Welcome to an in-depth guide on eye protection. This comprehensive resource aims to enhance your understanding of various eye protection types and what constitutes quality eyewear in different settings.

Understanding Airsoft Eye Protection Types

Different airsoft play styles demand different types of eye protection, each offering a unique balance of safety and usability.

Goggles: Essential for Maximum Protection

Goggles are a popular choice for comprehensive eye protection. They are characterized by their full-seal design and headstrap, providing a secure fit. While they are highly protective, they rank slightly below full-face masks in overall safety. Goggles come in various sizes and styles, with some models like the BOLLE Cobra range being low-profile and others like the RothCo OTGs being large enough to fit over glasses.

Full Face Masks: Ultimate Safety Gear

Full face masks, commonly used in paintball, offer the highest level of protection among eye protection gear. These masks not only protect the eyes but also cover the ears and mouth. They are fully sealed and strapped to the head for a secure fit. Younger players and certain close-quarters battle (CQB) sites often require these masks. However, users should note that aiming might be more challenging with full face masks compared to other forms of eye protection.

Glasses: Lightweight but Less Protective

Glasses are the least protective form of eye protection. Their lightweight and low-profile design make them a comfortable option, but they lack the comprehensive protection of goggles or full face masks. Some glasses come with optional addons for increased protection, but they generally leave gaps at the top and sides. Certain sites may restrict or ban the use of glasses due to these safety concerns.

Eye Protection Ratings: Ensuring Safety Standards

Understanding the safety standards and ratings of eye protection is crucial for choosing the right gear.

European and American Standards: EN 166 and ANSI Z87+

EN 166, the EU’s official rating for eye protection, categorizes eyewear into B- and A- ratings based on their resistance to impacts (up to 6.19J and 15.52J, respectively). In the US, the ANSI Z87.1 standard rates goggles for impacts up to 3.03J. The glasses specification under this standard, however, only withstands impacts up to 1.1J, which is insufficient for activities like airsoft.

Military and Paintball Specifications: MIL-PRF 34232 and ASTM F1776

The MIL-PRF 34232, a US military standard, rates protective eyewear for impacts up to 15.46J. For paintball masks, the ASTM F1776 standard indicates a higher average resistance of 23.78J. These standards require users to consult datasheets for specific product ratings, as they don’t include markings on the eyewear.

Selecting the Right Eye Protection

Choosing suitable eye protection involves understanding the specific needs of your activity and the available products. Getting the right eye protection for airsoft can be the difference between a nice day out and a tragic day on the field.

Top Goggle Brands: BOLLE, REVISION, PYRAMEX

Some of the leading goggle brands include BOLLE, known for models like ATOM, PILOT, COBRA, and ATTACK, which are compatible with their anti-fog spray. REVISION’s DESERT LOCUST and PYRAMEX’s I-Force and V2G models are also popular choices among users looking for reliable eye protection.

Leading Full Face Masks: DYE and VALKEN

For full face masks, DYE offers several models, including the SE, i4, and i5, while VALKEN provides options like the Mi-3, Mi-5, and Mi-7. These masks typically feature single or thermal lens options to suit different environments and preferences.

Glasses-Compatible Options for Airsoft

For individuals who wear prescription glasses, there are specific goggles and face masks designed to accommodate glasses. Models like Rothco OTGs, BOLLE ATOM, and ESS Land Ops (for goggles) and DYE i4 and i5 (for face masks) are tailored to fit comfortably over glasses.

Enhancing Protection with Mesh Lower Masks

In addition to eye protection, it’s important to consider protecting other vulnerable facial areas. Lower mesh masks, such as those offered by OneTigris, provide protection for the mouth, teeth, and ears. The SteelMouth type, designed to be stitched into a balaclava, offers a more low-profile option. Rothco also offers steel half face masks.

Combating Fogging in Eye Protection

Fogging is a common issue in eye protection, but various methods can help reduce or eliminate it.

Effective Antifog Solutions

Applying an antifog solution, like specialized sprays from brands like Cat Crap and BOLLE, can significantly reduce fogging. Household items such as dish soap can also be effective.

Innovative Approaches: ExFog, Thermal Pane Systems, Fan Goggles

The ExFog system, which includes a small fan, helps keep the inner side of the eye protection cool, thereby reducing fogging. Thermal or double pane systems prevent condensation by maintaining an even temperature on both sides of the pane. There are also goggles that utilize fans like the ESS Profile Turbofan.

Best Practices for Eye Protection

Choosing the right eye protection requires careful consideration of the specific requirements of your activity and the standards set by various rating systems.

Ensuring Impact Rating Compliance

Before purchasing eye protection, always check for an impact rating to ensure safety. Avoid products that are unrated or do not specify their ratings clearly.

Avoiding Mesh Eyewear

Despite their availability, mesh eye protection is not recommended due to safety concerns and is medically advised against.