Dye i4 Mask

[i3666]

To update on fitting fans to the Dye i4 mask to solve fogging indoors when wearing a Fast helmet.

 

I installed my FANZ quick disconnect kit, which was not too difficult. I went for the simpler top mounting on the fans and lead using the supplied clips and cable ties (as opposed to fitting them inside the mask). The 9 volt battery box is velcroed onto the side of the fast helmet and power lead connected to the fan lead from the mask. Simple on / off swith on battery box. The 9v fans push the air around inside the mask and kept it clear all day at The Mall on Sunday, so a sucessful result. The fan whine was audible when stealthfully moving around the basement and waiting motionless in the shadows but was not too loud or annoying, and I did not really notice the noise.

 

This is interesting... Which model/make of FAST helmet do you use with i4's? Did you need to 'mod it' at all?

[Jedi_Master]

My FAST helmet is FMA, you need the type that has removable foam pads not the cheaper china ones with a solid polystyrene insert.

 

Yes, I did have to mod it a little because the Dye I4 does not fit under the helmet and leaves a small gap on forehead exposed.

 

There are YouTube videos on how to remove the front padding so that the mask fits into the helmet; basically you unscrew the front of both side rails to release interior plastic tension/retaining strap and cut it so that the front pad can be unvelcroed, then take soft felt cover pad and reattach to front inside of helmet to stop mask getting scratched. Not difficult to do, less than a 30 minute job.

[i3666]

My FAST helmet is FMA, you need the type that has removable foam pads not the cheaper china ones with a solid polystyrene insert.

 

Yes, I did have to mod it a little because the Dye I4 does not fit under the helmet and leaves a small gap on forehead exposed.

 

There are YouTube videos on how to remove the front padding so that the mask fits into the helmet; basically you unscrew the front of both side rails to release interior plastic tension/retaining strap and cut it so that the front pad can be unvelcroed, then take soft felt cover pad and reattach to front inside of helmet to stop mask getting scratched. Not difficult to do, less than a 30 minute job.

 

 

Thanks mate.

 

Questions:

 

1) Do the goggles fog with the helmet when wearing without a fan (yes, I think the answer will be)?

2) Will this type FMA helmet be suitable to wear with i4's? http://gunfire.pl/product-eng-1152206577-FAST-PJ-CFH-Helmet-Replica-Black-L-XL-.html

3) Is this the fan you have? Is it good? http://www.rap4uk.com/Habervision-Goggle-Fan-p/habervision_goggle_fan.htm

[Jedi_Master]

1. Yes, the mask can fog up when wearing the helmet indoors/underground without fans. My raison d'etre for buying and fitting the fans to the Dye i4.

 

2. Yes, providing the front helmet pad is removable. I have no knowledge of that particular type but they look as if they have Velcro backing and can be taken out. On eBay, a maritime helmet similar to this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FMA-maritime-tactical-protective-military-helmet-abs-black-for-airsoft-paintball-/301785605038

 

3. No, I have not seen that particular fan kit before. Mine is from eBay, FANZ quick disconnect double fan kit http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111412822077?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 (Edit: cannot get this link to work) for about £33 (inc P&P) or look at their Canadian website http://www.fanzkit.com

[i3666]

1. Yes, the mask can fog up when wearing the helmet indoors/underground without fans. My raison d'etre for buying and fitting the fans to the Dye i4.

 

2. Yes, providing the front helmet pad is removable. I have no knowledge of that particular type but they look as if they have Velcro backing and can be taken out. On eBay, a maritime helmet similar to this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FMA-maritime-tactical-protective-military-helmet-abs-black-for-airsoft-paintball-/301785605038

 

3. No, I have not seen that particular fan kit before. Mine is from eBay, FANZ quick disconnect double fan kit http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111412822077?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649 (Edit: cannot get this link to work) for about £33 (inc P&P) or look at their Canadian website http://www.fanzkit.com

 

 

Thanks mate, that is helpful. Did you find the FANZ kit easy to fit?

[Jedi_Master]

If you pop out the thermal lens first it gives better access to the air vents at the of top of the mask and makes it easier to install the fans. Most important thing is to keep the wires tucked in (included cable ties help) and the fans as close to outer edge away from forehead. A single fan kit would be simpler to fit as there is just one fan to locate in the centre of mask, whereas two fans takes a little more effort. There is more space inside the mask for the fans but on top was ok; if you get a kit you will see what I mean.