Most people look into airsoft and most of them see the replica guns, the uniforms, and the boots. But there is a little bit more into airsoft that is more important than all of these and that is eye and face protection.

When my guns break, I take them to my good buddy Rob. When my tactical clothes get muddy, they go straight to the washing machine. And when my boots get worn out, I get new ones. This is what most airsofters do in these situations. But I wonder if anyone has actually stopped and think what would happen if I get shot in the eye. I have been shot in airsoft plenty of times, some just enough to feel the hit and others makes you say words that you would not want your kids to hear. One thing I am very thankful for is that when a BB hits me in the eye I am confident that my eyes stay intact and uninjured. How? By investing on high quality and safety tested eye or face protection equipment.

I have used a variety of eye protection gear. From the simple shooting glasses to mesh eyewear. From plastic full face masks to custom made resin full head mask. The choice is endless when it comes to eye and face protection. And, like all other airsoft gear, it all boils down to personal preferences and budget.

I have been attending the National Airsoft Event here in the United Kingdom for the past 5 years now and I have witnessed the evolution of face and eye protection. With this a certain kind of mask have caught my attention. It was only this last NAE 2013 that I was able to identify the person who was responsible for creating these awesome looking masks so here is my interview with the man himself. The man called the HeroShark.

Popular Airsoft: Who is HeroShark?

HeroShark: I am Mark Sutherland aka shark/sharky/hero/heroshark. These names were given to me and combined in the pre-airsoft days, and no, I'm no womanizer :). I live in Northeast Lincolnshire. I've always been into art/making things from an early age and always had a thing about masks/helmets. Failing school apart from art, then trying several art colleges to find out it wasn't for me . I went on to several obscure creative jobs including wedding jewelry maker and memorial mason. I currently work in an art/photo shop framing images and objects, as well as doing my personal work when I'm not looking after my kids.

How long have you been in Airsoft?

I've been playing for 16ish years, although I've had springers from a young age which got me into it really. I was just waiting for somebody to play with.

How did you start with the business?

When I started playing I modified an old copper street hockey mask, this led on to modifying goggles and masks for friends. Years later, the old cooper was looking a little shabby and found myself a Mylec mask (the one off heat) to fit out. I wasn't really that taken with it so looking around the web I found some rather expensive replica fiberglass classic hockey masks. Put off by the price, I researched their construction and got to work. I started a thread on Arnies Airsoft forum about my project and it all started from there.

Players would find me through the forums and request various different things as well as advice. The business started me rather than me starting the business. From there it grew and grew even the idea of the site was kind of pushed on me. With looking after my children and doing my regular job, there's been several times I've just wanted to pack in but the appreciation and support of my customers keep me going.

Winning the 2011 Airsoft International Magazine awards for best eye protection manufacturer over the likes of massive companies like ESS, Revision, Oakley, etc. really hit that home for me. Then attending the 2011 NAE and meeting the people I've protected and seeing the volume I've produced was a shock. I can't stop, I hate to disappoint the people who have made this for me.

What materials do you use?

I use stamped steel or polycarbonate for eye protection . The mesh masks use stainless steel woven mesh. The fiberglass masks are made with a mix of high quality fiberglass cloths.

Product safety? How much fps can they withstand?

I tested my mesh at point blank range in the same spot with an upgraded bolt action using .36 ammo @500fps. It took 10 rounds before the material started to split . My mesh mask woven mesh took 4 rounds before a breach, a lot less but if you're letting folks 500fps point blank you in the face close up you should start worrying. You can shoot fiberglass with an air rifle and it won't touch it.

Your products and their prices?

Goggles wise they start from around the £25 mark up to £30. I can also source any glasses/goggle frame or mask you wish to be fitted with my mesh lenses, or mesh your existing masks or eye protection from £15-25. I do  half mesh masks cut to your goggle profile and face size with various different setup options £35-65. My fiberglass masks are bespoke made for the users using a face mold of the individual if possible, no one is ever the same. I can make you anything from a small coverage half mask for around £65 up to a full coverage helmet for around £350-400 depending on how crazy you want to go.

Website?

www.heroshark.co.uk.

Where to buy or order?

Most find me through Facebook or the website. But many contact me through forums as that's where it started really. I'm pretty easy to find one way or another.