Above: The Tokyo Marui Pro Goggles - available in black, olive drab or tan

About google choices
It's perhaps amazing that after a year and a bit of airsofting that I haven't yet managed to settle on one particular type of eye/face protection. The reasons that I am finding it so hard to chose one particular method is a mix of wanting the best, most comfortable and most aesthetically acceptable googles/mask available.

I've been trying out a large variety of goggles and masks since I started playing, including airsoft mesh goggle/mask combinations, military spec goggles and shooting glasses. I quickly discarded the idea of using shooting glasses as the least safe option (while noting that they can be the most authentic looking option for some loadouts) but otherwise I haven't made a definitive choice in face protection.

The rule of thumb seems to be, the bigger and more encapsulating the goggles are the safer they are, but the less authentic they can look (unless you choose a loadout that complements big goggles). Furthermore, if you prefer the face mask option - ideal for CQB - then authenticity can go completely out the window.

At the end of the day, you must judge what compromises to make regarding safety, comfort and authenticity. I for one stoutly refuse to let any other players influence my decisions on my choice of eye/face protection on the grounds 'they aren't cool' - my eyesight comes first, full stop.

The Tokyo Marui Pro Goggles
I've just received delivery of yet another new face protection system, this time by the leaders in airsoft development - Tokyo Marui. Their Pro Googles have brought together several available technologies to produce what they obviously feel is the ultimate in airsoft face safety. It's a face mask, but with polycarbonate googles and includes a mini extractor fan to aid in de-misting the lenses, so it borrows quite a lot from the paintball world to improve upon the standard Sensai type mesh airsoft mask. So in looking at the TM Pros I should break down my comments into the three major components/features; the mask, the googles and the fit/comfort.

The mask
Jim Carey connotations aside, the TMPG's mask element is a fairly conventional airsoft type - as opposed to the full face encompassing paintball style mask. In this, there seems to be some unspoken agreement that airsoft masks should be a deferent design from paintball masks, just to clearly differentiate the two different sports!

So, airsoft face masks are flatter, less contoured facial sheilds that do not normally enclose the side of the face and ears. The TM Pros do not depart from this format, but are rather nicely shaped and quite cool looking, in complete contrast to the Senai G5 mask which has been around for many years now and which is possibly one of the most hideous pieces of design one could imagine. In short, even the most style conscious airsofter won't mind wearing the TM Pro!

The goggles
Airsoft masks have usually incorporated mesh lenses to circumvent the polycarbonate lenses greatest disadvantage - fogging. I have used mesh masks several times and have been generally pleased with them (Sensai G4 & G5s) and while they obviously don't suffer from fogging they do slightly cut down light contrast (like wearing sunglasses) and have a nasty habit of flaring in bright sunlight. Also, there has been nagging anecdotal evidence to show that BBs can fracture on contact with the mesh and pierce it - not what you want to hear.

The TMPGs have tackled the above issues by using policarbonate lenses but have also incorporated a miniature extractor fan to help combat fogging.

The mini fan is not a new technology, paintball masks have used them for years, but the TMPGs use a system introduced on high-end military spec goggles like ESS TurboFan and Oakley Fan Assists - an integrated top mounted extractor fan - but at a fraction of the cost of either of these premier manufacturer's goggles (TMPG £50 - Oakley FA £195).

The 'fit'
Airsoft masks have one principal draw back - one size fits all. The Sensai range, as you might expect from the name, cater for Asian ergonomics, so I find them to be rather on the small size for European faces (unless you are a teen). The TMPG is at least on the larger size, and I find it provides good coverage even for my big head!

Moreover, the design of the interior of the TMPG and it's general ergonomics are very good (at least compared to the Sensai range and their clones). The Sensai G5 is positively torture to wear - in my opinion - the nose 'well' in particular is badly placed and actually cuts into the bridge of my nose. Additionally, the small elastic strap on the Sensai G4 & G5 does not securely hold the masks in place, and can snap if rived around aggressively (which can happen in the 'heat of battle').

Right: Sensai G5 mask, designed for the Spanish Inquisition! Not only is this mask unattractive and draws ridicule from other players, the sharply angular edges make this mask a pain (litterally) to wear.

The TM Pro is both very comfortable and has a nice deep elastic strap which also has a plastic snap type buckle at the back to make putting on and taking off the mask a very stress free operation.

Initial conclusion
Overall I am very impressed with the TMPG, but then I have been very impressed with all the various Tokyo Marui accessories I have bought of late. Previous airsoft masks have been all but devoid of any real design per say, seemingly thrown together in a shape which generally resembles a face. Tokyo Marui have done their homework, an their recognition of the size difference between European and Asian face sizes is much appreciated - it is still 'one size fits all', but at least it is a little bigger size to begin with.

Every element of the TM mask exudes quality, and the strap in particular - not an unimportant component - is a solid piece of manufacturing.

Yes, the TMPG suffers from the same issue as all aisroft masks, it somewhat compromises authenticity when it comes to a military loadout. But if safety is your primary concern - as it should be - then at least the TM Pro Google will not have you cringing in embarrassment when it comes to the obligatory game photos! It's cool looks might even win over a few more fans from the shooting glasses fraternity!

(As usual, I hope to do a field report soon to complement my initial impressions.)