Good Loaner Masks?

[Levi]

I'm thinking about picking up a couple loaner masks as younger generations of the family are becoming old enough to play. I'm still rocking the JT masks I picked up over the last 25+ years. They've served me well, but I do not love the process of pulling the lenses out. Can you guys point me towards some modern options I should consider?

Some general things I'm looking for:

• Thermal lens
• Easy lens changes & cleanup
• Full coverage of face/jawline
• Comfortable to wear
• Visor (or forehead coverage)

It looks like the CRBN OPR might fit these criteria.... the Empire E-Vents 2.0 looks like a possibility as well. What say the great MCB brain-trust?

[Kit352]

The E-vents probably fit the bill and if you look around you can find them on clearance fur like $40 bucks.
Bunkerkings have a few decent masks as well.
Don't forget the proflex x masks.

[Trbo323]

You kind of have two opposites there. If you are looking for something with full face coverage for an adult that typically will not fit the younger kids all that well

E-vents are a great mask for most adults. I have one I keep as a loaner, the lens change is easy you just have to make sure and not lose the 2 little locking tabs. Most people who need glasses find they can work with these masks as well. Originally these came with visors in the early days no idea if they still come with them or not

Dye i4 for the younger kids. Specifically the 4 and not the 5. The ratchet system on the 5 makes it so that make doesn't fit kids as well. Adults sometimes find their jaw is exposed on the 4 more than they want. The lens system on the 4 I think is better than the 5 anyway. I understand why they changed it for the 5, they had to idiot-proof it more but the way it works on the 4 is really good imo. I know you can get visors for the 4, they just don't come with them

A cheap, but not as comfortable option, the empire helix thermal. Rental style foam and a1 piece mask construction. But these use the same lenses as the e-vents so you can get whatever you want. If the foam is bothering you, rip it out and replace it with e-vents foam

Sent from my motorola edge 2024 using Tapatalk

[mercpb]

pretty much nailed it here ^

[I Missed On Purpose]

E-flex has the easy change lens part with all the benefits of breathing of proflex. or modern proshield but no quick change lens

[Jonnydread]

If you can find cheap Vio or BK masks I find they seem to fit a wide range of heads and work great

[1snowridr]

SOOOOOO. HK just released their new mask but the cool thing is it's frames are compatible with everything JT. The lens is easy to swap & they look great.

[Levi]

These look really nice. I'm tempted to pick up a frame and lens to convert my daily driver. Looks like the frame is gonna breathe better than the JT.

[MrKittyCatMeowFace]

I liked the vforce masks. The Grillz and the Profiler. .

[Maxwell]

Same exact time! Lol. VForce for the win.

[Cdn_Cuda]

My vote as well. Grills 2 aren’t the best mask but may be the best mask at their discounted price range. ANS has them super cheap. Profilers 2s are a great mask that checks all your boxes. Protection, field of vision, easy change lenses. I really like mine.

[Maxwell]

I always loved the VForce system, not sure if the Grill fits your fit profile but they're cheap used and a new thermal lens is $35. Toolless lens change takes maybe 30 seconds which is my selling point. I like clean gear and not spending a lot of time doing it.

[Magmoormaster]

The empire helix is the mask you’re looking for. It’s not fits just about everyone with a reasonable level of comfort, it’s cheap, and it has a very easy lens change.

[Cyberpyr8]

Yeah I still have about 7-8 laying around that I got for a field we were setting up. They are good masks for sure. Anyone wants one(or two, three..) I would probably let them go for the cost to ship them.

[cheapguitarscheapthrills]

Empire Events, basically a new spectra with a quick lense change perfect breathability and hard plastic in case they're not used to the proflex slap

Honorable mention to the HK army hstl

[mercpb]

I like Trbo's answer the most and my shorter easier answer is... the i4.

It will fit everyone and it's a good fit for younger folks/ladies. I don't want a 13 year old wearing a mask that doesn't fit well, I'd rather compromise a bit on the adult side. Fit is everything

PRO TIP: the VFORCE ARMOR visor snaps right into an I4 / I5 and they're on sale at ANSGEAR for $4. This really helps with total coverage (i see more forehead shots than chin shots)

[Levi]

Thanks for the visor tip! Definitely will be running visors to help facilitate a positive first paintball experience.

[Levi]

I appreciate all the guidance. What is a reasonable price for a used i4?

[Cdn_Cuda]

My market is small and foreign, but used to be able to get a used I4 for 50-80 CAD.

[Ecapnation]

First generation profilers or vforce shields/morphs....

Lenses are still available and compatible with moden profilers but already pretty good in regards to fogging.

Plus both can be had for under 40 used

[Impactfour]

I've got a jt spectra mask that I lend out with the option of a headband or a full head cover. I've found it has a good combination of breathability and coverage for new players and can be found for a good enough price not to break the budget.

[EvilCreature]

I use E-Vents 2.0 as my regular mask. I had been running it "stock" but just swapped in some JT soft lowers. No issues for me with my big head, super cheap, super easy to change lenses, easy to find visors for.