Ultimate Guide to Airsoft Face and Eye Protection

Eye and face protection are the most important items to have in your airsoft kit. They protect you from the inherent safety hazards we, as airsofters, have experienced and seen. At the same time, airsoft is a fun and usually safe sport; There is nothing fun about getting shot in the teeth by a 6mm plastic BB traveling at 400 feet per second. But there is no need to worry as there are many different ways to protect yourself! Some options include full-face paintball-style masks, lower mesh face protection in combination with full-seal goggles, and full-seal glasses*.

But which one is best for you? Or which will keep you from fogging up? And what is the difference between each of them? We will break it down into basic categories to help you safely have fun on the airsoft field.

If you're new to airsoft, you will likely be spending the most in your first year of playing, and chances are you'll be spending the most on an airsoft gun. Face protection is required to play; you don't want to cheap out on it. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to achieve good face and eye protection at a reasonable price.

There are plenty of full-face options for experienced players as well. Paintball-style masks can provide additional fog resistance, comfort, and customizability.

Dye Precision creates premium full-face goggles that paintball and airsoft players of all levels universally use. The Dye series has become a staple for indoor CQB and competitive speedsoft players due to their anti-fog thermal lens, comfort, unique style, and vast color options. The Dye series of masks offers full coverage while maintaining levels of comfort and clearness that are second to none in the industry.

At Amped, we offer both the Dye i4 and Dye i5 models. Both styles provide maximized protection, but the newer i5 model offers a wider face profile and an upgraded crank-style retention system. Dye Precision delivers a vast collection of color options for their masks and lenses, which are available to purchase separately.

Similarly, the Push Goggle System provides maximum protection, visibility, and comfort. These masks offer total face fit customization with an adjustable nose bridge, soft earpieces, and plenty of ventilation to help beat the fog while on the airsoft field. The Push Goggles are available in different colors and unique styles.

If you want more premium goggles but want to avoid paying the steep price, HK Army has a similar but cheaper mask. They also provide excellent protection for airsoft and paintball players and are known for their unique mask designs and color options. The popular HK Army Skull Goggles are not only one of the most interesting masks we've seen, but they are ASTM-certified to withstand paintballs or airsoft bbs.

If you are looking for face protection but prefer a more low-profile and Milsim type of gameplay, don't worry. There are plenty of options for you. You can reach the same level of protection by using lower mesh face masks alongside rated and full-seal goggles or full-seal glasses*.

Another often-used pair of glasses are the Oakley SI-Ballistic M-Frames. Oakley is known for its high-quality products that can withstand high-velocity impacts. They are more expensive than the alternatives but offer uncompromising protection. They don't have a built-in full-seal, but you can attach the removable gasket system.

The final version of glasses-style eye protection are Pit Vipers. However, since Pit Vipers are not full seal, they should only be used for real-steel or gel blasters... or just for looking awesome. All Pit Vipers we carry here at Amped Airsoft are Z87+ rated and include an adjustable headband you can add to your pair. You can also angle the lenses down to protect your eyes further and extend the temple pieces.

*When airsoft guns are used for target practice with a paper or gel target and a backstop sufficient to prevent ricochet, shooters may wear eye protection (shooting glasses) appropriate for use with firearms, ball bullet (BB) guns or air guns that meet ANSI Z87.1. The balance of this specification applies to EPDs designed for use by participants in tactical sports using airsoft guns. (ASTM F2879-18 - Standard Specification for Eye Protective Devices for Airsoft Sports, n.d., sec. 1.2)

One of the worst things to happen mid-gameplay is "goggle fog." Luckily for us, a solution exists, and it's called ExFog. Imagine hiking with all your gear into enemy territory, getting ready to line up your shot, and just like that, your goggles are fogged up, and you can't see your opponent.

ExFog is an anti-fog system that mounts to your headgear with Velcro (or by using their headband options) to regulate the temperature inside your goggles using two tubes that push out air. ExFog is an absolute game changer, saving us countless times from Goggle-Fog.




In addition to Exfog, Valhalla Airsoft created the Integrated Airflow Gasket, which is used with the Exfog system to provide easy, consistent, and safe airflow across the inside of your eye pro. You just clip these onto your glasses or goggles, plug the tubes into the tube guides, turn on the Exfog system, and you're done. Say goodbye to poking your eyes with tubes or having to MacGyver your expensive HELO kits. We recommend both these systems for fogless gameplay.




You can also use fog wipes and spray for a cheaper but temporary solution. Check out all of our anti-fog solutions here.

Overall, eye protection is the most important thing an airsofter can invest in within the bounds of this hobby. Without a clear and protective eye pro, your airsoft experience can be frustrating and potentially hazardous.

At Amped Airsoft, we are happy to help you get set up with the protection that best suits you. If you still have questions, contact our customer service using the chat option or drop us a line via email.