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How safe are your "Home made" goggles?

  • 07-10-2008 8:58am
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭


    I decided to test my mesh goggles last night.

    My favourite ones:
    meshgoggles.gif

    made by combining these and adding a lick of paint.
    sunarmsgoggles.gifsunarmsmask.gif


    And my back-up:
    camomask.gif

    which is the following with a paint job.
    largemask.gif

    Both googles were fired on using 0.25g bbs at point blank range. The larger mesh goggle was also fired on using 0.2b bio bbs to see if the bios would split easier.

    The results were less than impressive.

    Fav Goggles
    Fire was concentrated, 10-20 shots in bursts
    goggles-break1.gif

    goggles-break2.gif

    Back-ups
    Harder to see but the 0.25s penetrated the mask. Fire was concentrated, 30-50 rnds in bursts in a fairly small area.
    Both types of bbs broke however 1 full 0.25g bb got through the mask. Bios did appear to leave more fragments.

    mask-break1.gif

    mask-break2.gif

    mask-break3.gif


    Gun was chronoed afterwards; came in around the 1J mark with 0.25g bbs

    I'd be confident wearing either "in the field" but not for CQB where are chances of getting a face full of bbs is a lot higher though it could be argued my testing was somewhat extreme.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,533 ✭✭✭iceage


    Bit silly shooting yourself in the face at point blank range??:p Are we talking point blank as in inches from the googles?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,012 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    I'd be confident wearing either "in the field" but not for CQB where are chances of getting a face full of bbs is a lot higher though it could be argued my testing was somewhat extreme.

    I could stab people with a spoon. Might not work on the first attempt but its very possible. Would you reckon people should be wary of me with a spoon or should they just assume I won't try to stab them with it?

    Point Blank firing at one specific spot on full auto would require a deliberate effort on the part of the other players to achieve.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,469 ✭✭✭weeder


    agree with above, and for cqb i would rather a full face because i value my teeth


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,533 ✭✭✭iceage


    Also why would a "shooter" get that close, even in CQB? If he/she did and let fly at someones face......Curious about the mesh in your fav. Pair, where did you get that mesh from? I don't think its suitable, and definately not up to the job. Fullface in a CQB envirioment is the only way to go.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    iceage wrote: »
    Bit silly shooting yourself in the face at point blank range??:p Are we talking point blank as in inches from the googles?

    Approx 12".
    Point Blank firing at one specific spot on full auto would require a deliberate effort on the part of the other players to achieve.

    No harm in testing the limits of your safety equipment. It's entirely plausible that in a CQB environment you could be hit at very close range. Fair enough probably not THAT close or with as many shots but no harm in testing the limits nonetheless.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 947 ✭✭✭Frank the Manc


    the full auto may have been a bit of overkill, you would be better just doing say 20 shots on semi at different distances but it does prove that they arent indestructable in any way shape or form.
    i wouldnt be risking them in CQB anyways.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    iceage wrote: »
    Curious about the mesh in your fav. Pair, where did you get that mesh from? I don't think its suitable, and definately not up to the job. Fullface in a CQB envirioment is the only way to go.

    Got the mesh from the mask pictured. I have seen other people skirmish with them. I had more faith in that mesh than the back-up one but it let me down.
    From product description on ebay:

    " ...the mask is durable and can take a beating from even the most powerful airsoft guns. Best of all, the metal mesh screen is virtually indestructible .... we recommend you use this masks or sansei masks with power below 400fps for safety reason."


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    the full auto may have been a bit of overkill, you would be better just doing say 20 shots on semi at different distances

    Probably but any face shots I got were never single shots, always bursts.

    I'll do more testing and try to replicate more "normal" usage.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,705 ✭✭✭✭Tigger


    in fairness that test is flawed no ojne s`hou`ld be head shotting`inside 10 feet i'm sure that people have their opinions on bang kills and head shots but i really cant see players being allowed to do this anywhere

    that said i would look on this in a different way it should be a lesson in how important a level of maturity and on site instruction is

    shame you killed yer goggles i likesd them
    how do you find the flaks?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,984 ✭✭✭NakedDex


    Mine can take a 00 shotgun blast from 20ft. I reckon I'm safe.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 947 ✭✭✭Frank the Manc


    Probably but any face shots I got were never single shots, always bursts.

    I'll do more testing and try to replicate more "normal" usage.

    i didnt meant in that way, just i would have worked my way up witht it, see what the actual breaking point was.
    good test though
    NakedDex wrote: »
    Mine can take a 00 shotgun blast from 20ft. I reckon I'm safe.

    00 buckshot?
    if it is id like to test those.


    i dont think the test is flawed though, you can never predict what a lunatic wii do.
    its always good to test things to the extreme, especially those that purport to protwct aomething as valuable as your sight.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,140 ✭✭✭✭TheDoc


    i ripped the **** outa my flakjacks when i got home the day i got them, and they arnt even marked...

    didnt have any sort of blemish.

    I also fired a 203 at them :)

    The three sets of goggles i have have been superb with mind numing full auto test..

    Its the risk i think you take with mesh and why i dont use them.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,705 ✭✭✭✭Tigger


    i dont think the test is flawed though, you can never predict what a lunatic wii do.
    its always good to test things to the extreme, especially those that purport to protwct aomething as valuable as your sight.

    'zactly; why it has to be drilledf into people


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,052 ✭✭✭Dr_Pepper


    I tested my guarders when i got em and saw similar results to what kdouglas' test was when they came out.

    On a separate point CQB in full auto pisses me off. Its just not done, CQB should be single fire only. CQB is about precise shooting quick and fast double taps and keep moving. There just is no getting bogged down with some looney on full auto.
    Just my opinion.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    Tigger wrote: »
    in fairness that test is flawed no ojne s`hou`ld be head shotting`inside 10 feet i'm sure that people have their opinions on bang kills and head shots but i really cant see players being allowed to do this anywhere

    I agree but some people:
    - are reckless
    - have bad aim
    - tend to shoot high when not looking through the sights correctly
    Tigger wrote: »
    shame you killed yer goggles i likesd them

    I'm just gonna make a new pair :)
    Tigger wrote: »
    how do you find the flaks?

    very comfortable and passed my initial fogging up test. Just need to be painted now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    i didnt meant in that way, just i would have worked my way up witht it, see what the actual breaking point was.
    good test though

    I still have the other half of my fave goggles to test on. Will do that this week.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,149 ✭✭✭✭Lemming


    I'm just gonna make a new pair :)

    I've quoted the most relevant statement to this entire thread.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,414 ✭✭✭kdouglas


    What you've done there is basically the real steel equivalent of shooting a full mag of 7.62mm rounds into bullet proof glass at point blank range. Repeated impact in the same spot is going to make the mesh fail.

    And honestly, the pics you posted just make it look worse than it actually is and anyone who sees them without fully reading the thread (which some people will) will just think that airsoft is more dangerous than it is.

    Personally I prefer lenses to mesh, but I've tested my Guarder C4's with full auto from a 1J p90 at the same range, and other than a couple of blemishes on the blue tinted lense, they were still perfect after.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 311 ✭✭NakedHedgehog


    the chances that you're going to get 30-40 rounds point blank in the same spot in a skirmish (even CQB) is highly unlikely to impossible...unless you are unconcious and some lunatic is standing over you.

    You will move your face away at the very least or the BBs will not be as precise.

    It's not really that accurate of a test.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    kdouglas wrote: »
    What you've done there is basically the real steel equivalent of shooting a full mag of 7.62mm rounds into bullet proof glass at point blank range. Repeated impact in the same spot is going to make the mesh fail.

    The real test was for the modified goggles; it got short blasts over a rough area and was a worthwhile test IMO.

    I think it's interesting to see what some close range blasts could potentially do to masks. I have been hit from very close range and want to be sure my mask will stand up to it; you have to test to extremes sometimes.
    kdouglas wrote: »
    I've tested my Guarder C4's with full auto from a 1J p90 at the same range, and other than a couple of blemishes on the blue tinted lense, they were still perfect after.

    So the only difference is I decided to publish my results as some might find it interesting. :/


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    the chances that you're going to get 30-40 rounds point blank in the same spot in a skirmish (even CQB) is highly unlikely to impossible...unless you are unconcious and some lunatic is standing over you.

    The hole in the modified goggles was created by a single blast of only a small number of bbs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,287 ✭✭✭kevteljeur


    Myself and Cheeky tested a speaker griller from point blank with a GBB (which I still intend to use to make goggles with). Not scratch. Eirsoft's Tony sent me home with a cheap mesh mask and a bag of bio bbs to see if the bbs really would disintegrate as per the rumours, but they tore the mask up.

    After lots of point-blank firing on full auto. The bbs were somewhat shredded and the mask was cut up, but unless someone held you down and blasted at you for minutes on end from half a metre, you'll be perfectly safe. The question is what is the line between testing safe margins and testing something that no kit is designed for...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    p.s. it wasn't simply a test of the strength of the mask but I was curious to see if the bbs would split/shatter. I mentioned it but should have clarified better. Just remembered when kevteljeur mentioned it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 947 ✭✭✭Frank the Manc


    kdouglas wrote: »
    What you've done there is basically the real steel equivalent of shooting a full mag of 7.62mm rounds into bullet proof glass at point blank range. Repeated impact in the same spot is going to make the mesh fail.

    in theory yes, but also in theory it wouuldnt be beyond the realms of possibibily nor plausibility for that type of impact to happen over the course of a fast paced CQB game, before the wearer to realise.
    whilst the test wasnt perfect, i dont think its results should be discounted.

    [/quote]And honestly, the pics you posted just make it look worse than it actually is and anyone who sees them without fully reading the thread (which some people will) will just think that airsoft is more dangerous than it is.[/quote]

    no more so than most other pictures put up here i dont think.


    Lemming wrote: »
    I've quoted the most relevant statement to this entire thread.

    not really seeing as both components were from airsoft safety devices, marketed thereas, both mesh and frames, it would be different if he had put some garden mesh into a pair of sunglasses off the forecourts of a texaco station.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,414 ✭✭✭kdouglas


    So the only difference is I decided to publish my results as some might find it interesting. :/

    Well actually I do publish my results... http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055193856&highlight=guarder

    :)

    Unfortunately my site is down at the moment because of a problem with my hosting provider, but it should be back up soon enough.

    BTW... not saying your results are a bad thing, but just a little extreme, although it does give a good indicator of the breaking point of mesh goggles.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,012 ✭✭✭✭Cuddlesworth


    in theory yes, but also in theory it wouuldnt be beyond the realms of possibibily nor plausibility for that type of impact to happen over the course of a fast paced CQB game, before the wearer to realise.
    whilst the test wasnt perfect, i dont think its results should be discounted.

    Without the following details I would discount the results;

    Number of BB's fired,
    Range at which the BB's were fired
    ROF of AEG
    Power of AEG.

    What I have read so far,

    A small number/large number, burst etc.
    Nothing concrete on range
    ROF has not been mentioned
    Power has been akin to "Around a joule"

    If bb's can dent thin sheet metal, its fairly obvious that repeated impact will bend and eventually bore a hole through wired mesh.

    Why its not applicable to a real life situation is that anybody first instinct if concious is to move there head when something moves towards the eye. So you would not get repeated fire through one spot on the mesh.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,149 ✭✭✭✭Lemming


    not really seeing as both components were from airsoft safety devices, marketed thereas, both mesh and frames, it would be different if he had put some garden mesh into a pair of sunglasses off the forecourts of a texaco station.

    Both components were from airsoft safety-wear. The most important feature (the mesh) was modified. It was cut up, and would have to have been warped and bent to get it into position once the cut was correct for the frame. Can someone tell me with precision as to what effect that has on structural integrity of mesh please?

    So no, it's quite relevant since the goggles were effectively home-made.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    kdouglas wrote: »

    Thx!
    kdouglas wrote: »
    BTW... not saying your results are a bad thing, but just a little extreme, although it does give a good indicator of the breaking point of mesh goggles.

    I wanted the extreme to see how much they could take and if the bbs would shatter and bits creep through the mesh.

    In hindsight I could have taken a more measured approach :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    Number of BB's fired

    Ok, can't give an accurate number. The important one for me was the modified goggles which was approx 3 short bursts of 3-5 rnds
    Range at which the BB's were fired
    I gave that, 12" +/- 2"
    ROF of AEG
    can check, it was an unmodified CA Aug A1
    Power of AEG.
    0.9-1J

    Lemming wrote: »
    The most important feature (the mesh) was modified. It was cut up, and would have to have been warped and bent to get it into position once the cut was correct for the frame.

    Cutting the mesh would have zero effect on the integrity. It was warped but only slightly and almost nothing in the area where I was shooting so I would say the effect on the strength of the mesh was minimal.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,391 ✭✭✭extremetaz


    First of all - and to balance all this negativity a little, fair play to MacAonghusa for taking not only the time and the cost to destructively test these particular kinds of eyeware, but also for documenting it.

    OK - so the range (12" or 2") is unclear but at that distance does it really matter?!?! stop splitting hair people.

    Unlike MacAonghusa, I am actually well impressed that the goggles held up to that much punishment!!

    What we now know thanks to MacAonghusa's efforts is that these mesh type goggles will stand up to an insane amount of punishment and that if you want to protect your eyes in close quarters, these are certainly up to the task!!

    As for you naysayers - how about some credit for the man's efforts?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 176 ✭✭Necron99


    Tigger wrote: »
    in fairness that test is flawed no ojne s`hou`ld be head shotting`inside 10 feet i'm sure that people have their opinions on bang kills and head shots but i really cant see players being allowed to do this anywhere

    Think of it this way, What is the most likely thing a person will poke above or out of cover? His or Her head which is also the most likely thing to be shot at.
    Knowing how good your head protection is should be paramount :cool:

    I for one will be testing all my head protection, thanks MacA for bringing this up :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,149 ✭✭✭✭Lemming


    extremetaz wrote: »
    As for you naysayers - how about some credit for the man's efforts?

    I'm not knocking his efforts, I just find it dubious that someone is asking people how safe their goggles are when the ones tested are home-made, and as kdouglas mentioned; the tests were on the extreme side of extreme. Handy to know but a bit sensationalist at the same time (sorry MacAonghusa, that's just how it reads to me)

    Personally speaking, I squirm everytime I see a thread about modifiying and/or mention of building eye-protection because you're effectively removing the certainty of any ballistics & safety certification and introducing an unknown. I'd rather not risk my eyeballs on an unknown, and I'd rather nobody else did either for their sakes. I squirm because it reads like encouragement to DIY on something that should be the absolutel last thing we'd ever consider encouraging as DIY; The safety and well being of players eyesight.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    extremetaz wrote: »
    OK - so the range (12" or 2") is unclear but at that distance does it really matter?!?! stop splitting hair people.

    Just to clarify it was 12" plus or minus 2", I was trying to dodge ricochets :D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    Lemming wrote: »
    I'm not knocking his efforts, I just find it dubious that someone is asking people how safe their goggles are when the ones tested are home-made, and as kdouglas mentioned; the tests were on the extreme side of extreme. Handy to know but a bit sensationalist at the same time (sorry MacAonghusa, that's just how it reads to me)

    Fair point, but my intention was simply to pass on testing that I personally found interesting and my friends here (also airsofters) also found interesting.
    I know a lot more about the quality of my goggles now.

    I do dispute the "homemade" tag however, I'll put another mask of the same quality (unmodified) through the same testing and I won't expect it to fare any better.
    Lemming wrote: »
    you're effectively removing the certainty of any ballistics & safety certification and introducing an unknown..

    How many ppl are wearing masks/goggles that are made in China? Probably quite a few. Does anyone honestly believe they have all gone through any sort of certification testing? It would be interesting to see what are the most common goggles available for rent for example.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 11,001 ✭✭✭✭Masada


    Im pretty sure my eye are gonna be safe.,:)



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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,758 ✭✭✭Stercus Accidit


    3mm polycarbonate

    I feel safe enough.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 947 ✭✭✭Frank the Manc


    Lemming wrote: »
    I'm not knocking his efforts, I just find it dubious that someone is asking people how safe their goggles are when the ones tested are home-made, and as kdouglas mentioned; the tests were on the extreme side of extreme. Handy to know but a bit sensationalist at the same time (sorry MacAonghusa, that's just how it reads to me)

    Personally speaking, I squirm everytime I see a thread about modifiying and/or mention of building eye-protection because you're effectively removing the certainty of any ballistics & safety certification and introducing an unknown. I'd rather not risk my eyeballs on an unknown, and I'd rather nobody else did either for their sakes. I squirm because it reads like encouragement to DIY on something that should be the absolutel last thing we'd ever consider encouraging as DIY; The safety and well being of players eyesight.

    well if some one wants to waste money of expensive goggles simply because they think price is calculated proportionate to safety, theyre being somewhat nieve in the extreme, but sure let them off.
    its not costing me anything and will put a smile on the retailers face anyways.
    Fair point, but my intention was simply to pass on testing that I personally found interesting and my friends here (also airsofters) also found interesting.
    I know a lot more about the quality of my goggles now.

    I do dispute the "homemade" tag however, I'll put another mask of the same quality (unmodified) through the same testing and I won't expect it to fare any better.



    How many ppl are wearing masks/goggles that are made in China? Probably quite a few. Does anyone honestly believe they have all gone through any sort of certification testing? It would be interesting to see what are the most common goggles available for rent for example.

    beat me to it, that is exactly the point im am arguing agains the "home-made" name tag. id trust my standard of work before some 6-fingered 10 year old, sat on a dirt floor getting paid a box of fags and a bowl of rice to get through 5,000 masks in his 16 hour shift.
    vtec wrote: »
    Im pretty sure my eye are gonna be safe.,:)


    is that a .22 air rifle or .22LR wadcutter round?
    polycarbonate is strong auld stuff, pity it fogs up though.
    are they the same ones dex was on about?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    p.s. One thing I know for sure is that the bigger of the goggles I tested can take a truck load of abuse so I'd feel satisfied using them in any environment. It's one strong positive I can take from the testing.
    vtec wrote: »
    Im pretty sure my eye are gonna be safe.,:)

    I just got me a pair of those. I trust them against bbs but not against humid breath ;) I still have to give them a proper test.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,149 ✭✭✭✭Lemming


    well if some one wants to waste money of expensive goggles simply because they think price is calculated proportionate to safety, theyre being somewhat nieve in the extreme, but sure let them off.
    its not costing me anything and will put a smile on the retailers face anyways.

    Who said anything about "expensive" googles? And to that note, what constitutes expensive where your eyesight is concerned?

    €15? €40? €90? €160, etc.? How about hospital treatment? Is that expensive? Is it cheaper than anything you can buy in a shop? Please Franc, I would love to know what constitutes expensive. I would love to know why making sure you've got decent eye protection is a "waste of money". I would love to know why you insinuate that I am suggesting you run out and buy the most expensive stuff you can (because I'm not as it stands). Does any eye-wear make you immune to the possibility of an accident? No. How about we start playing statistical probability?

    You can get reasonable ballistics glasses/goggles for <40 which is less than a couple of midcaps.

    beat me to it, that is exactly the point im am arguing agains the "home-made" name tag. id trust my standard of work before some 6-fingered 10 year old, sat on a dirt floor getting paid a box of fags and a bowl of rice to get through 5,000 masks in his 16 hour shift.

    And you're going to take the work of a 10 year old and then perhaps weaken it structurally whilst doing your own work. Ok ... If you want to rely on the picture you've painted above as your base template to work with, who am I to convince you otherwise.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 11,001 ✭✭✭✭Masada



    I just got me a pair of those. I trust them against bbs but not against humid breath ;) I still have to give them a proper test.

    They actually dont fog!
    there the best ive ever used so far, cant fault them.,:)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 947 ✭✭✭Frank the Manc


    Lemming wrote: »
    Who said anything about "expensive" googles? And to that note, what constitutes expensive where your eyesight is concerned?

    €15? €40? €90? €160, etc.? How about hospital treatment? Is that expensive? Is it cheaper than anything you can buy in a shop? Please Franc, I would love to know what constitutes expensive. I would love to know why making sure you've got decent eye protection is a "waste of money". I would love to know why you insinuate that I am suggesting you run out and buy the most expensive stuff you can (because I'm not as it stands). Does any eye-wear make you immune to the possibility of an accident? No. How about we start playing statistical probability?

    You can get reasonable ballistics glasses/goggles for <40 which is less than a couple of midcaps.




    And you're going to take the work of a 10 year old and then perhaps weaken it structurally whilst doing your own work. Ok ... If you want to rely on the picture you've painted above as your base template to work with, who am I to convince you otherwise.

    get down of your high horse there lad will you?

    i believe, although i could be wrong, you made some comment re: guarder turbo-fan goggles in another thread, again where a lad made his own fan.

    if you think moddin goggles properly will effect the structural integrity of the mesh then i think you need to get your hands dirty a little bit more,
    rather than buying your peace of mind, and basically calling someone incompetent for trying something himself.

    if i do something myself i know for a fact how good or bad it is, not what may or may not have been tested in a factory.

    "I squirm everytime I see a thread about modifiying and/or mention of building eye-protection because you're effectively removing the certainty of any ballistics & safety certification and introducing an unknown."

    Ha ha ...brilliant!

    ive a medical card so im not too worried about hospital expenses.:pac:
    if i could get my doctor to write up a presciption for a pair of guarder turbo fans id be straight down to Sam McCauly's/MIA with it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭Beast ASI


    The mesh most commonly used in airsoft goggles is not strong enough - Read the below extract from uscmCorps on Arnies about the Bitter End Goggles, it explains about the weaknesses about the types of mesh that your referring to.
    uscmCorps wrote on Jul 18 2008, 11:54 PM:
    • The Mesh:
    Perhaps THE most important part of these Goggles... the mesh Bitter End uses to protect your eyes. A lot of testing has been done in the airsoft community in recent years as to what kind of mesh is acceptable and what kind of mesh can guarantee you loss of vision. There are currently two basic metal mesh types out there that is being used on goggles. There's the type that features metal wires that are woven together in a cross hatched method. Then there's the type that starts off as a solid metal sheet that is then perforated (pierced/stamped) over and over again to form a mesh like pattern. After extensive testing by many different parties, the common consensus is that the former, Woven Wire Mesh type, is not sufficient for our uses in airsoft as tests show that BBs can exploit weaknesses in the weave and puncture the woven wire mesh. The other latter mesh, the Perforated Metal Sheet type, has been deemed sufficient at deflecting BBs with minimal deformation to the mesh itself.

    That said, not all Perforated Metal Sheet is up to the task either. Aluminum metal mesh isn't strong enough. It has to be Steel. The thickness is also important as most testers (myself included) have found that the mesh must be at least 20 gauge sheet steel (the lower the gauge number, the thicker the material is). Then other factors must be considered such as the hole size and the distance between the holes. Hole size and space between the holes not only affects the strength of the material but also the user's visibility through the mesh. You need to find a usable but also safe balance between all these factors. Once in a while I hear about someone wanting to take a wire mesh waste paper basket and cut that up to use for eye protection. I cringe every time. It may seem strong enough to you... but do you really want to risk your eyes trying it? At the very least, you should do extensive testing with the material first to ensure that it's safe to use. I say, leave it to the professionals... like Bitter End. ;)

    Bitter End's mesh is high quality stamped steel (perforated metal sheet... i.e. the stuff you SHOULD use), appears to be at least 20 gauge steel (possibly 18 gauge), and has been tested to withstand 400+ FPS hits with .23g BBs at point blank range and showed just minimal deflection. Impartial third party testers (such as LionClaws game control who you know has to be uber strict due to insurance issues) have done their own tests with these goggles and found them to be suitable for the major OPs. Bitter End kindly sent me a sample piece of the metal mesh he uses in all his goggles for me to test in my review and I noted the same findings as these other parties concluded... this stuff is STRONG.
    Here's a side by side pic. On the left is the ACM/Japanese style Perforated metal sheet (I think it's steel, but a very thin gauge). On the right is the sample piece BitterEnd sent me.
    dsc094782bc0.jpg

    A pic of what the ACM/Japanese style Perforated Metal Sheet looks like when shot using 0.23 gram Excel BBs at 390 fps at point blank range:
    sanseitest01kz2.jpg
    The top three significant dents were from one shot each at point blank range. All three dents are relatively deep and cracked the metal.
    The bottom hit was a penetration resulting from a triple tap at point blank range (penetration occurred upon the second shot). This pic is the entry side of the shooting.
    Verdict... stay well away from these ACM Goggles. They aren't good enough.

    Here's another angle (exit side) to show the results:
    sanseitest02ax7.jpg

    A pic of what the Bitter End Perforated Metal Sheet looks like when shot using 0.23 gram Excel BBs at 390 fps at point blank range (left pic with camera flash, right pic without flash):
    bitterendtest01tz0.jpg
    Two separate side by side hits. Note that the metal seems almost unaffected by both hits. It did split the first BB in half but the dents in the mesh were very minimal.
    Although the BB was split in two, no smaller fragments ever passed through the mesh.

    I then decided to see if repeated point blank hits would penetrate the Bitter End Mesh. I fired 6 rounds at point blank range at a single point (remember it only took 2 hits to penetrate the ACM mesh):
    bitterendtest02wo8.jpg
    bitterendtest03il8.jpg
    bitterendtest04sh6.jpg
    After 6 consecutive hits, a deeper dent was created, however no penetration occurred and the mesh didn't even crack... just deformed slightly more than the single hits.
    Verdict... while I don't plan on getting hit six times at point blank range all on one spot on the goggles, it's certainly a relief to know that the Bitter End Goggles are up to the task. Thumbs Up!!!

    On his website, he's got a FAQ section and he shows what one of the lenses look like after being shot by a sniper round at 460FPS with a 0.36g BB at point blank range.


    As for Visibility between these two meshes, I'd say the ACM/Japanese mesh has slightly better visibility, however, it is at the cost of overall safety. Whereas while the Bitter End mesh is not quite as clear, it is still beyond decent and the safety factor is much higher. I certainly never plan to use ACM/Japanese Mesh Masks again in the future. Scary stuff!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 954 ✭✭✭MacAonghusa


    vtec wrote: »
    They actually dont fog!
    there the best ive ever used so far, cant fault them.,:)

    I only tested them with a shemagh (with plastic insert to protect the teeth) and they didn't fog .... compared to my Guarder c4s which fogged on the first breath. Have to take them out and get all sweaty though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    I think those results are quite predictable, but good to be sure, well done OP.

    Also, was that Sensei or acopy of a sensei you used?

    I'm having a problem sort of related to this right now. Bought an S10 SAS Respirator for The Warehouse, tesed out the lenses. 6 inches away, .95-97 Sig550 and probably .92 as it was very sunny from the KJ M9. There is sometimes a little fingerprint like mark after inpact, but it just rubs off. So heres me thinking grand. Next day I think, should probably test the vents too. Oh oh! BBs shatter the rigid plastic on the three vents! So, I put mesh one them, no good, it bent after a 3 or four shots:(

    So now, I need better mesh, anyone have spare speaker grilles? BandQ is too far away...


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 311 ✭✭NakedHedgehog


    if you think moddin goggles properly will effect the structural integrity of the mesh then i think you need to get your hands dirty a little bit more,
    rather than buying your peace of mind, and basically calling someone incompetent for trying something himself.

    if i do something myself i know for a fact how good or bad it is, not what may or may not have been tested in a factory.

    You're bending the mesh to fit somewhere else. You don't know what type of effect this may have on the structural integrity of the mesh.

    If I took a sheet of mesh and bent it back and forth a bit, it's going to loose it's strength and be far easier to break. Will it not?

    There is a reason why warranties go void when you start messing about with stuff.

    I would never, ever modified protective eye wear in any shape or form. I value my eyesight too much!

    It's just not worth the risk.

    And yes I am one of those that has spent 100+ Euro on a pair of ballistic goggles. Why? Well, because if they can withstand a shotgun blast or four pieces of shrapnel to one lense and not break then they can withstand BBs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 589 ✭✭✭Beast ASI


    Simon, Swaffield on ASI makes polycarb (I think) lenses for them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,533 ✭✭✭iceage


    I'd be more worried about asphyxiating in the S10! Has it got a fresh filter? You be better off with a balaclava in the Warehouse. The respirarator is going to limit your peripheral vision and you will sweat like a you know what!;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,170 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    Beast ASI wrote: »
    Simon, Swaffield on ASI makes polycarb (I think) lenses for them.

    Yeah, you can also buy tinted ones ect on ebay. But thats not the problem, its the vents.

    gas-mask-avon-m10%20NBC-british-front.jpg
    THe centre one, the curved one was penetrated in 1 shot! The one on the users right was the same. The left has the canister but that has a small vent with a plastic grille, that cracked, and with more hits may break :(


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,045 ✭✭✭OzCam


    Thanks Beast.

    The only concerns I would have about the Bitter End goggles are a) BBs penetrating between the mesh and the frame, and b) risk of injury from sharp edges of the mesh penetrating the frame in a fall or running into a tree or something.

    Both of those I would think are unlikely but possible.

    It's either those or green Flakjacks for me. The Flakjack "tan" colour is pretty offputting - it looks more like cream to me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,458 ✭✭✭✭gandalf


    TBH the title of this thread is extremely misleading as is the relevation that these googles are bodged ones that have a user constructed mesh on them.

    I have altered the title of the thread to reflect the home made nature of the googles tested.


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