Goggles question, ANSI approved, etc.

[panda86]

Tactical goggles are ANSI rated, where as paintball goggles are ASTM rated. They are independent testing ratings. The fact is a tactical goggle "may" and probably would withstand a paintball shot, but they are not "approved" (ie: tested by ASTM) for paintball use.

A lot of fields that play airsoft are paintball fields, so for liability reasons, they probably want you to use paintball approved goggles not just for airsoft, but if a stray paintball hits you in the face - they are legally covered.

Unfortunately, there isn't a tactical goggle maker that I know of that has gotten their goggles approved for paintball. Not because they can't, they just haven't done so.

[Yankee]

Yes, I heard so. The problem is, even if those gogggles are tested for paintball, it doesn't mean it's completely secure for airsoft. I don't know.

Originally Posted by NessMcCool

Yes, I heard so. The problem is, even if those gogggles are tested for paintball, it doesn't mean it's completely secure for airsoft. I don't know.

Anything that's "paintball approved" will stop an airsoft BB. Likewise, anything that's ansi rated will stop BB's, but they don't have the same kind of coverage or seal, AND they're not made to stop multiple hits.

If you're worried, use either a full seal paintball goggle or mask, OR a full seal tactical goggle. Tactical goggles are meant to stop shrapnel, so BB's are peanuts.