How do you protect the rest of your face?

[JeepDVLZ45]

I have what I would call a "full-figured" face. That being said, it feels like most masks are designed for 15-year-old skinny kids and don't cover my lower face (or extra chin) very well. I have taken quite a few shots to the jowls and I'm not a fan.

I run an Empire EVS as I found it had the best coverage for my face - but it still doesn't extend down far enough for my liking. I'm assuming this is a relatively common problem for most of us -- I've seen plenty of welts to support that claim. Does everyone just deal with this problem?

I've seen people thread paracord(?) through the bottom of their mask to help "extend" it downward. I've also seen some guys that add chainmail to the bottom of their masks. Other than growing your beard out (I know at least one of you wise-asses will suggest that) or keeping your chin down, do we have different options?

Of course, I want pics of you got'em

[Bulldogr6]

Few of the guys I play with have this chainmail stuff that somebody in the paintball community puts together I'll see if I can get details if you're interested

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[ATBen]

Gatormaille, a guy named Damian can make it in a number of styles and colours, words etc. Also makes a family jewel protector too!

[Bulldogr6]

https://www.facebook.com/gatormaille/

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[BlindFaith429]

Man that stuff is pretty cool. Thanks for the link.

[Grendel]

Sniper vale draped across throat.

[Alexndl]

I usually play with a shemagh around my head when its not too hot.

I fold it once to make a V
Center the long edge on my forehead like a headband
Put my mask on
Take the two side and wrap it on my chin and tie the back behind my neck
the shemag should cover 1" pass the bottom edge of the mask so no skin is exposed

will try to take a picture later

[JeepDVLZ45]

I have I shemagh that I picked up for my neck/face. I used youtube to learn to tie it where it covers just your neck or your face, head neck. The only problem is it's so flippin' hot that way with the mask during the summer. A good winder solution for sure (as long as you keep it dry)

[BigRed]

That chain mail is cool! You could always go with the made for big heads...Vforce Morph/Shield. They aren't stylish but function over form works in this case.

[Jonnydread]

These take the same lens as the Profiler so you can go thermal if need be. These are great quality masks for the price.

[glaman5266]

Plenty stylish if you ask me. lol

[Trbo323]

Push unite with the chin extension.

Great coverage, looks small, feels huge when wearing it

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[Menso]

I can’t believe OP is running an EVS. That’s one of the smaller masks on the market.

I’d like to try a Push Unite with that chin extension on one day, but that price point makes it tough. As a guy who has his jawline exposed with literally every mask he owns, I can vouch for the Virtue Vio Extend being the best mask I own in terms of full head coverage. My jawline is still exposed, but not as much compared to Profilers, Flexes, Grills, etc.

[JeepDVLZ45]

I’m surprised to hear that the EVS is one of the smaller masks out there (that’s good to know though! I’ll have look more when it’s time to replace this one)

I went to 2 “local” fields and into their pro shops and tried on everything I could at both shops.
The EVS gave me the best face coverage (I did trade more chin coverage for less jawline though) with a really good field of vision. ( Granted I am at the mercy of what the fields stock)

I can’t remember everything I tried on, but I know I tried a Dye I4 and I5, the EVS, a VForce Profiler, and a Push Unite (definitely didn’t have the chin extension - if I knew those existed at the time, I would have probably gone that route)

[Cyberpyr8]

I have the new HK HSTL mask and that one has a much longer chin line. For $65 brand new I thought I would try it and it seems decent. Haven't had a chance to play with it yet. It isn't soft like my push but it does seem to cover more in front.

[Chuck E Ducky]

If I want full protection I use one of Proflex masks. If I have something the following week where I don’t want to look like a dirty bird was sucking on my neck. I usually throw a bandanna tied up outlaw cowboy style around my neck. I also have a bunch of bull denim jerseys with tall collars. Like the Renagade Jersey eliminates welts all the way around. There is also a padded triangle shaped neck wrap Boston Paintball made for “reffing” that works the same. But most of the time I just take my neck shots.

I use my Flex for casual play. My Vio for competitive.

I trade coverage for profile with the Vio. I like the VIO because it’s durable, it’s got HD lens that are amazing, and it’s profile is as small as you can go while still covering my jaw. It fits my face perfectly. I recently picked up the BK version. They had a blow out sale on them and people are flipping them here. Some for a-lot more then others. But I have used one before and it’s another great mask. (Basically a fancy VIO but I wasn’t going to pay $230 for it)

Most other high end masks they are designed that way on purpose. Often exposing your lower chin neck area. They are often cut close and short in the forehead area because it’s the first thing exposed in a snap shot. Pro PB players work hard to lower the profile while snap shooting. They will even adjust play style based on gear they are currently using/sponsored by. In the game of speed milliseconds count. These small masks are designed to take advantage of that tiny window. That’s why they sit as close to your face as possible and are as narrow at the bottom as possible. I expect Dynasty to be getting shot in the face a bit more going back to the flexes. Maybe they will adjust quickly.

In the woods it’s less important because bunkers are often differently shaped, it’s easy to reposition for field advantage, mask profile becomes less important. It’s More about finding what fits your face and won’t fog on you. Less in your face heads up snap battles in woods.

[Shaftski]

We used to use scuba tank mesh way back when. Attach to chin area just like the chainmail, but you can get different colors and cut it to exact shape you need. It's just enough material to prevent high velocity skin contact. Cheap, like 10 bucks.

If you want more coverage weave paracord into the mesh to taste.

[Chuck E Ducky]

You don’t find that stuff hanging off the bottom of your mask intrusive? I feel like that chainmail would get in the way make a ton of noise on a mask.

[Shaftski]

Tank mesh you can get used to it pretty quick, it's stretchy and flexible vinyl, negligible weight. Doesn't need to hang down too far for it to give protection. Weaving paracord into the mesh so it hangs down like beard dreads can offer better skin protection without affecting ventilation. Quiet and lightweight.

[Chuck E Ducky]

PE makes these to. I think Sherry has them
at the shop last time I was there to.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363462105975?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338765313&toolid=10001&customid=d5a0c454944d297c9f21c745cd252703

[JeepDVLZ45]

I think you're right, I feel like I've seen them there...it's been a while since I've seen Sherry....I may have to pay her a visit to see what is floating around the shop

[woouulf]

I 2nd for the neck protectors

[MrBarraclough]

Won't do anything for the jawline/jowls, but I wear one of these Exalt neck protectors. They're thicker than the old neoprene band style ones, but surprisingly flexible since the EVA foam padding is segmented. To me, a neck protector is an essential piece of equipment, on par with gloves. I never play without both.

In terms of mask coverage, I run the old style JT Spectra/Proshield, which offers more chin and jawline coverage than the newer style.

[AnarchicArctic]

You should probably grow your beard out and keep your head down. That said, I once made what I call the big dumb mask mod. Cut up an old leader mask and used it’s included studs to attach it to my evs for more coverage.