The Dye I4 is one of the most popular paintball masks on the market. It’s loved by both beginners and experienced players for its comfortable fit, great field of vision, excellent ventilation, and wide range of colors and designs.
If you’re in the market for a new paintball mask, the Dye I4 is definitely worth considering. It has an original Precision I4 version, followed by the upgraded I4 Pro.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the original Dye I4 and the upgraded Dye I4 Pro and provide a comprehensive review. We’ll cover everything from key features to performance to price. You can then decide if the Dye I4 is the suitable mask for you.
Dye I4 Paintball Mask: Detailed Feature Review
- I4 Design:
The Dye I4 and I4 Pro paintball masks feature the same design and profile with only a few aesthetic design changes. Both these masks are incredibly lightweight, stylish in design, and super-comfy to wear. They come in a wide range of colors and color combinations.
The tight profile enables the mask to really hug tight to the face yet be super comfortable, making it ideal for kids and adults with a slim and smart faces. It is comfortable for almost all types of facial contours due to its anatomically correct design. However, the Dye I5 would be a better fit for the bigger guys.
The small profile enables the player to aim easily with a marker. They can easily place their cheek on their rifle’s stock and look through the scope for better aiming and accuracy, which is quite hard to do while wearing bulky masks.
However, players wished it had a visor to protect the forehead from exposure.
- Comfort:
The Dye I4 and I4 Pro paintball goggles are designed to wear all day long without any itching or irritation. They are extremely lightweight, adequately padded, and equipped with all the right features to ensure snug fit, breathability, and comfort.
As mentioned earlier, both these masks are designed anatomically correct to fit most types of face contours. However, its tight profile can make it uncomfortable for players with chubby faces.
Besides, this paintball equipment features an adequate amount of vents to allow ample air to pass through (especially during heavy breathing). However, they may allow some paint to come inside in case of a direct shot on vents (so you better be careful).
These vents are also incorporated with scream venting technology, and ear-protection foams have tiny holes to ensure you can easily talk to your teammate while wearing the mask.
These masks feature compression-formed ears and dual-stage foam to provide maximum cushioning and prevent sweat from going near your eyes and lens and hindering visibility. The only drawback is that the foams are irreplaceable if worn out, unlike Dye I5.
Apart from the foams mentioned above, the Dye I4 goggles also feature chin straps and Tiger Teeth buckles (luckily removable) to secure the mask to its place and prevent it from falling even in rough conditions.
The mask also features slits to accommodate wearing glasses, making it ideal and comfy for players with weak eyesight.
Now, let’s talk about the back strap. The original Dye I4 features a typical back strap, which is somewhat comfortable, easy to adjust, and hugs the back of the head comfortability. However, the Dye I4 Pro version takes this strap adjustment and comfort to the next level. It features a GSR Pro Strap (also found in Dye I5), which comes with a ratchet dial on a wide head pad strap. The ratchet dial makes it easier to adjust the tension (by rotating the dial) and achieve the best fit, while the wider head pads maximize the comfort and grip.
- I4 Lenses:
These masks feature state-of-the-art Thermal lenses with a compound radius that provides maximum visibility, clarity, and Horizon Peripheral Vision. They come with an anti-fogging ability, so you don’t have to worry about fogging up your glasses after a few hours of use.
These lenses are also hard-coated and UV-coated to protect them from abrasion and scratches, while the UV coat protects the eyes from harmful rays and enhances visibility.
Although these lenses are durable and long-lasting, they can get scratched, condensed, or damaged over time. To make the replacement easy, the Dye I4 masks have an advanced rapid lens change system, which allows the owner to change the lenses easily in a matter of seconds.
Moreover, players must protect the mask from fully emerging in the water, as the moisture penetrates the space between the lenses and leaves the condensation behind. Consequently making the lenses unusable.
- Price:
The original I4 is available at a price ranging between $150 and $210 (depending on the colors), while the I4 Pro can be purchased below $180. The cost of both these variants is justified by their quality, comfort, features, and performance.
Pros and Cons of Dye I4 Paintball Goggles:
Pros
- Tight Profile: Its compact design and tight profile enable it to wrap around the face easily, and minimize the hindrance during the gameplay, especially while aiming down the barrel.
- Fantastic design: It is lightweight, durable, and stylish to wear. It is highly ventilated and allows easy taking with the teammates. It is available in a wide array of color options, color combinations, and lens options.
- Best Lenses: Features high-quality lenses with fantastic clarity, great peripheral vision, and an anti-fogging feature. It is also coated with specialized layers to prevent UV penetration as well as scratches due to minor abrasion.
- Comfortable: Both these masks are easy to wear and remove. They provide a snug fit and comfort for wearing all day long. They are highly ventilated and lightweight. These masks are adequately padded around the ears to the eyes, from the chin to the back of the head, to provide maximum cushioning, secure fit, and comfort.
- Head Strap: The Dye I4 pro comes with an excellent GSR Pro Strap, which contains a ratchet dial on a wide head pad strap for easy adjustment, personalized fitting, and extra comfort.
- Also works great as paintball armor with airsoft fights and provides adequate mouth protection.
Cons:
- Non-removable dual-stage form, making it hard to replace when worn.
- A tight profile makes it uncomfortable for people with broad or bulky faces.
- A compact design and tight profile expose the jaws and ear lobes.
- A visor is not available to protect the forehead.
- Vents are not designed to prevent the paint to come inside in case of a direct shot.
- Requires special care while washing, as mishandling can cause the water to penetrate the space between the thermal lenses, leaving condensation behind.
- Not all types of eyeglasses can be worn beneath them.
Final Words, Is Dye I4 Paintball Mask Worth Buying?
The Dye I4 mask is one of the most popular paintball masks on the market. It is loved by both novice and experienced players alike for its comfort and durability. In this review, we looked closely at the features of the Dye I4 and saw how it stacks up against the competition.
The Dye I4 mask is made from a lightweight polymer material. It is designed to be comfortable and provide a good field of view. The mask has a quick-change lens system that makes it easy to change lenses on the fly. The Dye I4 also has a ventilation system that helps to prevent fogging, and enhance breathability and conversation with a teammate.
One of the best features of the Dye I4 mask is its price. It is one of the most affordable masks on the market. A 1-year manufacturer warranty also backs it.
Overall, the Dye I4 is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced players who want to play paintball. It is comfortable, durable, and affordable. It is sure to provide years of enjoyment on the paintball field. However, players with chubby faces can look for a better option, like Dye I5.
FAQs
Is Dye I4 mask good for airsoft fights as well?
Yes, many reviewers and players have confirmed that this mask works great for airsoft fights and provides adequate comfort and mouth protection.
Are the Dye I4 Goggles certified?
Yes, they are ASTM and CE standards, but they are not rated for Ballistic use.
Can you change the Dye I4 mask lenses?
Yes, you can easily change the lenses within 10 seconds by following the right procedure. You also have a wide range of lens options to choose from.
Do Dye I4 goggles provide UV protection?
Yes, both I4 and I4 Pro come coated with a UV protection layer.
Can you wear Dye I4 with a helmet?
Yes, you can wear a helmet. However, you may have to try out multiple helmets to find the best fit. Or you can also try a helmet provided by the Dye brand.