Who will argue that one of the biggest menaces to dirt
sports is, well, dirt, or rather, the resulting dust that's kicked up as we
play on our ATVs, side-by-sides and dirt bikes?
Dust is a fact of life when you're off-roading-that is, depending
on the surface you're playing on, of course. It's not only a problem of
visibility but breathability. You can wait for the dust to settle a bit to
improve visibility but it takes a little longer for the air to clear of dust
when it comes to breathing it in.
You see some people attempt to breathe a little easier by
tying a bandana around their mouth while others even wear those white masks
with the metal nose clip and elastic strap, both of which can help reduce the
dust you breathe in.
There's another product we came across that is a definite
step up from a bandana and/or those white dust masks. It's the RZ Mask. Minnesota-based
RZ Mask certainly isn't new to the dirt market but it is one of those products
that never seems to get old or lose its usefulness.
The RZ Mask is more than a glorified mask. The unit is a
combination of a filter and neoprene mask, which attaches behind your head with
velcro. The mask uses an N99-rated filter that filtrates 99.9 percent of particulates
sized .1 microns and greater. That means it filters just about all the dust you
might encounter on a ride. That kind of filter makes it good for not just dust
but smoke and allergens and even pollution.
According to the makers of RZ Mask, a filter should remain
effective for 20-50 hours of "light" use. The filters are easily replaceable
and each mask comes with two filters. Replacement filters are available from RZ
Mask.
The neoprene mask that holds the filter is designed to fit
under goggles and helmets. The mask uses closed-cell waterblocking to keep any
moisture out and abrasion-resistant fabric to minimize excessive rubbing on
your neck and face.
Another feature of the RZ Mask are two, one-way valves that
help vent your breath to prevent moisture buildup.
What we liked.
Before we came across the RZ Mask, dust was an issue we
battled just like other riders. More curious than skeptical, we did wonder just
how much dust would be filtered out when using the RZ Mask. After using the RZ
Mask for the first time on a desert ride in southern California, we took it off and looked at the
filter. Wow, it was almost black with dust. While it might be a stretch to say
the RZ Mask makes it easier to breathe in real dusty conditions-which is not a
claim the company is making-it was obvious what we were not taking into our
lungs after looking at the filter.
The RZ Mask is easy to use and the filters are easy to
change.
The company did ask us to test the RZ Mask on our snowmobile
rides during the winter. Most of you know we also publish SnoWest Magazine and do a lot of snowmobiling. RZ Mask actively
markets its mask to winter enthusiasts like snowboarders and skiers. We did try
to use the RZ Mask a couple of times in the winter but found a problem we don't
experience when riding ATVs or side-by-sides. The RZ Mask easily fits under our
helmet when playing in the dirt.
However, in the winter we wear goggles with a nose piece to
provide some protection for our nose against the wind and cold. So it was a bit
bulky when we tried to put the nose piece of our goggles over the RZ Mask,
which also is designed to cover your nose. Okay, you say, so take the nose
piece off your goggles and just go with the RZ Mask. We found that the nose
piece attached to our goggles provided a better seal than the RZ Mask and our
goggles.
The second issue had to do with a balaclava. We ride with a
balaclava for protection against the cold. The balaclava and RZ Mask defeat the
purpose of each other and it just didn't work. A skier or snowboarder wouldn't
experience those same issues a snowmobiler does so we do believe the RZ Mask
has a place with winter enthusiasts but we find it more practical for dirt
sports.
And what we didn't.
Not much. We've read a couple of reports about the sizing of
the RZ Mask. The solution is simple. If you have a big head, get the XL.
Otherwise, the regular size fits most heads. It does take a little getting used
to at first, but after a while you hardly notice you're wearing the RZ Mask.
It did get a little warm wearing the RZ Mask on a couple of
rides we went on when it was hot, but we'd rather deal with that than the dust.
And there are several vent holes designed into the Mask to make it as cool as
possible.
How To Get A Hold Of
An RZ Mask
Contact RZ Mask (888) 777-9422 or www.rzmask.com. RZ Mask is
available in several different colors and designs for $29.95. Replacement
filters are $6.95.
