JT Paintball Masks Information (Sorted by Release Date)

Information collected by Kevin Foote.

JT Whippersnapper (1985)

The JT Whippersnapper, debuted in 1985 and discontinued in 1991, had an M.R.S.P. of $29.99. It was JT's first paintball mask, manufactured and marketed by JT Racing, whose primary focus was motocross at the time. It’s no longer safe for modern paintball due to lacking side protection, but collectors value its original straps. Available in black or olive colors, its design was recently resurrected for an Airsoft mask marketed by JT.

JT X-Fire (1991)

The JT X-Fire, debuted in 1991 and discontinued in 2008, had an M.R.S.P. of $39.99. It was JT's first mask with a flexible lower half, later inspiring the Flex 7, and used Elite frames. Available in various colors (mostly early in production), it could include the JT Crosswind fan system and served as JT's premiere tournament mask until the Spectra release in 1996.

JT Airstream (1991-1997)

Debuted in 1991 and discontinued in 1997, was JT's entry-level mask in the 90s. It used WhipperSnapper frames and bottoms with added foam guards for side protection, featured Elite frames, and came with a single lens, visor, and optional thermal lenses. Early models had less chin protection, which was improved in later models with an extended foam guard to the faceplate, before being replaced by the Softstream. M.R.S.P. was $29.99.

JT Softstream (1994)

The JT Softstream, debuted in 1994 and discontinued in 2008, had an M.S.R.P. of $19.99. It was JT's most basic paintball mask, using Elite frames with a removable forehead shield. Early 90s models had foam bottom face plates, late 90s versions featured rubber bottoms similar to the Flex, and later models used hard plastic. It came with a basic strap and single pane lens, often included in Starter kits from Brass Eagle, Viewloader, and JT, and was available in Olive.

JT Proshield Spectra (1995)

Debuted in 1995 with an M.R.P.S. of $39.99, was JT's first mask to feature a thermal lens and visor, using WhipperSnapper frames with added foam guards. Initially available in Black, it later included Grey, Red, Blue, Olive, and Camo. Known for its durability and comfort, it became a staple for rental and competitive play, with updated frames in 2005 and production continuing until 2012 alongside the Elite series.

JT Flex 7 (1997-2009)

Debuted in 1997 and discontinued in 2009 with an M.R.S.P. of $49.99, was an alternative to the Spectra mask, introducing the "Flex" name and rubber bottoms with a standard thermal lens. Designed for high ventilation to mimic masks with no lower face coverage (now illegal but popular in the mid-90s), it offered paintball protection and became a huge success, adopted by nearly every top team. It received an updated frame in 2005 and was manufactured alongside the Proflex until 2009. Its Proshield lining mask continues production today in standard black, olive, and colors like Burgundy, Clear, and Blue/grey, available briefly in the late 90s and early 2000s.

JT Alpha (2000)

Debuted in 2000 with an M.R.S.P. of $29.99, was one of JT's first masks after acquiring Brass Eagle. It was JT's first mask sold primarily in Big Box stores and starter kits, featuring color patterns like camo, olive, skull, and Zombie Urban camo, with some variants including yellow tinted lenses. It uses Elite Frames.

JT nVader (2000)

Debuted in 2000 with an M.R.S.P. of $34.99, was one of the first masks produced after JT was bought out by Brass Eagle. Intended as a recreational level mask, it featured full face and forehead protection using Elite frames. The original had swappable colored vent covers for field owners to distinguish rental teams, but it lost these vents and gained a thermal lens as standard when rebadged as the nVader 2 in 2009.

JT Flex 7 IZE (2000-2003)

Debuted in 2000 and discontinued in 2003 with an M.R.S.P. of $59.99, is identified by its uniform colored, translucent parts and more flexible bottoms than standard Flex models, though they could warp if confined. Green, Purple, Blue, and Green IZE masks used Prizm lenses, while Red and Graphite used Mirror lenses. Popular but criticized for flimsy bottoms and safety concerns, production ended in early 2003, replaced by the Proflex. Original IZE models from 2000-02 came with unvented visors.

JT Proteus 1 (2001)

The JT Proteus 1, debuted in 2001 and discontinued in 2003, was a paintball mask with a suggested retail price of $79.99. It featured Spectra frames, a unique short strap design, and a visor allowing the JT Vortex Fan to be installed underneath. Intended to replace the Flex 7 as JT's flagship mask, it was used by top players like Dynasty members but didn't fully succeed due to its fragile clear rotating ear pieces, which could break when hit by paintballs. The area of concern is the ear piece design, and while black ear pieces are fine, clear ones are not recommended.

JT Radar/Headshield (2001/2003)

The JT Radar/Headshield, debuted in 2001/2003, is an entry-level paintball mask with an M.R.S.P. of $29.99/$39.99. Available in Black and Yellow ref versions, some included thermal lenses and used the Elite lens system with a chin strap. The full head coverage Headshield model features a vent guard on the mouth area for extra protection from paint splatter.

JT Proteus (2002)

Debuted in 2002 with an M.R.S.P. of $59.99, was a high-end mask featuring a single-piece Spectra frame with a thermal lens, offering full head coverage. It included a shortened strap design later used in the Axiom FX-10, with a rigid plastic body and flexible mouth/neck guards. Available in Black, Grey, Red, Blue, Olive, and Camo, it was popular among competitive players but discontinued in 2005 due to poor sales.

JT Proflex (2003)

Debuted in 2003 with an M.R.S.P. of $49.99, succeeded the Flex 7 IZE as a more durable option with a thicker, less flexible bottom design. It features updated Spectra frames from 2005, a thermal lens, and a visor, available in Black, Grey, Red, Blue, Olive, and Camo. Production continued alongside the Flex 7 until 2009, with some limited edition colors like White and Urban Camo released later.

JT Proteus II (2003)

This mask replaced the Proteus 1, and featured the same visor as all post 2002 JT Spectra masks, as well as a chinstrap. The mask still featured rotating ear pieces like its predecessor. It was available for the first time with an all clear faceplate as well as the "Chameleon Series" gold and blue, which came with fade lenses. In 2005 the Sportz Com model was released with a pack in radio to communicate with teammates. The mask was replaced by the Flex 8. M.R.S.P. $79.99, Debuted: 2003, Discontinued: late 2005

JT Axiom FX-10 (2004-2005)

Debuted in 2004 and discontinued in 2005 with an M.R.S.P. of $99.99, was JT's first mask with a rotating locking lens system, well-received upon release. Known as the Axiom, it features a unibody design with a shortened strap similar to the Proteus, using JTJTJT foam and Spectra frame. Only Axiom lenses work with it, despite similarity to later QLS lenses, which are incompatible. Made of rigid plastic with flexible mouth and neck guards, it came in Grey and Clear models but sold poorly. The 2008 QLS line was heavily based on the Axiom.

JT nForcer (2004-2009)

Debuted in 2004 and discontinued in 2009 with an M.R.S.P. of $49.99, was a modified version of the Elite nVader. It combined the Spectra frame's comfort with the nVader's larger protection area, released a couple of years after the nVader. It featured clear vent guards and a steel/clear variant, differentiating it from the nVader, and was compatible with all Spectra accessories.

JT Flex 8 (2005)

The Flex 8 was released as an alternative to the Proflex that offered more head protection. It Features a one piece bottom "Dual-Fusion" design featuring colored sections under a black exoskeleton. It has a forehead shield placed over the 05 Spectra frames for additional protection, and the mask is not particularly flexible despite being part of the Flex line. The mask has remained popular with speedball and scenario players over the years. A full head coverage model is also available. Original colors at launch were Grey, Red, Blue, Olive, Camo, and Sand Camo. Since launch, some LE colors like White, Urban Camo, Reverse Olive, and Sand have been released. M.R.S.P. $59.99, Debuted: 2005

JT Huntington Beach Parts (2006)

The Huntington Beach parts were made for the trade show during the 1st NPPL event of 2006. Only 500 of each color were made and the parts have a non-glossy finish on the colored sections. This helps separate them from other parts. The parts proved to be popular and quickly sold out and prices remain high to this day. JT responded by creating a mass produced line inspired by the HB's, called the EPS. HB colors were: Grey, Neon Pink, Pastel Blue, Lime Green, and White.

JT EPS Series (2007)

Debuted in 2007 (standard colors) and expanded with the Sick Series in 2008, was inspired by the success of the Hunting Beach Flex parts. These mass-produced masks came in colors like Green, Pink Pearl, Purple, Aqua, and Pearl White, distinguishable from HB models. The Sick Series featured custom team parts for San Diego Dynasty and Miami Rage, plus Bandana graphics in Red, Blue, or Yellow, with matching Viewloader Velocity shells. EPS straps had limited release, and exact production numbers are unknown.

JT Raptor/Prime (2008)

The JT Raptor/Prime, debuted in 2008 and discontinued in 2012 (Raptor), is JT's entry-level mask with an M.R.S.P. of $19.99. It uses Elite frames and is available in Red, Blue, and Olive, with full camo colors and some yellow-tinted single lenses. In 2012, it was restyled and renamed Prime, retaining the same overall profile as the Raptor.

JT Reaper (2008)

The JT Reaper, debuted in 2008 and discontinued in 2009, had an M.R.S.P. of $49.99. Priced between the lower-end Carnivore and high-end Status, it was available in Black, Red, and Blue with matching color straps. It closely resembled Spectra masks, featuring a removable rubber faceplate and JTJTJT foam and strap design, though it was a one-piece unit with fixed earpieces. It lacked thermal lenses from the factory, and some found its frontal ventilation inadequate during high-temperature play.

JT Status (2008)

The Status was the top of the line OLS [Quicklock Lens System] and was supposedly designed with input from Team Dynasty. Available in Black, Blue, and a light shade of Olive. The mask features the Dual fusion plates similar to the Flex 8, but the rubber is much more flexible. The mask was designed to hug closer to the face than the Proflex, and its frame design prevented the infamous "flared bottoms" that can happen to improperly stored Flexs. Dynasty was to wear the masks but due to their contract with JT expiring and their subsequent move to Empire, they never played a tournament with the masks. Ryan Greenspan did model the mask in the 2008 JT product catalog however. The OLS line uses the same JTJTJ foam and strap design used in the Flex line. Seen by many as overpriced when the Proflex was $40 cheaper, the Status sold poorly and was quietly discontinued in 2009. M.R.S.P. $99.99, Debuted: 2008, Discontinued: 2009

JT Proflex Revolution (2008)

The Proflex Revolution was released in late 2008. It featured only black and white colors, except a limited run of green models for Ohio University, but prototypes of red, blue, reverse white, and baby blue were made. Released as a continuation of the Flex line, it received a lukewarm reception and was only on the market for a year. The mask introduced new rubber ears that had a similar shape to the original JT hard ears, and made use of the rivet holed in the Flex bottoms for a more rigid mask. All Flex Revolutions came with a standard visor and clear lenses. The mask's ears were trimmed down slightly (dubbed the 2.0) and saw use in LE Proflex models.

JT QLS (Quick Lens System) (2008)

Debuted in 2008 with an M.R.S.P. of $49.99, introduced a rotating lock lens system based on the Axiom FX-10, featuring Spectra frames and JTJTJT foam. Available in Black, Grey, Red, Blue, Olive, and Camo, it included three models: standard, full head coverage, and Carnivore (the lightest). The system allowed quick lens swaps and was well-received, with the 2009 Carnivore being the most popular due to its affordability and quality.

JT Carnivore (2008-2009)

Debuted in 2008 and discontinued in 2009 with an M.R.S.P. of $34.99, was the most affordable QLS mask, available in Black with a single lens and a full head coverage model. As the lightest of the 3 QLS masks due to its composite mold, it featured a single pane lens, JTJTJT foam, and Spectra strap design. Its lens system, quality foam, and low price made it the most popular QLS mask and a great entry-level option.

JT ProShield (2009)

Debuted in 2009 with an M.R.S.P. of $24.99, is a lower face protection mask designed for use with other masks lacking lower coverage, such as the original Flex 7. It features a rigid plastic frame with a soft rubber chin guard and comes in black, olive, and limited colors like Burgundy, Clear, and Blue/grey from the late '90s and early 2000s. It remains in production today.

JT Spectra Lenses (2000s)

The JT Spectra Lenses, with an M.R.S.P. of $22.95-$25.95, come in various colors including Clear, Smoke, Amber, Yellow, Rose, Purple, and mirrored options like Blue, Orange, and Smoke. In the early 2000s, faded lenses in yellow, blue, or smoke, and Prism lenses with colored mirrored exteriors were available but later discontinued. Currently, only Clear, Yellow, and Smoke Mirror lenses are available.

JT Guardian (2012)

Debuted in 2012 with an M.R.S.P. of N/A, features a redesigned Elite Frame housing molded into the mask body, making it a one-piece design. Available only in JT's Ready To Play kits, it comes with a clear single lens, no visor, and a low profile by sculpting out the ears. Unlike other JT masks, its strap runs behind the ears instead of in front.

JT Premise (2015)

Debuted in 2015, is a mask targeted toward fields (and the general public) seeking a wider field of view than Elite-based masks. It uses a Spectra lens with a quick release system, featuring a frame around the lens that opens by sliding two internal lock switches. It includes quick-change foam for easy cleaning and drying, and limited frontal ventilation to reduce paint splatter. M.R.S.P. is $39.99 for standard, $59.99 for camo, and $69.99 for the headshield model.

JT Lenses 2.0 (2015)

With an M.R.S.P. of $29.99 for clear and $39.99 for 2.0 colors, introduced new Prism colors starting in 2015 with the "Prism 2.0" line, initially featuring Lava, Sky, and Gold. Two years later, Yellow Retro, Hi-Def, and Fluorite were added. Due to delamination complaints in the inner thermal layer early in the lenses' life, GI Sportz released a revised formula, improving longevity.

JT Proshield (2017)

In 2015, GI Sportz bought KEE, and acquired JT in that deal. They sold remaining KEE era JT masks until the supply ran out in 2016. In 2017, the Mexico factory where JT masks had been made since the 1990's closed, forcing GI Sportz to find a new supplier elsewhere. The new Proshield features the same vent and ear shape as it's sibling, the Proflex mask, exempt the bottoms and ears are made of solid plastic instead of rubber. This makes identifying the difference between them difficult from pictures alone. Proshields are available in all in olive and black.

JT Proflex (2017)

In 2015, GI Sportz bought KEE, and acquired JT in that deal. They sold remaining KEE era JT masks until the supply ran out in 2016. In 2017, the Mexico factory where JT masks had been made since the 1990's closed, forcing GI Sportz to find a new supplier elsewhere. The new masks features some slight alterations to the iconic Flex shape.  The vents near the chin strap rivets are now vertical, the ears and bottoms are now made of rubber, but are slightly stiffer than classic Flex rubber, and the visor has a new shape. Limited edition colors include Red/Grey, Blue/Black, Orange/Black, and Xfactor Teal.

 

This information and graphics provided by Kevin Foote and presented with his permission. (2025)