection?
  4. Is the mask rigid or flexibile?
  5. How importance is comfort?
  6. Do you want complete coverage?
  1. Visibility

    The wider the lens is, the more of the field you'll be able to see. Horizontal visibilty can also be a factor. This is especially crucial when playing paintball in lower-light conditions.

  2. Lens Release

    Many goggles offer quick release of lenses. This option tends to appear on more expensive masks, but can make for fast, hassle-free cleaning and lens-switching.

  3. Mask Profile

    Low-profile masks, like the Empire E-Vent and the Dye i4 don't add much to the size of your face, so they cut back on the chance of your opponent getting a lucky hit. However, low-profile masks tend to leave parts of your face exposed, leaving you vulnerable to a hit on the chin or jaw.

  4. Flexibility

    Rigid masks, like the JT Spectra Proshield, feature the best protection from paintball impacts. More flexibile masks, like the Proflex are made with soft rubber, foam, or flexible plastics. These flexible points are designed to bounce paintballs off without breaking them, keeping you in the game longer.

  5. Comfort

    Masks with foam or soft rubber padding like the HK Army KLR or the Virtue VIO provide better comfort, especially using a marker with a shoulder stock, and tend to increase bounces. The downside is that they don't absorb close-range impacts as well.

  6. Full Coverage

    Maximum protection can be had with a full coverage paintball mask such as the Full Head Cover Annex MI-7. Full coverage comes at a cost, though, because they're hot to wear.