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Top 10 Best Paintball Masks of 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Hey paintball players! I’m Freddy.

Welcome to my best paintball mask review, updated for 2023.

I’ve been playing paintball for a decade, and my friends always come to me for advice about paintball gear because I love to research this stuff. I always compare products to each other to determine which ones are the best bang for the buck.

Table of Contents

Paintball Mask Review: Top 3 Recommended

#1 Best
saint louis missouri

Dye i5

Best Overall

  • Great for Big Heads
  • Anti-Fog Lens
  • eVoke Wireless
    Compatible

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#2 Best
new orleans louisiana

Bunkerkings CMD

Best Ventilation

  • Anti-Fog
  • Super Compfortable
  • Great Ventilation System

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#3 Best
Golden gate bridge san francisco bay area

VIO Contour 2

My Personal Choice

  • Fully customizeable
  • Flexible & Durable
  • Glasses-Friendly

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That was the quick summary, let’s get into the details.

Top 10 Best Paintball Masks 2023

best paintball mask

Here are the top 10 paintball masks of 2023:

  1. Dye i5
  2. Bunkerkings CMD
  3. Virtue VIO Contour 2
  4. Virtue VIO Ascend
  5. Dye i4
  6. Empire E-Flex
  7. Push Unite
  8. Empire EVS
  9. V-Force Grill 2.0
  10. HK Army KLR

Let’s take a close look.

#1 Dye i5 Paintball Goggles Review: A clear paintball mask

51V4SHrmBdL. AC SL1000
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ir?t=paintballmaskarena 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B01LYTD5D6The overall #1 best paintball mask in 2023. There are many reasons why you should choose the Dye i5 as your main paintball mask:

The main benefits of the Dye i5 Paintball Goggles are:

Improved visibility so you can dominate the game

Your opponents are struggling to see through their foggy masks, but if you’re wearing the Dye i5, you can easily spot opponents and quickly eliminate them.

Thanks to the double-layer thermal lens which prevents fog, you have a great tactical advantage over others with their impaired vision and moist lens. With the Dye i5, you’re playing on easy mode.

Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays

Don’t expose your eyes to harmful UV rays. With the “dyetanium” lens, you’re protected from UV light which can lead to vision damage.

Did you know? even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the clouds and hit your eyes. With the Dye i5, your eyesight is protected against damage from both paintballs and UV light.

Stay informed and focused on the game

Since the mask is compatible with M2 via e.Voke kit, you can get real-time audio alerts about the game. While other players check their watch or phone for game time and information, you receive automatic alterts without looking away.

Best paintball mask for big heads and large faces

The Dye i5 is 20% larger the i4, making it the best choice for players with big heads. Even my enormous head fits great in the mask, yet it feels secure and comfortable, without slipping or wobbling during a fast-paced game.

Pros

  • Anti-fog thermal lens
  • Ear-formed compression padding
  • Rapid lens change (10 seconds)
  • glasses-friendly paintball goggle.
  • 20% bigger than dye i4 (fits big heads)
  • e.VOKE wireless air sync for M2 integration.
  • Easy communication (clear voice and hearing)
  • Moisture and heat dissipates quickly.
  • UV-rays protection

Cons

  • A bit expensive

If you’re looking for the best paintball mask on the market, look no further. Dye i5 is the best paintball mask currently available because it has the best features:

  • its clear view and comfort.
  • it fits well even for my big head
  • it stays cool and breathes well.
  • it fully protects me while keeping me comfortable.

And that’s all I could ask for in a high-end paintball mask.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

Dye i5

Best overall

  • Reduce fog, improve visibility and dominate the game
  • Protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays
  • Never lose focus! (with M2 via e.Voke)
  • The best paintball mask for big heads and large faces

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#2 Bunkerkings CMD Paintball Mask Review

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Best ventilation system

There are many reasons to choose the Bunkerkings CMD, but I’ll focus on five main reasons:

  • comfort
  • protection
  • ventilation
  • communication
  • versatility

Comfortable mask (it’s like wearing a pillow)

Imagine playing paintball for hours, sweating and feeling the pressure of your old mask on your face. With this face mask, you can play all day without feeling uncomfortable. The extra soft and plush foam and wide strap with silicone grip will make you feel like you’re wearing a pillow on your face.

Proper protection let’s you play without downtime

If you get hit by a paintball at close range, right in the face, it would hurt. Without a mask, it is straight up dangerous and can blind you for life. But if you are using the Bunkerkings CMD, you would probably feel discomfort, but it is blunted by the adrenaline rush you get from playing. With the bounce flex technology and high-quality thermal painted lens, you can take the hit and keep playing without any paintful downtime.

Superior ventilation system keeps you cool and comfortable

On a hot summer day, sweating profusely and feeling like you’re suffocating in your mask is no fun. With the Bunkerkings CMD, you can enjoy fresh air all the time. The hi-flow ventilation system and 300% increased breathability will reduce sweating and moisture and keep you cool and comfortable (while your opponents are “sweating bullets”).

Distortion-free communication with your teammates

Just imagine playing with your team and not being able to communicate effectively because of echoing inside your mask or distortion of your voice. With this mask, you can communicate clearly and without any interference. The design of the holes near the ear eliminates echoing, and the distortion-free communication feature will allow you to coordinate with your teammates easily.

Choose the style that suits you (even if you wear glasses)

Lots of people wear glasses and struggle to find a mask that fits comfortably, but with this mask, you don’t have to worry about that. The Bunkerkings CMD is suitable for people with glasses and big heads, and it comes in different colors and styles, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Pros

  • Interchangeable polycarbonate lenses
  • Thermal lens and anti-fog features
  • Extra-comfortable, removable foam and wide silicone strap
  • Clear communication and reduced glare with micro-visor
  • Excellent ventilation and breathability for glasses and big heads

Cons

  • Expensive for beginners

A quick summary is that the Bunkerkings CMD is a wide mask that reduces pressure with a wide strap. Overall great visibility, excellent breathability, and impact-absorbing foam with a soft silicone grip that fits tight but without uncomfortable pressure.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

Bunkerkings CMD

Best Ventilation

  • Anti-fog
  • Super Comfortable
  • Great Ventilation System

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#3 Virtue VIO Contour 2 Dual Pane Thermal Paintball Mask Review

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ir?t=paintballmaskarena 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07M9SRMP3My personal choice

There are many reasons that Virtue VIO contour 2 is my personal choice. Even though I consider Dye i5 and Bunkerkings CMD slightly better for most people, I really like this mask because of these reasons:

  • Improved comfort with a stable fit and better padding
  • Enhanced acoustics for clear communication
  • Mirrored lens for a wider field of vision with no blind spots
  • Dual-pane anti-fog thermal lens for crystal clear vision and UV protection
  • Glass-friendly design with ample interior space
  • Excellent ventilation and temperature control

No discomfort. When I’m using this mask, I can play for hours without feeling discomfort or needing to adjust it. The padding and fit is excellent.

Hear the teammates. From my experience, the communication is clear and acoustics are enhanced, making it easy to hear what your teammates are saying during gameplay (with some other masks my mates had to yell as I could only hear my own breathing).

See everything. The mirrored lens provides a wider field of vision, so you can spot your opponents and avoid blind spots even better, giving you an advantage during gameplay.

Stay fog-free. The dual-pane anti-fog thermal lens keeps your vision clear even in humid or rainy conditions, ensuring you always have a crystal clear view of the field.

Can wear glasses. Depends on the size of your glasses, of course. But this design with plenty of space between the eyes and lens means that you can wear your glasses comfortably without compromising your safety or vision.

Stay cool. With excellent ventilation and temperature control, you won’t have to worry about sweating or overheating during gameplay, allowing you to focus on the game. Added bonus is that with this mask, you’ll look cool too.

With all of these great features, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most sold paintball masks ever.

Pros

  • Customizable
  • Anti-fog thermal lens with crystal clear vision
  • Flexible and durable
  • You can wear it with glasses (depending on size)
  • Excellent ventilation
  • Reinforced ear pads and pro padding on the strap
  • Wide field of vision

Cons

  • Pricy

To quickly summarize, the Virtue Vio Contour 2 paintball mask has numerous benefits, including customizable features, an anti-fog thermal lens with clear vision, flexibility and durability, glasses-friendly design, excellent ventilation, reinforced ear pads and padding on the strap, and a wide field of vision. However, it may be considered pricy compared to other options.

This one is my personal choice for these reasons.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

Virtue Vio Contour 2

My personal choice

  • Fully customizable
  • Flexible & Durable
  • Glasses-friendly

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#4 Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Paintball Goggle Review

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Best value + The most customizable paintball mast

For those who want design option at a more budget-friendly price than the ones already mentioned, a good alternative is the Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Paintball Goggle. It’s the perfect combination of design, safety, comfort, flexibility, and great visibility at a more affordable price.

Develop your own paintball style and stand out from the other guys

You can customize almost everything on the Virtue Vio Ascend. Change the thermal lens, multi-layer foam, back head strap, visor, and stealth fan. With 18 options for the lens, 16 for the visor stealth fan, and 35 for the strap, you can create your own custom paintball look. The mask is compatible with the whole line of visors, lenses, straps and replacement foams from VIO.

See everything clearly

But what about the visibility, you ask? The dual-pane anti-fog, scratch-resistant, 100% UV rays protective thermal lens gives you ultimate field vision. You’ll see everything on the field with this mask, and no fog or scratches will hinder your sight.

Comfortable and ventilated

The VIO Ascend is molded from ultra-durable and protective material, designed to give you ultimate comfort while on the paintball field. And it’s not just comfortable, it’s also highly ventilated. The mask has additional vents for better communication and breathability, making sure you’re not suffocating while trying to win the game.

High Quality Bargain Price! (Budget-friendly & best value option)

Sometimes it’s half the price of similar options. Yes, it’s budget-friendly, but that doesn’t mean it’s missing any features. The Virtue VIO Ascend Thermal Paintball Goggle comes with quick lens change and quick foam change, so you can get back to playing quickly.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Fully customizable
  • Durable
  • Impressive ventilation
  • Protective and comfortable
  • Quick lens change
  • Quick foam change
  • Additional vents for better communication and breathability

Cons

  • No ear pads
  • Limited color options

Overall, this mask is a budget-friendly beast that’s perfect for experienced players who want a stylish mask that is customizable, protective, and comfortable.

The only downsides are the limited color options (they are mostly darker shades of different colors, like red, charcoal, black, FDE, olive and blue) and the lack of ear pads, but those are minor compared to the benefits you get with this mask.

Other options would be VIO Contour, VIO XS, or VIO Extend. But for this price range, you can’t beat it.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

Virtue VIO Ascend

Best Value + Most Customizable

  • Durable Thermal Lens
  • Great ventilation
  • Quick lens & foam change
  • Often half the price of similar options

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#5 Dye Precision i4 Thermal Paintball Mask Review

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Best mask for smaller heads

The Dye i4 is one of the most sold paintball masks ever, and for good reasons). It is 20% smaller than its bigger brother, the i5 (which is our #1 top pick), so this is the alternative for those who wants the best mask, but has a smaller head.

Full eye protection with great visibility

The scratch-proof and thermally treated lens protects against UV light and gives great protection against paintballs as well. You maintain excellent visibility throughout the game. You can play in bright sunlight for hours and don’t have to worry about your eyes getting damaged (if you’re using it responsibly, that is).

Great comfort, even when you get hit

Even if you get hit multiple times, you won’t feel the pain as much as you would with other masks. The dual-stage foam inside the mask absorbs much of the impact from getting hit, making you feel it less. The foam also absorbs moisture and sweat, so it doesn’t run down your eyes. It’s like wearing the softest sweatband on the inside.

The mask is comfortable to wear even in the most extreme conditions, and it fits your head like a glove. While your opponents are getting annoyed and distracted, drenched in sweat and struggling to keep their loose and slippery masks on their face, you are totally comfortable and can focus 100% on the game.

Great ventilation system with clear communication

The ventilation system is excellent, and it doesn’t affect your communication with teammates. The craziest thing I witness is people taking off their masks to be able to communicate clearly with their teammates because they cant hear what they are saying or their teammates can’t hear their voice under the mask.

Don’t do this! Always keep your mask on. Taking it off during a game is a serious hazard to your health and leaves your face and eyes vulnerable to the impact of hard-hitting paintballs which can cause blindness. Get a proper mask that is comfortable and is designed for clear communication.

Maximum coverage

Even though the mask has a small profile and is lightweight, it still provides maximum coverage, from ears to jaw, and incredible field of vision. You can move around the field quickly and easily without feeling weighed down by your mask.

Quick lens swap

The lens can be changed quickly and easily, just by pushing two small tabs on both sides and pushing the earpad forwards. If the weather conditions change, you can change lenses between games and always start with a fresh, clear mask that fits best in your situation.

Pros

  • Scratch-proof
  • Quick-change thermal lens with great field of vision
  • Comfortable for small heads
  • Excellent ventilation system
  • Clear communication
  • Maximum coverage
  • 25+ available designs

Cons

  • Tight for larger heads
  • No POV mount

The Dye i4 is super comfortable and has 290-degree peripheral vision and an anti-fog thermal lens. The visibility is clear without distortions and almost comparable to not wearing a mask at all. It protects well and looks great.

Overall, the paintball mask is a highly functional and comfortable with excellent visibility and protection, but since this has a smaller mask profile, it may not be the best fit for those with larger heads or those who prefer a POV mount. It still made the top 5 best paintball masks.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

Dye i4

Best mask for smaller heads

  • Maximum coverage in small size & great comfort
  • Ventilation system with clear communication
  • Quick lens swap

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#6 Empire E-Flex Paintball Goggle System Review

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Best anti-echo paintball mask

The Empire E-Flex is a comfortable, safe and lightweight paintball mask at a mid-range price point. Empire is a well-known and trusted brand in the paintball industry.

Here are some of the mask’s many features:

  • Anti-fog lens: A thermal lens with zero optical distortion. This ensures a clear and unobstructed view of the field at all times, no matter the weather conditions.
  • Rapid lens change: You can change the lens within a few seconds. This allows you to quickly switch to a different lens if there’s a change in lighting or if your lens gets scratched or damaged.
  • Flexible face skirt: The face skirt is made of a flexible material that conforms to your face for a comfortable and secure fit.
  • Ventilations: Extra vents in the face skirt allow for improved breathability and ventilation, which reduces the amount of sweat buildup during long games.
  • Face foam: The Proflex ultra comfort face foam provides additional cushioning and comfort, which reduces pressure points and helps you stay comfortable during long games.
  • Echo proof: The mask is designed to be echo proof, which means that you can easily hear your teammates’ instructions without any distortion or interference.
  • UV protection: The lens has an anti-reflection coating that protects against harmful UV rays, which can be especially important during sunny days.
  • Lightweight: The mask weighs only 1.9 pounds, which makes it lightweight and easy to wear for extended periods without causing strain or discomfort

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Budget-friendly
  • Rapid lens change
  • Durable & flexible
  • Fog proof
  • Least echo

Cons

  • Foam could be better
  • Not as premium feeling as the top picks

To summarize, Empire E-Flex’s rapid lens change feature allows you to quickly switch to a yellow lens when the sun comes out, so you can avoid being blinded by the glare. The extra vents in the face skirt help to keep you cool and comfortable during a long, intense game, so you can focus on your gameplay instead of being overrun by sweat. The anti-fog lens ensures that you always have a clear view of the field, even in the most humid or rainy conditions. The lightweight design of the mask makes it easy to wear and move around in, which allows you to be more agile and quick on your feet, and the echo proof design of the mask allows you to easily communicate with your teammates, even when there’s a lot of noise and chaos on the field. The only downside is that the foam doesn’t feel like it is as high quality as the higher end products, and may require more frequent replacements.

Overall, the Empire E-Flex Paintball Goggle System is an excellent choice for paintball players looking for a lightweight and protective mask, at a price that doesn’t break the bank. The main selling point of the Empire E-Flex mask is that it fully echoes proof so that you can easily hear teammates’ instructions. One of my favorite features of this mask is rapid lens change, so you can easily change the lens between games if weather conditions change.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

Empire E-Flex

Best anti-echo

  • Lightweight
  • Mid-range price point
  • Rapid lens change

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#7 Push Unite Paintball Goggles Mask Review

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ir?t=paintballmaskarena 20&language=en US&l=li3&o=1&a=B07KWBYQTDAmazingly adjustable. Best rental mask

The Push Unite Paintball Mask is a high-quality mask that offers various benefits, such as:

  • Rapid lens changing functionality
  • Quad layer anti-fog anti-reflection lens
  • Adjustable nose bridge and chin strap
  • Multi-layer padding foam for maximum comfort
  • Improved breathability and communication with 16 loud vents
  • Echo-proof design
  • Comes with a high-quality protective case

Despite its high price tag, there are plenty of reasons to invest in the Push Unite mask. One of the most significant benefits is its versatility, as it can fit any head size and face shape due to its adjustability features. There is an adjustable nose bridge, a wide adjustable strap that wraps around the head,  and an adjustable strap under the chin.

Additionally, the mask’s quad-pane thermal lens has anti-reflection and anti-fog properties, providing a wide-angle view of the playing field without any distortions. The multi-layer padding foam ensures maximum comfort, even during prolonged use, and the 16 vents help to maintain airflow and prevent overheating.

Lastly, the mask comes with a protective case to keep it in top condition, whether you’re using it for personal or rental purposes.

If you are playing paintball in a hot weather and your old mask is fogging up, making it challenging to see your opponents, you should consider a new one. With the Push Unite mask’s anti-fog lens and 16 vents, you can stay cool and see the field clearly.

Because of the mask’s adjustability features, you can create a perfect fit every time. Other masks are sometimes too tight or too loose. This is a mask you can lend to a friend, and they can adjust the fit without a problem.

Or if you’re a paintball field owner, this is a great choice for a rental mask as you need something that can fit any customer, no matter their head shape.

The included protective case also ensures that it stays in top condition when you are not using it.

Pros

  • Maximum comfort with multi-layer foam padding
  • Super fit with adjustable straps
  • High quality & durable material
  • Strong, lightweight quad lens.
  • 16-vent breathability
  • Protective case included

Cons

  • Not budget-friendly

Push Unite is the mask for those with money to spend. And you won’t be disappointed if you do. By simply touching this mask, you can tell it’s high quality.

But can you afford the Push Unite?

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

Push Unite

Best rental mask

  • Amazingly adjustable straps
  • Quad-layer anti-fog & anti-reflection lens
  • 16 vents breathability
  • Protective case included

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#8 Empire EVS Paintball Mask Review

31hFJUAj 9L. SL250
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Best vertical field of vision

One of the best things about the Empire EVS mask is its ventilation system that lets hot air flow out and fresh air flows in. This is very helpful during intense gameplay, preventing fog and makes sure you can breathe comfortably all day.

It’s thermo-formed earpieces provide maximum comfort and perfect hearing so you can wear the mask for long hours without discomfort.

The mask’s dual-pane lens gives you clear vision with no fogging or distortion. The lens is also scratch-resistant and blocks harmful UV rays, which is important when playing outdoors.

With the quick-change lens system, you can change the lens in just 30 seconds, and change the lens according to the weather conditions.

Pros

  • Dual-pane spherical thermal lens
  • UV protection & Anti-fog
  • Fits big heads
  • Thermo-formed earpieces
  • Maximum coverage
  • Great vertical field of vision
  • Quick-change lens

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Less horizontal field vision compared to vertical

Overall, the Empire EVS is a top-of-the-line paintball mask that offers superior comfort, protection, and customization options, making it worth the investment for serious paintball players who wants a great mask, but you may just as well choose the Dye i5, BunkerKings CMD or a Virtue VIO mask.

The Empire EVS is super flexible and comfortable, and it protects you from hard impacts just as well as other masks. It does what it should do and also gives you that Master Chief Halo-soldier look.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

Empire EVS

Best vertical field of vision

  • Superior comfort with thermo-formed earpieces
  • Fits big heads
  • Great ventilation system

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#9 V-Force Grill 2.0 Thermal Paintball Mask Review

317gti4LSBL. SL250
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Good mask for beginners

The V-Force Grill paintball mask is an excellent option for anyone looking for a budget-friendly and high-quality mask. Here are some of its key features and benefits:

  • Thermo cured anti-fog scratch-proof lens with a sleek spherical 3D shape provides a wide horizontal field of view.
  • Hard target ultra-protective design keeps you safe from paintball impacts.
  • Quick dryer padding foam absorbs sweat and dries quickly, allowing you to stay comfortable and focused during the game.
  • Multi-directional venting allows hot air to escape and fresh air to circulate, preventing fogging.
  • Built-in visor shields your eyes from sunlight and rain.
  • Flexible design accommodates a variety of head shapes and sizes.
  • Lightweight construction (only 1 pound) minimizes fatigue during long games.
  • Clear communication and hearing due to the mask’s design.
  • Optical clarity ensures you can see your surroundings and targets clearly.
  • Scratchless lens for long-lasting use.

Pros

  • Durable & Protective
  • Lightweight
  • Anti-fog lens
  • Anti-scratch lens
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good for beginners

Cons

  • Difficult to remove the visor
  • Not as high-quality feel as pricier options

Imagine you’re playing paintball on a hot summer day, and you’re sweating profusely. With the V-Force Grill mask’s quick-dry foam, you won’t have to worry about the sweat dripping into your eyes and affecting your aim.

And the mask’s anti-fog lens and multi-directional venting will prevent fogging, ensuring you have a clear view of your opponents at all times.

Overall, the V-Force Grill paintball mask is a great option for beginners and anyone looking for a high-quality mask at an affordable price point.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

V-Force Grill 2.0

Good mask for beginners

  • Durable & Protective
  • Anti-fog & Anti-scratch lens
  • Affordable good value option

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#10 HK Army Paintball KLR Thermal Anti-Fog Mask Review

41aCuvsTgVL. SL250
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Good value paintball mask

HK Army is one of the most popular paintball masks in the world because of its built quality and versatile design.

The PVT Quick Change Lens System makes it so much easier to switch between lenses without wasting time and energy when you need to switch from a clear lens to a mirrored one in a matter of seconds inbetween games.

The vents are also great for letting out hot air and keeping your lenses fog-free and won’t limit your vision. If you’re running around and shooting at enemies, you don’t want your lenses to fog up and impair your vision

The soft earpiece is really comfortable and doesn’t hurt your ears after long hours of playing. The adjustable strap allows you to find the perfect fit for your head, which is very important for a good seal and protection.

The 3D ultra-soft foam is great for absorbing sweat and keeping your face dry and comfortable. You don’t want sweat running down your face during the games. The weight and shipping weight of 1.37 and 1.4 pounds respectively, make it lightweight and easy to carry around.

Finally, the anti-fog and anti-reflective lens are great for giving you a clear view of your opponents so you can spot them quickly and eliminate them before they can even see you.

Pros

  • Beautiful design
  • Quick lens change
  • Anti-fog
  • Soft earpieces
  • 3D Ultra-soft sweat-absorbing foam

Cons

  • Not as premium feeling as other options

Overall, the mask is great build quality, comfortable to wear, absorbs sweat, protects well from impacts, and the vision is good due to the changeable lens. It isn’t the best, but the KLR is still a beautiful-looking mask. The #1 reason I bought it was because of the style and how it looks, and I ended up painting it in camo colors and customized it slightly. No regrets.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

HK Army KLR

Good value paintball mask

  • Quick lens system
  • Soft earpieces
  • Sweat absorbing foam
  • Good-looking mask design

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Paintball Mask Buying Guide

In this section, I will outline things you should consider before buying a paintball mask. If you want to know about paintball sports in general, then read about paintball games and this article. Check our latest article on top paintball hoppers.

Here is my ultimate paintball mask buying guide.

Features to consider before buying a paintball mask

When buying a paintball mask, there are several features to consider. From the back of your head to the type of lens and visor, it is important to choose the right paintball mask for a great paintball experience. Not every mask offers the best features and protection, so it is important to purchase a paintball mask that is comfortable and provides enough room to breath while wearing the mask.

Some masks tend to fog up, so it is important to look for a thermal anti fog paintball mask. It is also important to look for a cool paintball mask that offers the best protection, or even a skull mask if desired. With all the different types of paintball gear available, it is important to choose the best paintball mask for your needs.

Whether it’s a mask or paintball helmet, here are a few things to consider when shopping for paintball goggles:

  • customer reviews
  • the brand
  • price
  • eye protection, forehead protection, safety, and protection coverage
  • anti-fog lens
  • scratch-restistant lens
  • ear pads
  • durability and quality
  • material (polycarbonate material or other)
  • lightweight
  • chin strap and adjustable head strap
  • comfort and foam padding
  • removable visor
  • visor compatibility
  • interior space (especially for those who wear glasses)
  • camera mount for GoPro
  • design and style

Customer reviews

Why should you read customer reviews before buying a product?

Customer reviews will give you an idea about how satisfied customers are with their product. It can help you make a better decision when choosing your next paintball mask.

How do you know if a review is trustworthy or not? If you go to a website that sells the product, look for reviews marked “verified buy” or “verified customer” to identify reviews from real customers who ordered the item. You can also compare reviews of a product across different websites to see if they are consistently good or bad or if there are differences.

Brands

Brands can be essential to consider because they tell you what quality you can expect from a product. For example, if you want a high-quality paintball mask, you should look for a well-known brand like VIO or Dye. These brands have a reputation for making high-quality paintball equipment for years and years. Buying a brand product makes it more likely that you are getting a great product instead of a cheap, low-quality product from a brand nobody’s ever heard of.

Price

Price range matters because you can save money. A paintball mask doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be cheap if you prefer, but you should never compromise on safety! And you shouldn’t have to, even at an affordable price.

If you are specifically looking for a budget mask, we have written buying guides on the best paintball masks under 100 bucks, and the top paintball masks under 50 bucks.

Consider how often you will use the paintball mask. It’s not worth it to spend a lot of money on something you won’t use often.

Safety and level of protection

Safety is always #1 for a piece of gear that is supposed to protect you when you’re on the playing field. When playing paintball, you want to protect your eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. The entire purpose of a paintball mask is to be the protective gear that shields your most vital organs during a game of paintball. A top-quality paintball gun can launch paintballs at a speed of 60-61 meters per second. If you are new to paintball, you should read How to play paintball: beginner to pro guide.

Besides shielding you from direct incoming paintballs, paintball masks also protect you from indirect paint splatter and debris in the environment around you and high-pressure air from the paintball. Read more about how to clean your mask.

Weight

The weight of a mask mostly has a lot to do with the comfort when playing. The lighter the mask’s weight is, the easier it will be to wear while running around. A lightweight paintball mask may not be as thick and give as much head protection as a heavier mask. A paintball mask should never compromise safety. There are a few features that might make the mask’s weight heavier, such as a heavier lens or a GoPro mount.

Comfort

Comfort is about how the mask fits and how you feel while wearing it. You should be able to wear a comfortable paintball mask for an extended period without feeling discomfort, and it should not restrict airflow or press your face while wearing it.

Anti-fog

A paintball mask can fog up in many situations, making it difficult to see. Moisture in the air we’re breathing causes fog, or it can be due to bad weather conditions. Fogging can cause strain on the eyes and be quite annoying. It can also be unsafe if it causes the wearer to take off one’s mask during play.

An anti-fog mask has features that make it less likely to fog up.

Thermal

A thermal mask helps you see better in bright or dark light conditions and reduces fogging. Thermal lenses are usually made of plastic and are thin and lightweight masks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Buying Paintball Masks

Which is the most expensive paintball mask?

The most expensive paintball mask is a custom made mask or special edition. For mass-produced masks, Empire EVS is often on the higher end of the price range.

Can you wear glasses in a paintball mask?

Yes, if there is enough interior space in the mask and your glasses aren’t gigantic. I would recommend the Virtue Vio Contour 2.

How to keep cool in a paintball mask?

To keep cool, you should choose a paintball mask with great ventilation and airflow.

What is the best non-fog paintball mask?

I think the Bunkerkings CMD is the most breathable paintball mask and handles fog well due to its clever ventilation design.

What is the best paintball mask for kids?

Valken MI-3 Gotcha Kids Paintball Goggle is suitable for kids. It’s cheap and protects well.

Which is a good cheap paintball mask?

HK Army HSTL or Valken MI-7 are good and cheap masks with thermal lenses.

When to replace a paintball mask?

It’s time to replace the mask when the lens is scratched making it hard to see. Often you can replace the lens. Other reasons to replace the mask are if mold or bacteria growing inside or if any part is damaged and compromises the safety and ability to protect you.

What is the best paintball mask?

The best paintball mask must provide distortion-free, fog-free visibility, maximum protection, top-notch ventilation and breathability, excellent communication. My #1 top recommendation for most players is the Dye i5, but I personally use VIO Countour 2.

Bunkerkings CMD paintball mask

The Best Paintball Mask: Dye i5

Best overall

  • Reduce fog, improve visibility and dominate the game
  • Protect your eyes from dangerous UV rays
  • Never lose focus! (with M2 via e.Voke)
  • The best paintball mask for big heads and large faces

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Read more:

You can read more about belly band holster and paintballs for your next game, and read how you can use your paintball mask for airsoft too.

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