Posted: 10/6/2012 9:36:49 PM EDT
| So I was thinking it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a couple gas masks in the house just in case of an emergency. I've experienced CS in the military and pepper spray while a LEO and I don't want to ever deal with those, or worse, again. So here's my question...there's a myriad of different models out there with a myriad of prices. Obviously I want something that works and is dependable but I can't afford $300 gas masks either. What brand/model would be the best choice for the price? All I know is it should accept 40mm filters, after that my knowledge of gas masks is very little. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated...thanks, Brandi |
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a few things you need to know....
you MUST train with them. you MUST know how to maintain them <leaving them in the bag for 5 years with no service is a guaranteed failure> you MUST know how to swap filters in the field you MUST know how to properly decon out of them. you also need to know which or what type of chemical you expect to use them for. Military filters are good but do not cover everything, depending on your needs a different filter may be needed. for cn/cs/pepper any filter will work. Also a mask is for using to un-ass a contaminated area. NOT for staying to fight or work in a hot zone. keep in mind a mask will also not work in a low 02 environment. some chemicals displace O2. you will get clean air but it may not be useable air <such as in a house fire> knowing this and knowing how to maintain a mask you will be able to find good surplus masks for pretty cheap. keep in mind valves straps and such need replacement on used gear even if the mask seals on inspection. <don't trust your life to 20 yr old rubber or silicone without serious inspection> once again type of chem is critical. if all you want is cn/cs a 50's era mask will work fine even if it's rough. for ammonia or chlorine.... not so much. |
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/MSA-ULTRAVUE-FULL-FACE-GAS-MASK-W-BIOLOGICAL-FILTER-NEW-MEDIUM-/330789313826?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d04945d22
this is a good place to start. inexpensive good quality mask. this mask is the base for many fire fighter air packs. current production, few parts, and easy to care for. |
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I've gone through NBC training in the military and hold a Firefighter Instructor II certification so I'm well aware of situational dangers and equipment maintenance.
I'm just trying to find the best gear available currently that isn't crazy expensive. I've heard people say "how much is your life worth?" before but that doesn't always cover things. I can buy a $2,500 FN SCAR 17 to use as a home defense gun or I can buy a $750 AR15 which can do everything it's needed for at less than half the cost. I don't trust my life to crappy equipment nor do I run out and buy the most expensive thing on the market because just because it's the most expensive. I was leaning towards MSA since it's a manufacturer I'm familiar with. Just wanted some information from people that might have experience buying gas masks recently. |
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MSA makes one, I think it's called Advantage. I have one, and I like it because it has a full eyeshield, instead of split eyes. I'm not sure if I'm describing that correctly. It has one piece glass/plastic eye-hole, instead of two separate bug-eye holes. For me, it has a much higher field of view and I can operate much more effectively.
I would relate it to closer to an SCBA mask than to an M40. |
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MSA, Scott, Advantage, North, Millennium, and 3M all make good products. M-40's are great if you can find them cheap and in good shape, but they are clunky compared to the new style NBC masks. They are also $4-500 brand new still. Looks liek when a company puts "CBRN" in the name they can get a few more bucks out of it! |
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Often-asked question. I'm going with TBS says with the proviso that unless you live in a location that is a chem/bio threat area, a pack of medical 95 series masks would be FAR more useful.
What's a threat area? As for chems/bio basically any place that is near a major highway or rail line, or chem mfr plant. Terrorist threat? Take your pick of any crowded, major city venue. I own a gas mask and full MOPP geaar. I have no doubt that I would fail without some sort of warning system, and that is the key, of course. Without some sort of TIMELY warning system, you are most likely toast if you are threatened. |