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 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.
What we liked.
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. 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.
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.
