Paintball is one exciting sport and game that’s finding a growing number of fans with time. That said, whoever decides to play this sport needs to invest in good-quality protective equipment. Of them all, the most crucial is a paintball helmet. A full head paintball helmet can make a world of difference, no matter the style and the kind of paintball you’re playing. Paintball helmets basically shoot two birds with one stone; they not only enhance your level and comfort of playing but also offer protection. The best helmets are a pleasure to wear, rather than a pain, and protect your face and your head completely, right up to the chin. What’s more, you’re no longer afraid or intimidated in the field, especially if you’re still a beginner finding your footing. Plus, when it comes to professionals, good helmets increase your chances of winning, all while guaranteeing your personal safety.
That said, high-end paintball helmets aren’t for everyone, especially if you’re a beginner who’s feeling the pinch of buying expensive paintball gear. This is why we’ve come up with a handy buying guide, besides listing the best options in the market for all budgets. Also, if you’re on a budget, you might even want to consider getting your own Best Cheap Paintball Guns too while at it. To that end, here are the 13 best full head paintball helmets.
How To Choose The Best Full Head Paintball Helmets?
When it comes to investing in headgear, there are certain specific aspects to be considered, whether it’s paintball helmets, the Best Kayaking Helmets, or even the Best Beginners’ Motorcycle Helmets. Read on to know what you need to think about before going for paintball helmets.
Meanwhile, you might also want to check out the Best Paintball Outfits and the Best Pump Paintball Guns.
Lenses
Vision is an extremely important factor when it comes to wearing helmets during your paintball game, as you need to be able to see your opponents clearly. This is why the kind and type of lens on your helmet are important. Go for a paintball helmet with a lens that provides a wide vision of 260-270 degrees. Also, stay away from the ones that have a flat and narrow lens. Instead, look for non-distortion, high-grade, spherical lenses that offer peripheral vision, and also come with an anti-fog treatment so as to not cloud up your vision. Additionally, make sure that the lens is slightly away from your face but not too much, and pick lenses with an anti-scratch and UV coating as well. Finally, if it’s possible, go for interchangeable chromatic, colored, or mirrored lenses that help prevent glares from the sun as well.
Durability and weight
The next thing to look for in full head paintball helmets is durability. Hence, look for helmets made from durable and robust material so they can not only withstand wear and tear but also handle harsh elements. Also, high-grade helmets often come with a facial skirt that’s flexible, soft, and sturdy, and offers additional protection along the jawline and chin. Furthermore, dual-pane lenses are more durable as opposed to single-pane ones.
Another factor related to durability is weight. Do remember that you require lightweight helmets in the field that allow you to play for long hours comfortably. If your helmet is heavy, then it can feel burdensome in the field. Thus, look for helmets that don’t weigh more than 2-3 lbs.
Airflow and comfort
Comfort and airflow around your head are as crucial a factor as anything else on this list. Hence, you need to look for a mask that has adequate venting in the front. It not only allows you to breathe easily but also helps you communicate effectively with your team members on the playing field. Finally, the vents also release the hot air trapped within your paintball helmet, allowing you to stay cool on the field.
Ear protection
Finally, protecting your ear is as important as protecting any other part of your head while playing paintball. That’s because if a wet paintball hits your ears, it can not only cause pain but also allow the paint and water to enter your ear, which can be harmful. Thus, go for helmets that not only cover your ears completely but also feature padded ear protection. This feature absorbs shocks and impacts, thus protecting your ear, apart from keeping you comfy.
Can you wear glasses under paintball helmets while playing paintball?
Yes, you can obviously wear glasses beneath paintball helmets, and that too without your glasses touching the visor or the lenses. And that’s possible with the JT Premise Headshield Paintball Goggle, which features changeable lenses, all integrated with anti-fog technology. Thanks to the three points of adjustments, you can also find a customized fit where your glasses won’t touch the lenses.
LS2 Helmets Open Face Spitfire Helmet
13
The LS2 Helmets Open Face Spitfire Helmet is an excellent open-face and full head paintball helmet that comes bobber-style. Not only is it protective and different looking, but also it’s incredibly lightweight and comes with a drop-down sun visor which is something that paintball players love. If you’re on a budget, then this is one of the best full-face helmets you can get with its $100 price tag. To start with, the helmet has a low-profile ABS construction, complete with a dual-density liner. What’s more, it even has a micrometric fastener, which is easier to fasten as compared to other types of closure. While it’s not noiseless, it does enjoy a lot of airflows and is perfectly designed for oval-shaped heads. Finally, it boasts a breathable and hypoallergenic internal liner that’s both removable and washable.
Pros:
- Breathable and comfortable.
- Stylish.
- Adjustable.
Cons:
- Doesn’t suit round heads perfectly.
- Not very durable.
iMeshbean Full Face Protective Mask
12
Say hello to the all-around iMeshbean Full Face Protective Mask, which is a combination of goggles, a mask, and a helmet. This “all-rounder” can not only be used for paintball but also Airsoft as well as for protecting yourself and your home when paired with the Best Paintball Guns For Defense. Since it’s a tactical helmet, it has side rails for fitting a variety of tactical accessories as well as an integrated mounting area compatible with all sorts of GoPro mounts. Made from rigid yet flexible polymer, the helmet is anti-scratch, lightweight, and won’t break either. Moreover, the crystal goggles are powerful and reduce the glare coming into your eyes. The adjustable chin strap helps you find a customizable fit. Finally, this helmet even comes with a good ventilation system, which ensures that your visor doesn’t fog up while you play.
Pros:
- Integrated POV mounting.
- A versatile tactical helmet.
- Anti-fog visor.
Cons:
- The switch/speed knob isn’t well-designed.
- Some users said that the fans make noise.
Jffcestore Fast Tactical Helmet
11
The updated version of the Jffcestore helmet, the Jffcestore Fast Tactical Helmet is yet another excellent full head paintball helmet. The helmet boasts a foldable mesh mask that covers half the face and the head, complete with TPU rubber goggles for covering and protecting the eyes. Moreover, the accessories of this wonderful helmet are made from ABS plastic, while the mask itself is designed from high-quality low-carbon metal mesh. What’s more, the option to add your own patches, a ton of velcro panels, and a dial knob on the back make this helmet a favorite with paintball players all around. Besides being available in six camo color options, the helmet even features utility side rails and even air vents that prevent fogging around the mesh part. Tactical earmuffs and hook and loop panels round up the features of this helmet.
Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Adjustable padding.
- Hard and sturdy.
- Good quality.
Cons:
- The sizing might be too large for those with smaller heads.
Empire X-Ray V2.1 Thermal PROtector Goggle
10
The Empire X-Ray V2.1 Thermal PROtector Goggle might say “goggle”, but it’s one nifty, well-designed, and heavy-duty helmet that’s perfect for protecting your entire head. There’s a lot to like about this helmet set, which offers complete head protection. To begin with, the lenses on this helmet are anti-scratch and anti-fog both, which ensures that your vision doesn’t get clouded up in the middle of the game. What’s more, the visor is designed to make this helmet more comfortable and increase airflow as well. A fully adjustable and removable chin strap apart, the helmet also enjoys multi-port ventilation, thus keeping your head from overheating. Weighing just 2.5 lbs and costing just $70, this paintball helmet full head one is a must-buy for paintballers of all ages and levels.
Pros:
- Inexpensive.
- Easy-to-adjust strap.
- Full-head coverage
Cons:
- Not suitable for larger heads.
JT Premise Headshield Paintball Goggle
9
If you’re looking for a full head paintball helmet from a well-known brand, then consider the JT Premise Headshield Paintball Goggle. Not only will you get complete coverage protection, but also it’s easily removable without any issues. This is one of the few helmets that feature changeable lenses, all of which are also integrated with anti-fog technology. So, there’s also a quick-release foam system, and your vision doesn’t cloud in the middle of a game either. What’s more, the three points of adjustments allow the helmet to fit all sizes and types of heads comfortably. Furthermore, adjusting the chin strap, head strap, as well as head coverage plates allow for a comfy yet snug fit and maximum protection. Finally, the helmet accepts all sorts and kinds of JT spectra aftermarket lenses.
Pros:
- Easy-release system.
- High quality.
- The helmet ensures airflow.
Cons:
- Lens aren’t anti-scratch.
HYOUT Fast Tactical Helmet
8
HYOUT is well-known in the paintball world for producing some of the best helmets for the sport, and the HYOUT Fast Tactical Helmet is no exception. Known for its protective abilities, one of the helmet’s best aspects is its locking feature which literally holds onto your head. So, if you’re playing a particularly high-energy game of paintball, then you can rest assured that this won’t be flying off your head. What’s more, this helmet even features an advanced locking system where all you need to do is twist the rear knob for finding a comfy fit. Made from flexible and robust ABS plastic, the helmet also features polycarbonate goggles that reduce glare and presents an undistorted and unclouded vision. While it does weigh quite a bit at 3.9 lbs, this helmet even has a guide rail for carrying tactical equipment such as communication tools, battery box, and flashlight.
Pros:
- The lenses are high-quality.
- Comfortable and easy to wear.
- The goggles are removable.
Cons:
- The locking system is slightly difficult to operate.
EDTara Multi-Function Tactical Helmet
7
Yet another excellent full head paintball helmet is the EDTara Multi-Function Tactical Helmet. In fact, the paintball helmet full coverage feature is one of the best parts of this EDTara helmet. Thus, it prevents you from taking stray paintballs anywhere near the eye. Featuring a sturdy rubber atop a steel structure, this helmet was designed for maximum protection. Coming to the goggles, they feature polycarbonate lenses that are anti-scratch, anti-fog, and anti-UV. So, they reduce glare while keeping o=your vision clear. Plus, both the helmet and the goggles offer a universal fit, thanks to the adjustable headband. available in a well-designed camo design, this one blends perfectly with the background of the paintball field and offers stealth while offering protection too.
Pros:
- Sturdy goggles to protect your vision.
- Universal fit.
- Offers full-face protection.
Cons:
- Somewhat pricey.
Valken Paintball MI-3 Mask
6
If there was one paintball helmet with full head coverage that was safe, simple, and effective at what it does, then it’s the Valken Paintball MI-3 Mask. In fact, this one has no fancy features or frills that are usually featured in the topmost products, but that’s the entire point. Costing just $20, it’s one of the cheapest and effective helmets on this list. The industry-standard mask is made from highly durable materials with a design that fits virtually everyone. What’s more, you’ll even find padding, albeit a slightly thin one, on the inside, which is rare for an inexpensive helmet. That said, it’ll last you many years in the field without losing its plushness. Besides the visor easily detaching for cleaning, it offers a wide vision and even fits over glasses! Oh, and this helmet just weighs a pound!
Pros:
- Wide field of vision.
- Durable.
- Inexpensive.
Cons:
- Feels flimsy.
- Slightly uncomfortable.
Valken Paintball MI-7 Goggle/Mask
5
Yet another wonderful full head paintball helmet from Valken is the Valken Paintball MI-7 Goggle/Mask. You might be thinking that this one looks an awful lot like the previous Valken helmet. Well, you’re right and that’s because they share the same exterior frame. So, the MI-7 offers the same fit, durability, and full-face protection as its cheaper cousin. The difference lies on the inside; this one offers even more thick and plush padding, complete with a tougher lens. Costing between $50 and $70, the extra money spent on this helmet is completely worth it. If that wasn’t enough, this one even has a double-layered lens, which is great for shock absorption and fog resistance. If you’re looking for value-for-money helmets, then the MI-7 should be one of your top choices.
Pros:
- Available in four colors.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Comfortable.
Cons:
- Feels slightly flimsy as compared to the other brands.
JT Spectra Flex 8 Thermal Paintball Goggle
4
The JT Spectra Flex 8 Thermal Paintball Goggle is a superb paintball helmet with full head coverage. Thus, your entire face and head receive complete coverage and protection as you indulge in a spirited game of paintball. Weighing just around 1.9 lbs, the helmet never weighs you down in the middle of gameplay. Another remarkable feature of this paintball helmet is that it’s one of the few paintball helmets to have detachable parts. Thus, not only is storing and carrying the mask an effortless task but also cleaning and maintaining it isn’t an issue. What’s more, it can be assembled and disassembled quickly as well, with the adjustable strap helping you find a customizable fit. Finally, we come to the in-built visor, which is also easily removable and offers a wide field of vision.
Pros:
- Universal fit.
- Easy to store, carry, and maintain.
- Lightweight.
Cons:
- No inner padding.
Valken Annex MI-9 Mask
3
Available in multiple colors such as tan, white, blue, black, olive, and red, the Valken Annex MI-9 Mask is another good full head paintball helmet. With a price tag of about $50, this is one of the best mid-range helmets your money can buy. The Annex comes with a nice rubbery collapsible bottom that’ll help with the bouncing impacts. What’s more, the helmet even features dual-pane thermal lenses with a thermal foam barrier and a visor, as well as adjustable chin straps for a customized fit. Again, not many $50 masks have these features. Besides the quick change lens system, the helmet also features ample venting on the sides and the bottom so that you stay comfy all day long. Finally, the helmet comes with a remarkably soft and plush foam within.
Pros:
- Has lots f features of premium helmets.
- Excellent $50 price.
- Dual-pane thermal lenses with thermal foam barrier.
Cons:
- Small for people with large heads.
JFFCESTORE Skull Full Mask and Fast Tactical Helmet
2
This high-quality Jffcestore Skull Full Mask and Fast Tactical Helmet is made from a very durable material that ensures that it lasts you a long time. Featuring 9 pieces of self-adjusting EVA padding inside, you can wear this helmet for a long time on the field without feeling uncomfortable. Made from ABS plastic, the helmet features sturdy polycarbonate lenses that ensure you get a wide field of view. You’ll even find hook and loop panels, an NVG shroud, and side rails for mounting headset holders, signal recognition lights, survival lights, flashlights, etc. Moreover, the velcro panels all around allow for adding unique patches too. Rounding up the features is the adjustable buckles and suspender straps for customizing the fit, and that too with a single hand!
Pros:
- Adjustable straps and buckles ensure a snug and customized fit.
- Hook and loop panels and side rails for attaching extra accessories.
- Eva padding on the inside.
Cons:
- The lenses get foggy.
Tactical Area PJ Protective Fast Helmet
1
Sitting atop the list of best full head paintball helmets is the Tactical Area PJ Protective Fast Helmet, which is available in a whopping 14 styles and colors! Engineered from robust yet flexible ABS plastic, the helmet also features low-carbon steel netting and polycarbonate goggles to complete the build. The goggles allow a wide field of vision, which keeping it clear of fog and sunlight at the same time. Moreover, you’ll also find adjustable neck and chin pads as well as suspender straps for better and enhanced fitting. If that wasn’t enough, the accessory rail connectors provide attachment points for flashlights, visors, cameras and such, and that too with quick attach or release. All in all, this well-designed tactical helmet is just what you need to play on the field uninhibitedly.
Pros:
- Available in 14 colors and styles.
- Accessory rail connectors.
- Adjustable chin, neck, and suspender pads and straps.
Cons:
- None!
