Top 3 Cool Airsoft Masks To Improve Your Game
Airsoft masks are extremely important for a great airsoft game.
Not only for the obvious protection purposes but also for aesthetics. Cool airsoft mask can intimidate your opponents, while also building your image and identity as a player.
In this article, we will review some cool airsoft masks with unique looks.
Although looks will be the primary focus, we can’t disregard other important features any cool airsoft masks should have. So, let us discuss the key features and qualities you should look for when purchasing airsoft masks.
What You Should Look For In Cool Airsoft Masks
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Balance of Price VS Quality
Sure, there are cool airsoft masks above $300 with nice features, but are they truly worth the price? On the other hand, there are $20 and even cheaper options available. But, will they provide enough protection as well as feel comfortable enough to wear for long stretches of time? The balance between price and quality will the most important factor for us.
Look and Design
Since our focus today will be cool airsoft masks, of course looks will also be an important factor. We will choose our recommended products based on cool and unique designs. However, although looks will be our primary focus, doesn’t mean we will neglect other functional factors below.
Fog Resistance
No matter how good a mask or goggle is thermally treated, they will still fog a little. However, we will avoid recommending anything with serious fog issue. We understood how important visibility and accuracy are in a game of airsoft gun, so we will evaluate this factor with great care.
Ventilation/Breathability
A game of airsoft involves a lot of continuous activity: running, hiding, jumping, and you will definitely need a lot of air. That is why a good form of ventilation is necessary for any cool airsoft mask. There is no use of looking cool when you are unable to breathe through the mask, especially during a long game.
Product Recommendations
After we have discussed the necessary factors for cool airsoft masks, here are our top picks in no particular order:
War Game Steel Mesh Protective Mask (Full Face)
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The War Game Steel Mesh Protective Mask is very simple in its approach: using a full face steel mesh to protect your entire face. Yet, this simple approach looks very nice, making it one of the best options for cool airsoft masks.
The best thing about the steel mesh material is breathability, and since it didn’t use any lens, there won’t be any issue with fog. Steel mesh might need some time getting used to, but once you are familiar with it, you won’t have any issues with visibility and accuracy.
Keep in mind that steel mesh can indeed break with high-fps BB shots, especially when done point blank. However, the steel mesh material of the War Game Steel Mesh Mask is fairly strong and can withstand BB shots over 700 FPS without breaking. Still, you might want to avoid using steel mesh masks when there’s a lot of snipers with high-FPS markers.
The space between your eye and the steel mesh will allow the usage of glasses, so it will be a great choice for players with glasses, as well as if you want to use additional goggle within.
Nevertheless, it is a very decent choice for those looking for cool airsoft masks with great breathability and no fogging issue. There are several color options available, so you can choose the one that fits your other gears.
Pros:
- Great full face protection
- The steel mesh is fairly strong, can withstand 700 FPS of shots
- Very wide field of vision
- Great ventilation
- No fogging issue
- Very durable
Cons:
- Steel mesh can break with point blank or very high FPS shots
- The steel mesh look is not for everyone
Outdoormaster Full Face Airsoft Mask
Image Credit:Amazon
The Outdoormaster Airsoft Mask is very popular due to its unique design with a mean and intimidating look. As with the War Game Steel Mesh Mask above, the eye holes of the Outdoormaster Full Face Mask utilized steel mesh protection, meaning you also won’t need to worry about fogging issues.
However, since the steel mesh material is only used in the eye holes, you will still need to worry about breathability. Fortunately, there are plenty of breathable holes in the bottom, as well as larger holes at the nose to help with breathability. These holes also won’t compromise the look of the Outdoormaster Full Face Mask.
The mask is secured with six elastic straps, so it will stay in place even when you are running around. The interior is covered with rubber padding to ensure comfort, so although the Outdoormaster Full Face Mask seems ‘closed’, it is actually very comfortable and breathable to wear.
The Outdoormaster Full Face Mask is available with 9 different looks (when this article is being written), inspired by Captain America, Predator, skull-faced design, and the British flag of Union Jack among several others.
This mask is simply one of the best choices for cool airsoft masks providing unique looks, very decent protection, comfort, and breathability.
Pros:
- One of the best-looking airsoft masks
- Padded interior for comfort
- Adequate ventilation for breathability
- Reduces face sweat
- Can withstand very high FPS (except for the eye area)
Cons:
- The eye steel mesh protection can break from point-blank shots or high FPS shots
JT Elite Prime Goggle
Image Credit: Amazon
JT Sports is one of the most prominent manufacturers for paintball and airsoft masks, and the JT Elite Prime Goggle is one of the best options for those looking for a classic, tactical-style cool airsoft masks. The JT Elite Prime Goggle can also be used as paintball mask, so it might be a great choice for those enjoying both games.
Unlike the two masks we have discussed above, the eye protection of the JT Elite uses goggle instead of steel mesh, and there are pros and cons about this. The lens will indeed be vulnerable with fogging, however, it is very well made and thermally treated so the fog resistance is excellent. On the other hand, goggle protection is better at handling high velocity and point blank shots.
The lens also has a very wide field of vision, so you won’t have any issue with visibility. As you can also see from the picture, there are a lot of ventilation holes throughout the mask, so the breathability and comfort are very good.
Pros:
- Great looking tactical design
- Very durable and well-made
- Excellent comfort and breathability
- Superior lens with wide field of vision and fog resistance
Cons:
- Can still have issues with fog, especially during prolonged game
- A little small in size, and won’t protect the back of your head (combine with cap)
Bottom Line
There are definitely a lot more options available for clear soft masks. However, based on our research, the three products we have mentioned above are the best choices available, providing nice balance between price and value, comfort, protection, and of course, looks.
Complete Guide to Full Face Airsoft Masks
Airsoft masks are an important part for any airsoft game, considering the fact that the projectile force of the airsoft gun/marker can be extremely strong, so that protection of your face, and especially your eye is extremely important. By wearing the proper airsoft mask, you wouldn’t need to worry about face or eye injuries and can concentrate on your performance, and most importantly, having fun.
But, why is a full-face airsoft mask so important? What are the advantages? Is it really necessary to have your entire face covered while playing airsoft?
Advantages of Full Face Airsoft Masks
To understand the advantages, we must first understand the counterpart of full-face airsoft masks: the half-face alternative. Technically, the difference between the two is the built-in google or visor on full-faced airsoft masks, while half-face only protect your jaw and lower face below the eye, designed to be worn with a separate goggle.
Therefore, the key difference between the two is the simplicity of full-face airsoft masks, where you shouldn’t have to worry about buying a separate goggle, ear protections, and even caps.
The downside? They are less customizable, while both half-face and full-face airsoft masks can provide equal protection when worn properly.
Therefore, full-face airsoft masks are much preferred by beginners, since they wouldn’t have to worry too much about mix and matching different gears. Separate goggles also provide better aiming, since it is easier to align your marker stock, another advantage of the half face airsoft masks.
After we have learned the difference, are there different types of full face airsoft masks?
Different Types of Full Face Airsoft Masks
There are generally two different types of full face airsoft masks, differentiated by their construction materials: plastic and steel mesh. Here are their advantages and disadvantages to each other.
Plastic Airsoft Masks
Plastic airsoft masks are the most common choice for most players nowadays because they provide the best overall protection, due to the fact that they won’t easily shatter upon impact. So, to summarize:
Pros:
- Protects really well against BB impact
- Doesn’t easily shatter, and even when shattered, the BB won’t reach your face
Cons:
- Worse breathability so will need some kind of ventilation which might compromise protection
- Less comfortable overall
Steel Mesh Airsoft Masks
Steel mesh material, on the other hand, provides more breathability and is relatively lighter (although plastic is already very light), so it is more comfortable overall with better ventilation. However, they shatter more easily, especially on close range shots. To summarize:
Pros:
- Better ventilation, so they are more comfortable to wear for prolonged use
- Lighter overall
Cons:
- Worse overall protection than plastic airsoft masks
- Shatters easily on point blank shots
Features You Should Look For In Airsoft Masks
A lot of different airsoft masks available in the market are advertising to be the best, offering various features and special values that admittedly, can confuse buyers.
To help, here are some key features you should look for before buying full face airsoft masks.
Ventilation
As mentioned, ventilation is really important, especially on plastic airsoft masks. When you are selecting airsoft masks with venting, the important thing to consider is to make sure the ventilation holes are smaller than 6mm, the typical size of airsoft and BB projectiles. This way, you can prevent penetration under the mask, that can cause harm to your face.
Eye Protection
Built-in eye protection is the reason to choose full face airsoft masks, to begin with, so it’s important to weigh the quality. Typically, the eye protection comes in the form of visor or goggles. There are also eye protections made from wire mesh, but as mentioned, it might shatter during close range shots, so it is not advisable.
The biggest concern about visor or goggles is fog, which can build up during prolonged use. Most decent airsoft masks got their visor or goggles thermally treated, so they are fog resistant.
Strap
The strap system will determine the adjustability of the mask. This is important since human faces have various features with each individual. So, it is advisable to choose airsoft masks with several straps to ensure the airsoft masks to fit properly. Some airsoft masks have up to six straps.
There is also the matter of strap materials. Most airsoft masks offer elastic band straps. However, generally, pull-on straps are a better choice for most people, since they will keep the mask in place even on sudden movements.
Best Full Face Airsoft Masks
After we have learned all the considerations you should have before buying a full face airsoft mask, here are some of the best full face airsoft masks available in the market that we have tested.
OutdoorMaster Full Face Airsoft Mask
The first thing you will notice from the OutdoorMaster Full Face Airsoft Mask is the design. Although it is a matter of preference, the OutdoorMaster Airsoft Mask is one of the flashiest around, and certainly, will appeal to a lot of players.
Yet, this mask is not all about looks, as it is made from high-quality resin which is very durable, and also covered with six-month warranty. However, you might notice that the eye protection is made of wire mesh, which as we have mentioned, not ideal for high-velocity projectiles. So, to summarize:
Pros:
- Great looks
- Very durable, high-quality resin material
- Six straps for maximum adjustability and comfort
- Wire mesh eye protection will not fog
Cons:
- Unsuitable for close range combat or matches with high-velocity rifles, the eye protection might shatter
- Will need separate ear protections
Invader King Flat White Airsoft Mask
Another mask with great looks. The gas mask design is not only about looks either, since it will also act as ventilation system allowing better comfort. The eye protection is a pair of wide lens goggle, so they are durable even for point blank shots.
The Invader King Airsoft Mask is made from fiberglass, which is lighter yet stronger than metal mesh.
Pros:
- Great, gas-mask inspired design
- Wide lens with great field of vision
- Very comfortable with great venting system and internal cushion
Cons:
- The lens is not fog resistant
- Not very durable
JT Sports Elite Headshield Single Mask
JT Sports is a prominent brand for paintball and airsoft masks, and the JT Sports Elite lives up to their big name. The main selling point is the very wide, 180-degree lens that is thermally treated for fog resistance. The venting system is also great, allowing breathability and comfort, and the mask is very lightweight.
Pros:
- Great venting system
- Very wide anti-fog lens for great visibility
- Lightweight and durable
Cons:
- The size is too compact for some players with bigger heads
- Limited adjustability
Bottom Line
Protection and comfort should be your first and foremost concerns when choosing an airsoft mask. Style is of course, also important since they can be used to intimidate opponents, but it won’t be much use when your airsoft mask doesn’t provide enough protection or is a hindrance when wearing it.
Also, considering the heavy duty activity you will wear the mask in, make sure to always consider a product with great warranty.
