Elite Paintball Guns

The time has come for the Empire goggles reviews and I’m gonna start with the latest and greatest – the E-Vents paintball goggles. I really don’t like starting with the newest stuff cause it makes the old ones look kinda dull, but anyways. So about the E-vents – this is probably the first time that I’ll rate those higher than the Dye products, but they totally deserve it. The E-Vents are simply better. Let’s start with their looks – those are some nice, nice looking goggles and no one can deny that. But looks is not the only thing that they outclass the Dye ones. They perform better, too. Those have got to be one of the most comfortable goggles out there right now. The density foam is really good – it is soft and fits tight to your head, but not the type of tight that’s making you suffocate. And as to the one huge disadvantage of the latest Dye goggles – the fogging – the E-vents just blows them away…fogging is something you don’t even have to think about when it comes to those. They are really light weighted and have great visibility (if you read the features you’ll learn some more about the E-Vents visibility technology). And speaking of the features – here they are:
• Cut Down Dual molded Mask
• Soft Ear covers
• Dark Smoke Thermal Lens
• 2nd Lens (Clear Thermal)
• Micro Fiber bag with second lens
• Dual Density Foam
• Brow Shield
• Visor
• Color matched Strap
• Color matched Metallic Logo
• Micro Fiber Goggle Bag
• Display Case
Features in details:
 Empire goggles come with removable soft ear pieces and an even lower profile faceplate for the maximum reduction in target, and ultimate “cool” factor.

 The Vents lens system is a very advanced and optically correct lens. Although at first glance it looks like a “flat lens,” it actually changes in thickness to maintain the best optical quality possible. The power imbalance, which means how your eyes see for straight ahead, is 0.00 for both Spherical power imbalance and Astigmatic power imbalance (the value is so small it can’t be read with conventional testing equipment). What does this mean? It means what you are seeing is really where you think it is, so you can be more accurate in your shooting.

 The lens is an extremely safe, quick release system. It can be replaced in seconds, yet is held very securely into the mask and frame. Unlike other quick release systems, the Vents lens fits in under the nose piece. This means the nose area doesn’t deflect in when shot, so it prevents the ingress of paint into the goggle under the lens. To further lock the lens into place, there is a “tongue and groove” around the edge of the lens and goggle. This prevents shots at the edge of the lens forcing paint up into the goggle and helps maintain a high safety factor. The Lens is held in at the sides with very robust retainers, which also hold the logos. This simply pushes through the lens and the goggle, then secured in place inside the frame by placing the end of the strap clip over the retainer and twisting down into position. The added safety being that you can’t have the strap in place if the lens isn’t in the goggle properly. So you can’t wear the goggle until a lens is in place. It’s a very quick and easy process, so you can pick and choose lenses to suit your playing conditions.

 The goggle has the ability to add a visor or brow shield. These are made of flexible material and are easy to fit or remove without the use of tools, and with no other separate small pieces to get lost in your kit bag.

 The Vents goggles come with a high quality strap with silicon beading to help keep the mask firmly on your head. The Empire goggle has the added EE” logos in silicone for the utmost in grip.
I know it was a lot of reading, but bear with me for some more praises. Not only the E-Vents are the best out there according to most of the players, but they also come with quite some goodies in addition. Like – 2 lenses -  Dark Thermal Lens and Clear Thermal Lens; Microfiber Goggle Bag; Microfiber Lens Bag; Forward Shade Visor and Hair Visor (sticks up to protect more of the hair). It just can’t get better than that, right? And I know now you’re thinking – there’s got to be some flaws. Well, not that I know of on the performance’s side. The only thing that can be put in the flaw column is the price which is $89.50 for the single colored ones, $94.50 for the special shades and $104.50 for the carbon fibered ones. I’m not saying it’s cheap, but giving all the extras you’re getting with those goggles and the looks, and the perfect performance the only thing I can state is that the price is nothing but fair. And the colors – red, blue, black, grey, white, yellow (the yellow ones cost $59.95 – it’s a mystery to me, too)for the single colored, urban camo, blue camo and green camo for the special shades, and the carbon fiber ones, which I have to tell you look beyond awesome and I bet are pretty tough. So, guys if you do have the money to get a pair of those there’s no place for hesitation – just do it. And if you don’t read the review about the previous Empire goggles version – I bet they’re not that much worse than those ones.

There you go guys – our next addition to the paintball goggles reviews – the PCS 20/20. Luckily for you, contrary to the last ones reviewed, those thingies are pretty good ones. Although this may not be the best looking mask out there, it really performs wonderful. It actually resembles the Extreme Rage 20/20 Echo paintball mask very much, but it is somehow better than it. It definitely looks better than the Extreme Rage for start and it does not cause that much trouble. It, too, comes with built in fan which is great for the fogging problem, but this time the fan tends to be a quiet one so you can keep it on all the time without worrying for any noise (and if so happens that your fan is louder there’s a possibility where you can take it off and oil it a little bit – problem fixed). The lenses are pretty good ones, too, although there are better ones on the market right now, but they raise up the price quite a bit. The mask is comfortable, but again not the best one out there – yes, it is spacey and the foam is on the right places without squashing your face and suffocating you, but it may be a little heavy for some of you. Before I continue check the characteristics:
• Non-slip removable strap
• Smoked thermal lens - Hard coat, mirror finish
• Translucent faceplate - Bounce-friendly material
• Built-in motorized fan - Designed to eliminate fogging by forcing out humid air from inside the goggle
Basically the same as the Extreme Rage ones, but one more time - this one is better. Still, just like with the Extreme Rage goggles, the chin part can be a little short for some of you, so to remind you one more time -  if this is the case with you, you better take some cover before start yelling to your teammates. The price – it is higher compared to the Extreme Rage again. The PSC 20/20 cost $49.95 for the Jungle and Universal Camo styles and the Urban one costs $59.98. I can’t make you choose this one before all the others out there. I can only tell you it is worthy and then it’s again totally up to you whether you choose it or not.

Bad reviews are not something you usually get from me and it’s because the reviewed products are really pretty good. Still, this time, even though I tried to see the good side of these goggles, the review will be far from good. There are only two things that are good in those goggles – with them you get very wide field of vision and they are cheap. Other than that those are probably the worst goggles on the market. Starting with the looks – they are pretty wide and really does not look good when you put them on. But looks are the least problem you get with those. They are really uncomfortable, too – made from some crappy foam they easily irritate your skin. As to the protection they provide it is less to nothing – the part that should protect your cheeks is made of very thin rubber and you can barely count on it, the ear protection is simply not there, and after some time of use the lenses have the nasty habit of cracking in the middle so don’t count on those either. To keep going – although they’re described as no fogging ones they do fog…like crazy if I may add. Still here are the features for you:
• Dual anti-fog coating
• Smoke Lens
• Removable Visor
• Low profile design minimize target area
• Hed-Lok system
• Longer face guard for added protection
• Dual density foam for comfort
• Meets or exceeds all ATSM standards
I really tried to find more good features…I’m sorry but there are simply none. As to the cheap part – they cost only $24.94. Now you know why. Of course some of the problems mentioned above can be solved, but why bother…just go and spend some more money for a better mask. Still for those of you who insist on getting the Java V-type (if any) I have to mention that they come only in black. This time the saying that cheap things are usually crappy is totally true. The goggles are simply not worth your money.

There are some very conflicting opinions about those goggles, but most of the players give them good rates and classify them as above average. The goggles are not the best looking and I don’t think anyone will argue with me about that, but what’s really important is that they do what they’re supposed to do and they do it well. They come with a built in fan (removable for those of you who wonder), that helps a lot when it comes to fogging. If the lenses start fogging all you have to do is turn the fan on and you’ll get rid of the fogging. The down side of the fan is that it can be noisy at some point…bugging…just turn it off as a solution. The goggles are pretty well padded – there’s a lot of foam inside them…too much for some (if you have bigger head). If you have problem with the foam and it makes it difficult for you to breathe just cut some of it off, it will solve the problem right away. Features time:
• Non-slip strap - emblazoned with extreme Rage
• Smoked thermal lens - Hard coat, mirror finish
• Translucent faceplate - Bounce-friendly material
• Built-in motorized fan - Designed to eliminate fogging by forcing out humid air from inside the goggle
• Removable chinstrap
And if there’s a solution to the bugging things already mentioned the next one may be kinda difficult to overcome – the tilted lenses. They are ok if you play on daylight, but once the sun starts to set the problems start – you can literally stand in front of someone and not see him. The only way to fix this is to buy new clear lenses. And one more thing…on the bad side…if you have longer chin or if you wanna yell something to somebody you are getting pretty exposed as the mask is kinda short and will not cover the chin in situations like that. For the yelling it’s pretty easy – just tilt your head down a little bit or cover your chin with your hand and you’ll be ok, but if you just happen to have a longer chin I suggest you to look for some other mask. I know I listed quite some disadvantages, but as you see there’s a solution for every single one of them. That’s why I think the Extreme Rage 20/20 is a pretty good mask. Not to mention that it costs only $39.95. It comes in red and blue, but if you do some more searching you may be lucky and find it in another color. And one more time – this is a good mask and if you don’t have the money to buy some expensive one I don’t think you’ll regret getting it.

This is the predecessor of the Dye I3 Pro so if you don’t like the previous one there’s no way you like this one, too. There’s a little bit of tendency forming with the products of Dye – the newer versions are not that much different from their predecessors – this is exactly the same case. The Dye I3 Pro differs just a little bit from this one. It is a little better but the main things are the same. I’m talking about comfort, venting, weight – they stay the same. The newest addition is the soft ears, which is a good change, but not like the old ones were bad. As to the style the I3 Pro is changed a little bit towards better I think, but the I3 looks good enough. Now I don’t know why, but there are not too many complains about fogging with this version, as there are with the I3 Pro. Anyways, check the features:
• The Dye patented Forward Tab Retention System (FTRS) is the most secure lens system available. It is the only lens-goggle application that features zero profile tabs with no extruding edges.Delivering safety and a clean looking style, the FTRS securely locks the lens into the frame under the most severe impacts.
• 2 stage foam is specifically designed to sheet sweat and moisture away from your face. Open and closed cell foam technology provides comfort and moisture wicking properties.
• The patented Invision3 Multi-Directional Venting will throw your voice farther and clearer than any other vented mask on the field. Utilizing precise blade angling and a proven venting configuration, the Invision3 Multi-Directional Venting will make communication with your teammates effortless, as if there were no vocal obstructions.
• Tri-Mold Soft Flex Technology offers various mask flexibility without sacrificing safety or performance. Utilizing a revolutionary process of co-molding, the Dye design team has developed a firm base frame, coupled with a very flexible facemask and patented venting system.
• Silicone is out, woven rubber is in. The Invision3 retention strap system needs to be adjusted once and once only. Designed to fit your head and stay that way, like it should. The elasticity of the woven rubber straps will out last the competition.
• Unilateral, audibly efficient ear protection, the Invision3 has a unique sound channeling design that offers unobstructed sound quality, providing three-dimensional hearing.
• The anatomically correct Invision3 mask system offers the best of comfort and performance for the player. Tested at twice the current ASTM
impact standards for safety. Good protection is the key.
• Low profile and removable, the Invision3 visor adjusts vertically to provide maximum shade for your eyes and protection for your forehead.
• The Invision’s compound radius lens gives the player the ultimate in vertical / horizontal peripheral vision and optical clarity. Setting the standard in visual performance, the dual-bowl lens design offers phenomenal visual performance.
• The Invision3 goggle frame is molded from tear-resistant polyurethane and is designed with maximum flow-through ventilation. Designed to be anatomically correct and low profile to your face, the Invision goggle frame is a first in the paintball industry.
• Combined with a secure goggle, the patented Multi-Directional Venting drastically reduces re-ventilated fogging. The Multi-Directional Venting also assists you with voice projection.
• Adjustable comfort chinstrap to secure goggle during active play.
Since this is the previous (older) Dye product it is only natural for it to be cheaper. The Dye I3 Pro goggles cost $59.98 which again is nowhere near the cheap goggles you can find out there. But performance comes at a price. And compared to the almost $100 you have to pay for the I3 Pro I think this is not a bad price. The mask is definitely worthy. The color choices are not that many, but there is a choice between red, green, blue and yellow. And that’s about it. I left you to decide for yourself whether you like the I3 Pro or not, I’ll do the same here. But I’ll tell you that for now the I3 is my choice over the Pro one. 

I’m not gonna say that goggles are the most important part of your paintball gear, but you have to admit that they do take one of the leading places – especially when it comes to safety. I don’t even wanna think about how painful it is to get shot in the head. Hopefully no one gets to experience the pain – but you got to take care of that for yourself…and the best way is to get yourself some goggles. We’re gonna start the goggles reviews with what is said to be the best mask on the market right now, the Dye I3 Pro, although throughout the review you’ll decide for yourself if it really deserves to be called that. we’ll start going through the necessities that one mask should have so it can be called good (what’s left for “the best”). First we’re gonna start with the weight – indeed the Dye I3 Pro is one of the lightest masks on the market right now. The weight is very important issue when it comes to masks. You may not care too much of the weight of your pants, jersey or gun, but trust me when it comes to what you wear on your head you do want something lighter. By this indicator Dye I3 Pro puts the others in its pocket. Same thing goes to the comfort – it is one really comfortable mask. Especially now with the soft ears added you feel like you’re not even wearing a mask. Venting is also very important thing – and it is perfected in the Dye I3 Pro – works great. I’m not arranging things by importance, but if I was visibility would definitely be leading the chart. The visibility with the Dye I3 Pro is not the best, but is indeed pretty good. The mask gives you good visual range - sideways and top-bottom one. And should we even talk about looks – my personal opinion is that this is the best looking mask for now. It really looks great. Check the features before we continue with some of the negative stuff:
• Soft Ears with CoolMax backing, super light injected material. Deflect many of those ears shots without a break.
• Comes standard with advanced anti fog High Definition Single Lens.
• 2 stage foam is specifically designed to sheet sweat and moisture away from your face. Open and closed cell foam technology provides comfort and moisture wicking properties.
• The patented Invision3 Multi-Directional Venting will throw your voice farther and clearer than any other vented mask on the field. Utilizing precise blade angling and a proven venting configuration, the Invision3 Multi-*Directional Venting will make communication with your teammates effortless, as if there were no vocal obstructions.
• Tri-Mold Soft Flex Technology offers various mask flexibility without sacrificing safety or performance. *Utilizing a revolutionary process of co-molding, the Dye design team has developed a firm base frame, coupled with a very flexible facemask and patented venting system.
• Silicone is out, woven rubber is in. The Invision3 retention strap system needs to be adjusted once and once only. Designed to fit your head and stay that way, like it should. The elasticity of the woven rubber straps will out last the competition. .
• The anatomically correct Invision3 Pro mask system offers the best of comfort and performance for the player. Tested at twice the current ASTM impact standards for safety. Good protection is the key.
• Low profile and removable, the Invision3 visor adjusts vertically to provide maximum shade for your eyes and protection for your forehead.
• The Invision’s compound radius lens gives the player the ultimate in vertical / horizontal peripheral vision and optical clarity. Setting the standard in visual performance, the dual-bowl lens design offers phenomenal visual performance.
• The Invision3 goggle frame is molded from tear-resistant polyurethane and is designed with maximum flow-through ventilation. Designed to be anatomically correct and low profile to your face, the Invision goggle frame is a first in the paintball industry.
• Adjustable comfort chinstrap to secure goggle during active play.
Everything sounds great so far, but there are some things that pull the mask ranking strongly down. I mentioned that the visibility is pretty good – I was taking about the range of visibility you get when you wear the mask – what people complain about, though, is that the mask comes with single plane lenses that fog up quite a bit. You get that this is quite a problem, right? Yes there are ways to prevent fogging, but when spending so much money on something you expect it to be flawless, or if not flawless at least with minor inconveniences. Fogging is not a minor inconvenience. And if Dye only used the HD duel plane lens they make this problem would never even occurred. Well, guess they do need things to upgrade for the next versions, right? You can fix the problem yourself by getting the HD dual lens in addition, but yet again why should you? Another thing players complain about is the chin strap, although this is personal – some like it some don’t. Colors – you get quite a choice – white, black, gold, blue and red (all of them awesomely looking). As to the price – it is very pricy…costing $99.95 this is probably one of the most expensive goggles on the market right now. Is it worthy? You have to decide for yourself. My advice – if you have the money get it.