Eye/face pro, cheap boots buying locations and suggestions

[Savage117]

Hi guys,

I'm going out to Silverton field on the 17th for my first airsoft experience, well maybe, if they will have me, and I need to get at least some full face protection and some boots that will hold up OK.

Lets start with the face protection, I'm leaning towards mesh goggles and a mesh face mask, or full face mask with mesh eye pro, but I have heard of some vision issues with mesh eye pro and possible bb fragmentation.

So that would mean lenses, but then you get fogging, and therefore vision issues, and possible failure of the eye pro frames. I know myself well enough that my first reaction if they fog up will be to take them off, and that's bad if I'm on the field at the time. So I'm looking for a little detail on what these issues are and how frequent they happen.

Next, the boots, I'm looking for something around or below $50 that will hold up well in a combat environment, water proof doesn't matter, I can either make them waterproof with a water proofing product or just deal with wet feet if it comes to that situation, ill be bringing dry change of clothes just in case.

Last but not least id like to know some local locations in the Portland Metro area where I can buy these products, I cant order them online because I need them by the 17th. Any help will be appreciated, although you may be bringing about your own demise if I turn out to be good at this and meet you on the field.

Thank you,
Savage

[RiotingCows]

Well for eye protection I have a pair of mesh goggles and shooting glasses.

I prefer the glasses because I find that there more comfortable for long periods of time but there do fog up in colder weather when i'm sighting my gun or when I have a facemask thats blowing my air up towards them. This can easily be fixed by buying dollar anti fog wipes or spray. Mine were $33 at AONW and came with yellow, mirrored, brown, and clear lenses all easily changeable. Do not know the strength of them never been shot.
http://www.airsoftoutletnw.com/index.ph ... -lens.html

As far as mesh goes there are a few types I have the circle pattern and since they are goggles and strap to your face they can be comfortable but never fog(trade off?). I do have a bit of an issue with glare from the sun reflecting off the circles in the mesh. They are also not shades so sun can be an issue. There suppose to be rated at 550fps? Again I don't make it a habit to get shot in the eyes so can't tell you strength.
I do realize you said you can't order online i'm just showing you which ones I have.
http://www.airsoftpost.com/product_info ... s_id=32868
I believe Riddick is selling them for $25

If you looking for boots might want to head down to Andy & Bax in portland they have about ten different kinds ranging from $25 to 150.
Two of my friends have bought the $28 dollar jungle boots and have been pleased with them. I do believe there are holes on the side for breathing so jumping in puddles might not be favorable but there are others.



Oh and face protection I have an Iron mask from AONW rarely use it but it does keep my shooting glasses clear because it keeps my air down.

http://www.airsoftoutletnw.com/index.ph ... n.htmlJust seems a bit much for me I get shot in the face at least once every game but haven't wished I was using face protection yet (please don't make me saying that jinx me)

[Darius137]

Actually those holes in the boots are FOR jumping in puddles. Your foot gets wet but the proper socks will keep them warm. It's for jungles and swampy areas.

And Savage, this forum is chalk full of these sorts of discussions. You can find entire threads devoted to boots, or eye protection, or local dealers, etc.

[Filipp14]

I heard that if someone really close to you shoots you and you are wearing mesh it will break, but mesh is most preferable because it does not fog

[Darius137]

I heard that if someone really close to you shoots you and you are wearing mesh it will break, but mesh is most preferable because it does not fog

Mesh is tested with limits, just like ANZI ratings on goggles.

There is the rumor of bb's shattering and still hitting your eyes through mesh, but the quality of bb's would have to be pretty low. Again, you don't have control of what bb's your opponents use, so I guess it's all a risk factor.

I don't use mesh because I don't like looking through it.

[RiotingCows]

Actually those holes in the boots are FOR jumping in puddles. Your foot gets wet but the proper socks will keep them warm. It's for jungles and swampy areas.

Hmm. Puddles, makes me want to go play in the rain.
Suppose thats why I leave in the NW

[Slowgun]

As far as mesh goes there are a few types I have the circle pattern and since they are goggles and strap to your face they can be comfortable but never fog(trade off?). I do have a bit of an issue with glare from the sun reflecting off the circles in the mesh. They are also not shades so sun can be an issue. There suppose to be rated at 550fps? Again I don't make it a habit to get shot in the eyes so can't tell you strength.
I do realize you said you can't order online i'm just showing you which ones I have.
http://www.airsoftpost.com/product_info ... s_id=32868
I believe Riddick is selling them for $25

In these goggle's descripition they specificly say "This is a shooting goggle not designed for Airsoft / Paintball gaming use." Which might mean they're not as strong when it comes to getting hit with a bb.

[ogrejager]

Don't buy cheap boots. This is one area you really do get what you pay for.

I started buying Danner years ago and I've never been disappointed.

[~Thunder~]

Don't buy cheap boots. This is one area you really do get what you pay for.

I started buying Danner years ago and I've never been disappointed.

/\/\/\
This +1.
Love my Danners.

BitterEnd did me good for eye-pro.

...not that this works with your budget and timeframe...
Good luck!

[Android]

As stated earlier, mesh is nice because it doesn't fog. Stamped metal versions are usually considered better than woven mesh as long as it's a strong metal like steel. The downside is that it can darken your vision (hard to use at night) and you have to train your eyes to look past the mesh if you're using sights/scopes. Mesh isn't ANZI tested either, so the challenge is finding a brand that's gotten good reviews.

Phoenix1421 has this face mask and I like that it gives good face protection & still allows decent cheek weld. It's also set up that you can still take drinks without taking it off. Then again, some people opt for just mouth guards or going without any other form of face protection, so it's up to you to decide what level of protection you want.

Yes, Andy & Bax has boots for cheap & if you're starting out you can find a good beginner's boot. If you decide this hobby's for you investing in a good pair of boots will leave you with happy feet in the long run. The Danner factory store on Airport Way has their section of defective (?) units where all that's wrong is a bad stitch or scuff mark, so they sell them below retail price.

[Riddick]

Mesh glasses should never be considered safety glasses since they do have little holes which can expose your eye balls to little particles unlike plastic glasses which have a solid barrier. This is why I have a disclaimer about them, this is why bitter end has a disclaimer about them.

both of ours are the same exact stamped steel. Bitter end has more styles, I only have one. I am much cheaper, bitter end is more expensive. My glasses have foam, so do theirs.

my $.02

[Chachi]

Here is my take……

Eye Pro:
I have gone through a variety of choices, and ended up with one I really like. I wear glasses, so my take may be different if you don’t. I started with some ESS LandOps goggles. Super comfortable, lightweight, good quality, and they fit over my glasses. But then I played in slightly colder weather and they fogged. Not cool when you are on the field and can’t see anything. Then I bought a Save Phace Hoorah mask that is said to a “tacticalâ€

[Jester316]

For the Silverton game since it's close enough you probably won't get mesh anything in time, here is my suggestion:

Obtain a pair of shooting glasses, or safety glasses from Home Depot (any glasses bought in the construction area of Home Depot will be Z87.1 approved, and safe for airsoft play). To prevent fogging, place 2 drops of liquid dish soap on both the front and back of both lenses. Smear around to cover the whole lens with a thinish coating (make sure it's covered is the key). Let dry. After drying, lightly buff both surfaces till they are clear. DO NOT REMOVE THE DRY SOAP. Just lightly rub it with a soft cloth in small circles until it is clear. Done. Do not touch the lenses to preserve the coating. I have used this trick at all skirmishes in the past year, and on my full seal ESS Striker goggles will great results. My whole team did this before CQC7, and not a single fogging issue.

For face protection:
Obtain a balaclava/shemagh/large (2'x2') square piece of fabric. Follow this guide to tie it around the head as a covering. Again, this is what I do, and it works pretty well.


Boots:
Big5 usually has some RG Tactical Jungle boots for lower prices. These will get you into the game, and a fall back pair of boots should something happen to your nicer ones when you get them. For high end boots, Danner's are awesome. I've heard Oakley boots are also the crem de la crem, but have no experience with them.

[Redmoney]

I use Nemisis glasses(which I get at my local heavy equipment rental store) They are comfertable, light, wrap around the side, and only cost $5. I have been using the same pair since 2007. When it comes to boot, I use Bates and Bellevilles. They can be spendy new, but you find unused pairs on Ebay for pennies on the dollar.

[league 4]

For eyewear and a mask, go with bitter end products. They're made here in the PAC NW, and VERY nice.

http://www.bitterendgoggles.com/bitter_end_goggles.htm