I still don't get it myself, a mesh lower face mask seems pretty marginal to me when up against shrapnel. And as to why the Metropolitan Police would be wearing them proper boggles my noggin. But I was never any kind of armed forces so what do I know.
But I will say I was VERY glad I was wearing mine yesterday as I was shot HARD in the head by something full auto that felt like well over 2 joules, more a full auto sniper. But my mesh mask with ear pieces and US surplus ESS goggles saved me from losing teeth I have no doubt at all.
So yeah, lower face mesh and ESS for the win I say.
I still bled though and I'm now considering a helmet, which I never did before, as the beanie wasn't enough.* I always thought helmets were a bit much but now... well a thicker beanie at the very least.
*Plus he aimed for my head not centre mass, AND fired another burst at my face after I called it and raised my hand. I'm left wondering what I did wrong that someone disliked me so much that they wanted to cause me pain. I called all my (frequent) hits, wasn't anything but nice to everyone I spoke with, complimented people's kit and guns, I don't have any political or controversial morale patches, deliberately steer clear of talking politics so... why?
I've been playing airsoft for 10 years+ now and I've NEVER been hit with a full auto like that before.