New to Airsoft - What Full Face to get?

[WillMidz]

Hi guys, 

 

Im trying to find a good full face mask to start with that’s a reasonable price, not cheap, so good quality between £50-£100. I have been to my first Airsoft session and would like to get a few of the basics before my next game:

 

Gloves (Finger shots are not groovy)

Headgear 

Crotch Guard (This was the last shot of the day and it got me where a Crotch Guard would protect me  ) 

 

I’m sorted now for Gloves and guard, I just need face protection. 
 

All shops near me sell the dye masks but they seem a bit pricey for my first mask. The mask I’ve focused on is the HK Army HSTL. Looks good, didn’t fog (dual lens) during my rental game as this was the brand i used during my first game in the rental pack, it was comfortable for the entire day. My other requirement is that it’s not a unique mask online and getting hold of the parts for it is difficult and costly. 
 

Would you recommend the HK Army HSTL or would you opt for something better for the money? 
 

https://extremeairsoft.co.uk/product/hk-army-hstl-goggle-thermal-carbon/

 

Will

 

[Rogerborg]

I'd pay less, for a Valken MI-7, or more for a Dye of your choice.

 

I use the Valken, and it's the only eye-pro that I've never managed to fog up. It's got a dual-pane lens, that sits just far enough clear of your face so that I can't sweat it up.  The Dyes are apparently more tolerating in fit, but I'm fine with the harder plastic of the Valken.

[Mik3F]

I managed to get a Dye SE with thermal lense from eBay for £45

[Cannonfodder]

24 minutes ago, Mik3F said:

I managed to get a Dye SE with thermal lense from eBay for £45

I'd be careful buying PPE from ebay. Unless it comes in the original packaging and unopened you won't know its history and whether it's taken a hit and is damaged

[Rogerborg]

24 minutes ago, Cannonfodder said:

I'd be careful buying PPE from ebay. Unless it comes in the original packaging and unopened you won't know its history and whether it's taken a hit and is damaged

 

I have never replaced or discarded eyepro because it's taken a hit. Do you do it often?

[The_Lord_Poncho]

I bought the valken mi-7, recommended above by Rogerborg, as my first mask, and it has been pretty good. I've managed to mist it up a few times, really depends on the weather. These days it soldiers on as a loaner (along with some cheap kombat full face masks with a mesh goggle section).

Personally I prefer a reasonable quality set of mesh goggles paired with a separate mesh and fabric lower face guard. My first pair of nuprol mesh goggles have taken tens of hits ( maybe 30 or so, I wasn't counting) with about 6 visible dents before I decided to retire them and replace with a identical pair.

The mesh vs polycarbonate lense debate rages on, but I have confidence in them (certainly much more so than the plethora of open sided/non full seal shooting glasses you see people wearing), with the slight draw back of the darker picture significantly offset by the fact you never need to worry about fogging.