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Testing methodology
Every recommendation on PaintballTested follows the same process, so you can compare pages with confidence.
Certified protection
Masks and goggles are compared only when they meet the standard for the sport, and we say which standard applies.
A clear verdict
Each guide says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
No paid placements
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Kept current
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
Where our facts come from
We use manufacturers' published specifications and manuals, ASTM F1776 for paintball eye protection, ANSI Z87.1 for airsoft eyewear, DOT and TC markings for air cylinders, and field chronograph and safety rules published by major fields and leagues.
What we check, by product type
| Markers | Mechanical or electronic, air source compatibility, efficiency, maintenance, weight and upgrade path. |
|---|---|
| Masks | ASTM F1776 rating, thermal lens, field of vision, fit, ventilation and lens availability. |
| Air systems | HPA or CO2, cylinder size and pressure, hydro test date, regulator output and fill access. |
| Loaders | Gravity, agitating or force-fed, feed rate, capacity and battery life. |
| Airsoft | Power source (AEG, GBB, spring, HPA), FPS for your field, build materials, battery and gas needs. |
Hands-on testing versus research
A review carries a "Hands-on tested" badge only when our team has used the product, and it lists the date and what we did. Every other page is built from published specs, governing-body rules, the brand's own documentation and owner feedback, and says so. Comparisons are research-based unless marked otherwise.
Prices and codes
Prices come from each brand's own store and are dated on every review. Reader codes come directly from the brands we partner with. When a brand changes an offer, we update the code everywhere it appears on the site at once.
Corrections
If you spot something out of date, email info@paintballtested.com and we'll check it and fix it.