Masks

[Mully]

Can anyone recommend some paintball masks for RBT training. We have a bunch of scott masks and we are looking to upgrade. Seen some nice JT masks but curious on what working for other people.

[justken2u]

Hey Mully:

The best masks on the market currently are sold by ATK. Get the Force One helmet. Avoid the Force Two (soft shell) helmet. Check out www.forceonforce.com

[mpd046]

Ken,

What's wrong with the Force Two helmet? Our department was actually considering them. We need some kind of helmet that allows for a good cheek weld with the patrol rifles and shotguns during simunition training.

Matt

[justken2u]

I've tested the Force Two and found that they did not sit well on the head and face, fogged pretty badly, and did not sanitize easily without getting "soaked". The idea of a soft shell helmet was a good one, but the function of this one (in my opinion) was not great. They also do not integrate well with a helmet if you are planning on using them with one. I don't use them in my program.

If sanitation between users isn't an issue and you need something form fitting, I've played around with the mask from UTM with some success. You need an independent goggle (any non-fogging, ANSI rated goggle will do) and then the face piece wraps over top. You still have the sanitation issues, but they breathe very well and sit on the head exceptionally well. They also integrate well with a helmet. YOU MUST PURCHASE INDEPENDENT THROAT PROTECTION. This face cover provides insufficient neck coverage. (PS ... stay away from their gloves ... not great)

Another choice is the helmet made by Eye Tactical if cheek weld is an issue. There are pros and cons to this helmet. I absolutely DESPISE the "shroud" that they have that clips to the helmet. I have addressed this issue with the manufacturer over and over again, but they have simply ignored me. If you buy this helmet you will know what I mean. It this ends up being your choice, contact me by phone and I will give you some instructions for potentially rescuing the helmet by modifying the "shroud" if you have someone that can sew. Also BEWARE ...... there are two different versions of this mask. One is designed to be worn with a ballistic helmet and the other is NOT. If the one designed to be worn with the helmet is used WITHOUT the helmet, there is a VERY SERIOUS safety issue. You need to know exactly which helmet you are going to order and be very clear with the supplier. I know first hand that the suppliers don't have a clue as to which is which. YOU MUST PURCHASE INDEPENDENT THROAT PROTECTION. This shroud provides insufficient neck coverage and actually conceals whether or not you are wearing a neck protector (not good)

Wish I had better news for you on a helmet designed to provide a cheek weld. I know that ATK is working toward improving their helmet design to accommodate the cheek weld but they are not there yet. In the meantime I cannot recommend the Force Two.

[mpd046]

Thanks for the information. I'm so glad I asked....The sanitation and fogging issues are something I hadn't given a lot of thought to. Thanks again.

Matt