Best paintball protective gear according to redditors

Reminds me of a paintball vest on Amazon that people keep asking if it’s bulletproof. Check the one dudes pic 😂

So you've got 250ish for a package for your son? Instead of buying that one I'll make one for you!

GoG Enmey Gun $125

Proto Primo Hopper $14

Ninja 48/3000 HPA Tank $50

JT Proflex $63

For the around $250 mark you will not get a better deal.

The top 5 visible customer questions are related to whether it can stop bullets. Each answer about the same. NO!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005X03OOQ/ref=cm_cr_othr_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

u/cypherfox has a list of Canadian retailers. Not being Canadian myself, I don't know many.

Start with the most important thing: Face protection. Eye protection is always required for airsoft. Something ANSI Z87.1+ or higher impact rating. Could go with something cheap like Pyramex I-force or go with something really high end like Smith Optics Turbo Fan. I've also liked my Save Phace Grunts, but they do scratch easily. For lower face protection, the One Tigris mask is pretty standard. Comfortable solid protection. Could also rig something up with a Steel Mouth which doesn't provide as much protection but, in my opinion, looks nicer. If you think he'd prefer a full face mask, the Dye I4 is fantastic.

After that, I'd prioritize boots. I'm not much of an expert on these. I like my Merrel MOAB Mids. I've also heard good things about Salomon and Lowa. Just something with some decent ankle support.

After that, look into a carrying case for your gun. You could use the box it came in, but that's not really ideal. Personally I use a valken gun bag and have had no issues with my M4 and AK. Could also go with a hard case like a Plano.

Then you're getting into less important stuff. Load bearing gear, like a chest rig, plate carrier, or belt, is nice to have but not required. They're used to carry whatever. Magazines, water, food, tools, extra batteries, whatever. I'm not really sure what the market for that is like in Canada, but Condor is a good budget brand with plenty of styles.

Other than that, I can recommend Mechanix Gloves and Howard Leight Impact Sport

Without your actual budget and knowing exactly what he has or what he wants, I can't really get more specific or recommend much else.

Amazon.

Nah, he just bought it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Neoprene-Face-Mask-Smoke/dp/B003ICTER2

Like others have pointed out, you're spending a lot of money. Hey, that's not necessarily a bad thing considering we know nothing about your budget.

Some tips for your selections:

• If you are willing to drop $100 on that mask you might as well go for a Dye Precision i4 mask. This is the last eye/face protection option you will ever need, for only $30 more than you're already spending.
  
  
• Those gloves seem a bit expensive considering I have never heard of the model, and to be honest they look a little cheap. These Mechanix gloves run about half of what you're budgeting and are highly recommended, probably the best price/quality ratio on the market. Don't take my word, take the 635 reviews on Amazon's word.
  
  
• Boots are totally up to you, but if it's your first time airsofting you don't necessarily need to drop over $100. Running or any athletic shoes would honestly be fine for your first time.
  
  
• Same idea applies to the pants and shirt. If you really want them, don't let anyone here stop you, but jeans and a shirt would do you just fine.
  
  As for a vest, given the stuff you've already picked out, the obvious choice would be a Condor MOPC in black. Plate carriers are generally highly modular, so with some additional MOLLE pouches you can set up your rig however you want.
  
  Edit: model, not brand

I use a dye i4 and it’s really comfortable and doesn’t fog. I can also aim down my sight easily with it on. https://www.amazon.com/Dye-Precision-Thermal-Paintball-Goggle/dp/B002YHFMHS

Exalt Paintball Bayonet Barrel Condom/Cover - LE Not Hot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B3L1PCR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bdptDbAHC6K6K

Enjoy

Dual thermal lenses are best. But they are not fog proof. But conditions have to be bad to fog.

Here is a cheap dual thermal lens mask. 30 dollars on amazon

Empire Helix Goggle Thermal Lens - Black Header https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9HWOBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sHoDDbZ8SDTTW

Here ya go

I usually leave it on my desk, but inside one of these:

Paintball Goggle Bags.
http://www.amazon.com/Winchester-Soft-Drawstring-Paintball-Goggle/dp/B00OKTVLG4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1462160128&sr=8-3&keywords=goggle+bag

Gonna second what a few other people said - mesh doesn't make good eye protection. BBs can and will shatter into your eyes. If you can't get contacts or prescription goggles, I wear ESS Innerzone 3 goggles over my glasses. Dye i4/i5 goggles also fit over my glasses, although they're pretty expensive. The Dye Special Edition looks way less sleek, but has as good antifog as the i4/i5 and fits over glasses too.

Considering you posted that you just had your first game then I'm assuming your talking about a newbie setup for getting into the hobby. With that being said $200 (USD?) Is going to be a bit on the low side for getting a reliable setup. Bare bones set up is going to be getting a gun, goggles + face protection, battery, charger, and BBs.

Good eye protection is an absolute must IMO as your eyes are very expensive to repair, used everyday, and don't come with a warranty. Impact resistant lenses are a must (no mesh eye protection unless you like fragmentation going in your eyes). Dye Mask My wife uses this mask and it gives good protection, doesn't fog up much, and is relatively comfortable. Can even wear glasses under them but it's a bit of a snug fit for them. This will cover your eye and face protection in an economic package. There is something like a $30 one that doesn't have the thermal lenses but I don't know how well they perform and fogging is a real pain to deal with so I think the extra $10 for thermal lenses is worth it.

Airsoft branded batteries are usually over priced so get generic purpose batteries. The decision is between lipo and nimh with lipo having a more expensive start up cost (a proper balanced charger isn't cheap) and needs more care/upkeep to properly use. Nimh are cheaper to start with (a smart charger plus a 9.6v 1400mah battery can be gotten for 35. Nimh are older tech and much bulkier but almost fool proof to use as long as you don't do anything truly idiotic with then.

The fun and expensive part of this whole endevor is the gun. This is where the wallet weeps and where investing in quality will pay off in fewer issue and potentially less upgrade/repair costs down the road. What style of gun do you want to get? We could suggest the most economical and starter friendly M4 for example but it doesn't help if your interested in something like an AK or something more exotic instead. The thing though is that most decent beginner guns are going to run closer to $150 or more which really cuts into that $200 budget when your already sinking $35 into your battery kit and $30 or $40 into your eye protection.

BBs is the last thing but again something important to get. Don't buy cheap BBs as they risk breaking the gun. Never use .12 BBs as they love to shatter. I highly recommend elite force BBs as they are good quality and not insanely expensive. .25g BBs are a good balance between indoor and outdoor play while I prefer .28 for outdoor settings. A bottle of BBs can range from $15 to $25 depending on how many you need and the weight of them.

I did a DIY version of this using a MOLLE panel and higher quality bags. Looks like the same first aid bag. It's been through 3 years of various weather and no problems yet.

I use an anti-fog solution this one actually so far it's worked great, specially in the winter

Wow, for the much just keep en eye out for a used Dye I4 mask or just get it new. All masks or even just goggles will affect aiming down sights and most will require a riser for the sight to see properly.

https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Safety-Resistance-Airsoft-Paintbal/dp/B00GLS8K2U These look pretty similar.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLS8K2U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_V-Ckzb3WBZ7KF

Mesh is a pos but easy to pull out and replace if you desire, I've used it a couple times, straps are a little finicky but still pretty good for price

Also on mobile so idk if linking works right

This mask is a common rental mask with added full head protection. Rental masks are notorious for being just bad masks. If you feel like you absolutely need a full head mask, go with a JT Flex-8 Headguard. This was my first mask and I still have it. I have i4s now but my friends use it when we play.


But seriously, if you don't absolutely need full head protection, don't get it. It looks kinda stupid, and it's hot and sticky. Not to mention more area to clean when you're done playing. Whatever you get though, get it with a thermal lens.

To get started you really only need protective gear and a gun.

For protective gear, I'd either recommend an inexpensive paintball mask like this or a lower mesh mask and goggles

For a gun, I'd recommend something like a G&G CM Raider or a KA TWS or a CYMA AK or something similar (M4 or AK is preferrable). Make a list of the best looking guns in your budget and post back here to help narrow it down. The high cap that comes with the gun should be enough, and if you really want then you can buy an extra one which will definitely be enough.

From there you will want a battery and charger from HobbyKing (I wont make specific recommendations since it will depend on the gun) and some good quality BBs (I wont make a recommendation as this depends on where you are playing).

It is more than possible to get into the game with that kind of budget, settle on the absolute essentials (protective gear first, then gun, battery, charger, and BBs) and then you can look at investing in other areas in your gear. I'd recommend that you play for a good while before expanding your loadout so that you specialise in an area that you really enjoy playing.

Check the super useful links in the sidebar for more information and good luck!

I third this. I also highly recommend the Virtue Ascend goggle. It is a really good mask for some reason priced fairly cheaply.

Relevant: https://www.amazon.com/Exalt-Paintball-Bayonet-Barrel-Condom/dp/B07B3L1PCR

I wish I took more pictures of the process :-/ but I'll try to put that together with some Internet pics.

Basically I got cheap goalie mask as the base and cannibalized an old paintball mask. That's not the actual one, one I had came free with gear, really cheapy. Last thing I got were these steam punk goggles. I know there were cheaper ones; I think I only paid $12 for 'em.

SO I got all my pieces and held them in place with duct tape. Then paper mache, paint, and lacquer to keep everything on. Goggles were the most expensive part because I happened to have the pb mask laying around. Could have done it cheaper but I felt the green lenses REALLY pulled it together.

I just used this cheap $20 paintball chest protector off amazon and had my girlfriend paint on the skull with acrylic paint. I'm debating buying some black fabric and stitching it onto the front to match the textured look from the show.

I thought about getting the more expensive vests but decided agianst it. The trench coat hides most of the vest so all you really see is the skull.

excellent! but here's for you at under 27$. take care!

FogTech for Anti-Fog

RainCoat for Water Repellent

Helps quite a bit, and its awesome to turn your head slightly to the left or right and watch the water just flow off your helmet. If you have fogging problems like I do, get the Anti-Fog too.

https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Safety-Resistance-Airsoft-Paintbal/dp/B00GLS8K2U

1. you have airsoft and paintball protection.
   
2. including above but impact resistant, risk is having a badass punch you and mask impacting your face
   
3. all of the above and bulletproof too... $500.00 ish
   
   I guess the link is in the 2nd group.

The Save Phace Grunts are a quality clone of the X800.

Get each thing individually. Packages are a rip off and most of the stuff that comes with it is complete trash.

The Empire Helix is the cheapest dual pane mask I think? Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong.

The Proto Primo is the best gravity fed hopper you can buy. The next best thing would probably be a used Halo B or something, and that's gonna run you around $50 or so. And for a mech gun you don't really need a force fed.

This 47/3000 HPA tank is cheap and suitable. Cheapest I think you can find.

35 + 12 + 40 = 87. Round up to 90 for the sake of simplicity and shipping. Might even be closer to $100. Leaves you between 0 and 75 given your earlier stated budget.

Everybody around here will tell you that a GoG eNMEy is the best mechanical gun you can buy. And they would be right. But they're $150 new and around $100 used. If you can find a used one and don't mind the extra scratch, go for it and you'll have a pretty good budget setup. If not, you can find a 98 Custom or something along those lines and still have a good time out there. Search the used markets. A great thing about 98 Customs is that they're rental guns. Fields that either shut down or are changing stock will often sell off their old rentals cheap as dirt. I've seen 98s go for as low as $30.

Granted, if you're buying a rental gun you can assume it's been beat to shit. But these things really are tanks. They're kind of a pain in the ass to work on, but there's really not too much to mess with on them internally. If you're even reasonably handy, it shouldn't be something to worry about. Another similar blowback marker that's used as rentals are BT-4s. Not sure if they're really functionally any better or worse than 98s though.

If you have any more questions I'd be happy to help. Unfortunately paintball is an expensive sport/hobby to get into and your budget doesn't give much room to work with. Good luck and have fun out there.

In case some one would like to know;

http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Neoprene-Face-Mask-Smoke/dp/B003ICTER2

You would rather get these if your really keen on getting a mask that fully covers your head. It is a bit more pricey, but it is worth it since it will be very comfortable and is a cousin to one of the most reputable googles in paintball, the JT Proflex.

Thanks mate, really appreciate it. I am still on the fence about this helmet:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00083DEUM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mainly because of the horror stories some of my friends have told me who have gotten shot on the sides and back of their heads. Also the full helmet looks cool imo.

As for pants go (yikes!) definitely on the pricier side of gear. But I'm sure they're worth the investment.

Now I need to find a solid pair of cleats. Getting into paintball has been quite the investment ;)

Kinda tight if you're buying new.


Usable gear would be a kit like this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019EALJ10/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1522785480&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=paintball+kit&dpPl=1&dpID=51zEMBiWPML&ref=plSrch

...but throw the mask it comes with away and use a Helix thermal.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002C01IWU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522785682&sr=8-1-spons&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=helix+thermal&psc=1&smid=A371G8H8A5MY53

I leave min plugged in, but cover it in this paintball mask bag. It's a little tight, but covers well enough. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OKTVLG4/

I used Amazon gloves
,Mask

These are probably outside of your pricerange, considering the cost of the gun, but they're the best full facemask that you can buy.

FogTech - https://www.amazon.com/MotoSolutions-FogTech-Anti-Fog-Paintball-Glasses/dp/B001JR4CIO

Get some Fogtech to deal with the fogging up problem. That stuff is amazing and works great. A fan built in sounds gimmicky and something that will break on your first wipeout.

I dont wear glasses so don't know which googles will be big enough to go over them. But try them out at a shop and you'll be good to go.

https://www.amazon.com/JT-Proshield-Spectra-Thermal-Goggles/dp/B06XD82XFL/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494899173&sr=8-2&keywords=jt+proshield

Great option new.

Yeah there are a few good options for eyepro in the $15-20 area, anything Pyramex with the right ratings or these too. Cheap doesn't necessarily = bad even if there are nicer goggles out there.

Empire Helix Goggle Thermal Lens - Black Header https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9HWOBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ejYozb2253B6A

Here is the other one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GLS8K2U

Please link. Save phace even sells their own products directly on Amazon and none of those photos have it. They have ansi ratings at the top but no photos from either side show that

Save Phace 2000353 Mirrored Smoked Lens for TM https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AT5GA4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qHVYCb8MV5FSG
Save Phace Sport Utility Mask 2 SUM SUM2 Just Ill Series - Total Eclipse https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0721YM7DQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YHVYCb0EZ8JQP

Save Phace 3010837 Grunt Series Tactical Goggles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094FSFXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TIVYCbPKGHEJP

I used a paintball vest for the punisher. It was really cheap but looks pretty cool. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005X03OOQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_6auxub0KYYCRQ

https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Safety-Resistance-Airsoft-Paintbal/dp/B00GLS8K2U


Not quite the same but pretty close. Also, there are many other options via airsoft masks that aren't quite the same.

Maybe a MOLLE board like this?

check out the invert helix its about $33 and is a dual pain thermal lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Empire-Helix-Goggle-ThermaL-Lens/dp/B00M9HSK4A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422397622&sr=8-4&keywords=invert+helix+mask

Try Fogtech. It's the only thing that I've found that works. I rode to the Dragon Rally in pouring rain last year and my glasses never steamed up, it's not cheap though.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/FOGTECH-SOLUTION-HELMET-VISOR-BOTTLE/dp/B001JR4CIO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421769831&sr=8-2&keywords=fogtech

Try some of this stuff: MotoSolutions - FogTech

If you're looking for just the gun, A TMC will be your best bet. If you also want some other equipment here are some links.

This is a molle vest that also comes with pouches
GZ XINXING Black Tactical Airsoft Paintball Vest (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077P7GC76/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-8jPDb57S6RNT

I would also recommend a dump pouch so you don't lose any mags in fast reload situations.
Warrior Quest 1000D Nylon Folding Tactical Dump Pouch - Foldable Molle Magazine Mag Dump Pouch (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076H97B14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_f-jPDbXKJ4AEA

Depending on how much paint you shoot your going to want a tank. I use a 13ci 3000 on my TMC and I can get about 5 mags before I'm out.
HK Army Aluminum HPA Tank - 13/3000 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MH4XJM7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_c.jPDb07B4QAK

You don't need to splurge on anything dance when it comes to the gun. However, YOU NEED A GOOD MASK.

Here's the mask that I use. It's wallet friendly and hasn't fogged up on me once.
Empire Helix Goggle Thermal Lens - Black Header https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9HWOBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sakPDb62F98GB



All of these items I personally use myself, and all of my loadoat costed me about 350-400 bucks.

Have you tried a floating lens setup like these? So far so good for me.

I used the Smith Optic turbo fans for awhile, but in the hot summers not even the fans couldn't keep up. Switched to low profile glasses for awhile and that was a huge mistake for me as well. Try a pair of floating lens.

i used one of these for years.
https://www.amazon.com/Invert-Helix-Thermal-Paintball-Goggles/dp/B00M9HSK4A

https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Paintball-X-Ray-Single-Goggle/dp/B0014UWJJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480818101&sr=8-1&keywords=empire+xray

Aaaaaaand you're on a list.

Here you go, though.

Get a JT Proshield. It's like 20 years old and a pain to switch lenses, but there's a reason why Empire had to restart production after they discontinued it and people complained. This one even comes default with thermal lens: https://www.amazon.com/JT-Spectra-Proshield-Thermal-Goggle/dp/B003FVR6S0

The Empire Helix is cheaper with an easier lens as well, which is also thermal: https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Paintball-Helix-Thermal-Goggle/dp/B00M9HSK4A?th=1

I would just test fit both of them and buy whichever is more comfortable. If you still can't decide, try factoring in which one lets you see better, lens availability at your area, etc.

You should get the patriot color dye: amazon.com

Chinese knockoffs

How's this?
https://www.amazon.com/JT-Proshield-Spectra-Thermal-Goggles/dp/B06XD82XFL/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527116431&sr=8-2&keywords=jt+proflex

Whilst I'm at it do you guys know how to plug holes like the ones on this mask? https://www.amazon.com/Protection-Safety-Resistance-Airsoft-Paintbal/dp/B00GLS8K2U

I stuff it in one of these

I bought this paintball mask bag based on a recommendation from this sub. It fits the rift perfectly and keeps dust and light out while it sits on my desk.

MOLLE system (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) is standard military mounting system, can be rigid or cloth. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01F42XK6Y/ref=pd_aw_sim_200_of_59?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=JQ0Q76FMXZ37MNEFGN8Q

This beaut

Hey good to have you back /u/dbees! I'm with you, used to be big into it and went to a Bachelor Party and got bit! So here's my setup!

Amazon has the Invert Helix with dual-pane lenses (less fog)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M9HSK4A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I picked up an O2 tank (Co2 is out, compressed air is the way to go now) for like... $30 or $40. I would link it but the one I bought isn't in stock anymore


I went on ebay and picked up an Ion XE for like... $75 and I had to put a new board in it (for $50) and I also bought a used Halo II hopper and full pod set (w/ some other crap) for $100.


It's not a pretty set up... and it's not the best, but it's enough to go have some fun again!


Welcome back!

These would be better less prone to fogging so you won't have to worry about him taking them off as much to clear the fog. (You tell him not to, but I see it all the time on the fields.)

Here is what I'm getting him for eye protection.

Here you are! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F42XK6Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you want a custom sheet check out these guys, although it's going to cost you a lot more than $30 :'(

http://www.wildecustomgear.com/store/molle-safe-panel-organizer

Sorry I just read the last part of your post here is a pair we recommend to everyone at our field that needs to wear glasses https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0772SCJDT/ref=mp_s_a_1_38?ie=UTF8&qid=1525435355&sr=1-38&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

Defogging product is your best bet. The EG2's have huge vents (annoyingly large enough that snow and water fall through the top easily) so venting is not the issue.

I use Cat Crap myself, you just spread it on with your fingers and wipe smooth with a cloth. If you're worried about scratches though you could try this it works alright, not as good as cat crap. The only annoying thing is you have to apply it before hand as it needs several hours to dry afterwards.

1. cheap option
   2.expensive option
   
   I’d definitely ask around for suggestions but dual-pane is the way to go. Don’t need to worry about special coatings/ anti fog spray/ fans/ etc. dual pane goggles simply work without fuss.

yea i saw that....it just seems so, flimsy looking
http://www.amazon.com/JT-ProFlex-Paintball-Mask-Black/dp/B00083DET8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374287810&sr=8-1&keywords=JT+Proflex