You can’t hit the enemy if you can’t see them. That’s why your vision is so important when it comes to airsoft.
To protect your eyes from bbs, smoke, and other environmental hazards, we stock a huge range of protection options for your own safety during your next skirmish.
But which one is right for you? Everyone has different vision needs, so it’s important to get the right eye protection that helps you line up your shots perfectly, every time.
Why Do I Need To Protect My Eyes?
As we mentioned in our previous blog, paintball pellets hit harder than bbs. While true, bbs can cause some serious damage, especially when you’re taking part in CQB scenarios.
So investing in a quality pair of safety glasses has many benefits that could save your eyesight should something go wrong with yours, or another player's airsoft gun.
At Socom, we believe safety is paramount.
Choosing Airsoft Goggles
Goggles range in size from just protecting your eyes, to full face masks. Available in both plastic and mesh varieties, these are the gold standard in eye protection.
Some airsoft guns fire up to 600fps, which is going to seriously ruin the day of anyone getting hit in the face. But with so many variations available, which is best?
Note: Before purchasing face protection, it is worth checking they adhere to european standards.
Plastic Safety Glasses
For the budget-conscious, safety glasses with plastic lenses provide optimum protection for minimum fuss to ensure your safety on the battlefield.
These practical, non-nonsense goggles feature foam or rubber lining for comfort and adjustable straps.
Fully optimisable for any user, safety glasses are both practical and a budget-friendly way to protect your eyes.
The downside is that many of the cheaper plastic airsoft goggles are prone to fogging up. Before you buy, make sure there is at least some ventilation, otherwise, your lens will fog up and you won’t be able to see.
Mesh Safety Eyewear
Because removing your goggles to wipe away condensation is very dangerous, you could try mesh goggles. This protective eyewear features wire mesh as a lens, secured inside a sturdy plastic frame.
The mesh keeps BBs out of your eyes while allowing you to see out through the tiny holes. The holes also allow for ventilation, making them more comfortable and not prone to fogging up.
Some ballistic glasses don’t work at all with prescription glasses, owing to their snug profile. So if you need eye correction to see, your best bet is to use these goggles in conjunction with contact lenses.
Regardless of which kind you choose, they do leave your lower face exposed.
For complete protection and safety, you should combine your airsoft goggles with a lower face mask to protect your nose and jaw. Alternatively, you could opt for full-face protection…
Airsoft Masks
Full-cover face masks combine classic airsoft goggles with built-in lower face masks to offer maximum protection. Many feature venting systems that allow your voice to carry, while defogging your lens.
They are also roomy enough inside to accommodate glasses. For full protection for both airsoft and paintballing, masks are a great choice.
Protection comes with a price, most notably the price. Masks are more expensive than many safety glasses, making them a big investment for newer players.
In addition, the extra protection and side panels reduce peripheral vision, making it tricky to see when you’re being flanked. If you opt for a full-face mask, get used to turning your whole head to see left and right.
Airsoft Glasses and Shades
When it’s hot outside and you’re planning a major airsoft session, goggles and masks become torture of sweat rashes and overheating.
Fortunately, there are plenty of specially optimised shooting glasses that provide eye protection from both bbs and UV rays. While they lack the overall protection of goggles and masks, airsoft glasses and shades have many advantages.
They feature sturdy, impact-resistant lenses and come with a range of tints and UV protection coatings - some are even anti-fog which allows you to see better!
Some have the advantage of 360-degree vision, plus they look awesome!
If you like looking stylish on the battlefield, there are plenty of top brands to choose from too.
From anti-fog spectacles to ballistic glasses, there is an endless choice. You only get one pair of eyes, so take care of them!
Sunglasses, or shades, provide some safety over your eyes but are no substitute for a mask.
What is airsoft eye protection rating?
The rating system for airsoft eye protection is similar to that used for real firearms. The ratings go from BB guns, which are the weakest, to .50 cal BMG, which is the strongest. The ratings are as follows:
- BB: Can stop a .12g BB shot at 290fps
- .20g: Can stop a .20g BB shot at 400fps
- .30g: Can stop a .30g BB shot at 500fps
- .40g: Can stop a .40g BB shot at 550fps
- .50 BMG: Can stop a .50 BMG shot at 650fps+
Protecting Your Eyes
Airsoft is a great pastime, but using the right protection is an essential part of your safety - which is the most important thing to consider when choosing your gear.
At Socom Tactical, we have the biggest range of eye protection, accessories and combat apparel. So check out our website or visit us in-store for all your airsoft eyewear and equipment.
