In a series of ballistic tests that would make a dental hygienist weep, the DG Airsoft team set out to discover if facial protection is actually worth the hassle. Armed with a 3D-printed skull encased in flesh-like gelatin—affectionately named Jules—the team subjected their silent volunteer to a barrage of high-pressure airsoft pellets. While Jules started the day with a full set of plastic teeth and a stoic expression, the absence of a mesh mask quickly turned his dental situation into a "DIY gap-tooth" look. The results were clear: unless you enjoy spending your weekend at the dentist and a few thousand euros on implants, covering your lower face is a smart move.

The destruction didn't stop at dental work, as the team pivoted to the invisible threat of sound. Introducing a second victim named Greg—a mannequin equipped with internal microphones—the crew tested the impact of pyrotechnic grenades in various environments. In confined spaces, these little boom-makers exceeded 130 decibels, which is roughly the equivalent of standing next to a jet engine or a very enthusiastic toddler. Without active hearing protection, the audio graphs showed peaks that would likely leave a human player with permanent ringing in their ears and a very confused look on their face.

This experiment serves as a friendly reminder that looking cool on the field shouldn't come at the cost of your basic senses. While only eye protection is technically mandatory in many arenas, the sight of Jules's shattered jaw and the deafening recordings from Greg’s ears suggest that extra gear is a small price to pay for remaining intact. The team concluded that while accidents happen, being the person who can still hear the victory speech and eat a solid sandwich at the end of the day is the real win.