“Paintball mask” is a term to which most anyone can relate.  “Paintball goggles” on the other hand probably conjure up a different image for those who are unfamiliar with paintball gear.  In reality, the terms “paintball mask” and “paintball goggles” can mean essentially the same thing.

Tippmann lists only one paintball mask in their gear catalog.  The TP420 Goggle generally gets favorable ratings and can be picked up for a modest price of around $15.  For the newcomer to paintball this is a good starter mask although it has been reported by some users as being rough on the ears.  The manufacturer claims that the mask features a thermo cured anti-fog lens that promotes visibility and easy cleaning.  However, some users complain that the mask fogs up quickly.   The highest marks on this mask are given for its wide range of visibility…which is essential for competitive playing.

For whatever reason, Tippmann has elected not to produce a varied line of goggles/masks.  However, there are a number of manufacturers who have got the territory well covered…which simply means that you can find just about anything you want.

No doubt, style sells masks, which by the way, doesn’t necessarily translate into function.  Sometimes, when looking at the variety of masks available it’s easy to forget that the number one function of a mask is to protect your face, eyes, and ears.

There are plenty of masks in the low price range but with the lesser price also comes lower quality.  If you are going to be playing frequently and spend substantial time on the field of battle then you are going to want a mask that is comfortable, lightweight, doesn’t get unbearably hot, not subject to fogging up, gives good protection, and that provides a wide field of vision.  In the heat of battle the least of your concerns is how intimidating, cool, or fashionable you mask looks.

If you insist on the importance of cool just don’t forget the greater importance of function.  A mask that successfully accomplishes both is the VFORCE GRILL Thermal Paintball Mask Goggle.  It’s about as cool as it gets and it gets rave reviews from players who have come up with the near $80 to buy it.

VFORCE must be onto something because they also offer another highly rated mask that sells for under $40.  In fact, as far as value the VFORCE Paintball Pro Vantage Goggles may be one of the best deals available.

If money is a serious issue then the cheapest mask with high ratings is the Rival Force Painball Mask.  For just over $10 this mask will last until you come into money or retire early from paintball.

Of course, we all have to have a dream list.  You know, the “what I would buy if money wasn’t an object” list.  In that case you can set your designs on a Dye I4 Special Edition Paintball Mask that is about a sweet as it gets.  And…it can be yours for about $135.

It is estimated that there are about 45 injuries per 100,000 paintball participants per year.  That’s lower than baseball, basketball, hockey (of course), and racquetball.  Eye injuries from playing paintball usually occur where protective equipment is not required or when a player has removed his mask on the field of play.  Most regulated paintball facilities strictly enforce a ‘masks-on’ policy, and will eject players who refuse to adhere to the rule.

The bottom line is…you really need a good mask.  We’ve covered a range of masks from $10 up to $135 and talked about what should be most important in finding a mask.  The best paintball mask does not have to be the most expensive but…you should give it some serious thought.