Mask advice

[Tempted]

Hi guys,

I'm interested in starting up paintball and so I'm going to buy a mask and then go to a few more days with work/friends etc.

My problem is which mask? I like the look of the I3 Pro, but the price is a bit of a sticking point. The Empire Events can be had for £40 from BZ at the moment, but I have read about vocal echoing and tearing the soft ears. I've also been looking at the Flex 8 and the Proflex with the former not having soft ears at all (?) and the latter presumably having the same issue as the Events? I also like the look of the Proto Axis, but have heard that you can get paint/water between the lenses?

There looks to be pros and cons to each, just need some advice from users really before I go to try them out in a shop...Speaking of shops, anyone know of any close to Lincoln?

Thanks

 

[MorgzC]

Ive had no problems with me e-vents, they provide a decent coverage of my face and lenses are simple to change.Never heard of anyone tearing their ears though. I would suggest going to a local shop an trying them all out first, whats best for me might not be for you.

 

[Tempted]

That is the next challenge, to find a shop near me!

 

[MorgzC]

That is the next challenge, to find a shop near me!

Lol, unfortunately i can't help with that.

 

[Devrij]

I wouldn't bother with the axis unless you have a fat face, as I find them excessively wide. Stick with either the proflex (comfy, good neck coverage), e-vents (low profile, easy lens change), I3's (good coverage, lens change is a pain though). Don't be afraid of soft ears, they're a good thing.

 

[Tempted]

I want the soft ears...it's just was put off by the material used on a couple of them as you can see it will rip eventually. The material on the I3's in contrast looks very hard wearing.

It looks like the Events at £40 are good value given the 2 lenses included.

 

[CRASH]

I use the E-vents mate and the only problem i have ever had was the foam coming off inside the mask due to me using hot water to rinse them off.

Apart from the above i have had no faults what so ever and personally i wouldn't use any other mask.

The soft ears have never been a problem and show no sign of any damage after 8 months of abuse.

Just remember to use cool water to rinse them off after playing if you get some.

 

[Mello]

haha you won't be disapointed with either jt's or events. they are both good and come with soft ear versions which i would recommend, plus also if they do rip, which I doubt unless your very heavy handed, you can always get replacements which are not to pricey

 

[CRASH]

And LIPS now do the stinger custom soft ears for around £15 i think.

 

[Tempted]

You lads wanna calm down being so damn helpful, I'm gonna end up with a chuffing marker too by the end of the night!