Airsoft is an exciting hobby that involves simulated combat scenarios using replica firearms that shoot plastic BBs. When playing airsoft, having proper protective gear is essential for safety and enjoyment.
One key piece of gear is an airsoft mask, which protects your face and head from incoming BBs. Airsoft masks come in two main styles – full-face coverage or half-face coverage.
In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of each to help you decide which style of airsoft mask is best for your needs.
What Are Full-Face Airsoft Masks
Full-face airsoft masks cover the entire face including the chin and cheeks, leaving just the back of the head exposed. Here are some benefits of full-coverage airsoft masks:
- Maximum facial protection – Full masks protect your entire face from BBs, providing complete coverage for vulnerable areas like your nose, mouth, chin, and cheeks. This greatly reduces the risk of painful facial hits.
- Increased safety for eyes – Many full-coverage masks include goggle-style eye protection as part of the mask. This ensures your eyes are properly protected behind ANSI-rated lenses.
- Intimidating appearance – The all-encompassing design of full-face masks gives an aggressive, intimidating look. Great for scenarios where you want to maintain anonymity or portray a character role.
- Built-in lower face protection – Most full masks include a section that covers your lower face and chin. This eliminates the need to wear a separate lower mesh mask.
- Fog resistant – Full mask lenses are usually dual pane with an anti-fog treatment to prevent vision from being obscured.
Potential drawbacks of full-face airsoft masks include reduced ventilation, restricted communication due to covered mouth, and limited head movement. They also tend to be more expensive than half masks.
What Are Half-Face Airsoft Masks
Half-face airsoft masks cover the nose, cheeks, and chin but leave the eyes, mouth, and lower face exposed. Benefits of half-coverage masks include:
- Allows goggles and lower face protection – Half masks let you pair them with goggles and lower mesh masks for customized protection.
- Enhances communication – Leaving the mouth exposed makes talking and shouting commands much easier.
- Increased ventilation – The open lower design promotes air circulation helping you stay cool.
- Wide field of vision – A half mask doesn’t limit your vision like a full-face mask with restrictive lenses.
- Affordable pricing – Half masks tend to cost significantly less than full-face coverage.
- Stylish designs – Half masks come in many colors and styles so you can accessorize.
The tradeoff is that half masks provide less facial coverage. Getting hit in exposed areas like your mouth or nose is extremely painful. Make sure to wear properly rated eye protection.
Choosing Between Full and Half Face Airsoft Masks
When deciding between full or half-coverage airsoft masks, consider these factors:
- Type of gameplay – Full masks are better for close combat CQB settings. Half masks allow better vision for long-range field play.
- Budget – Full masks cost more. Half masks are a budget-friendly option.
- Safety needs – Full masks offer maximum protection for aggressive, high-speed games.
- Comfort – Half masks have better ventilation while full masks get hotter.
- Intended roleplaying – Half masks are less concealing if you want to show your face.
Get the mask type that best fits your airsoft play style and preferences. Many players own both half and full-face masks to suit different game scenarios.
| Mask Type | Coverage | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|
| Full Face | Separate lower mesh mask required, modular goggles and mask design | Integrated goggle eye protection, lower face protection, ear coverage, lens anti-fog |
| Goggle Mask | Upper face and eye area | Exposed eyes, ears, and lower face, often worn with goggles |
| Half Mask | Nose, cheeks, chin | Exposed eyes, ears and lower face, often worn with goggles |
| Mesh Lower | Lower face and neck | Used with goggles and half mask to protect mouth and chin |
| Shooting Glasses | Eyes only | Minimal protection, usually for recreational play |
The Importance of Lens Quality in Airsoft Masks
If you decide on a non-mesh type of mask, you will need to consider the lens/material. The lenses in airsoft masks play a critical role in protecting your eyes from incoming BBs and debris while also maintaining clarity of vision.
Investing in a mask with high-quality lenses is crucial. Here are some key factors to look for:
- Impact rating – Lenses should be rated to withstand high-velocity impacts from airsoft BBs. ANSI Z87.1 and MIL-PRF-32432 are common standards.
- Optical clarity – Quality lenses provide minimal distortion with crisp, clear views of the field. Anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings help maintain clarity.
- UV protection – Lenses that filter out UV rays protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet light.
- Material – Polycarbonate and high-index plastic offer durability and optical quality. Avoid lower-grade plastics prone to hazing and scratching.
- Interchangeable lenses – Some masks allow you to switch lens tints for different lighting conditions like clear, yellow, smoke gray, etc.
- Prescription inserts – Look for options to insert prescription lenses inside the mask for players requiring vision correction.
- Dual pane thermal – Prevent fogging with dual panes separated by an insulating air pocket.
Don’t cut corners on lens quality. Paying more for premium lenses ensures you can play safe while maintaining optimal vision and situational awareness on the airsoft field.
Can I Wear an Airsoft Mask if I Wear Glasses?
Many airsoft players wear prescription glasses or contact lenses and need a way to incorporate their vision correction into a full face mask. Fortunately, some options allow you to safely use prescriptions with your airsoft mask:
Prescription Inserts – These are curved lenses designed to fit inside the mask and hold your prescription lenses or contacts. They easily insert and remove from the mask interior to allow switching between prescriptions and regular lenses.
RXSight Systems – These aftermarket systems replace the mask’s original lens with a quick-change lens system. It enables swiftly switching in your prescription lenses as needed.
Custom Prescription Lenses – Some manufacturers can fabricate prescription lenses cut specifically for their masks. Lenses are installed directly into the mask eliminating the need for inserts.
Contacts with Anti-Fog Spray – Contact lens wearers can couple contacts with an anti-fog spray on the mask’s interior to prevent fogging.
Full Seal Glasses – For half mask users, Full seal prescription glasses fully wrap around the eyes to protect from BBs entering from the sides.
Ask about prescription options when shopping for an airsoft mask. This ensures you can maintain proper vision correction while safely wearing your mask. Having a clear, focused vision on the airsoft field is a key advantage.
What Are Full Head Helmet Systems in Airsoft?
Rather than wearing separate head protection and a mask, some players opt for an integrated full-head helmet system for their airsoft face and head coverage. These units combine a protective helmet and visor mask into one seamless setup.
Benefits of full head systems:
- Streamlined design – Integrated masks and helmets eliminate gaps and create a sleek, low-profile look.
- Enhanced protection – Completely covers the head, face, and ears from BBs and impacts.
- Stable fit – The mask connects securely to the helmet for maximum stability. Prevents shifting.
- Customization – Many feature rails and mounting points for cameras and tactical accessories.
- Upgraded comfort- Integrated interior padding, visor ventilation, and communication systems.
- Futuristic style – Helmet masks have an imposing, sci-fi-inspired appearance. Intimidating on the field.
Popular options are the Dye i4 and i5 masks combined with matching Dye helmets. Other full-head setups include the Virtue Vio Ascend and Planet Eclipse Helix systems.
While more expensive than separate masks and helmets, integrated helmet systems provide upgraded head protection, visuals, and aesthetics.
Maximizing Airsoft Mask Comfort
One of the most important factors in an airsoft mask is comfort. If your mask is uncomfortable, it can ruin your experience and performance on the airsoft field. Here are some features that enhance airsoft mask comfort:
- Adjustable straps – Masks with adjustable rubber or elastic straps allow you to customize the fit for your head size and shape. This helps stabilize the mask and prevent shifting.
- Padding – Interior foam or gel padding cushions contact points for increased comfort during prolonged wear. Look for padding along the forehead, cheeks, and chin.
- Lightweight construction – Advanced plastics, composites, and foams reduce overall mask weight. This prevents neck strain from a heavy mask.
- Ventilation – Effective ventilation via ports, fans, and breathable materials allows air circulation to keep you cooler.
- Moisture wicking – Fabric lining with moisture-wicking properties draws sweat away from your skin for added comfort.
- Ear protection – Integrated ear pads or cut-outs for ear protection defend your ears while reducing pressure.
- Quick release – Convenient quick-release buttons allow you to easily detach and remove your mask when needed for added comfort.
- Low profile – Compact, slimline masks enhance mobility without bulky components limiting your head movement.
Finding an airsoft mask optimized for comfort will allow you to play at your best for longer periods. Prioritize adjustable, padded, and lightweight masks with breathability and sweat management.
Conclusion
Picking the right airsoft mask is an important decision that will directly impact your safety and experience on the airsoft battlefield. Full-face and half-masks both have their own sets of pros and cons.
Full coverage options provide comprehensive protection for your entire face while being more confining and prone to fogging. Half masks allow more ventilation and communication but leave some facial areas exposed.
Consider how you intend to use your airsoft mask when making your choice. Aggressive CQB players will appreciate the protection of full face coverings, while snipers may prefer the enhanced vision of half masks paired with goggles.
Look for high-quality lenses, prescription compatibility, tactical features, and exceptional fit and comfort regardless of the mask style you choose. Your mask is one piece of gear that should never be compromised on.
Investing in the mask best suited to your needs ensures you can compete at your peak while staying protected.
FAQ
Q: Are airsoft masks required safety gear?
A: While requirements vary between airsoft fields, most mandate full face protection for all players. Check your local field’s rules.
Q: Do airsoft masks protect your teeth?
A: Full-face masks and half masks with integrated mouth guards will protect your teeth. Some half-mask styles leave teeth exposed.
Q: Can you aim down sights while wearing an airsoft mask?
A: Many airsoft masks are designed to allow aiming down iron sights or scopes. Look for slender mask profiles that don’t obstruct sight lines.
Q: What material stops BBs best?
A: High-density polyethylene plastic provides excellent airsoft BB stopping power while remaining lightweight.
Q: Do fans and vents affect fogging?
A: Yes, full-face masks with fan-assisted ventilation and dual pane thermal lenses help reduce problematic fogging.
