Help me pick a new mask

[DamianTC]

Ok I narrowed it down to 2 masks.. Dye i3 or JT Status. I never had the chance to wear either, and I dont want to order both and then return one. I will have to order online. I am just wondering if anyone had an experience with either mask and can give their 2cents on some pros and cons on either mask. Price isnt an issue. My personal liking in masks are bigger ones. I dont have one of those little peanut heads that most masks seem to be made for these days, so bigger is better

[Silverback]

What made you decide on the I3 and the STRATUS? Then we have a place to start with our recommendations....

[Ninjeff]

I3s are super light, ultra comfortable, and offer decent protection, but the lenses are so hard to change you might as well buy a new pair if you need lenses. A good goggle, but those lenses are impossible.

Have no idea about the Stratus.

[paint magnet]

Is there a store anywhere nearby? They'll probably let you try one on, but you don't have to buy it from them.

I have not owned any of the masks you listed, but I have owned Dye, JT, and V-Force masks for several years. The Dye was probably the most comfortable, but a bit on the small side. Changing the lens nearly impossible.

I'm currently using a V-Force ProFiler. It's got plenty of room for me but it doesn't present a large target. Lenses can be changed in about 15 seconds.

[Ninjeff]

yea, i hate to say it (because i hate when you ask about two products and someone bounces along and talks about something else) but, the Profilers offer the most comfort, best coverage, great easy change lenses, and are well suited to someone that has a larger head.

I had a pair for quite some time, great goggle system. Probably one of the best all around on the market

[insixdays777]

JT Flex/Spectra...gone through a few pair over the last 10yrs...wont look through anything else. I will play my last paintball game in a pair...cant beat the orginal.

[Warwitch]

All I can say is dont buy any mask that you havent personally worn. Everyones face is different. End everyone has a different perference based on fit and view. Any of the top level masks offer similar performance. Personally I prefer Vforce goggs because of the fit. Second is JT.

[Dark Side]

I hate my Status.

Cons:
1. Overheats very easily, even in 50 degree weather which translates into fog.
2. Small mask. Even smaller than my Proteus. I don't have a large head and the tips of my ears and chin hang out during play.
3. JT's current fan will not fit. Trust me I tried everything I could except for modding.
4. Lack of lenses. Mine went bad quick. The inside coating came off far more easily than any other JT I have ever owned, and I have been through plenty of lenses. On top of that the foam separated allowing it to fog even more easily. Now I have to buy a new mask to play, or simply wait.

Pros:
1. Very comfortable. I love the way it feels. I just can't see anything.
2. Takes a shot straight on from 15 feet and bounces. I literally watched the paint hit me on the nose and it did not break. I can't say this for any other mask I have ever worn.


Overall if this mask was just a bit bigger and did not over heat. I'd stick with it. The lack of lenses I can overlook for a few months but this thing has been out for a while now and I still can't find any replacements.

I'll be going back to a Proflex or Spectra.

[B-Pow]

Okay, for the i3..are you talking about the i3 or the i3 pro, there is a diffrence. The normal i3 is in my opinion terrible. I had one. it would fog easily, the lenses are a pain to change (on any i3) the coverage really isn't great...it barely covers my jaw.

I don't know anything about the JT line as nothing they have has really intrested me lately.

I hate to say it since it wasn't on your list, but the V-force profilers are the best mask I've ever even tried on, and I've tried almost all of them. lots of coverage, decent venting, fog is not an issue, lenses change out really easily, and it's crazy confortable. I would suggest you give that mask a second look, and since the grillz came out the profilers had a price drop. There is a reason why many of the "pro teams" who were sponsored by v-force for masks continued to use the profilers instead of the grills...since they got it right with the profiler. Also if you look at the new Dye i4's they look a heck of a lot like the profilers....

[SithSteve]

I have to say, my Empire E-Vents are the best goggles I have ever owned hands down! I have had several other brands (Dye, V-Force, JT) and none compare with fit, comfort, and performance... although, the V-Force Profilers I had were a close 2nd.

[Pneumagger]

Scott Badass...

oh wait, it's the 21st century.

[pk5]

You may as well say the original Vent

As for the mask, just try one on for a while and see, i have own pretty much every mask. Overall:

1st: Profiler - Still cheap, still low profile, lenses are cheap and easily available, easy to change
2nd: Flex - simply because if you have a big head or breathing issues with smaller mask, this one allow you to breath easily, price are reasonable for the basic setup.
3rd: Grill - Great mask, but still on the overprice size. This work great if you want more coverage than the profiler.
4th: Event / Vent - Pretty decent mask, but still somewhat overprice, and lens are not that easy to find at my local shop ( the amber lens anyway)

[t0nnn]

flex....been on the same pair for 8 yrs now

good price, great mask

[garbageman705]

I like the i3. Here is a tip. Buy an i3 for 30-40 bucks new. Now buy some i3 pro soft ears. Remove the foam from the ears on the i3 and trim the bottom of the mask by the ears with a razor. Install soft ears. You now have an i3 pro for 50 bucks or less.

[Stayhuge]

JT Flex/Spectra...gone through a few pair over the last 10yrs...wont look through anything else. I will play my last paintball game in a pair...cant beat the orginal.

Ditto