[Hellf1ghter22]

So I asked this way back but I wanted to ask again. What do you recommend for a paintball mask? I know that everyone loves Proto and vantage but what do you think of tippmanns new rental mask? I am about to buy my fleet and I want to make sure I buy the right thing.

[sal briguglio]

We have used the Protos and they are great.

We have had no issues with the Extreme Rage goggles from Kee. We have used them for several years. They are very economical and last well.

The Helix thermal goggles from Kee are also an affordable way to offer thermals for rent.

[TargetIndy]

The Tippmann mask that I saw at Paintball Extravaganza missed the mark, in my opinion. When I look for a mask, I look for one that has an integrated visor which will protect the lens when the mask is set down or dropped. Practical experience over the years has shown me that removable visors are not a good feature for rental masks. Flexible visors like those on the vForce and Helix masks either come off or get bent out of shape.

IIRC, Tippmann doesn't offer a thermal lens for their masks. That's a big problem for us, as there are months around here where only a thermal lens will work.

The way we clean and sterilize our masks requires the entire mask to be submerged in cleaning solution. That can be a real problem when dealing with thermal lenses. The vForce and Helix thermal lenses are prone to getting water in between the panes, ruining their ability to resist fogging. That's been the most frustrating part of the rental masks and why we're moving away from the vForce and Helix masks.

Last month, we purchased ten thermal lenses from Dye and installed them in some of our Proto masks. After a month of regular use, every lens is still maintaining its seal. While it's only been a month, they've fared better than the other brands of thermals. I've been encouraged enough be the results that I bought another 40 thermal lenses this week. The cost is pretty reasonable for them and if I can get 3-6 months out of them, I'll be a happy camper.

[Hellf1ghter22]

Okay, I think I will try and buy 10 just to try them out. What cleaning solution do you use? As I am just starting a field tips are welcome.

[TargetIndy]

For sanitizing, I use a general sanitizer concentrate from Sam's Club. We mix it in a five gallon bucket and submerge the masks in the bucket, then let the masks drip dry on wire shelf racks.

[grss429]

Originally Posted by TargetIndy

For sanitizing, I use a general sanitizer concentrate from Sam's Club. We mix it in a five gallon bucket and submerge the masks in the bucket, then let the masks drip dry on wire shelf racks.

is this including foam and all?

we have alot of proto masks, something like this (visor and everything to keep the lense kinda decent)

http://www.ansgear.com/Proto_Switch_...mskfpblack.htm

and we also go with V-Force Vantage's as far as dipping in water to clean, I haven't tried it..

[TargetIndy]

Yup, foam and all. We handle them pretty much in the same way restaurants handle drinking glasses.

[grss429]

Originally Posted by TargetIndy

Yup, foam and all. We handle them pretty much in the same way restaurants handle drinking glasses.

how long does the foam last though, when I tried this, eventually the foam gave out or came unglued at that point from just submerging them

[TargetIndy]

Some of my Proto masks are a year old and none of them have had the foam come unglued.

[grss429]

Originally Posted by TargetIndy

Some of my Proto masks are a year old and none of them have had the foam come unglued.

ok, i'll give it a whirl, I pm'd you about some regs was wondering if you got it

[K-9]

I recommend the VForce Vantage Fields if they still manufacture them or the Armor with the visor riveted/bolted onto the mask

Sanitizing I use what Target suggested and never had a single problem on any single pane lens

[Hellf1ghter22]

So I am about to order my proto rental masks and I have always been a fan of the full helmet, not just the mask. Mainly because it does somewhat act as a helmet (there are a lot of low branches at my field), and I stay cooler in mine as I (and renters) don't tend to put rags/bandanas when they wear the full helm. I am in Maui so temps are usually around 87 degrees year round. Why or why should I not buy the full helmet proto masks?

[liquidfiretibby]

maybe buy half a set of helmets so your rentals can have a choice, but i wouldnt only have full helmet masks. i know some people dont like them at all, me being one of them. you dont wanna turn away rentals because of a mask type. but having the option is a great idea

[American Paintball]

I'd second that. It may be a pain to have 2 types of mask but don't buy all one style (full helmet). I don't like those either. I would think they would be harder to clean and harder to keep looking nice. Renters don't want to rent something that looks beat up.

[ottoangel]

We use the Proto Rental and have bought the bulk packs of thermal lenses for them. They are not good using single lens. At least not here in Sweden with low temperatures and high humidity.

[tvise]

We use V-Force masks. They work great. Disassemble in seconds with no tools. We wash them everyday with water no problem. and because they are not thermal lenses they will last a lot longer.

[Berdyder]

I have found the Proto single lens rental masks to be the foggiest mask i have ever seen. Have not tried them with thermals but have been totally turned off by the performance of the single lens versions. They now sit on the shelf and look pretty. Ive have taken a brand new the mask out of the bag given to the customer and watch it fog over on them before they even start playing.

I have some 5 year old JT masks that i have been maintaining because they never fog. Also have some empire rental masks i cant think of the name that perform really well. I too will have to find another solution for the upcoming year.

I have a small 40 marker rental fleet in Central NY. Weather varies greatly day to day.

[bigfootguy2002]

I am leaning towards going with Vents Helix with thermal lenses. I like the idea of permanently attaching the visor for added protection.
-Will

[ottoangel]

Yes the Proto single lens is extremely foggy. You need thermal lens if you have rainy, cold and humid weather.

[TargetIndy]

The Proto thermal lenses last much longer than the Helix thermal lenses. I've found the seal to be more durable.

[American Paintball]

I use the VForce as well. We like them and have not had issues with fogging but not much reason to fog in Nor CA.