Factory Seconds - VIO Ascend

[ford]

Ever since PBRL reviewed the Virtue Ascend goggle I wanted to check it out. Forever I've sported my JT Flex-7s, but as their value is reaching Moody's grading levels... and I got tired of paying for garbage lenses (yes, I've heard they fixed the problem but I'm over them). These Days I'm running a BK CMD.

The Deal
As much as I love the CMD goggle. I've wanted a decent backup goggle for friends to use and I was curious about this 'factory seconds' offering. Usually I wouldn't enjoy wearing this 'ecto el tigre' color scheme but for the price? What do I have to lose?

Cosmetic Issue only - These brand new goggles have never been used, but may have a scratch, blemish or other flaws in the graphic film design on the body of the goggle. Many goggles in the batch were not affected at all, but we are selling entire batch as Factory Seconds. Our loss, is your gain. Get a great deal on these Factory Seconds. Sold as is. Not returnable. Perfect reffing, rental, or backup goggles.

So... you don't quite know what you're getting, but you get Virtue's quality lens, the replaceable foam (didn't know this was a need til my old GI Profiler foam came off) and a comfy head strap and chin strap. TAKE MY MONEY!!!

The Mask
Well, I gotta tell you, I wasn't expecting much but I'm pleasantly surprised.



First, they aren't any scratches dings or scuffs. The biggest 'issue' is the color. You don't have that black/ecto-green look going on. Everything is olive.


Also.. the face-facing part of the mask feels a little gritty. A little rubbing with some isopropyl alcohol I was able to leach off some color and some little gritty bits.

Probably not a big deal. Color wise, I think it's fine. Reminds me of a Scott Stalker in olive taken 'TO THE EXTREME!'

The Value
Given the price and the quality of Virtue products I think this is a good deal if you're not picky about color and are looking for a good goggle. I wish Virtue was a little bit more open about what you're buying in the listing but I guess that's the gambit right?

Comfort and breathability, it reminds me of my GI Profilers. Not bad breathing wise but not as good as a CMD or ProFlex. Same with comfort good, but not great. Also, they advertise this mask as flexible... I would say it's bendable. The only part that really is flexible (as in ProFlex-esque flex) are the ears area.

Final Thoughts
So is it right for you? If I were starting out and looking to save cash this is great. If I were a ref, I would maybe think twice. There are just more comfortable offerings and as a ref you're wearing your mask all day. As a backup google for a buddy this is perfect.

PBRML: https://www.paintballruinedmylife.co...ask-paintball/
VIO deal: https://virtuepb.com/products/virtue...e-graphic-lime

[Jonnydread]

I’m a huge fan of these goggles, they are fairly inexpensive and great quality. I have two pairs that I rotate through. I have a CMD and it’s fine, but I’m not in love with it. I really want to try the CBRN masks but they’re a bit more than I want to spend right now

[Shaftski]

i picked up one of these in red/blackrecently because i needed a new lens for my vio and for only a few bucks more got a full frame setup.

some mild distortion/fade of the pattern near the ears on the side but not very noticeable. other than that no different than any other ascend off the shelf.

[zinger565]

I picked up a black and blue one a few months back. Agreed with all the points above. Mine only had one "scuff" on the cheek, which looks more like pattern warp than anything. Otherwise I couldn't find anything else "wrong'. Great mask, great value.