A personal pet peeve of mine is my mask fogging up while playing. I find that it happens more so playing outdoors, but it can occasionally happen playing indoors as well.
So the question becomes why do masks fog? Masks fog when the moisture from your face evaporates into the space between your mask and then condensates on your lens. This typically occurs at two times: when you sweat a lot and release lots of moisture from your face or when your face is considerably warmer than the outside air. The first situation typically occurs during hot days while the second, similar to a windshield that fogs, happens when the outside air is considerably colder than the air around your face.
So now you might be saying well how to I prevent this; I can’t stop sweating, and I can’t regulate my body temperature to equal that of the air around me. So here are a few suggestions.
Thermal Lenses – I would strongly suggest investing in a mask with a thermal lens. Thermal Lenses basically consist of two lenses that are places together with a small are-filled space between them. The space between the two lenses acts as a barrier between your body temperature and the outside temperature. Because of this barrier your inner lens remains closer to the temperature of your body while the outside lens remains closer to the temperature outside. Through out my testing I would say that a Thermal Mask is the most effective way to reduce fogging.
Anti-Fog Spray – There are many companies out there that market anti-fog spray's and creams. Anti-fog sprays have been around longer than paintball as they have been marketed to scuba divers since before I can remember. The concept of an anti-fog spray is to keep moisture from condensing of flat surfaces. The basic principal is to spray a mist (or apply some cream) of the anti-fog on the lens, which will in turn prevent fog vapors from gathering on your lens. The results for anti-fogging sprays and creams are mixed. In my opinion it is a very cheap and easy way to possibly prevent your mask from fogging. With that being said on really hot and humid days it may only delay how long before your mask fogs.
Mask Fans – Originally these started out as an extra that could be added to your mask to help prevent fogging. Now some masks are created with the fan build into the mask. The fans sit above the goggles and blow air down over the lens to help evaporate moisture of the lens. In comparison to anti-fog sprays fans are a more expensive option. Depending on your mask fans can range from $20 to $50, they require batteries to operate, make a considerable amount of noise, and are prone to break. Despite all that they do effectively reduce fog.
Dry the Foam – Inside every mask is form that helps the mask fit snug to your face. Depending on the form that is inside your mask it can collect some of the moisture from your face while you are playing. I find it very helpful in-between games to take a towel and press it against the form to remove as much of that extra moisture before I play the next game.
Being able to see your targets while playing paintball is important; so having a clear mask is essential. In most circumstances you can prevent fogging by using one or a combination of the tips listed above. You need to find out which combination works best for you. Also remember that what works for you playing indoors many not work as well playing outdoors.
Showing posts with label Paintball Masks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paintball Masks. Show all posts
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Paintball Masks - Keeping Your Face Safe!
Some sports such as hockey or football have a large list of safety gear ranging from shin guards to shoulder pad and helmets to name a few. But paintball really only has one wearable piece of safety equipment; the mask.
Paintball masks are designed to protect your face and ears. When looking for a mask you should look for one that covers your whole face area, forehead to chin with coverage for your ears. If the mask doesn’t fully cover all these areas look for a bigger mask. Some mask also provide protection for your head, although this is not entirely necessary as the top of your head is hard and can withstand a paintball, some people feel better with this option.
Fit
Since this is your primary protection you want something that fits just right. Look for a mask that fits firmly on your head without pinching. You should be able to tighten the straps to make your mask snug without maxing out the adjusters or permanently stretching out the straps. Make sure that your mask comfortably fits around your ears and that the mouth guard doesn't hit your chest when you look down or your shoulders when you look to the sides. Remember this is about safety first then style. You need to make sure that everything is protected and feels comfortable first, then try to get the look you want.
Padding
While most people don’t pay much attention to the foam padding inside a mask it can be a huge difference between a good mask and a great mask. Most importantly you want make sure you like how the foam feels on your face. You are going to be wearing this a lot so comfort is a big part of safety. You want to find a mask that has form which is flexible and will mold to your face, but will also return to its original shape. You also want to inspect how the form in secured/glued to the mask. Check for a solid glue job with no corners or seams unattached.
Lens
When looking through the mask; make sure that the lens area provides enough side vision. On average human have a field vision of 180 degrees, unless you are planning of looking out of the corner of your eye instead of turning your head, a mask with 120 degree field of vision should be more than adequate. Next you should look for a mask with a thermal lens. Thermal lenses are simply two separate lenses with air in between them which helps prevent fogging. You will also find some lenses are tinted, while these do not add to the safety of the mask, they can provide a function similar to sunglasses or just a cool factor.
Value
Paintball masks can cost from $20 to more than $100. To decide which mask is best for you determine what features you really need (for example, you may want good fog protection, therefore you will want to look at masks that offer a thermal lens) and then see what masks fit your budget. The best mask is not necessarily the most expensive; it's simply the mask that fits and works best for you.
Additional Things
Most masks come with visors which some find to be useful when playing outdoors. Additionally, some masks come with built-in fans designed to reduce fogging, while others are designed to have a fan added on if necessary. The plastic of the mask come in many levels of rigidity. Some players prefer softer plastic which may help prevent a ball break. When choosing a mask; chose one that is rigid enough for your liking. The plastic also comes in numerous colors ranging form bright reds and blues to dull blacks and greens, so you should able to find a color you like. There are also many purely cosmetic upgrades you can add to customize your mask.
Have fun, and play safe.
Paintball masks are designed to protect your face and ears. When looking for a mask you should look for one that covers your whole face area, forehead to chin with coverage for your ears. If the mask doesn’t fully cover all these areas look for a bigger mask. Some mask also provide protection for your head, although this is not entirely necessary as the top of your head is hard and can withstand a paintball, some people feel better with this option.
Fit
Since this is your primary protection you want something that fits just right. Look for a mask that fits firmly on your head without pinching. You should be able to tighten the straps to make your mask snug without maxing out the adjusters or permanently stretching out the straps. Make sure that your mask comfortably fits around your ears and that the mouth guard doesn't hit your chest when you look down or your shoulders when you look to the sides. Remember this is about safety first then style. You need to make sure that everything is protected and feels comfortable first, then try to get the look you want.
Padding
While most people don’t pay much attention to the foam padding inside a mask it can be a huge difference between a good mask and a great mask. Most importantly you want make sure you like how the foam feels on your face. You are going to be wearing this a lot so comfort is a big part of safety. You want to find a mask that has form which is flexible and will mold to your face, but will also return to its original shape. You also want to inspect how the form in secured/glued to the mask. Check for a solid glue job with no corners or seams unattached.
Lens
When looking through the mask; make sure that the lens area provides enough side vision. On average human have a field vision of 180 degrees, unless you are planning of looking out of the corner of your eye instead of turning your head, a mask with 120 degree field of vision should be more than adequate. Next you should look for a mask with a thermal lens. Thermal lenses are simply two separate lenses with air in between them which helps prevent fogging. You will also find some lenses are tinted, while these do not add to the safety of the mask, they can provide a function similar to sunglasses or just a cool factor.
Value
Paintball masks can cost from $20 to more than $100. To decide which mask is best for you determine what features you really need (for example, you may want good fog protection, therefore you will want to look at masks that offer a thermal lens) and then see what masks fit your budget. The best mask is not necessarily the most expensive; it's simply the mask that fits and works best for you.
Additional Things
Most masks come with visors which some find to be useful when playing outdoors. Additionally, some masks come with built-in fans designed to reduce fogging, while others are designed to have a fan added on if necessary. The plastic of the mask come in many levels of rigidity. Some players prefer softer plastic which may help prevent a ball break. When choosing a mask; chose one that is rigid enough for your liking. The plastic also comes in numerous colors ranging form bright reds and blues to dull blacks and greens, so you should able to find a color you like. There are also many purely cosmetic upgrades you can add to customize your mask.
Have fun, and play safe.
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