[leed]

Well, we've seen a lot of these threads throughout the years.. So this can help reduce them:

This thread will not specifically show one Mask VS Another Mask, but will essentially show the Pro's and Con's of each Mask, and you can put them next to each other yourself and make it a Mask VS Mask situation.

First of all, let me say this: If you don't know what mask to get, keep in mind, being cheap isn't the best way to do it. Remember, these are the things that are keeping you from going blind and deaf, not to mention just being in pain, so generally speaking, for a Brand New Mask, you should look to spend at least 30-100 dollars.

Secondly: For those that are looking at this as a VS situation, you MUST realize that it's ALL personal preference. Whether or not one person finds a mask comfortable, it can be entirely different for someone else. SO, that means, in order to find out, you MUST either A. Go to the store and try the masks you are interested in on, or B. Ask if you can borrow someone else's mask for a game or so.

Anyways, moving on:

If I miss a mask, then let me know. Also, I have not worn every mask known to man, so you all will have to help me if you have experience with a mask that I do not.

[leed]

JTUSA Masks

Softstream
Price: ~$13.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Terrible
Vision: Below average
Breathbility: – Don’t recall
Bounce Factor: Low
Profile: Medium
Protection: Medium
Style: None
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Chrome; Various tints
Other: A very low start mask. Made of cheap, semi-flexible plastic, on chance, it may provide bounce, but it is not likely. Usually comes with plastic paintball marker kits.

Alpha
Price: ~$35.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Below Average
Vision: Below average
Breathbility: Okay
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: High
Protection: Medium
Style: Very Low
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Chrome; Various tints
Other: Another starter mask. Will sometimes come in marker kits.

Headshield
Price: ~$27.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads – Can not verify, as I have never tried one
Comfort (According to Most): Below Average – Can not verify, as I have never tried one
Vision: Below average
Breathbility: – Okay
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: High
Protection: High
Style: Extraordinarily Low
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process. -- Can not verify, I have never taken one apart.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Chrome; Various tints
Other: This mask appeals to many beginners as it provides full-head protection. A rarity in the paintball world.

X-Fire
Price: ~$20.00 – 30.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Below average
Vision: Below average
Breathbility: Okay
Bounce Factor: Low
Profile: Medium
Protection: Medium-High
Style: Low
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Chrome; Various tints
Other: A mask that has been around for several years, this beginner mask is often found at fields as rental gear.

nVader
Price: ~$20.00 – 30.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Below Average
Vision: Below average
Breathbility: Good
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: Medium to High
Protection: Low to Low Medium
Style: Low
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Chrome; Various tints
Other: Considered unstylish due to its shape and form. The entire mask is made of hard plastic. This mask is relatively low priced, and provides all the protection a new player would want. The “pods” can be customized and replaced with different colored ones as well. Can fit Small to Medium sized glasses.


nForcer
Price: ~$36.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Good
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: Medium to High
Protection: Medium to High
Style: Low
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: Considered unstylish due to its shape and form. The entire mask is made of hard plastic. This mask is relatively low priced, and provides all the protection a new player would want. The “pods” can be customized and replaced with different colored ones as well. Can fit Small to Medium sized glasses.

Spectra or Proshield
Price: ~$38.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Excellent
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: Low-Medium to Medium
Protection: Medium to High
Style: Low
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: Considered unstylish due to all hard parts. The bottoms are made of hard plastic, much unlike its brothers the Flex 7 and Proflex. This mask is a little shorter than the Flex 7, so people with long faces should stray away from this mask. Can fit Small to Medium sized glasses.

[leed]

2005+ Flex 7
Price: ~$40.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathability: Excellent
Bounce Factor: Medium Probability
Profile: Medium
Protection: Medium-High to High
Style: Medium to High
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: Considered unstylish due to Hard Ears. Hard ears do not supply bounce, but Flex Bottom generally does. Can be "personalized" or "customized" to ones taste easily. Can fit Small to Medium sized glasses

2005+ Proflex
Price: ~$65.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathability: Excellent
Bounce Factor: High
Profile: Medium
Protection: Medium to Medium-High
Style: Medium-High to High
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: Very popular amongst Professional and general “Minor League” tournament players, this mask has been in the tournament scene for years. It’s soft ears supply extra bounce, and extra comfort. However, stock softears are only a little bit smaller than Stock, and have unnecessary excess ranging the top of it, which is often cut off. At the same time, these soft-ears often times leave some peoples earlobes hanging without protection, but it also can be due to user-error. Can fit Small to Medium sized glasses.

Flex 8
Price: ~$60.00 USD
Fit: Small to Medium-Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Great to Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathability: Excellent
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: Low-Medium to Medium
Protection: Medium to Medium-High
Style: Medium to High
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process. A bit hasslesome as you must remove lens and strap to completely remove Lens Frame from the Bottoms. Often times people find it rather difficult to put the bottoms onto the lens frame as the slats the prongs lay on are flexible, but too small to reach and help lever in.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: Provides two piece construction (1 bottom/ears, 1 frame). The forehead guard provides extra protection, but is often cut off to provide extra bounce when wearing headbands. The hard ears that are part of this mask are often times uncomfortable on the ears. These generally provide a smaller profile than Flex 7s and Proflexs. Can fit small to medium sized glasses.

Full Head Flex 8
Price: ~$50.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads – Can not verify, I have never tried one on before.
Comfort (According to Most): Very – Can not verify, I have never tried one before
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Excellent
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: High
Protection: High
Style: Low
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process. A bit hasslesome as you must remove lens and strap to completely remove Lens Frame from the Bottoms. Often times people find it rather difficult to put the bottoms onto the lens frame as the slats the prongs lay on are flexible, but too small to reach and help lever in.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: Provides X piece construction (Can not confirm – have never owned one, do not know if the helmet piece is removable). The forehead guard provides extra protection, as well as the large dome on top, which protects the player from front to back, much like a helmet. The hard ears that are part of this mask are often times uncomfortable on the ears. Can fit small to medium sized glasses

Proteus/Proteus 2
Price: ~15.00 - 80.00 USD (They are not made anymore, so prices really vary)
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Great
Vision: Excellent
Breathability: Can not verify, I have never used one in game before
Bounce Factor: Low
Profile: Low
Protection: High
Style: Low
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy for some, hard for others, just takes getting used to and knowing the process.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: Provides two piece construction (1 bottom/ears, 1 frame). Being made mostly of hard plastic, and Flex-like rubber material at the chin, the plastic is crystal-clear in those areas. Black Proteus' with clear rubber chin and ear cups were recalled as the ear cups had problems. The ears cups can be turned and directed to capture sound in front or behind you (as well as above and below.. ). From what I have heard, these are great for people with glasses.

FX10 Axiom
Price: ~$28.00 – 30.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads – Can not verify, I have never tried one on before.
Comfort (According to Most): Very – Can not verify, I have never tried one before
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Can not verify, I have never used one before
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: Can not verify, have not seen one worn/worn one
Protection: Can not verify, have not seen one worn/worn one
Style: Very Low
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: As far as I know, very easy.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single;
Other: A giant flop by JT, never became popular amongst players, despite the easy lens changing.

[leed]

Empire/Vents Masks

Vents Helix
Price: ~$23.00 – 30.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Can not verify, I have never worn one before
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Can not verify, I have never used one before
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: Low
Protection: Can not verify, have not seen one worn/worn one
Style: Low
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Several Mirrors; Some tints
Other: The beginner mask in the Vents line, made of entirely hard plastic.

Vents Cylus
Price: ~$40.00 – 45.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Can not verify, I have never tried one before
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Below Average
Bounce Factor: Low
Profile: Low
Protection: Medium to Medium-High
Style: Medium
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Several Mirrors; Some tints
Other: A step up from the Vents Helix, has a “Hard TPE construction,” with breath blockers.

Vents Avatar
Price: ~$80.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Below Average
Bounce Factor: Medium
Profile: Low
Protection: Medium to Medium-High
Style: High
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Several Mirrors; Some tints
Other: Made up of a flexible rubber, the mouth/vent area is supported by hard plastic, so no worries about getting smacked in the mouth.

Empire E-Vent
Price: ~$90.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Below Average
Bounce Factor: Medium-High
Profile: Low
Protection: Medium to Medium-High
Style: High
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Several Mirrors; Some tints
Other: Much like the little brother Avatar, but instead of rubber ears, these are Soft ears, which provide a little more bounce. Often times this entire line (Helix to E-Vent) may leave the jaw line exposed.

V-Force Masks

Armor
Price: ~$18.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Can not verify, have never tried one
Vision: Can not verify, have never tried one
Breathbility: Can not verify, have never tried one
Bounce Factor: Low
Profile: Medium
Protection: High
Style: Low
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy.
Lenses Available: Single; Thermal
Other: A starter mask that has been around, often found as a Rental mask.

Shield
Price: ~$28.00 – 35.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Average
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Above Average
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: Medium-High
Protection: High
Style: Low
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy.
Lenses Available: Single; Thermal
Other: A starter mask that has been around. Some versions of this mask offer a hard plastic neck guard, which is ideal for some.

Vantage
Price: ~$20.00 – 25.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Can not verify, I have never tried one on
Vision: Can not verify, I have never tried one on
Breathbility: Can not verify, I have never tried one on
Bounce Factor: Medium
Profile: Medium
Protection: High
Style: Low-Medium
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy.
Lenses Available: Single; Thermal
Other: V-Force’s new starter mask. Designed to encompass some of the aspects of the Profiler, made of the same soft rubber and hard plastic. Not exactly candy for the eyes, but a good mask anyways.

Profiler
Price: ~$60.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent.
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: High
Bounce Factor: Medium
Profile: Medium
Protection: High
Style: High
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy, but the lens clips need to be broken in, first times can be a little difficult for some.
Lenses Available: Single; Thermal; Several Mirrors; Several Tints
Other: A mask introduced not too long ago. The spherical lens allows for a wide panoramic view. Designed after the old Morph. Can be easily modified for ones own liking.

Grill
Price: ~$90.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: High
Bounce Factor: Medium-High
Profile: Low
Protection: Medium-High
Style: High
Lens Change System: Quick-Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Very easy.
Lenses Available: Single; Thermal; Several Mirrors; Several Tints
Other: The newest in the market, this mask is very popular amongst the professional players. It has a low profile, yet keeps everything comfortable. With its special Click-Foam, you can replace your foam in a second, should it be drenched in sweat, or maybe you just need new foam.

[leed]

DYE Masks

Invision
Price: ~$50.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads – Can not verify, I have never tried one on before.
Comfort (According to Most): Can not verify, I have never tried one before
Vision: Can not verify, I have never tried one before
Breathbility: Can not verify, I have never tried one before
Bounce Factor: Very Low
Profile: Low-Medium
Protection: Medium
Style: Medium
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Many find it very difficult to remove the lenses in this mask, few don’t find it so difficult.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: An old mask, no longer manufactured, but you may still find these sold in some stores. It used to be very popular, and was replaced by the I3. This mask is made entirely of hard plastic.

I3
Price: ~$53.00 – 60.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Great
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Excellent
Bounce Factor: Medium
Profile: Low-Medium to Low
Protection: Medium
Style: Medium-High
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Many find it very difficult to remove the lenses in this mask, few don’t find it so difficult. I personally find it rather easy.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: Made of soft rubber, unlike the original Invision. This mask was also remade a number of times to improve it.

I3 Pro
Price: ~$100.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads.
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Excellent
Bounce Factor: Medium-High
Profile: Low-Medium
Protection: Medium
Style: Medium-High to High
Lens Change System: Tabbed Lens in Groove
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: Many find it very difficult to remove the lenses in this mask, few don’t find it so difficult.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: The revised copy of the I3’s, this offers Soft ears, and an HD lens. Soft ears provide even more comfort and bounce, and the HD lens has incomparable vision to give.

Proto Masks

Switch FS
Price: ~$50.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads – Can not verify, I have never tried one on before.
Comfort (According to Most): Can not verify, I have never tried one before
Vision: Medium - Fogs easily
Breathbility: Medium
Bounce Factor: Medium
Profile: Medium
Protection: Medium
Style: Medium
Lens Change System: Quick Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: A bit difficult for some to figure out at first, but relatively easy to do once it is.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: A starter mask which may provide bounce with its soft rubber bottom. It is often cut to peoples liking so it looks a little nicer.

Switch
Price: ~$60.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Medium
Bounce Factor: Medium
Profile: Medium
Protection: Medium
Style: Medium
Lens Change System: Quick Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: A bit difficult for some to figure out at first, but relatively easy to do once it is.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other:

Axis
Price: ~$60.00 USD
Fit: Small to Large Heads
Comfort (According to Most): Excellent
Vision: Excellent
Breathbility: Excellent
Bounce Factor: Medium
Profile: Low-Medium
Protection: Medium
Style: Medium
Lens Change System: Quick Change
Ease of (Dis)Assembly: A bit difficult for some to figure out at first, but relatively easy to do once it is.
Lenses Available: Thermal, Single; Various Mirrors; Various tints; Various Fades
Other: A bit odd looking to some, this mask provides much that the Dye I3 does, with similar shape and form.



I have not owned every single mask to existence, so some of these are left questionable (they are noted), so if you have the information on them, just let me know and I will put it up. Or, if you feel something should be changed, let me know as well.

I have no information on the Extreme Rage Echo 20/20, so let me know if you do, or feel free to post yourself.

[~Bacon~]

STICKY STICKY STiCKY

[NEVERgiveUPAxA]

Wow, beautiful. Sticky!

[$niper$layer]

yes, sticky

nice work

and the bottom line of all VS threads:

GO TRY ON THE MASK YOURSELF!

[leed]

Well, I'm glad someone saw this!

[mr doo doo]

wa wa wa!! this is great! stick material for sure!! nice job leed!!

[dhbb05]

Nice job man. I vote sticky also

[~Bacon~]

what masks did u leave out?

[Kais3r]

2005+ Proflex vs 2005+ Flex . I want get a good mask, I'm going to be playing every week, and I need a good mask.

[leed]

Originally Posted by ~Bacon~

what masks did u leave out?

I left out the 32*, Raven/Java, GameFace (Skull), Scott, and ExtremeRage (Echo). I have never used an Echo, and the others aren't very commonly used anymore.

Originally Posted by Kais3r

2005+ Proflex vs 2005+ Flex . I want get a good mask, I'm going to be playing every week, and I need a good mask.

Advantages of Proflex over Flex:
Soft ears, and more colors.

Advantages of Flex over Proflex:
Cheaper, hard ears (some people prefer the protection).

[Kais3r]

does it hurt if you get hit when you have soft ears?

[leed]

It does sting quite a bit if you get bunkered in the soft ear, but the chances of that are pretty low, if I may say so myself.

[Irish916]

Great work. Almost everything is correct as well. The only things I'd change would be the fact that the Grill and Profiler are listed as Excellent in breathability. IMO, only the flexes, Dye series, and Proto Axis are excellent. I'd say the Profiler and Grill would be high though.

I've determined this after practicing in Florida usually in 90 degree+ weather due to it being summer and the Profiler and Grill are nowwhere as easy to breathe in as an Invision or Flex. Everything else was correct imo.

[leed]

I changed it, I have not worn the Grill in extremely hot and humid weather yet, I generally tend to stick to my Flex, haha.

[VIP3R]

Originally Posted by Irish916

Great work. Almost everything is correct as well. The only things I'd change would be the fact that the Grill and Profiler are listed as Excellent in breathability. IMO, only the flexes, Dye series, and Proto Axis are excellent. I'd say the Profiler and Grill would be high though.

I've determined this after practicing in Florida usually in 90 degree+ weather due to it being summer and the Profiler and Grill are nowwhere as easy to breathe in as an Invision or Flex. Everything else was correct imo.

QFT!


stickies please.

[messypaint]

Is the Grill the only mask with removable foam?

[azndave]

very nice.