Lens removal? mask options.

[blackdeath1k]

In searches I found a lot of mask threads. But the only ones that commented on lens removal are old. So here I am.

Bought a flex8 back in February or so. I use it when the wife doesn't play. Nice mask for the price. And my old spectra the rest of the time. Mask is getting a new crack every time I wear it. Got to replace before it dies for good. I've tried on the dye I4 and like it. Also like the Grill. But not got to test it out. My big question is. What masks have the easiest lens removal? And minimal fogging? I swear every shot I take while behind a bunker is in the face or hand. And its a pain to remove or just clean the JT lenses. I want something with lenses easier to remove and clean. Thanks for any help.

[BLachance75]

Everyone complains about the JT mask, except me. I can take a lens out and put a new one in in about a minute. As long as you do install it correctly it goes quick.

The i4 does have a really easy lens change though. I personally think the mask is to small, atleast for me.

[sjrtk]

If you like the Spectra and flex's the look at the Empire E-Flex. They use E'vents/Avatar lenses very simple to remove the lens from. with the flex lowers your used to. I have used the JT's (flex and spectra), Invert Avatar (lower cost version of the E'vent), Vforce, and a few others. If I were to buy a new mask today and it couldn't be a Flex 8 it would be a E'flex.

I am still using a Spectra goggle with a flex lower and soft ears.

[blackdeath1k]

Oh Ive not ruled out buying a flex8 for myself. Not that there is any flex to it. But the spectra line has been great quality for decades. Or get the wife one with the helmet attachment. And me take hers. Price is right with that option. I'm just looking. I4 and grill were named Cuz I love the look of the grill. And the I4 is a tight profile with FAST lens removal and comfortable.

[rschoi_75]

Most of the newer masks have easy to replace lenses. E-flexes are good if you have a larger head, and I4's for smaller heads. I also hear nothing but good things about Profilers. Ive never tried them, but I know they also have quick change lenses as well.

[blackdeath1k]

Stupid me! YouTube has everything. The grill is almost as easy to remove the lens as the I4. And a lot cheaper. I like my thermal JT lens. Never fog. Ever! But all the reviews on the grill lens are great. Doesn't look much bigger either. So now its a hard choice. But I'm inching in the grill direction.

SJRTK. I just don't like the look of them at all. Idk. I guess maybe my mind had 3 options to begin with and now I'm just trying to pick one. Flex8, Grill, I4. The dyes biggest issue of size didn't feel to be an issue when I wore it. So that's not a concern to me.

[keiko_819]

Proto Axis are my favorite...super easy to take lenses off and they are comfy too

[Justus]

I run a V-Force Grill. They're awesome and simple, and if you ever want to mount a camera to the side you can bolt it directly to the lens retention clips as they're just a cheap $2 replacement. Now that the Grill has dual-pane thermal lenses available, it's a hands down winner. Better face coverage than the i4's, better looks (subjective opinion, of course), cheaper price generally, and optional visor.

[athomas]

I switched over to V-force masks with the Morph, then used the Profiler, followed by the Grill. They are easy to keep clean and lens changes are so fast and easy as well.

[blackdeath1k]

I switched over to V-force masks with the Morph, then used the Profiler, followed by the Grill. They are easy to keep clean and lens changes are so fast and easy as well.

Any fogging? What's the field of vision compared to the spectra line from JT? Looks to be a smaller profile mask than most. But not as small as the I4. Is this correct?

[rschoi_75]

^ Profilers and Grills are said to have the most peripheral vision out of any mask. I've never had a problem with my E-flex's or JT Spectra Lenses, so I think any top level mask now days will be fine with regard to anti-fogging and field of vision. I think it's best to just go to a store and try them on.

I refuse to buy masks, clothing/protective gear, and paint online (unless I've already bought that exact item before). Those are the items you want to see, feel, or try on before buying.

[Justus]

Another positive for the Grill is the quick-change foam. Not that I ever need to "quick-change" anything, but a simple, cheap foam replacement and it feels like you have a brand new mask again.

I didn't have any fogging issues when I used a single-pane lens, and definitely none on the dual-pane lenses. Once when running the single-pane on a very hot and humid day I got some water vapor buildup from breathing heavy, which is really a different issue than fogging due to temperature variances; but there's no lens that can withstand that kind of thing.

[blackdeath1k]

Rschoi. Going to the store sounds great. Except for when it costs me 60 dollars in gas and a day to get to the nearest store. And who knows if said store will have what I want to see in stock. Just like buying motorcycle gear. A 100 dollar paintball mask is nothing compared to a 600+ dollar helmet. Or 1000+ dollar leather. That said. Knock on wood. I've always had good luck researching stuff online then ordering. And that's a good thing since its really my only option.

Justice. Ive never had a fogging issue at all with my thermal lens. Just didn't know if I needed to go ahead and get one when I order the mask or not.

[blackdeath1k]

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=360426562047

Pulled the trigger on this. Should be a good woods lens. I still like the look of the grill. But the lens seams to not give any more field of vision than the spectra I have now. And only be a little smaller. So I4 here I come!

Thanks for all the help guys. Six not living close to a good shop at times.

[rschoi_75]

Rschoi. Going to the store sounds great. Except for when it costs me 60 dollars in gas and a day to get to the nearest store.

Ouch... you'll get no argument from me. I'm glad it worked out for you.