Love playing paintball? It’s definitely one of our favorite things to do, and one of our recommended team-building activities. If you wear prescription glasses, you may find yourself facing a dilemma. How to ensure the best comfort and vision without putting your eye safety at risk? Are contact lenses the best option, or should you find a paintball mask that you can wear over the top of your spectacles?
No need to give it a moment’s more consideration: we’ve done the legwork for you. Below you’ll find all your options if you wear glasses and are a keen paintballer.
It’s All About Size
If you’re a major paintball fan, then it may be worth buying a specific pair of prescription glasses online that are of the smallest size possible – without compromising comfort. While oversized specs and chunky frames may be in fashion right now, the bigger your glasses are, the harder it’ll be to wear them beneath your paintball mask.
Opt for small glasses featuring minimalist frames for the best result. As a bonus, smaller lenses are less likely to fog up during a game, could be better for your peripheral vision, and are generally less likely to fall off than their oversized counterparts.
Try a Large Paintball Google
Another option for glasses-wearing paintball fans is to opt for large paintball goggles instead of a mask. Extra-large goggles will usually accommodate most types and sizes of frames without compromising on face protection. Plus, many players appreciate the wider field of view that this kind of protective eyewear provides.
This is a good solution if you don’t fancy splashing out another pair of prescription specs to wear for paintball matches.
Best Paintball Goggles for Glasses Wearers
Empire E-Flex Paintball Goggles
These goggles are great for spec-wearers, as they’re generously sized and incorporate an ultra-soft face skirt, meaning maximum comfort. The anti-fog lenses and high degree of breathability are a bonus, too.
Dry Precision I4 Thermal Paintball Goggles
The co-molded frame of these goggles helps to ensure a super comfortable fit, even for those who wear prescription glasses. The chin strap also adds security, so you can get on with the game without worrying about the goggles falling off.
JT Spectra Flex 8 Full Head & Face Coverage Paintball Goggles
The full head coverage means that most glasses will fit comfortably beneath these goggles – the removable visor has actually been designed to fit over spectacles. It’s also lightweight and features effective venting to prevent your lenses from fogging up at a crucial moment of the game!
Consider Prescription Lens Inserts
Alternatively, you could purchase some prescription lens inserts to fit inside sports goggles or paintball masks. Many wearers prefer this option as the lack of hinges, temples, and end pieces tends to equal a greater comfort level.
Other advantages of this option include the fact that lenses can be easily removed or replaced if they become scratched or otherwise damaged, so there’s no need to replace the entire mask; plus, they are designed to be high-impact, so they will withstand the rigors of the game.
On the downside, it can be tricky to ensure a secure fit, and there’s a chance that they could work loose if you’re doing a lot of running and jumping during the match.
How About Wearing Contact Lenses Instead?
Wearing contact lenses will solve many of the problems connected with wearing glasses beneath a paintball mask, although there are some important things to consider with this option.
For one, if you get something in your eye during a match, it’s not as simple as giving your specs a quick wipe and replacing them. You’ll probably need to remove your contact lens completely and clean it with lens solution before replacing it, which could be very tricky to do in the middle of a paintball match!
Also, if you get a case of dry eye, the discomfort this causes may well put you off your game and significantly dent your enjoyment of the match.
How to Prevent Your Glasses Fogging Up Beneath a Paintball Mask
This is a common problem for glasses wearers, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the annoyance. As we mentioned above, wearing smaller glasses will usually result in less fogging up; it’s also important to ensure your paintball mask fits properly. If your mask is too tight or loose, this can interfere with airflow and cause the dreaded specs mist. Try adjusting the air vents on your mask, too, also to ensure optimal airflow.
You could also try applying anti-fog spray or wipes to your lenses just before a game, which could significantly improve things. Keeping your lenses clean and debris-free is also a good idea: dirty lenses tend to fog up more quickly.
The Takeaway: What to Consider When Wearing Prescription Glasses with a Paintball Mask
Firstly, you need to ensure that the paintball mask or goggles will fit comfortably over your glasses without putting any pressure on the lenses or the frames. Check, too, that wearing your spectacles beneath the mask doesn’t affect how well the mask seals around the edges – this is to prevent paint and other debris from potentially getting into your face and eyes,
Make sure that the glasses and mask combo offers you a good, clear field of vision and that it’s comfortable to wear for even the longest-running of games. Using these tips and the information in the guide above will help you be able to forget about eyewear concerns and get on with just beating the opposition at paintball!
