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About Airsoft Masks
Airsoft is a lot of fun to play as long as players have the proper safety equipment. This airsoft equipment includes airsoft masks and ballistic airsoft goggles. Every person on the airsoft field including game staff, players, spectators, and bystanders are required to wear safety goggles or glasses at a minimum while in proximity to areas where airsoft BBs are being fired. It's a primary airsoft safety rule. Let's talk about why airsoft masks and eye protection is important and what to look for when choosing the best airsoft mask.
Materials Used In Masks
Airsoft masks can be made out of several materials. They include steel mesh, ABS plastic, polycarbonate plastic, nylon fabric, or a combination of these materials. Each of these types of masks has its individual benefits and offers different levels of protection from airsoft BBs. Make sure the airsoft mask you choose is allowed at the airsoft fields where you play.
Airsoft Mask Safety
Check the FPS ratings of the mask and test the durability and safety of the material and integrated lenses. You can do this by shooting an airsoft gun at the mask from about 15 feet or 5 yards away which is a standard engagement distance. Check to see if the mask is damaged or the lenses break when hit by the airsoft BBs. If the lenses do break, just be thankful your eyes weren't behind them and look for a better FPS rated mask!
Wire Mesh Airsoft Masks
Most airsoft face masks are made out of wire mesh. You can use these with full seal airsoft goggles to protect your face. Wire mesh material can be good for masks, but is not good to use by itself for airsoft goggles. Keep in mind you should be careful about wearing mesh goggles since airsoft BBs can break or shatter against the mesh and the BB fragments can injure your eyes. Most airsoft fields require all airsoft players to wear safety glasses which are made from a solid material. You can also use a head covering like a balaclava mask, camo netting, mosquito webbing, or tactical shemagh (aka Middle Eastern scarf) to protect your neck.
Plastic Airsoft Masks
Other types of airsoft masks are made out of plastic with ventilation vents built into them. These masks include tactical helmets with integrated facemasks and paintball masks. They can work well as long as they are full seal (without any gaps) to stop airsoft BBs. Some paintball masks and similar types of full face airsoft masks with poor airflow and ventilation can fog up while sweating or in moist or wet conditions.
Make sure the mask you are using has good ventilation and airflow for an enjoyable airsoft playing experience. The main idea of covering your head is to completely seal your eye, face, ears, and neck areas to keep them safe from airsoft BBs. Also, keep other factors in mind like mask breathability since different mask materials are easier or harder to breathe through. This is an important factor since airsoft involves a lot of running and activity which requires harder breathing and more oxygen.
Quick Reference Guide to Airsoft Masks
| Airsoft Protective Gear Type | ||
|---|---|---|
| Half Face Airsoft Mask |
| Learn About Half Face Airsoft Masks |
| Full Face Airsoft Mask |
| Learn About Full Face Airsoft Masks |
| Helmet and Airsoft Mask Combinations |
| Learn About Airsoft Mask and Helmet Combos |
| Airsoft Helmets with Integrated Masks |
| Learn About Helmets & Integrated Airsoft Masks |
| Full Face Paintball Masks and Helmets for Airsoft |
| Learn About Paintball Masks |
Types of Airsoft Masks
Half Face VS Full Face Airsoft Masks
Airsoft masks protect your face and the areas around your eyes not covered by airsoft goggles from airsoft BBs. There are several different types of airsoft masks available. They include full face and half face masks and can be made out of several different types of materials. We will cover mask materials later, so let's keep this point about the mask design.
Half Face Mesh Airsoft Mask
Half face airsoft masks are exactly what they sound like. This type of airsoft mask usually covers the lower part of your face. It can also include ear protection like the OneTigris half face airsoft mask pictured. This mask design uses a durable construction with a combination of 1000D nylon fabric and steel mesh rated to +800 FPS airsoft BB speeds. The nylon also makes it foldable so you can stash it in a gear bag or pocket when not in use. The airsoft mask also securely straps to your head with the straps so airsoft players can wear a tactical helmet, camouflaged hat, or other type of headwear. These masks are durable, and you can buy one for about $22 USD.
Interested in the OneTigris Half Mask?
OneTigris Half Airsoft Mask Features:
- Mask Construction: Durable steel mesh and 1000D nylon construction airsoft mask
- Design: Foldable type mask (nylon areas fold to fit it in pockets)
- Style: Half faced airsoft mask
- Manufacturer's FPS Rating: Over 800 FPS
- Temperature Specifications: -10°C to 42°C (14°F to 107.6°F)
- Securing Method: Mask strap system (can be worn under helmets and hats)
- Colors: OD green, black, multicam, multicam black, and tan
- OneTigris RAGE Foldable Mask: Mesh ear protector with adjustable straps, great for CQB matches
- Secure & Comfortable Fit: Soft padded nylon fabric cheek sides with protection for bridge of nose offering comfort and good protection
- Lightweight, Foldable & Portable Airsoft Face Protection: No pressure points on user’s face for easy breathing and good ventilation
- One Size Fits Most: Twin strap support with skull cap band for a snug fit for different head sizes
- Strong and durable Mesh Mask: Tested at 800FPS impact resistance at a temperature of -10°C to 42°C; 1000D Nylon for extra durability and good water/dirt-resistance
Last update on September 25, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Full Face Mesh Airsoft Mask
Full face airsoft masks provide more protection than half face masks. This type of airsoft mask covers your whole face and head. The airsoft mask pictured was adapted from the sport of fencing. It was originally worn for head protection while sword fighting with small, thin swords. This tactical version was adapted for airsoft and protection from airsoft BBs. This mask design uses a durable steel mesh construction coated with 0.2mm of polytene resin coating. The result is some quality airsoft head protective gear which is rated to 700 FPS airsoft BB speeds (per the manufacturer). The mask attaches with Velcro which creates a snug fit on head sizes up to 23 inches. For added protection, airsoft players can also wear shooting glasses underneath the mesh mask incase airsoft BBs break against the mesh. Some airsoft fields also require this type of eye protection or full seal airsoft goggles to be worn even while using this type of mesh airsoft mask. You can buy your own full face mesh mask for about $40 USD.
Use whole head airsoft mask protection
Full Face Airsoft Mask Features:
- Mask Construction: Durable low-carbon steel mesh with 0.2mm polytene resin coating construction airsoft mask
- Sizing: 23 inch or smaller size heads
- Design: Helmet type
- Style: Full faced airsoft mask
- Manufacturer's FPS Rating: Over 700 FPS
- Securing Method: Velcro Mask strap system
- Colors: black, brown, dark digital, desert digital, green digital, OD green, tan/khaki, woodland, and multicam
- For Added Safety: Wear a pair of safety glasses under the mesh (required by some airsoft fields)
- Take the shots of bbs over 700 fps!! The toughness of the mesh is beyond your imagination!combining low temperature annealing hardening technique with 0.2mm polytene resin coating technique.This mask is unbreakable on the battlefield.
- So comfortable to wear!The inner lined “sandwich” mesh fabric can absorb shock,and highly breathable!
- All around protection!Especially your ears and your mouth which are ignored by traditonal goggles and mesh mask. And You can even wear glasses in this mask.give you a better vision.
- NOTICE:this mask fits 23inch or smaller heads! Lightweight and fully adjustable,the mesh can be adjusted to fit your face and the lace can be adjusted to fit your head.
Last update on September 25, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Half Face Mask with Tactical Helmet and Protective Visor
Half face airsoft masks can also be combined with tactical helmets and F.A.S.T. helmets to create a full head airsoft protection solution. One example of airsoft mask concept is a half face mask combined with a tactical helmet which features integrated goggles. The half mask durability holds up to +800 FPS airsoft guns and the impact rating passes ANSI Z80.3 testing standards. This safety test is called the "ball drop test" where an 5/8 inch steel ball is dropped at 50 inch and impacts the material. All critical airsoft protective gear should pass this test which ensures it is safe to use with high FPS airsoft guns. This PJ FAST helmet and half mask setup costs about $56 USD.
Check out the PJ Type FAST Helmet
Half Face Mask with Tactical Helmet Features:
- Mask Construction: Durable airsoft mask featuring steel mesh and 1000D nylon construction
- Mask Design: Foldable type airsoft mask (nylon areas fold to fit it in pockets)
- Mask Style: Half faced airsoft mask
- Manufacturer's FPS Rating: Over 800 FPS
- Mask Securing Method: Mask strap system (can be worn under helmet)
- Safety Specifications: ANSI Z80.3 rated
- Helmet Style: F.A.S.T. tactical PJ airsoft helmet
- Helmet Construction: ABS tactical airsoft helmet with integrated airsoft goggle system (retracts into helmet)
- Helmet Padding: Internal buffer padding system with cushioned lining
- Helmet Securing Method: Chin strap with plastic snap buckle
- Colors: OD green, black, and tan
- What is the material of the mask and helmet? Fast Helmet material：Tactical helmet are made of new ABS engineering plastics.Strong impact resistance, not easy to damage, durable. Folding mask material： airsoft mesh mask are made of low-carbon steel, it can offer best protection, The airsoft mask can be gently bent to fit your face better; air ventilation prevent fogging
- Practical NVG Mount: At the front of the helmet,Embedded Night Vision mount is perfect for those looking to affix their Night Vision system,It's your camping trip. It's an essential thing for CS game
- Multi-functional side rails:The rail connectors on both sides of the helmet.provide attachment points for quick attach or release, such as Night vision battery box.Tactical earmuffs， headset holder, flashlights,camera ,visor etc. In the middle of the rail, there is a goggles buckle,Used to connect the goggles strap
- Internal buffer: the tactical helmet is install with a cushioned cushion.The lining has an impact layer and a memory sponge pad,It can effectively reduce the impact of external force on helmet
- Extra space:hook and Loop panels around design , provide extra place to unique your helmet with patch attachment ,such as , survival lights,the morale patch , the blood type patch, the individual armband. signal lamp etc. Effectively Use your helmet.
Last update on September 24, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Full Face Airsoft Mask with Mandalorian Style Helmet
Full face airsoft masks cover more surface area then a half face mask. They are designed for increased protection and durability. They are also about as safe to use as a half mask (since both are effective at protecting your face). Make sure there are not gaps around the ear areas so that your face is fully sealed away from airsoft BBs. There are also some pretty awesome styles of full faced masks including this Mandalorian inspired full face airsoft mask and tactical airsoft helmet design. The front of the helmet features integrated eye protection and steel wire mesh ventilation areas. These Mandalorian airsoft helmets cost around $117 USD, so test them carefully to avoid damaging the helmet beyond repair.
Become an airsoft bounty hunter with the airsoft Mandalorian Full Faced Masked Helmet
Full Faced Airsoft Mandalorian Helmet and Mask Features:
- Helmet Style: Mandalorian style replica
- Helmet Construction: ABS polymer with steel mesh ventilation construction
- Face Mask Construction: Polymer full face mask shield with steel mesh side cheek protection
- Design: Integrated face shield with mesh side ventilation
- Style: Clamshell front opening design with raisable visor
- Manufacturer's FPS Rating: Stated 310 FPS
- Securing Method: Helmet chinstrap system
- Helmet Padding: Padded and cushioned lining
- Colors: Tan, black, grey, and OD green
- This tactical helmet is suitable for head circumferences of 54-64cm and is suitable for people over 14 years old.
- Designed with a combination of medieval knight helmets and modern helmet models, helmet shields and side rails, uniquely designed medieval iron samurai tactical helmets
- The helmet is modular in design with interchangeable lenses, and the deformable open mask allows the player to freely disassemble and combine. Barbed wire on both sides of the cheek, good breathability
- After AEG and a single test, they all achieved excellent protection levels, high corrosion resistance and impact resistance up to 310FPS
- ABS + Metall, ABS is used as a mask skeleton, which makes the helmet have excellent mechanical properties, strong and not easily damaged and worn.
Last update on September 25, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Full Face Airsoft Mask with Tactical Terminator Helmet
Another very cool looking option for a full faced airsoft mask and helmet combo is the tactical terminator mask. This helmet is a replica of the DevTac Ronin helmet. If you are looking for a full faced airsoft helmet with maximum protection, this might be the one for you. The helmet panels and material is rated by the manufacturer for impact resistances of over 1000 FPS which is well beyond the 400 FPS airsoft gun limits. The specific lens areas are rated for around 420 FPS which could potentially handle pointblank impacts very well (be sure to test this yourself before playing airsoft). However, no airsoft player should be shooting other players this close anyway due to the minimum engagement distances at most airsoft fields. The airsoft helmet also has built-in fans for keeping the airsoft player cool. The helmet also features EVA padding inside and each panel is removable with the hex screws for cleaning and increasing ventilation if needed. The base terminator helmet shell has protective mesh liners. The terminator airsoft mask costs about $149 USD.
Terminate the opposing airsoft team with the Terminator Full Faced airsoft Mask
Airsoft Terminator Helmet and Full Faced Mask Features:
- Helmet Style: Mandalorian style replica
- Helmet Construction: ABS polymer with mesh ventilation construction
- Face Mask Construction: Polymer full face mask shield with mesh side cheek protection under modular panels
- Design: Integrated face shield with mesh side ventilation and build in fans
- Style: Two piece style with front and back helmet pieces
- Manufacturer's FPS Rating: Stated 310 FPS
- Securing Method: Helmet chinstrap system
- Helmet Padding: Padded and cushioned lining
- Colors: Tan, black, grey, and OD green
- Durable and safe material: ABS is used as the skeleton of the mask, which gives the helmet excellent mechanical properties, strong and not easily damaged, and wear-resistant.
- There are hidden fans to ventilate. Suitable for head circumference of about 54-62cm (21.2-24.4 inches)
- Lightweight, easy to carry and store. Universal integration. Helmet + face shield + goggles
- Ventilated, lightweight, hard-shell design, universal integration, concealed fan design and adjustable buttons for head circumference and variable VAS shrouds and hex wrenches as well as EVA pads and mesh
- Tactical helmet is an all-round helmet design with protective face shield, goggles and G4 system for active duty and airsoft games. The added protection of the tactical helmet gives airsoft players a bolder gameplay style
Last update on September 25, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Empire X-Ray V2.1 Thermal PROtector Paintball Mask
Paintball masks are another good type of face mask protection airsoft players can wear during games. These types of masks were originally designed for protection from paintballs, but they are also impact resistant enough to provide protection from airsoft BBs. If you play both paintball and airsoft sports, they might be a good option to avoiding having to buy multiple types of headgear. Be sure to test the mask with an airsoft gun shooting at about 300 or 400 FPS at the standard engagement distance to test the goggle durability. The pictured Empire X-Ray V2.1 mask has pretty good ventilation to avoid fogging (a common problem when using paintball masks). The Empire X-Ray V2.1 paintball airsoft mask costs about $60 USD.
Use the Empire X-Ray paintball mask for both paintball and airsoft games
Full Faced Paintball Mask Features:
- Helmet Style: Paintball goggle style mask
- Helmet Construction: ABS plastic polymer
- Face Mask Construction: Polymer full face mask shield with goggles
- Mask Sizing: one size fits most
- Design: Integrated goggles with plastic air vents
- Style: Pull overhead design
- Securing Method: Back of head strap and chin strap with buckle securing system
- Helmet Padding: Foam padding
- Colors: Black
Impact Resistant Full Face Paintball Airsoft Mask
If you are on a budget and just looking for a basic paintball or airsoft mask to play with, check out this next pick. The pictured mask is an impact resistance airsoft and paintball mask. The polycarbonate lenses are rated to 310 FPS, so it is best used with lower powered airsoft guns which are not as highly upgraded. Always make sure to test the goggle lenses by shooting airsoft BBs at them at distances of about 15 feet to make sure they will safely protect your eyes. The outer shell of the mask is made of high durability ABS plastic to protect your head from incoming airsoft BBs, and it secures to your face using the head strap. This full face paintball airsoft mask is budget friendly and costs about $19 USD.
Check out the impact resistance full faced paintball airsoft mask
Airsoft Terminator Helmet and Full Faced Mask Features:
- Helmet Style: Paintball mask with goggles
- Helmet Construction: ABS plastic polymer and polycarbonate material
- Face Mask Construction: Polymer full face mask shield with goggles
- Mask Sizing: one size fits most, 9.25"x10.24" (23.5x26 cm)
- Design: Integrated goggles with plastic air vents
- Manufacture FPS Rating: 310 FPS at 15 feet/5 meters
- Style: Pull overhead design
- Securing Method: Back of head strap securing system
- Helmet Padding: Foam padding
- Colors: Tan, black, gray, and OD green with clear or smoke lenses
Other Mask Styles and Markings
That about covers it for the main categories of the best airsoft masks. There are some other variations and style you might see on the airsoft field. Some of these look really cool, may not always be the best to play airsoft with due to lack of safety features and design flaws.
Mesh Goggle Skull Airsoft Mask
These skull airsoft masks look pretty sweet and are pretty intimidating on the airsoft field. These types of airsoft masks use mesh eye holes which might seem like a good idea at first. However, be careful using these types of masks in airsoft games which involve high powered airsoft guns. The mesh can allow particles to pass through if the airsoft BBs break or shatter. This can be a rare occurrence, but it is possible. Therefore these types of skull airsoft masks are better used for cosplay, costumes, and low powered spring airsoft gun wars. They are also pretty cheap around $22 USD each and have many different mask styles and colors.
- Size:Full Face,One size fits most teens and adults
- The material is environment-friendly, poison free and no smell
- For outdoor live-action CS, parties, Halloween, movie props, etc
- Metal mesh eye shield
- Allow player to breathe freely,comfortable to wear
Last update on September 25, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Half Face Tactical Prajna Hannya Oni Airsoft Mask
These half face hannya oni airsoft masks also look great but lack mouth protection. Unless you use a mouth guard with this type of mask, you can put your teeth at risk of being high by airsoft BBs. They usually cost around $21 USD each and have several different colors. Once again, use these types of airsoft masks with a mouth guard and they also work well for costumes and cosplay.
- Airsoft face mask: Equipped with mounting accessories, it can work with tactical helmet, great for CS matches. Comes with a buffer sponge block to reduce the friction between the face and the demon mask during wearing, which offering comfort and good protection
- Adjustable strap: The strap can adjust the size of the samurai mask half face according to the head; it comes with a mesh adjustment strap that can be worn directly on the head, and two adjustment straps that need to be installed on the helmet (if you don’t use military helmet, you don’t Need to use two small adjustment straps)
- Lightweight & Secure: The oni mask made of TPR and sponge, high quality and durable to use. Size: W*H: 18*12cm(7.09*4.72in) There are 2 adjustable elastic strap with the kabuki mask that fit different head sizes
- Strong & Durable Paintball Mask: Under normal temperature conditions, the impact resistance of this prajna mask at least 700 FPS, which meet the requirements of outdoor tactical protection products
- Suitable for a wide range: Perfect for outdoor sport and activities, such as airsoft, paintball, hunting, shooting, ect; This samurai face mask can be a great gift for your family or friends, and is suitable for Holiday Party, Christmas and Cosplay. Go get it and enjoy them in the game or party
Last update on September 25, 2023 // Source: Amazon API
Best Choices for Airsoft Masks
Airsoft Mask FAQs
An airsoft mask is a piece of protective equipment which protects your face from airsoft BBs. There are several styles of airsoft masks including half face masks, full face masks, and integrated helmet masks with goggle lenses.
A full seal airsoft mask is a mask which has a full contact area or lined border around the entire mask which makes contact with your face or head. It is a similar idea to full seal airsoft goggles. There must not be any gaps which can allow an airsoft BB to pass through and hit your face. This is the full seal effect.
You can wear an airsoft mask with a pair of goggles like the half face airsoft masks or by itself if the mask includes integrated goggles. Half face airsoft masks usually have straps you can wear around your hear or attach with clips to headgear like a tactical airsoft helmet. Make sure the mask is tight enough to stay securely in place while running and playing airsoft. Also, make sure there are not any gaps where airsoft BBs can hit your exposed face.
Most airsoft masks have head or chin straps you can use to adjust the mask. If there is a buckle on the straps, try to feed the extra strap through the buckle until you can fasten it securely to your face where it fits comfortably. If there are elastic straps, try to pull the extra strap material through the strap holders until the mask is snuggly fitting to your face. Some airsoft masks are sized specifically for different head sizes and some are a "one size fits most" sizing. If you absolutely cannot make the airsoft mask fit because it feels too big or too small, look for a different style or size of airsoft mask to try.
You can attempt to make an airsoft mask using steel mesh material. The mesh must be thick enough to stop airsoft BBs and light enough so you can zip tie straps to the mesh to attach it to your airsoft goggles or attach a head strap. If you can't make a mesh mask, you can also wear a Middle Eastern shemagh or tactical combat scarf to protect your face or neck as well.
Mask lens fogging can be a common problem while using full face airsoft masks. This is especially true in wet conditions or while sweating. You can keep the lenses from fogging by using a specific anti-fog spray on them which creates a hydrophilic layer on the lens surface which does not allow condensation to form which keeps the mask fog free.
You can stop your paintball or airsoft mask lenses from fogging up by using an anti-fog spray on the lens. To apply the spray, dry the lenses to remove moisture. Then apply several sprays from the anti-fog solution to the lenses. This will create a hydrophilic film which will stop the mask from fogging up.
Most full face masks can be used for paintball or airsoft. The depends on the mask design, style, and safety standards. Airsoft guns usually shoot at higher FPS limits than paintball guns, but paint makes more of a mess. To use a mask for both shooting sports, the mask must have high FPS protection ratings as well as paint protection. The lenses must also be solid polycarbonate material and not a mesh style.
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