Paintball masks are too heavy and suffocating for airsoft games, which generally last longer. There are lighter hard material masks made specifically for airsoft as well. But if you find the hard-shell masks for airsoft to be too clunky as well, you have the option to go with soft material masks too.
In general, soft material mask for Airsoft can protect you from bruises, wind, cold, and UV rays but aren’t as good at minimizing pain if you get hit with an Airsoft BB. They usually protect your mouth and lower face but can also cover your entire head.
In this article, you will learn more about the different types of soft material masks and what they are good for. You will also find out what you should look for when buying an airsoft mask and my top picks for fabric masks for Airsoft. By the end of this post, you’ll know everything you need to make a decision that you will be happy with.
Can A Soft Material Airsoft Mask Protect Me?
Airsoft masks are lighter than paintball masks, making movement easier. However, some players find hard airsoft masks still pretty difficult to lug around. Fortunately for them, soft material masks for Airsoft exist. But how well do they work?
Soft material masks can work to protect your teeth and lighten the impact of any BBs that accidentally hit your face. They don’t protect you from pain but can prevent irreversible damage in case you are shot in the teeth.
In this article, you will learn more about the two types of soft material masks for Airsoft, alongside how well they can protect you. You will also discover the advantages of these masks alongside the specific contexts in which you should use them. By the end of this post, you will find my top recommendations for soft material masks for Airsoft.
Are Soft Material Masks Allowed In Airsoft?
The most important question is whether soft material masks can even be used in an airsoft field. Only if they are allowed is the discussion about their effectiveness relevant. Fortunately, soft-material masks are allowed in Airsoft, which means you can exercise this option if you find it sufficient.
Please note that many airsoft fields don’t require you to have a mask. The mandatory protection requirement concerns the eyes. You need to wear goggles or some type of eye protection that prevents Airsoft BBs from making contact with your eyes.
Since airsoft fields allow you to play without a mask, the fact that they allow you to play with a soft material mask doesn’t mean much. Whether a soft mask is as good as no mask can be seen from the region it protects.
Why Would You Want A Soft Material Mask For Airsoft?
You might want to use a soft material mask, so your mask doesn’t slow you down. Soft material masks are pretty good for mobility and offer pretty much the same protection as denim offers your legs. In other words, face shots will sting on a soft material mask, but they won’t cause harm.
Aside from breaking the BB impact, they also cover up your mouth, so you don’t get shot in the teeth. One of the few ways in which an Airsoft BB can irreversibly damage the body includes tooth chipping. In other words, soft masks can offer decent protection against the worst-case scenario (tooth shots) but do very little to protect you from the pain of a skin shot.
The advantages of a soft material mask for Airsoft are that it is:
- Lightweight – Since they are made from soft materials, they weigh less, which means you can move quickly and without lugging a heavy load.
- Cheaper – It costs less to make a soft-material mask, so these masks can cost as little as 10% of the overall price of the hard shell masks.
What Type Of Soft Material Airsoft Mask Is Best?
Balaclava masks are better for Airsoft than neoprene masks in terms of protection, while neoprene masks are better at being breathable. Both of these offer less protection than hard-shell polymer masks but are good enough for the low-profile protection required by players with a good defense strategy.
Use a neoprene mask if:
- You have trouble breathing in a thermal balaclava mask – In hot and humid areas, neoprene masks are better for low-profile protection than a balaclava.
- You don’t expect to get hit in the face – A neoprene mask is as good as no mask for the rest of your face except your mouth. Most airsoft players never get hit in the face anyway.
- You have a good cover strategy – If your defense is good enough, your mask doesn’t need to be exceptionally good.
Use a balaclava mask if:
- You want to look good on the field – Balaclava masks can be intimidating and good-looking, especially in the context of an airsoft game.
- You can manage to breathe through a balaclava – If you have breathing problems, get a respirator-style hard-shell mask instead of a balaclava.
- You play in a relatively cold environment – Balaclava can keep your face warm, but that can be a liability if you are in a hot place.
Soft Material Airsoft Masks: A Buying Guide
Now that you know how well soft airsoft masks can work and in which situations you should be using them let’s look at how you can pick the right mask for you. This section is a buying guide that can help you choose the best soft material airsoft mask.
Judge a soft material airsoft mask by the following:
- Material – There are two types of soft material masks. The neoprene material masks and fabric balaclavas feature fleece, silk, or even bamboo. You have to be sure that the material doesn’t cause an allergic reaction and that it is comfortable.
- Appearance – The appearance of the mask itself is quite a major factor for most players. To the extent that that matters to you, you must account for it in your purchase.
- Breathability – How breathable the material is should also be considered, especially if you have breathing problems. In warmer areas, a mask that isn’t sufficiently breathable can become too hot to wear for an extended period.
Best Soft Material Masks For Airsoft
If you have decided to go for the soft material type instead of the hard shell masks, then you must ensure breathability and comfort. Buying masks online makes it hard to test these factors. That’s why I have put together a short list of my favorite soft material masks for airsoft. For more information on mask materials, check this article out.
For Cold Regions: Astroai Balaclava Ski Mask
The best part about this AstroAI mask is that it doesn’t look out of place in any tactical game. It can also be worn for almost any other activity aside from Airsoft. This mask’s broad thematic compatibility is far from its main selling point, though.
It is made from superfine fleece, which balances protection with comfort. This lightweight and stretchy fabric can easily fit most players. The fact that it is meant to protect snowboarders and skiers from low temperatures means it has decent padding that can minimize the sting of Airsoft BB.
The front of this mask has a mesh fabric which is the most breathable soft material for masks. In fact, such mesh is used for hard-shell masks as well.
One of the major issues with buying a mask online is that you can get the wrong size. This product has a sizing chart that helps you pick the best fit. With the right fit, protection, and breathability, it is pretty much the best balaclava mask to wear to an airsoft game. Perhaps that is the reason behind its #1 position in the Powersports Balaclavas category.
But Powersports mask performance doesn’t automatically translate to airsoft performance. Fortunately, multiple reviews cite it as an excellent option for Airsoft in the winter. With over 21,000 reviews and ratings, this mask has 4.3 stars on a 5-star scale.
82% of the customers have given it 5 stars or 4 stars, while 10% have given it 3 stars. To ensure that you find it to be a 5-star mask and not a 3-star one, you must get it only if you reside in a cold state.
For Warm Regions: Zanheadgear Neoprene Woodland Camo Half Mask
If you play Airsoft in a relatively warmer region and don’t want your mask to heat up your head, this headgear offers ideal protection. It is made of lightweight neoprene and has durable nylon-bound edges. The closure is a simple hook and loop mechanism, and it has a great camo print, which can go with camo trousers, pants, etc.
It has 4.4 stars out of 5 for its value-for-money proposition and 4.1 stars for comfort. However, its overall average rating is 3.7 out of 5. Even though this is derived from just over 200 reviews and ratings, it points towards the potential for disappointment. Buy this mask only if you are based in a warm state, as it isn’t sufficient for frigid temperatures.
For Broad Use: Fuinloth Balaclava Face Mask
Having covered the best masks for cold and warm regions, this one is best for overall use across different climates. It can work in the summers as well as winters, especially in an airsoft-adjacent use. You might have to remove it during breaks to further cool your head in the summers, but in the winters, you will keep it on throughout your airsoft game time.
It is the #1 product in the “men’s balaclavas” category, which speaks for its broad function compatibility and climate-friendliness. The material used for this mask is 100% polyester, which in this case, is quite a breathable composite fabric. You can wash it and even fold it for use as a forehead sweatband. With 20 different designs and color choices, you will easily find one that you like. That said, it is not as good-looking a mask as the rest in this post.
Still, it has the best average rating of all. With over 17,700 reviews on Amazon, its global collective average sits at 4.5 stars on a 5-star scale. To have that high of a rating after accumulating thousands of reviews is no ordinary feat. 85% of its customers have given it 5 or 4 stars.
More specifically, the product has 4.5 stars for being breathable, 4.5 stars for its lightweight, and 4.3 stars for comfort. Since the reviewer pool is made up of the general public, the relatively lower comfort level can be attributed to prolonged use, which isn’t a factor in Airsoft games.
During Airsoft, the mask is worn for up to an hour of uninterrupted play. After that, there is usually a break. And this balaclava is definitely comfortable enough to wear for a whole hour.
Soft Material Masks For Airsoft: The Faqs
Should I Get Goggles With Soft Material Masks?
You should always get additional eye protection with a soft material mask because these masks do not sufficiently protect your eyes.
Is Airsoft Mask Soft?
Airsoft mask is usually made from a hard material or is a hybrid with a breathing strip made from mesh or light fabric. Soft material masks are not usually players’ priority.
When Should You Wear A Soft Material Airsoft Mask?
You should wear a soft material airsoft mask only if you are confident that other players will not intentionally take headshots. Wear a fabric mask if a hard material mask is too distracting for you.
Is A Soft Material Mask Better Than A Hard Mask?
A soft material mask is better than a hard mask in price and weight but is not as good as a hard material mask in protection against impact. Since fabric hugs one’s face better, a soft material mask is often better at keeping one’s head warm.
Can You Wear A Soft Material Mask On Any Airsoft Field?
Most airsoft fields just require eye protection. Because you can play Airsoft without a mask, you can play it with a fabric mask as well. However, you might not be allowed to enter some airsoft games if you don’t have goggles with your fabric mask.