Take a look at any busy playing field for paintball or airsoft, and you’ll notice one thing. The serious players are always kitted out in full tactical apparel. It not only looks great but gives them plenty of handy features that you can’t find on regular overalls.
These features are imperative for players trying to up their game. They include utilities like extra capacity for magazines and ammunition tubes, as well as reinforcement against hits, plus much, much more. For anyone getting into playing regularly, we do recommend a mask and a paintball vest be the first things to be bought to supplement gameplay. After that, however, we think getting a paintball vest is the next best investment.
We would probably suggest some tactical trousers too! But for now, we’re going to stick to what we think are the best vests you can get.
In Search of the Best Paintball Vest Around
Even after you’ve weighed up what vests are a good match for you, you may still need some help.
Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite vests, and why we think they’re among some of the best when picking the right paintball vest for you.
Best Paintball Vest Comparison Table
Product | Image | Details | Our Rating | Price |
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Empire BT Tactical Battle Vest | Durable with a lightweight build and functionality. | |||
Barska VX-200 Tactical Vest | A military-style vest that works well for both types of players. | |||
Condor MCR5 Chest Rig | Provides a lightweight choice for players | |||
WASING Military Style MOLLE Tactical Vest | No products found. | Made of bulkier materials | No products found. | |
MOPC MOLLE Condor Vest | Super tough and offers plenty of protection for the chest. |
Here's Our Full Reviews Of
The Best Paintball Vest For 2018
Designed for use in paintball games, the Empire BT tactical vest combines durable with a lightweight build and functionality.
The front is zippered for easy access, and ammunition slots dotted around can hold pods of 140. Allowing you to carry around plenty of additional paintballs. It also works for airsoft too, as pouches on the vest double as magazine slots. The pouch on the reverse lets straps in your tank, making it easy for players that have paintball markers using line systems. The quality construction Empire is known for evident here – this vest is well put together.

Another reversed pouch on the back is great for storing a camelback drinking bladder. Which is very handy for playing games in the heat. The BT tactical vest is incredibly light, and while it doesn’t afford a lot of protection, it is very breathable and a pleasure in-game.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
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Durable | $$ |
The Bakara vx-200 tactical is a military-style vest that works well for both types of players.
Made with sturdy materials, you can get down and dirty and not worry about any damage done. The webbing that covers the vest is a lightweight mesh. Which helps to keep your cool, while the pockets themselves are made from heavier materials. The layout of the Bakara vx-200 tactical is quite clever, including a pistol drawer situated on the right side of the body. This is a great touch for a situation where you have to draw quickly and works well with any airsoft or paintball pistol. This vest also comes with a tactical belt, which looks great too. Front pouches on here will hold most normal size ammunition containers or magazines.
We have to say, this vest is one of the firm favorites, utilizing a slim profile with an appealing aesthetic.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
---|---|---|
High | $$ |
The Condor MCR5 chest rig provides a lightweight choice for players that need a full range of movement.
The rig offers less protection but also gives movement, lighter, and less restricting than a full-size vest. The upside comes with plenty of utilities that your regular player hunkers for – pouches to carry ammo and gear and expanded or fit your preference.
This rig is a brilliant choice for those who want to stay mobile on the go. This vest also caters very well to those playing multiple games in hot weather. With the vest lacking an extra chest and back layer, to stay cool quite easily.
The high-quality materials the Condor MCR5 chest rig is made of still durable despite the lessened protection, but this tradeoff makes it a fantastic transportation vest. Quick, agile players can find their stride with this chest rig.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
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High | $$ |
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
Made of bulkier materials than some of the other vests on this list, the WASING military style MOLLE is designed for protection, offering a sturdy, padded design.
The chest plate of this vest can also be adjusted; so extra pockets can be added or taken off. Front gear pouches can hold surplus paintballs or magazines, and the front and back make use of the standard MOLLE build for limitless customization. Not content with being a heavyweight piece of apparel, the WASING military style MOLLE has a removable pouch on the back that houses miscellaneous gear like tools or items for maintenance. Although it only has four pockets, the WASING military gives plenty of fortification against hit confirmation.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
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Good | $$ |
No products found.
Loved by players for its great quality, the condor MOPC is super tough and offers plenty of protection for the chest thanks to its heavy-duty fabric. Again, this vest makes use of the MOLLE system, which means customization is brilliant, and any mix of utility pouches, holsters and ammunition are quick and simple.
The inner lining of the condor MOPC MOLLE is a mesh-based material that allows the vest to breathe and dry very fast. This is very handy in the hot conditions and is perfect for alleviating sweat and allowing the wearer to cool down.
As mentioned before, MOLLE designs are great for those that want to tweak and edit their kit as much as possible, and their versatility and rugged build makes them one of the best in class.
Here's A Review From YouTube:
Pros
Cons
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
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High | $$ |
Advantages of Paintball Vest
Tactical vests are undoubtedly some of the most useful pieces of kit you can have when playing competitive shooting games. Their combination of utilities makes them brilliant for those taking shooting sports seriously. A paintball vest usually comes with hard plating to protect your upper body and prevent injury, as well as having sewn on pockets, clips to carry water and ammo (among other items).
There are plenty of vests in the market, with different manufacturers offering different options. This can make buying them fairly complicated. However, below we’ve listed some of the vests you are likely to find in the market.
Paintball Vest Styles
The three main types of vests that you can get are tactical cross-draw vests, plate carrier vests, and chest rigs.
The first of these, tactical cross-draw vests, are laid out in a way that cannot be modified and put together to use as soon as they are purchased. Plate carrier vests can be configured in any number of ways.
Finally, chest rigs can also be customized but are noticeably lighter and smaller, allowing for more speed in exchange for less storage.
Things to Consider When Getting a Paintball Vest
When looking for the right vest to buy, there are several variables you’ll want to consider.
These include how the vest will fit, its construction, and the level of durability. Of course, your particular requirements will vary depending on your play style and what you consider important on the field.
Fitting
The vest you pick should be very snug and fit tightly around your chest and upper body without limiting the range of movement you have. This is incredibly important, as any restrictions can severely impair your ease of play.
Aside from being easy to wear, a paintball vest should feel good worn both with and without your gear. Most vests can be adjusted to fit the ideal size for the player.
Construction
It’s not just about being durable, but you also need to be able to breathe with these vests too, as movement up and down the playing fields can be sweaty, tiring work.
You’ll need plenty of cool air to make sure you don’t overheat during gameplay. Lots of pockets are a must, as well as adequate storage for markers, magazines etc.
Durability
Whether you want to play once a month or here and there, it’s important that the vest you choose stays in one piece.
Pick something that is durable enough to take repeated use – you may have to go for the hardier of vests if you’re playing games very often. The most durable vests are made from quality materials that are not only tough but water-resistant also.
Paintball Guns for Every Type of Player
Anyone aspiring to play paintball with want to buy the very first thing that comes to mind – a paintball marker. And although they are important, two very critical items – the vest and the mask – should be considered first. However, once bought, you can feel free to take a look at the range of paintball markers available.
Both paintball and airsoft have a large market when it comes to the models of paintball markers available. Although many vests can double for either airsoft or paintball, the guns used are more specific.
The difference most noticeable between paintball and airsoft guns is the level of realism. Competitive level paintballing requires a high-end gun because of the high-level play.
Additional Utilities
There are items and various accessories that can be added to paintball markers to make them perform better and have additional utilities.
Competitive games, however, require better guns in order in competing at a high-level of play. Modern paintball guns are put together from various components. These are the barrel, the hopper, and the air tank. They can also be electronic or mechanically based. They are powered by either CO2 gas or high-pressure air, pushing paint out of the marker at high-velocity.
Have All the Fun You Want – But Get the Protection You Need!
Both paintballing and airsoft are one way to stay fit enact combat scenarios under the safe model. As a sport enjoyed worldwide, they are played in various societies, groups, and communities.
Entering into paintball is a great undertaking. But it’s always important to make sure you take note of the items you will need. To have continued success in your games.
Alongside the items, like markers and masks, vests are one of these pieces of apparel that are important and can change the quality of game you have.
Right Equipment
Many paintballs burst when they hit a target – as is widely known, paintball is not permitted without a mask. However, vests, while optional, are great additions to have on the field. After sustaining some injuries without a vest. You’ll be eager to get one just from the welts and bruises you’ll accrue.
Make sure you are armed with the right knowledge and the right equipment. A paintball vest isn’t just protective, but it gives you the added functionality you need to secure the victory.
Last update on 2023-06-03 at 03:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API