You may have been recently looking into the dye lineup for paintball masks and wondered, what’s all the fuss? What’s the difference between the Dye i4 vs i5? Well, simmer down because we are discussing that in-depth!
Both are so fantastic, but it can become confusing which one is better. And since they are quite pricey you want to make sure you are getting the right mas for your paintballing.
Dye is at the top of the game for face protection in paintballing. If you are searching for a paintball mask that is going to be comfortable for hours and hours of play but still boasts amazing durability and protection then you surely have seen dye pop up a few times. The good news is, that you’re on the right track you have found the best brand. Now it comes down to the model, i4 or i5?
Okay, let’s just jump right into it then!
Dye i4 vs i5 | Which Is The Best Choice?
Although these two masks look at first glance relatively straightforward, there are distinct differences that make them better adapted to individual requirements. In order to help choose the right mask for your needs, we have broken down the main differences between the two.
Let us take time to concentrate on each of the main aspects before we break down the main discrepancies between the two masks. Although considered the most basic of both, the Dye i4 offers excellent details.
It offers excellent anti-fog lenses which is what you need for those face passed heated moments. It is also a lightweight option, which falls into the category of ultra-light. You can also expect a pretty good vision area with the i4 and a viewing angle of 290 degrees. The Dye i4 is outstanding in peripheral vision efficiency. Making you a hawk on the field seeing people from every direction!
The Dye i4 also offers reliable UV defense so that you can look forward in even the most bright conditions. The mask is also useful for protecting the ears, which if you have ever been shot in, they hurt a lot!
The mask contains soft and flexible ear parts, which shield the ears extensively and reduce the risk of injury if a paintball is too close to the ear canal. In chin defense, however, this mask fails. The i4 has an adequate level of chin defense but it is not as good as i5 and other versions.
However, the Dye i4 provides excellent sound quality. Within and outside your helmet, you can expect excellent hearability so if someone is sneaking up on you from behind you should be able to catch them. If you are quick enough that is! This mask enables you to be attentive and constantly conscious of your environment. The good sound clarity in the helmet is also a good mask choice for those who want voice contact in the game. You can also swap lens parts pretty easily with this mask.
You can expect to change lenses in no more than ten seconds, as long as you know what you are doing. Maybe try swapping off the field to practice.
The i4 has no replaceable foam, sadly. You can still rub the old moisture and use an i5 moisture insert with a DIY work involving glue, some simple tools, and some patience, but it does not have replaceable moisture foam which is unfortunate.
The i4 has no phenomenal dialing strap to tighten or unwind, the strap is only clockwise and counterclockwise and it is hard to get a great snug fit. This is a perfect feature to get your mask off easily and get a fresh air and put it on again quickly, in a few seconds though.
My Thoughts
From what I found trying this mask out, it is a solid option, but I would recommend spending just a bit more money and getting the i5. It is just a much more solid option.
I tried this mask on a few weeks ago, and for reference, I have a pretty big chin and face and it was not too bad but nowhere near as comfy as the i5. It moved around a little on my face, and it just wasn’t as good as the other option. If you have a smaller face though you should be able to slip it on with ease and it should be more comfortable for you.
Dye i5
If you have a bit of a budget to put into your new paintball mask then the i5 is an excellent option. This state-of-the-art mask model provides major improvements over the i4. The i5 is equipped with a double-panel thermal lens type, like its previous model. This lens also works to stabilize condensation and has outstanding anti-fog effects. This mask also comes in loads of colors so you can match the rest of your gear easily!
In total, you can choose from more than 20 different colors. Like the i4, the Dye i5 mask falls into the ultra-light class. After a while, you kind of just forget you’re wearing the mask! Lenses can very easily be swapped, most replacements only take 10 seconds.
The field of view is very similar to the i4. You will enjoy a 290-degree view here, so this mask is excellent if you search for first-class peripheral vision. In terms of UV security, this mask is also given. It also protects the ears effectively. Like the i4, the Dye i5 includes versatile and soft earpieces that provide a full buffer against incoming paintball rounds.
The i5 has a phenomenal rotary dial strap, which you can tighten and loosen by twisting. This is a fantastic feature to remove your mask easily to get fresh air and put it back on snugly again in a few seconds.
In addition, this mask model offers you more defense against the chin compared to the i4. Chin security here, however, is classified only as a medium. If you want higher chin defense for tournament scenarios, you will want to invest in something a bit more professional.
There are some improvements that distinguish the i5 from the i4. The key advantage of the Dye i5 is that foam inserts can be replaced. Changes are fast and simple and allow you to replace old foam inserts with a simple push button mechanism. This is especially helpful if you sweat a lot, you can easily remove the foam to replace it, or clean it.
The i5 can also be connected to the wireless e.VOKE system. If you’re unfamiliar with e.voke it is a wireless real-time communication system that provides you valuable insights about your game. It helps you stay ahead of the game, and the i5 is completely compatible, you just need to purchase the e.voke separately if you’re interested.
The i5 is bigger than the i4. Mainly in the chin region, the extra surface area helps to better protect you.
My Thoughts
The dye i5 is a much better bang for your buck. If you’re looking for a next-generation mask in the paintball industry then you should bite the bullet and go with the better option. From my testing it fits more comfortably, it protects more of your face, and the dual layer lens makes a huge difference in fast-paced play.
Dye often runs discounts where you can pick up the i5 for $200, whereas the i4 is typically priced at or around $150. By spending a bit extra money you’re getting a way better product!
Dye i4 Vs i5 – Additional differences
Apart from the main ones above, there are several other differences. The i5 allows you to carry your voice better than the i4. You can also hear your teammates a lot better with the sound clarity of the i5. The ear guards were specifically designed for you to not miss a beat and hear everything around you.
The e.VOKE wireless device fits perfectly in the i5’s interior mountings. The i5 also has a mount built-in if you want to hook up your POV camera so you can film the action for social media, yourself, or to learn and improve.
Now, much of the Dye i4 Vs i5 posts will sound like i5 is the clear winner. However, you need to note that between the two masks there is a gap of $50 or more. The i4 can look quite attractive if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option because it is almost the same as the i5 without a turn dial strap, a slightly bigger cover, and a replaceable foam feature. It just depends on your budget, and if you think you need the added features the i5 boasts.
Key Advantages of the Dye i5
It’s time to explore the major advantages of the i5 we’ve spoken a little about the differences between these two dye masks. The ability to swap out the foam inserts for new ones gives the i5 an advantage over the i4.
Replacement foam insertions cost a small portion of an entirely new mask, so the i5 saves you a considerable amount of money with its replaceable nature if you’re a paintballer committed to protecting your gear. Often masks can get a smell and then it is hard to justify wearing them. It can even get to you wanting to replace your mask once it starts smelling too badly.
Most of the smell gets soaked up in the foam of your mask, so by replacing it you can often remove the stench. This is excellent news for the i5 as you won’t need to replace the whole mask once it starts to smell you can just get some new foam inserts.
It’s also a more attractive option because the Dye i5 improves the chin defense. You can immediately see a disparity in protection between the two masks if you put them next to each other.
Additional chin protection is desirable, but it should be remembered that the Dye i5 only gives this part of the face a moderate level of protection. Anyone with a chin injury would naturally appreciate this extra shielding while playing paintball. The Dye i5 is certainly the favorite model for anyone with a bigger jawline as it fits better and helps protect as well!
Another major feature of the Dye i5 is the revolutionary torque dial adjustment. This turntable strap makes it very easy to change the mask to make it fit snugly which is what you want when running around, diving, and crawling as it won’t come off or move around very much. Turning the strap clockwise tightens it and counterclockwise loosens it. This ensures that in a few moments you can take it on and off.
Your voice carries a bit further and is more clear with the i5 than with the i4. The Dye i5 also gives your ears greater sound clarity. The i5 is only one of the two choices if you’re looking for a mask that is compatible with the e.Voke wireless device.
This revolutionary feature ensures, even while wearing your mask, you can keep an eye on items such as paints, shot tracking and more. However, to enjoy this feature, you have to carry an e.voke compatible gun.
To conclude:
Even though the Dye i5 has an advantage over the i4, both masks are premium designs. The overall comfort is similar, even though the i5 offers better protection against chin and more comfortable adjustments for the harness. Lens technology is also pretty matched for peripheral vision. However, in some ways, the i5 outdoes the i4.
Overall, you are protected fairly well with both options, and you will be getting a premium product no matter which you choose! If I was in your circumstance I would bite the bullet and go with the i5 otherwise you may get the i4 and wish you went with the i5 in the end.
Oliver has been a paintball enthusiast since he first stepped on the field at just 11. He quickly joined clubs and teams all throughout New Hampshire! He started Paintball Hive to share his passion and knowledge with other paintball heads out there!