Protect Your Peepers: A 3 Mask Shoot Out
3 Masks Enter....1 Mask Stays
Masks are a bit of a weird thing. They're not a main focus for most players, but they are without dispute the most important thing that you have at a paintball field. They protect your most sensitive and irreplaceable things in your face and eyes, and if they fog up, you're basically useless on a field. Bad ones as rentals basically guarantee that a renter doesn't return, and as someone who owns their own stuff, can stop you in your tracks. Good ones, on the other hand, you likely don't think much about once so long as you don't get gogged.
I've had good ones most of my time in paintball. I started off with JT Spectras in the mid-90s, then wore Flex 7's, and then the white and grey ones that you see here. And this year it dawned on me that there very well might be something better for me out there, and I just never gave them a shot. So I decided to get a few different kinds to compare. Here are what I've found, pros and cons of each.
Not Pictured
You undoubtedly noticed that I don't have the BunkerKings CMD or the Dye i4s or i5s on here. There are a couple of reasons, some paintball related and some for ethical reasons. First, Virtue and BK. I didn't go that route because I have literally seen a Virtue mask, day of purchase, have a hot First Strike Round blow straight through it and cut a teammates face. It punched a circular hole. I wish I was exaggerating. I am not. That turned me off of them hard. I also am not a fan of how they treat their dealers, or frankly sometimes own customers, in regards to products, sales, and crowdfunding. I have a couple of the BK loaders, but when I have other options at near the same price point, I would prefer to look elsewhere.
Now, Dye. I am not a toddler. I need something for my whole face. We are done here until you make a mask that truly fits a grown-ass man.
The Contenders
First up, my tried and true mask, the eFlex/Proflex bastard that I have worn for around 4 years. It's a proflex with eFlex bottoms. I know some proflex purists/snobs look down on the eFlex bottom. For me, they are better than the true proflexes. I really hate the way a standard proflex flares out in the bottoms of the skirts and sit wide and away from the face. It's a personal preference, and I don't fault those that love them, but for me they are not my favorite. The eFlex bottoms sit right near my face and jaw line, and I like the look and protection. These also have revo 2.0 grey ears, a visor, for forehead protection, and tinted lenses. They also have a custom strap.
I've had good ones most of my time in paintball. I started off with JT Spectras in the mid-90s, then wore Flex 7's, and then the white and grey ones that you see here. And this year it dawned on me that there very well might be something better for me out there, and I just never gave them a shot. So I decided to get a few different kinds to compare. Here are what I've found, pros and cons of each.
Not Pictured
You undoubtedly noticed that I don't have the BunkerKings CMD or the Dye i4s or i5s on here. There are a couple of reasons, some paintball related and some for ethical reasons. First, Virtue and BK. I didn't go that route because I have literally seen a Virtue mask, day of purchase, have a hot First Strike Round blow straight through it and cut a teammates face. It punched a circular hole. I wish I was exaggerating. I am not. That turned me off of them hard. I also am not a fan of how they treat their dealers, or frankly sometimes own customers, in regards to products, sales, and crowdfunding. I have a couple of the BK loaders, but when I have other options at near the same price point, I would prefer to look elsewhere.
Now, Dye. I am not a toddler. I need something for my whole face. We are done here until you make a mask that truly fits a grown-ass man.
The Contenders
First up, my tried and true mask, the eFlex/Proflex bastard that I have worn for around 4 years. It's a proflex with eFlex bottoms. I know some proflex purists/snobs look down on the eFlex bottom. For me, they are better than the true proflexes. I really hate the way a standard proflex flares out in the bottoms of the skirts and sit wide and away from the face. It's a personal preference, and I don't fault those that love them, but for me they are not my favorite. The eFlex bottoms sit right near my face and jaw line, and I like the look and protection. These also have revo 2.0 grey ears, a visor, for forehead protection, and tinted lenses. They also have a custom strap.
Protector of my noggin'
You'll notice the second contender in the background there. It's a VForce Grill. First time I've ever worn them, and they have been out forever. They're definitely a smaller profile, look a bit meaner, and have a visor and HD lens. These also pack a custom strap and most of the mask is a singular piece in terms of face and ear protection.
Looks mean, keeps bread safe
The third contestant is a newer entry from Push Paintball, the Unite. This mask has been out the least amount of time, but that still means a few years. It has several parts involved, like the eFlex, including separate cheek and jaw protection (or not), face plate, and frames. This also has an HD lens (all masks are even there), and the stock straps which is getting replaced soon.
Stop. Push it. Push it real good....I'll see myself out.
How I'm Judging Them
There are a few things that always matter with goggles, and those are the things that I'm looking at here as well. There's coverage, which I consider a major factor. The primary function of a mask is safety, and it's the most important thing you bring onto a field. Even more than your marker. Comfort also plays a huge role, as does breatheability. If you're feeling your mask and noticing it on the field, you aren't fully focused on playing. That's a problem. And breatheability is another major factor. If you can't breathe, you can't move. And lack of movement gets you eliminated.
Ability to customize the mask factors in for me as well, although I have no idea on whether that would matter for you. You'll notice not one of these masks is stock. Not an accident. I want my mask to be different for a couple major reasons. The first is that having a mask that stands out is actually extremely helpful for identifying me to teammates while in big games. I play scenarios. It really, really helps to be able spot a teammate in a sea of hundreds by some kind of easily distinguishable look. It stinks to not be able to spot teammates or commanders when playing, and having something easy to spot like a unique mask on the field.
I'm also factoring price, build quality, easy of use, and learning curve. The hands-on parts of a mask matter quite a bit on game day. If you have to take apart a mask for whatever reason, the easier the better. And if you have to replace parts, cost in replacement can factor into the overall value of the mask.
There are a few things that always matter with goggles, and those are the things that I'm looking at here as well. There's coverage, which I consider a major factor. The primary function of a mask is safety, and it's the most important thing you bring onto a field. Even more than your marker. Comfort also plays a huge role, as does breatheability. If you're feeling your mask and noticing it on the field, you aren't fully focused on playing. That's a problem. And breatheability is another major factor. If you can't breathe, you can't move. And lack of movement gets you eliminated.
Ability to customize the mask factors in for me as well, although I have no idea on whether that would matter for you. You'll notice not one of these masks is stock. Not an accident. I want my mask to be different for a couple major reasons. The first is that having a mask that stands out is actually extremely helpful for identifying me to teammates while in big games. I play scenarios. It really, really helps to be able spot a teammate in a sea of hundreds by some kind of easily distinguishable look. It stinks to not be able to spot teammates or commanders when playing, and having something easy to spot like a unique mask on the field.
I'm also factoring price, build quality, easy of use, and learning curve. The hands-on parts of a mask matter quite a bit on game day. If you have to take apart a mask for whatever reason, the easier the better. And if you have to replace parts, cost in replacement can factor into the overall value of the mask.
Ol' Reliable
Getting Flexy
JT and Flexes have been around forever. I started playing in the mid-90's, and the two leading mask companies at the time were JT and Scott. JT was rolling out their mid-level JT Spectras and high-end Flex 7's. Honestly, the flex line really hasn't changed all that much since they came out. They've had a cult following for decades, and it's not shocking as to why.
I'm not the guy to go down the rabbit hole of differences on each generation of flexes with, but there are tons of limited releases, prototypes, and different lines for the frames, skirts, ears, and visors. The parts I've used were picked here for personal preference with this mask. It's got Revo 2.0 grey ears, grey visor, white frames, and eFlex bottoms. While a lot of people don't like those bottoms, I prefer them over the standard flex bottoms (and I've worn plenty of standard flex lowers in my time). The regular flexes flare out on the sides, these do not. Everything else is pretty standard. The ears are a soft rubber, the lens are reflective and thermal, and bottoms are bendy. I've worn these specific goggles for years, just now swapping off-white frames for the new pure whites. They were pretty distinctive until the snow camos came out, and have treated me very well.
Coverage: This is a huge strength of the Flex series. They're one of the largest masks in production, and cover even the most giant of noggins up front. They also have visors that somewhat help in sunlight, but very much help in terms of not getting a big ol' welt on your forehead should you get an unlucky dome shot. They also do a decent job of protecting the sides of your head with a slanting skirt that may or may not cover your jawline. The ear protection can vary greatly by the generation of ears that you get. The soft foam ears, in my opinion, absolutely suck for protection and look like ass. The larger hard ears of the Flex 7 are huge, and protect extremely well. The more recent Revo generations of ears are kind of happy medium, with them being a softer rubber, and smaller size. They offer decent protection while not being that big, and are comfortable. They also have plenty of ventilation for excellent ability to hear and yell out of them.
Comfort: Another area that Flexs shine is comfort. They pack a thick, dense foam that not only seals well on your face, but have been the standard for comfort for the past 20 years. Since you have to wear a mask, you might as well have something that you don't mind wearing for hours. Flexes are really good there.
JT and Flexes have been around forever. I started playing in the mid-90's, and the two leading mask companies at the time were JT and Scott. JT was rolling out their mid-level JT Spectras and high-end Flex 7's. Honestly, the flex line really hasn't changed all that much since they came out. They've had a cult following for decades, and it's not shocking as to why.
I'm not the guy to go down the rabbit hole of differences on each generation of flexes with, but there are tons of limited releases, prototypes, and different lines for the frames, skirts, ears, and visors. The parts I've used were picked here for personal preference with this mask. It's got Revo 2.0 grey ears, grey visor, white frames, and eFlex bottoms. While a lot of people don't like those bottoms, I prefer them over the standard flex bottoms (and I've worn plenty of standard flex lowers in my time). The regular flexes flare out on the sides, these do not. Everything else is pretty standard. The ears are a soft rubber, the lens are reflective and thermal, and bottoms are bendy. I've worn these specific goggles for years, just now swapping off-white frames for the new pure whites. They were pretty distinctive until the snow camos came out, and have treated me very well.
Coverage: This is a huge strength of the Flex series. They're one of the largest masks in production, and cover even the most giant of noggins up front. They also have visors that somewhat help in sunlight, but very much help in terms of not getting a big ol' welt on your forehead should you get an unlucky dome shot. They also do a decent job of protecting the sides of your head with a slanting skirt that may or may not cover your jawline. The ear protection can vary greatly by the generation of ears that you get. The soft foam ears, in my opinion, absolutely suck for protection and look like ass. The larger hard ears of the Flex 7 are huge, and protect extremely well. The more recent Revo generations of ears are kind of happy medium, with them being a softer rubber, and smaller size. They offer decent protection while not being that big, and are comfortable. They also have plenty of ventilation for excellent ability to hear and yell out of them.
Comfort: Another area that Flexs shine is comfort. They pack a thick, dense foam that not only seals well on your face, but have been the standard for comfort for the past 20 years. Since you have to wear a mask, you might as well have something that you don't mind wearing for hours. Flexes are really good there.
Driver's face o' the face
Breatheability: Again, in my opinion, the best on the market. Tons of ventilation, and breath extremely well. They also sit a little off the face if using a standard flex lower, and don't have a ton of your breathe bouncing back at you.
Customization: This is an area where I can see getting some disagreement. I would say that they have a lot of custom options, and have some bigger limitations. They have, by far, the biggest back catalog in parts, colors, and options. The frames and top parts of the lowers also can by hydrodipped and many can be dyed. You do have a pretty large assortment of options in that right. There are a ton of options for everything from visors to ears to frames, ranging in clear, semi-clear, and opaque colors. There are also a metric asston of straps, as well as a few places that can make you custom ones if you desire. People even make custom ano'ed bolts for the hardware to match your mask. There's plenty to pick from here.
That said, if you're going with a limited or non-standard option, it can to cost you an absolute ton. They frames and ears that dye best are white, which has been out of production and extremely expensive, and collectors hop on limited run productions and jack up the prices immediately. Beyond that, most lowers have black skirts, meaning you're going black unless you opt for something limited---which again, you have to get immediately or you're likely paying a ton. The newer, white bottomed masks also dye like crap. While this might not affect 99% of players, I am in the 1% it definitely does. So you do have a ton---and I cannot understate this---ton of options. Just know that many of them might cost as much as your marker.
Ease of Use: This is a mixed bag. While the ears, straps, and mask snap together easily, the lens are the biggest pain in the ass in the game to get in and out, and it's not particularly close (Proflex X excepted). The straps also just slide in and slide out, easy peasy. Again, 3/4 of the mask is absolutely simple to put together or tear down. But the lenses are a complete pain in the ass.
Learning Curve: I would put these middle of the pack in this area. Again, it comes down to the lenses. Every other part a child can figure out how to do quickly and easily just by looking at them. The lenses definitely have a learning curve on how to get them in and out without making you want to fling them across the room. So not too bad for most things---just the lenses.
Customization: This is an area where I can see getting some disagreement. I would say that they have a lot of custom options, and have some bigger limitations. They have, by far, the biggest back catalog in parts, colors, and options. The frames and top parts of the lowers also can by hydrodipped and many can be dyed. You do have a pretty large assortment of options in that right. There are a ton of options for everything from visors to ears to frames, ranging in clear, semi-clear, and opaque colors. There are also a metric asston of straps, as well as a few places that can make you custom ones if you desire. People even make custom ano'ed bolts for the hardware to match your mask. There's plenty to pick from here.
That said, if you're going with a limited or non-standard option, it can to cost you an absolute ton. They frames and ears that dye best are white, which has been out of production and extremely expensive, and collectors hop on limited run productions and jack up the prices immediately. Beyond that, most lowers have black skirts, meaning you're going black unless you opt for something limited---which again, you have to get immediately or you're likely paying a ton. The newer, white bottomed masks also dye like crap. While this might not affect 99% of players, I am in the 1% it definitely does. So you do have a ton---and I cannot understate this---ton of options. Just know that many of them might cost as much as your marker.
Ease of Use: This is a mixed bag. While the ears, straps, and mask snap together easily, the lens are the biggest pain in the ass in the game to get in and out, and it's not particularly close (Proflex X excepted). The straps also just slide in and slide out, easy peasy. Again, 3/4 of the mask is absolutely simple to put together or tear down. But the lenses are a complete pain in the ass.
Learning Curve: I would put these middle of the pack in this area. Again, it comes down to the lenses. Every other part a child can figure out how to do quickly and easily just by looking at them. The lenses definitely have a learning curve on how to get them in and out without making you want to fling them across the room. So not too bad for most things---just the lenses.
Custom bolts, custom straps, lots of fun
Build Quality: Yet another mixed bag. I would argue that most of the masks and parts for them are absolutely great. That said, I hate the foam ears with a passion. There are some older stock parts out there getting sold in the used market that are so old and brittle that they can literally crumble in your hands---and frames that fall apart when putting in new lenses. Otherwise, the parts are good stuff, and feel like it.
Which brings us back to lenses. They have also been a major source of problems recently that has been fixed. JT's parent company had switched to a new source of lens which were substandard and would fail quickly on owners---as in a use or two. I have literally seen them go bad in a day before. Now, you could get a refund, but that didn't give you a new, useful lens. They have recently, within the last year or so, switched to a new manufacturer that should have solved that problem. The only thing that you should have to fear now is getting sold old stock of lenses from that previous batch.
Price: This varies wildly. You can get new pairs for starting around $80, and at that rate they are awesome. The build that I have here and have worn for years only cost me about $150, and over $50 of that was the hd mirrored lens (which is standard cost for literally all of the masks compared here). So most masks here, including mine, would fit comfortably into the mid-range. That said, these can go to the price of a mid-to-high-end electro marker if you go with rarer parts. That is not at all my bag, but it can get there quickly.
Pink Lady dyed vForce Grill
Tossing on the Grill
Although these have been around for quite awhile, these are new to me. These are the vForce Grill. They are basically the meanest-looking mask on the market, and just look angry. They're extremely popular, widely available, and one of the most worn masks you'll see at the paintball field. And they have a lot going for them, especially at their price point.
Coverage: They provide a good amount of coverage, but in noticeably different areas than the Flex. The Grill is nowhere near as tall as the Flex. I have a larger face than some, being a grown-ass man. I noticed, when wearing them, that my chin was only covered if I had my mouth shut. As someone who believes that communication is one of the most important parts of the game, this concerns me. The arch at the bottom of the mask that gives it the mean look also is jaw-exposing culprit. It may not be a problem for everyone, but it was for me.
The side-protection is actually really great. It's tall and wide on the sides of your face and your ears, and provides a lot of coverage should you get a shot to the side of the melon. The black parts in the picture above are hard, and with the colored spots being coated in rubber and being flexible, for what that's worth to you.
Comfort: This area, to me, is where the mask felt like it's cost. Compared to the other masks, this one was noticeably less comfortable than the other two. The foam is multilayer, which is good. But the top layer, which is also the thickest and goes down to a base layer, is not very dense. So a result, is collapses on your face and gets you to that next layer with very little resistance. Because of this lack of density, the mask was just less comfortable than the other two masks.
Breatheability: This was another area that I found the mask to be just a small step behind the other two. I'm not saying it breathes badly---I just didn't feel that it did as well as the Flex or the Unite. They are much better than something like a Skull mask or something like that, but they just felt like they weren't quite as nice as the other two.
Although these have been around for quite awhile, these are new to me. These are the vForce Grill. They are basically the meanest-looking mask on the market, and just look angry. They're extremely popular, widely available, and one of the most worn masks you'll see at the paintball field. And they have a lot going for them, especially at their price point.
Coverage: They provide a good amount of coverage, but in noticeably different areas than the Flex. The Grill is nowhere near as tall as the Flex. I have a larger face than some, being a grown-ass man. I noticed, when wearing them, that my chin was only covered if I had my mouth shut. As someone who believes that communication is one of the most important parts of the game, this concerns me. The arch at the bottom of the mask that gives it the mean look also is jaw-exposing culprit. It may not be a problem for everyone, but it was for me.
The side-protection is actually really great. It's tall and wide on the sides of your face and your ears, and provides a lot of coverage should you get a shot to the side of the melon. The black parts in the picture above are hard, and with the colored spots being coated in rubber and being flexible, for what that's worth to you.
Comfort: This area, to me, is where the mask felt like it's cost. Compared to the other masks, this one was noticeably less comfortable than the other two. The foam is multilayer, which is good. But the top layer, which is also the thickest and goes down to a base layer, is not very dense. So a result, is collapses on your face and gets you to that next layer with very little resistance. Because of this lack of density, the mask was just less comfortable than the other two masks.
Breatheability: This was another area that I found the mask to be just a small step behind the other two. I'm not saying it breathes badly---I just didn't feel that it did as well as the Flex or the Unite. They are much better than something like a Skull mask or something like that, but they just felt like they weren't quite as nice as the other two.
Driver's side view
Customization: This is a mixed bag. Because they've been out as long as they have, there are a ton of different color combos readily available. There are also a wide variety of lenses and straps, and you can have custom straps made, or even use Flex straps if you want on them.
That said, they're very simple masks without a lot of parts to them. Because of that, there's not a lot to change on them. And the entire faceplate and ears are one-piece, meaning you can only change them so much. You have to basically decide what color combo you want, and go from there.
That said, white is a major color for them, and the rubber that most of the mask is made of readily accepts dye. That means you can likely dye any of their non-black colors into something darker, as you can see with the one pictured here. That was a white mask that I dyed.
With regards to the visor, you can go with or without, and they came in the Henry Ford color scheme. You get black. That's it.
Ease of Use: These masks shine here. They're extremely easy to use. Because there are so few parts, these are extremely easy to take apart and put back together. The lenses clip in with pressure and lock into place, and are the easiest to swap in and out of the lot by a mile. You do need a coin or similar flat instrument to turn one piece in them, but these are really easy to break down, change parts, or change lenses on. Hands-down the winner here.
Learning Curve: The mask really shines here too. These are not complicated animals. You should be able to figure them out completely with, at most, a couple minutes on Youtube. They don't have many parts, and have extremely easy lenses to slide in or out. The Grill wins here.
That said, they're very simple masks without a lot of parts to them. Because of that, there's not a lot to change on them. And the entire faceplate and ears are one-piece, meaning you can only change them so much. You have to basically decide what color combo you want, and go from there.
That said, white is a major color for them, and the rubber that most of the mask is made of readily accepts dye. That means you can likely dye any of their non-black colors into something darker, as you can see with the one pictured here. That was a white mask that I dyed.
With regards to the visor, you can go with or without, and they came in the Henry Ford color scheme. You get black. That's it.
Ease of Use: These masks shine here. They're extremely easy to use. Because there are so few parts, these are extremely easy to take apart and put back together. The lenses clip in with pressure and lock into place, and are the easiest to swap in and out of the lot by a mile. You do need a coin or similar flat instrument to turn one piece in them, but these are really easy to break down, change parts, or change lenses on. Hands-down the winner here.
Learning Curve: The mask really shines here too. These are not complicated animals. You should be able to figure them out completely with, at most, a couple minutes on Youtube. They don't have many parts, and have extremely easy lenses to slide in or out. The Grill wins here.
Pink Lady dyed Grill with stock clear lens
Build Quality: I wouldn't say these feel cheap, but they don't feel like high-end masks either. They're a lot of very hard plastic, rough rubber, and the foam felt cheap to me. They're not rental masks by any stretch. They're mid-level masks, and they feel it. And there's nothing wrong with that. But don't expect the feel of the other two masks with them. It's not there.
Price: The price on here is actually a bit of a tough question. They're not expensive at all. If you look at used, you're looking at about $60 with a thermal lens, $80 with a HD. New, they range from $60 to $120. So price of entry is cheap.
They get more expensive when you look at replacement of parts or add ins. The HD thermal lenses runs $40 to $60, which is the same as a new mask. The foam is $20, or 1/3 a price of the mask, and replace the entire frame. So if you're looking at maintenance, you really aren't much better off than any other mask. But again, low price for entry.
Price: The price on here is actually a bit of a tough question. They're not expensive at all. If you look at used, you're looking at about $60 with a thermal lens, $80 with a HD. New, they range from $60 to $120. So price of entry is cheap.
They get more expensive when you look at replacement of parts or add ins. The HD thermal lenses runs $40 to $60, which is the same as a new mask. The foam is $20, or 1/3 a price of the mask, and replace the entire frame. So if you're looking at maintenance, you really aren't much better off than any other mask. But again, low price for entry.
Pink Lady Push Unites with Chin Extension
The last entry that I tried out was the Push Unite. It's easily the newest kind of mask that I looked at, and frankly the first new, high-end mask that I've tried in about 20 years. It's an interesting mask with a lot of thought put into it, and has extras that come with it. These masks also come with a hard shell, molded case with a nice, soft interior. So, how did it measure up?
Coverage: This is an interesting question, because it's not as straight forward as you might think. The height and shape of this mask stock is very much like the Grill without a visor. The notch on the front of the mask allowed my chin to be covered with my mouth shut, but exposed if I'm speaking. However, you'll notice the chin extensions that you can buy with the stock in certain masks, or add onto those without one. These add around an inch straight down in rubber protection to your chiny chin chin. For me, that means I can speak now and be covered, with protection similar to the flex. Turns out adding an inch can make a big difference (that's what she said).
The forehead protection isn't as good as the Flex with a visor. That visor adds a couple inches of height, and not having an option for one here does hurt the Unite. It's not as tall in that direction, and I don't see where you could even improvise one onto this. There's just not much real estate.
The side protection is also very similar to the Grill, both of which I would say is better than the Flex unless you're using the older style Flex 7 hard ears (Revo 1.0 ears are also similar size, but ungodly soft). So with the smaller, non-extended chin protection version, I would put them about the same as the Grill. With the chin extension, I would actually put them equal to or above the Flexes. So coverage here is actually pretty great. That said, the extra protection, or big head tax, is $30. So that's the downside.
Comfort: These things are comfy. The foam is thick and dense, with multiple layers of padded comfort. I have heard complaints about them being tight on the ears, but did not experience that myself. I would put these on-par with the flexes.
On a bit of a different note, I cut almost all of the chin straps on masks off because I find them both annoying and uncomfortable. These are the first masks I don't feel the need to do this on. They're adjustable with velcro straps to change the length on them, and connect with a magnet lock that clicks right into place. They're also padded nicely, with what feels like a nice, thick neoprene strip. A lot of people will probably remove them, or not care. But these are the first chin straps that I don't hate.
Coverage: This is an interesting question, because it's not as straight forward as you might think. The height and shape of this mask stock is very much like the Grill without a visor. The notch on the front of the mask allowed my chin to be covered with my mouth shut, but exposed if I'm speaking. However, you'll notice the chin extensions that you can buy with the stock in certain masks, or add onto those without one. These add around an inch straight down in rubber protection to your chiny chin chin. For me, that means I can speak now and be covered, with protection similar to the flex. Turns out adding an inch can make a big difference (that's what she said).
The forehead protection isn't as good as the Flex with a visor. That visor adds a couple inches of height, and not having an option for one here does hurt the Unite. It's not as tall in that direction, and I don't see where you could even improvise one onto this. There's just not much real estate.
The side protection is also very similar to the Grill, both of which I would say is better than the Flex unless you're using the older style Flex 7 hard ears (Revo 1.0 ears are also similar size, but ungodly soft). So with the smaller, non-extended chin protection version, I would put them about the same as the Grill. With the chin extension, I would actually put them equal to or above the Flexes. So coverage here is actually pretty great. That said, the extra protection, or big head tax, is $30. So that's the downside.
Comfort: These things are comfy. The foam is thick and dense, with multiple layers of padded comfort. I have heard complaints about them being tight on the ears, but did not experience that myself. I would put these on-par with the flexes.
On a bit of a different note, I cut almost all of the chin straps on masks off because I find them both annoying and uncomfortable. These are the first masks I don't feel the need to do this on. They're adjustable with velcro straps to change the length on them, and connect with a magnet lock that clicks right into place. They're also padded nicely, with what feels like a nice, thick neoprene strip. A lot of people will probably remove them, or not care. But these are the first chin straps that I don't hate.
Standard Sized Push Unite Mask
Breatheability: The Unites breathe very, very well. Again, I would put them right next to the Flexes there. They have a ton of venting and it's done in a smart way. The vents actually angle on the top out and away to further help prevent fogging. A bit of a different feature in that there is a set screw that allows you to move the nose closer or further from your face, depending on what you want to do. Honestly, I couldn't tell much of a difference, but it definitely does move if you want it to do so.
Customization: Despite not being around a long time, Push has put out a ton of variants on their masks. Lots of colors to mix and match with, along with several masks that have been dipped for patterns. They also do clear masks, and smoke masks. Because they do have the separate cheek protection, the frames, the faceplate, and the option of chin extensions, there are a lot of color combos you can do. They also dye very well, which you can see above. The HD lenses are also an option hear, and cost around the same as a flex, and do come with a very nice neoprene case.
You have less options with the straps, as there aren't nearly as many as the flex just because flexes have been around forever, and they aren't as easy to produce custom straps on. I'm not saying it can't be done, because you can make custom straps and attach them, but they are not nearly as easy to do so as the other two masks.
Ease of Use: While I truly do appreciate the engineering and thought process on these, and how well they really do come together and lock themselves into place, they're definitely not the most user friendly immediately. They're on par with the flex in that right, only because the clips on the straps do take significant effort to pop in and out, and once you get the chin extender on, they're not the most fun to get back off should you want to. I'm not saying it's super hard. I am saying it's nowhere near as easy as the Grill, which is extremely basic to take apart. These aren't bad once you learn what you're doing, but you actually have to train the monkey to do it. It's not immediately obvious.
Customization: Despite not being around a long time, Push has put out a ton of variants on their masks. Lots of colors to mix and match with, along with several masks that have been dipped for patterns. They also do clear masks, and smoke masks. Because they do have the separate cheek protection, the frames, the faceplate, and the option of chin extensions, there are a lot of color combos you can do. They also dye very well, which you can see above. The HD lenses are also an option hear, and cost around the same as a flex, and do come with a very nice neoprene case.
You have less options with the straps, as there aren't nearly as many as the flex just because flexes have been around forever, and they aren't as easy to produce custom straps on. I'm not saying it can't be done, because you can make custom straps and attach them, but they are not nearly as easy to do so as the other two masks.
Ease of Use: While I truly do appreciate the engineering and thought process on these, and how well they really do come together and lock themselves into place, they're definitely not the most user friendly immediately. They're on par with the flex in that right, only because the clips on the straps do take significant effort to pop in and out, and once you get the chin extender on, they're not the most fun to get back off should you want to. I'm not saying it's super hard. I am saying it's nowhere near as easy as the Grill, which is extremely basic to take apart. These aren't bad once you learn what you're doing, but you actually have to train the monkey to do it. It's not immediately obvious.
Front view sans chin extension
Learning Curve: These easily have the biggest learning curve of the masks. It's not rocket science, but it's also not the most intuitive thing ever. Once you take them apart once or twice, you'll know exactly what you're doing. That said, you're likely to spend more time on Youtube initially than you would with either other mask.
Build Quality: These things ooze quality. They look and feel well made. The case is well made. The chin strap is well made and thought out. They plastics and rubber all feels nice, and the mask has both rigidity and give. The foam is great. They're damn nice.
The only complaints I have heard involves the coated lenses. I have not experienced it, but have heard that the coating can scratch easily. If I experience it, I will definitely update this article.
Price: They have the highest cost of the lot, starting at around $200 and going to $230. That does include a case and a thermal lens, which you should factor into the cost. The parts aren't super cheap either, with the chin extension being $30, the foam being $20 (better than the price for decent flex foam by a lot), and new frames running about $70. And that's not cheap. That said, it's very comparable with the Flexes, and actually cheaper if you are building a Flex with any limited or discontinued parts. So I would actually put this in the middle of the three masks, but its definitely not cheap.
Build Quality: These things ooze quality. They look and feel well made. The case is well made. The chin strap is well made and thought out. They plastics and rubber all feels nice, and the mask has both rigidity and give. The foam is great. They're damn nice.
The only complaints I have heard involves the coated lenses. I have not experienced it, but have heard that the coating can scratch easily. If I experience it, I will definitely update this article.
Price: They have the highest cost of the lot, starting at around $200 and going to $230. That does include a case and a thermal lens, which you should factor into the cost. The parts aren't super cheap either, with the chin extension being $30, the foam being $20 (better than the price for decent flex foam by a lot), and new frames running about $70. And that's not cheap. That said, it's very comparable with the Flexes, and actually cheaper if you are building a Flex with any limited or discontinued parts. So I would actually put this in the middle of the three masks, but its definitely not cheap.
Decisions, Decisions
First, a stack rank in each category. A lot of these are really close, with two of them being a toss up to me. In that case, I'm just putting them as a tie. Because I can, and I really don't see a big situation.
Coverage: Flex with visor, Flex without Visor/Unite with Chin Extension, Unite/Grill
Comfort: Flex/Unite, Grill
Breatheability: Flex/Unite, Grill
Customization: Flex, Unite, Grill
Ease of Use: Grill, Flex/Unite
Learning Curve: Grill, Flex, Unite
Build Quality: Unite, Flex, Grill
Price: Grill, Unite/Flex
I decided to keep the Push Unites and move the other two. It came down to a few things. The United with the chin extensions cover the jaw, are nice and close to the face (which I prefer) without flaring out, are more comfortable than the Grill, better for me to customize than the flexes, and I like the look of them the most. The Flexes are a very close second here, and no knock on them at all. They're great too and I know that a love of people love them and should. They're really, really nice, and I'm harder on them since I have the most experience with them. The Grill is great for the money, but I did feel like it was a notch below the others in terms of what I like.
All three of these are really good for their target audiences, and are solid options for anyone considering. It just comes down to what you value the most, and what your preference is in a mask. I do highly recommend not making your mask an afterthought. It's one of the most important things you ever bring out with you. For me, I'll be bringing the Push Unites out there.
First, a stack rank in each category. A lot of these are really close, with two of them being a toss up to me. In that case, I'm just putting them as a tie. Because I can, and I really don't see a big situation.
Coverage: Flex with visor, Flex without Visor/Unite with Chin Extension, Unite/Grill
Comfort: Flex/Unite, Grill
Breatheability: Flex/Unite, Grill
Customization: Flex, Unite, Grill
Ease of Use: Grill, Flex/Unite
Learning Curve: Grill, Flex, Unite
Build Quality: Unite, Flex, Grill
Price: Grill, Unite/Flex
I decided to keep the Push Unites and move the other two. It came down to a few things. The United with the chin extensions cover the jaw, are nice and close to the face (which I prefer) without flaring out, are more comfortable than the Grill, better for me to customize than the flexes, and I like the look of them the most. The Flexes are a very close second here, and no knock on them at all. They're great too and I know that a love of people love them and should. They're really, really nice, and I'm harder on them since I have the most experience with them. The Grill is great for the money, but I did feel like it was a notch below the others in terms of what I like.
All three of these are really good for their target audiences, and are solid options for anyone considering. It just comes down to what you value the most, and what your preference is in a mask. I do highly recommend not making your mask an afterthought. It's one of the most important things you ever bring out with you. For me, I'll be bringing the Push Unites out there.
She's a keeper
