Both paintball and airsoft are very popular tactical shooting games that can test your aim, your strategy, and even your stealth! Whether it’s solo or as a team, there’s plenty to prove.
As a general rule, they are perfectly safe, as you are only shooting paint or air. However, depending on how close range you are and where the shot impact is, you might be leaving with a nasty bruise or two. That is why most paintball and airsoft players will wear some protective gear, especially at more advanced and professional levels.
In fact, the protective tactical gear becomes as important as the guns themselves. A tactical vest will not only offer protection for a large area of your body, but it will also prove to be extremely useful as it can hold extra ammo and other essentials while you’re on the go. That is why it is highly recommended as a vital part of gear for both paintball and airsoft.
There are plenty of tactical vests available in today’s market, most of them designed after the ones used for military activities. In fact, there are so many to choose from that you might find yourself struggling to determine which tactical vest is the best option.
It’s important that it offers coverage, and that it is as versatile as possible, with plenty of pockets and storage space for your ammo. And as a plus, your tactical vest should also make you feel like an absolute badass!
To help out, we’ve compiled a list with our top five picks for the overall best tactical vests for paintball and airsoft, all you need to do is choose the one best suited to you!
In a hurry?
Are you preparing for a game of paintball or airsoft? Once you have your gun and ammo sorted, it’s time to focus on the gear you’ll be wearing, and a good tactical vest can be an invaluable addition.
If you’re in a hurry to get the best possible product, then we recommend you check out our number one top choice: the GZ XINXING Tactical Airsoft and Paintball Vest.
The GZ XINXING Tactical Airsoft and Paintball Vest is our top choice for many reasons, including the huge number of reviews and ratings that back it up as a highly popular and reliable product.
It is available in two different colors, and you can adjust it in width and length to ensure that it is a good and secure fit for you.
It is made from high-quality and incredibly durable 600D polyester, with mesh fabric for enhanced ventilation and comfort. It is also super practical, with plenty of storage space and pockets, and a system for modular attachments.
OUR TOP PICK
The GZ XINXING Tactical Airsoft and Paintball Vest is an excellent product option that has made it to the top of our list not only thanks to its high-quality and design but also thanks to the great number of positive reviews and ratings left by all the satisfied customers.
It’s available in two different colors, and the size is highly adjustable for adults, with a maximum waist of 61-inches and a minimum of 35-inches.
The longest length it can reach is 22.5-inches, and the shortest it can be is 20.5-inches. It can also adjust to the shoulder and waist size, so it’s a great option for ensuring that it fits you well!
It is made from high-quality 600D polyester, with excellent stitching and featuring some mesh material for enhanced ventilation and comfort.
It is also incredibly durable, so you can use it very regularly without having to worry about it getting damaged with each impact.
It also features a heavy-duty back loop system for modular attachments, with the rear panel featuring modular webbing for extra pouches and gear.
It is extremely practical, with a multi-options bag with plenty of storage space to keep your ammo, weapons, and other essential gear during the game.
With how comfortable it is to wear, you can also keep on moving freely without it getting in the way, making it an ideal addition. It will also lessen the impact of shots fired at you, helping you stay in the game for longer.
For your peace of mind, the product includes an unquestioned lifetime warranty, as the product has been designed to last and they want to ensure it does.
Pros
- Highly recommended and popular product
- Incredibly adjustable - allows for a perfect fit
- Made from high-quality 600D polyester with mesh material for ventilation and comfort
- A heavy-duty back loop system for modular attachments
- Plenty of storage space for ammo, tools, and extra gear - very practical
- Unquestioned lifetime warranty included with the product
Cons
- No significant downsides
EDITORS CHOICE
The Barbarians Tactical Molle Vest for Airsoft and Paintball is another excellent product option and a very close second on our list of top picks, as it is also highly popular amongst customers and reaches a high level of quality.
It is available in three different colors, and the size is just as incredibly adjustable: with a maximum waist of 57-inches, a minimum waist of 35-inches, a maximum length of 24-inches, and a minimum length of 21-inches.
The shoulders and the belt can also be adjusted, thanks to the velcro strips, so you’re ensured a secure and comfortable fit!
It is made from high-density 600D polyester that is incredibly durable, with large strong zippers and a mesh fabric to enhance ventilation and comfort.
It’s ideal for games such as airsoft and paintball, as it provides you with a good layer of protection while being of tactical use thanks to the storage space it features.
In fact, the storage space is very organized, with various different pouches and pockets that are designed for different essentials and gear in mind.
It also features additional attachment thanks to the molle panel that is constructed with modular webbing, with 2D-rings to help you hold carabiners or other equipment.
An extra feature that this vest presents is anti skid inside the panel that helps you fix a rifle or weapon with ease, for better maneuverability.
Pros
- Available in 3 colors and fully adjustable for a comfortable fit
- Made from high-density 600D polyester - incredibly durable
- Ideal for airsoft and paintball - offers a tactical layer of protection
- Highly organized storage space with several pouches and pockets
- Additional molle attachment with modular webbing
Cons
- No significant downsides
BEST VALUE
If you’re looking for a tactical vest that has been specifically designed for playing paintball or airsoft, and that will make you look and feel badass, then the MGFlashForce Tactical Airsoft and Paintball Vest might just be the product you’ve been looking for.
The size will fit adults and it can be adjusted from roughly a size M to a size XXL. The waist can be adjusted between 40-inches and 51-inches, allowing you to better achieve a secure and comfortable fit.
The exterior of the vest is completely covered in molle, allowing for modular customization with a hoop and loop on the front and some molle webbings on the back. This means you can attach extra gear or extra pouches for more storage space, as needed, making it highly versatile and practical.
It also comes with some storage space in the form of pouches and pockets, which can all be disassembled and reorganized as desired, so that you can organize yourself in the way you prefer.
It is made from a high-density 600D polyester which is extremely durable and long-lasting, resistant to wear and tear.
It’s comfortable to wear during the game, and it can even be used for other activities such as cosplay, as it looks so good!
If you’re not happy with the product, MGFlashForce offers a 100% money-back guarantee or replacement, within 30 days of purchase.
Pros
- Adjustable size for a better fit - roughly size M to size XXL
- Made from high-density 600D polyester - incredibly durable and resistant to wear
- Covered in molle for modular customization - practical and versatile
- The storage space it comes with can be disassembled and reorganized as desired
- 100% money-back or replacement guarantee within 30 days of purchase
Cons
- Not as good a layer of protection as with other tactical vests
RUNNER UP
The Redemption Tactical Airsoft and Paintball Vest is not only a great product option in regards to quality and customer satisfaction, it is also highly popular thanks to the stylish design and the bigger availability of colors!
It even includes a free USA flag patch, which you can place onto your tactical vest to proudly display!
It is made from Mil-Spec 1000D Nylon, which is extremely durable and one of the most resistant to tear and wear, meaning it will last a lot longer even if you’re using it regularly in tough games.
The size is adjustable, allowing you to adapt it to a secure and comfortable fit for you, with it being able to fit up to a US men’s size XXL.
It has been designed to be incredibly practical out in the field, with four molle mag pouches on the front side, and additional pouches on the side and back for extra ammo or other essential gear.
All of these pouches for storage space can be reorganized into different positions, allowing you to organize your tactical vest in the way that best suits your needs and preferences.
It also features a pocket at the front and back of the vest that comes with a foam plate for padding, which provides cushioning from impacts, and which can contain weighted plates for weight training if you so desire.
It’s a simple and effective design, manufactured to a high-quality to provide you with a versatile piece of gear during your paintball and airsoft games, or any other tactical activities you might partake in.
Pros
- Very stylish option - plenty of color options
- Free USA flag patch included with the purchase
- Made from Mil-Spec 1000D Nylon - extremely durable and resistant
- Adjustable size up to a US Men’s XXL
- Practical and versatile pouches for storage space - can be rearranged as desired
- Extra cushioning for protection and option for weight training
Cons
- When first purchased it will need airing to get rid of the chemical smell of its manufacturing
RUNNER UP
Last but not least on our list of top picks, we have a tactical vest that is designed with movement in mind, as it is very simple and lightweight, with just a few essential features: the Maddog Lightweight Tactical Paintball Sport Vest.
It is ideal for paintball and airsoft and has been designed as such to offer maximum mobility and movement so that you’re not slowed down by your gear.
It also allows for faster reloads as you play, thanks to the elastic pod holders that are built with ripcords that eject your pods out fast, and with the capacity to hold 500 extra paintballs as ammunition, making it incredibly useful and practical.
It also features a few extra pockets and pouches to store essentials or additional gear. This vest does not require a harness, as you can haul everything you need in the vest itself, with a tank pouch located on the back that has a velcro closure to accommodate any size of paintball tank.
The vest also offers a layer of protection so that the impacts don’t hurt as much, and you don’t leave with as many bruises at the end of the day.
It’s a simple and straightforward design that doesn’t complicate itself with unnecessary extras, focused only on what is needed to win your game of paintball or airsoft.
Pros
- Lightweight - provides better movement, very practical
- Designed for paintball and airsoft, able to hold extra paintball ammunition
- Allows for faster reloads thank to the elastic pod holders
- Additional pockets for essential storage
- A layer of protection against impacts
Cons
- Not as high-quality as other product options on this list
Best Tactical Vest Reviews For Paintball & Airsoft Buying Guide
When competing or playing in paintball or airsoft, the gear that you equip can significantly affect the outcome of the game, and it can determine how much or how little you are able to do.
A tactical vest can not only help you carry enough ammo to last you the game, but it can also provide you with a layer of protection so that you don’t get as bruised or hurt upon impact.
There are plenty of options available in the market, and there is a huge number of tactical vests that have even been designed specifically for paintball and airsoft, offering just the right features.
We know that it can be hard to find a reliable and high-quality product when so many competing brands are claiming to be the best. So how can you know which tactical vest is the best? How do you choose a tactical vest that is right for you?
We use the following as determining factors:
Size and Adjustability
Some tactical vests will come available in different colors and designs, and sometimes in different sizes. However, most commonly, tactical vests come in a single size that can be adjusted to fit several sizes, allowing you to adapt it to a secure and comfortable fit for you.
The more adjustable the vest is, the better the vest will fit, and the better you will be able to move in it.
Material and Durability
It is very important that the tactical vest is made from a high-quality material that is as durable as possible, preferably also resistant to tear and as long-lasting as possible.
It should also allow for ventilation so that the vest is as comfortable to wear as possible, without causing you to overheat.
Versatility and Practical Uses
One of the reasons why a tactical vest can be so useful for a game of paintball or airsoft is that it can allow you to carry your essentials along with any extra ammo that you might need to use throughout the game.
Something that we always recommend keeping an eye out for, vests that allow you to completely reorganize the pouches, along with vests that have molle compatibility for you to attach extra storage space and items.
Protection Against Impact
If you want your tactical vest to provide as much protection as possible, you might want to look out for one that comes with extra cushioning, to soften the blows shot at you.
To protect yourself from fatigue or exhaustion, it’s best to get a lightweight vest that allows for plenty of movement without slowing you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to wear a tactical vest during paintball and airsoft?
Wearing a tactical vest during a game of paintball or airsoft isn’t always necessary, although for some games it might be mandatory, as rules can vary.
However, regardless of whether it’s mandatory or not, wearing a tactical vest can offer a necessary layer of protection, while also providing you with a practical amount of storage space that allows you to carry all of your essentials and extra ammo during the game.
All in all, wearing a tactical vest is highly recommended, and it will also make you look and feel like a badass so you’re hyped for the game!
I was around 12 the first time I shot a paintball.HOLY COW that was eye-opening... oh yeah, I couldn't believe how much the sting of getting hit was.I remember to this day the adrenaline rush after getting plucked off by some guy probably 20 years older than me.
Please join in and share your experience with the different gear reviews on the site.Drop a comment, I would love to hear from you!
- 6 Best Paintball Markers - January 21, 2021
- 8 Best Tactical Backpacks - January 21, 2021
- 6 Best Military Paintball Guns - January 21, 2021
