How to Keep Fog Out and Your Butt in the Game!”

By Paul Knoch

Fogging sucks. Here in the Northwest, I have seen entire games come to a screeching halt just when things were getting exciting because half the players’ goggles were fogged up. I have personally had a paintball mask fog up while I was walking from the start zone to my team's base.  Before the ref had even yelled “Game on!” I couldn't see a thing.  Nothing can ruin a great afternoon of paintball faster than bad fogging. 

Fogging can also create dangerous situations. Anyone who has played paintball for any length of time has probably seen someone take off their goggles in the middle of a game to wipe away fog.  Removing your mask is one of the most common reasons for paintball related accidents and injuries.

 The only sure way to stop fogging is to stop breathing.  If you are committed to the whole “breathing thing” then you have to get more creative.  Fortunately there are a variety of products specifically designed for paintball masks which minimize if not totally eliminate fogging.

 Paintball Goggles with Thermal Lens – A thermal lens works similarly to thermal windows that you may have in your home.  The lens has two layers with a thin pocket of air in between.  This neutral layer of air helps reduce the effects of fogging.  You can either buy paintball goggles that have a thermal lens, like the Spectra Flex 7 by JT, or buy a thermal lens replacement for your current mask.  I have found that a thermal lens will prevent fogging much longer than a single lens mask.  If you are playing a long game, having a mask that reduces fogging is a huge advantage over an opponent whose vision has been reduced or totally obstructed. 

 Anti-Fog Wipes and Sprays – These products prevent fogging through the application of a thin chemical layer, often silicone, that adheres to the inside of the lens and prevents fogging.  Anti-fog Spray by 32 Degrees is effective and very simple to use.  Just spray the inside of your goggle, wait one minute, and then buff the lens gently with a clean cloth.  The remaining silicone creates a slight haze which allows you to see but prevents fog.  If you are using a mask with a single lens, the difference can be dramatic.  Just be prepared to share...

 FogTECH^® anti-fog spray is quickly becoming popular among paintballers.  Available in a 1-ounce bottle or single use application wipes, simply apply a thin film of FogTECH and then let the lens dry.  Seconds later you have a crystal clear lens that will stay fog free all day.  The single use application wipes are extremely convenient.  Toss a few in your gear bag and you won't ever worry about fogging. This is one of those products that simply rocks. Easy to use, convenient, and totally effective.

NOTE: Anti-fog sprays should not be used with thermal masks.  Only use anti-fog sprays that are specifically designed for paintball goggles.

 Fans – If you use a thermal mask or you wear goggles, adding a fan to your mask is the ultimate in fog prevention.  The JT Vortex II fan can be installed in minutes and has a two-way switch which allows you to either “push” fresh air into your goggles or “pull” air out of your goggles.  With a flick of the switch, the fan quietly sucks the warm, humid air from your goggle and replaces it with cooler air. (Actually it sounds like 1,000 bees have just flown inside your mask.)  Fortunately, noise from the fan can't be heard more than a few feet away.  With the mask sitting right on your face, though, it sounds very loud.

 Goggle fans work well for players wearing glasses.  Switching the fan on for about 30 seconds should take care of any fogging so it’s not necessary for the fan to be operating all the time.  One AAA battery offers about 30 hours of use.

 Conclusion:  With the variety of fog preventing products available, there is no excuse to continue struggling with fogging.  Whether your goggle is a thermal or single lens, fans and anti-fog sprays can reduce almost all fogging. Seeing your opponent before he sees you is a huge advantage.  For the money, these fog reducing products are easily the best investment you can make with your hard-earned paintball dollars.

 Paul Knoch lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two daughters.  He is a member of the Dirty Saints, an association of paintball players committed to preserving the original values of the game. In addition to paintball, Paul is an avid golfer and skimboarder.