Product: Save Phace Dope Series Thermal Paintball Mask
Length of use: Less than 6 months
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Appearance: 3.5/5
Performance: 2/5
Reliability: 2.5/5
Value: 1/5
Looks - Appearance
Both stock and custom graphics available for Save Phace's masks are absolutely amazing. Sitting on the shelf; the Dope Series looks great. On-player, the mask is very hit-or miss. In my case (being a larger player), it is not appealing cosmetically; on a smaller player, these masks look great.
Weight - Appearance & Performance
This mask is very lightweight; to be expected from any newer mask on the market. With that being said, facial coverage should not be sacrificed in exchange for weight reduction. There is a thin line between "low profile" and "slightly dangerous" and I feel that this masks walks that line.
Feel - Performance
The Dope seems to leave much to be desired in the area of feel. The mask is very small on anybody short of somebody with swimmers' build; not only does this expose vulnerable areas, but pressure on the ears and around the nose are somewhat uncomfortable (and very tight). I do realize there is a correct and incorrect way to wear this mask, and nothing seemed to make a large enough difference where I feel the Dope is wearable over other masks on the market. The hard plastic is very rigid, and as I believe another member has commented, makes the Dope feel "cheap".
A note regarding bounce - I do not feel that I have any more or any less bounces with this mask than any other. With that said, this is a point I do not particularly monitor (as most shots to the head are lens shots and break regardless).
Venting - Performance
I commonly experienced light fogging while using my Save Phace mask. The venting is sufficient for fair-weather play, but not for unideal elements or playing conditions.
Field Of Vision - Performance
The Dope has a large field of vision and what seems to be a high-quality lens. This being said; field of vision is a moot point when fogging plays into the equation.
Safety - Reliability
For a larger individual such as myself, I do not
feel safe while wearing a Save Phace mask. The lens though, seem to be of good quality, and the hard plastic is a redeeming feature for those that do not think highly of other competitors soft-bottom masks. Although I prefer flexibility in a mask, I understand the niche that this mask fills.
I have noticed visible impact damage to my Dope but I feel that this is due to the type of plastic used to construct the Save Phace masks. This "damage" looks to be purely cosmetic and follows the trend set by competitors "hard" plastic masks produced in previous years. With this being said; I am weary of this point and will be motoring the mask closely for any developments in this area.
Maintenance - Reliability
Save Phace masks appears to be fairly straightforward and easy to maintain. I would advise against an individual spending tons of money on custom airbrushing, as the graphics are known to chip over time and with progressing use.
Bang4Buck - Value
This is where I feel the Save Phace falls off of the spectrum. It is my opinion that there are multiple other masks on the market that surpass the Dope in all areas for the same price range +/- $5.00.
Conclusion - Overall
Although I see Save Phace as a company with great potential, I will not be purchasing another mask from this company. Perhaps a few more months developing and testing, and Save Phace would have had a winner, but as it stands now, all hope lies in their second generation of masks (well, at least any chance for redemption in my eyes). As it stands, my Dope will sit in my gear bag as as an alternate-backup and a loaner for my friends.
As a side note, the sponsored players in this section have been very unprofessional and unwilling to accept that an initial-run product will need some improvements, regardless of manufacturer or company history. This is very discouraging and reflects negatively upon Save Phace in my (and others') eyes. Maturity, respect, and good ol' common sense make a world of difference...
Thanks for your time,
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