As an avid paintballer, having the right protective gear is essential. The most important piece of gear is a quality paintball mask.
The mask you choose needs to fit well, provide good visibility and protection, and have features that enhance your game.
Two of the top options on the market right now are the Dye i5 and Dye i4 goggles. Both masks are produced by trusted brand Dye Precision, known for their innovative gear. But the two masks have a few key differences.
In this review, I’ll compare the Dye i5 and i4 masks across the most important factors. After having tested both, I’ll provide my personal take on which excels in different areas. My goal is to help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs and budget.
Dye i4 vs Dye i5
Dye i5
Best For Large Heads
- Optimized fit for big heads
- Rugged and aggressive mask design
- Hard ear protection for enhanced safety
- eVoke system enables communication
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Dye i4
Best For Small Heads
- Contoured fit for smaller faces
- Super lightweight and flexible
- Soft ear protection for comfort
- Allows easy voice communication
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Overview and First Impressions
The Dye i5 and i4 share a similar design heritage but have diverged over time as the i5 became the newer, more advanced model. Both feature Dye’s signature goggle-style look with excellent coverage and protection.
At first glance, the differences are clear. The i5 has a bulkier, more aggressive mask body compared to the i4’s slimmer profile. And it’s evident from touching the materials that the i5 is constructed with more rigid plastics while the i4 is softer and more flexible.
Putting them on your face, both masks feel great thanks to soft, multi-layer foam around the eyes and forehead. The i5’s foam is a bit thicker and plusher, contouring nicely to provide a snug seal that hugs the face securely. The i4 foam compresses a bit more, giving it a more slender fit overall.
Key Features and Benefits
Now let’s look at some of the standout features of the i5 and i4 and how they benefit you out on the paintball course.
Dye i5 Key Features
- GSR Pro Strap System – This strap allows easy lens changes in seconds without removing the mask. Super convenient for switching between tinted and clear lenses
- Tirodial Horizon 290 Degree Anti-Fog Lens – Provides a wide 290 degree field of view and impressive fog resistance thanks to thermal technology.
- Aggressive Mask Design – Large mask opening gives you great visibility and the chiseled look is intimidating on the field!
- Enhanced Venting – Strategically placed vents on the mask help reduce fogging and keep you cool.
Dye i4 Key Features
- Anatomical Fit – Designed to contour to the human face for comfort and great seal.
- 270 Degree Vision – Provides excellent field of view from the wraparound spherical lens.
- Dual Stage Soft Foam – Multi-layer foam allows for customized fit and reduces pressure points.
- Tested Against Doubled Impact Standards – Exceeds ASTM and CE impact requirements for safety.
When comparing the key benefits, the i5 comes out ahead in my opinion. The quick lens swap system, enhanced venting, and wider field of view offer tangible advantages for paintball games. And the aggressive look is just plain cool!
Lens Technology
One of the most vital functions of a paintball mask is keeping your eyes protected while still providing excellent vision. This is where the lens comes in – both Dye masks have high-end lenses but there are some differences.
Dye i5 Lens
The i5 uses Dye’s Tirodial Horizon lens which spans 290 degrees and contains dual-pane thermal technology. This means there are two panes separated by a layer of air to reduce fogging, especially around the mouth area. I’ve found the Horizon lens incredibly resistant to fog, keeping my vision crisp even during long, hot games.
The material also provides optical clarity and reduces image distortion for accurate viewing. Having a clear line of sight makes a big difference when tracking fast-moving opponents. And the tinted smoke chrome lens that comes standard cuts glare nicely without killing visibility.
Dye i4 Lens
The i4 relies on a toroidal dual pane lens spanning 270 degrees. It still provides a wide field of view but can’t match the i5’s additional 20 degrees of coverage. The i4 lens shape contours well to the face, offering good optical properties. And it also utilizes thermal technology to reduce fog build up.
Overall, both lenses perform well but the i5’s bigger size and coverage edge out the i4’s. Especially for intermediate and pro players, having as complete vision as possible gives a meaningful strategic benefit.
Design and Fit Comparison
Now let’s look at how the design, sizing, and materials of the i5 and i4 stack up against one another:
- Design – The Dye i5 has a bulkier, more angular mask body shape compared to the i4’s rounded, slimmed-down profile. The i5 looks more rugged and aggressive.
- Size and Opening – With its larger shell, the i5 offers an impressive 290 degree field of view. The i4’s opening isn’t small but can’t match the unobstructed sight picture of the i5,
- Comfort and Fit – Both rely on soft, multi-layer foam for comfort but the i5’s is a bit thicker. The i4 compresses more, giving it a slimmer fit feeling.
- Face Coverage – The i5 has more mask surface area overall, fully covering the face from all angles. The i4 leaves a bit more exposed like around the chin.
- Weight – Thanks to its streamlined design, the i4 weighs in at just 1.43 lbs. The i5 is heavier at 1.78 lbs due to the larger shell.
For players concerned about maximizing vision, I have to again give the advantage to the Dye i5. The bigger opening and aggressive styling make it my top choice. But the i4 remains an excellent lightweight option.
Durability
Every paintballer knows their gear is going to take a beating, from impacts to extreme weather and more. So the construction and durability of your mask matters.
Starting with the lenses, both Dye masks offer plenty of reassurance. The i5 and i4 both passed extensive ASTM 2723 testing, meaning they can withstand high velocity impacts. And the scratch-resistant coatings increase longevity.
For the mask materials, the i5 again comes out on top in my experience. The rigid plastics stand up to more abuse than the softer i4 build. I’ve put both through the wringer and the i5 took the impacts in stride while the i4 showed some scuffs. Serious players will appreciate the i5’s ruggedness.
Maintenance and Care
Keeping your gear in top shape is crucial for performance and safety. Here’s an overview of what’s required to care for the i5 and i4 masks:
Lens Cleaning – Both the i5 and i4 lenses should be cleaned regularly with a microfiber cloth and anti-fog spray. Never use harsh cleaners.
Mask Wiping – Wipe exterior surfaces with a damp cloth to remove dirt, paint, and debris. Clean vent holes to maintain breathability.
Storing – Keep masks in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not using. Let air dry fully before storage.
Lens Swapping – The i5’s GSR strap allows quick lens changes without removing the mask. The i4 requires fully disassembling to swap lenses.
Deep Cleaning – Periodically do a deeper clean by removing foam and disassembling to clean all components and vents.
The i5’s quick lens change system makes maintenance much simpler compared to the more involved i4 disassembly process. But both masks only require basic care to keep performing well long-term.
Cost Comparison
With high performance comes higher price tags – expect to invest a bit for these premium Dye masks:
- Dye i5 – Retails for $164-$299 depending on graphics and special editions.
- Dye i4 – Retails for $99-$250 depending on graphics and special editions.
(These are the prices seen 26 september 2023, and prices may change over time).
The i5’s next-gen tech does come along with a higher cost. But both masks deliver features and quality far beyond basic budget options. The investment is worthwhile for serious players pursuing victory.
Dye i5
Best For Large Heads
- Optimized fit for big heads
- Rugged and aggressive mask design
- Hard ear protection for enhanced safety
- eVoke system enables communication
We earn a commission if you make a purchase
Dye i4
Best For Small Heads
- Contoured fit for smaller faces
- Super lightweight and flexible
- Soft ear protection for comfort
- Allows easy voice communication
We earn a commission if you make a purchase
The Bottom Line
Comparing these two feature-packed masks, the Dye i5 emerges as the more advanced choice delivering better field of vision, rugged durability, and simplified maintenance. The GSR strap for quick lens swaps provides a big convenience boost. And the aggressive styling looks hot on the field.
The Dye i4 still holds its own as a slimmed-down, lightweight option. It can save you some cash while offering pro-level performance and protection. Overall, I give the i5 a slight edge for most players. But the i4 remains a smart choice, especially if cost is a concern.
Hopefully this detailed breakdown has helped highlight the key differences between these masks. Whether you go with the i5’s vision-enhancing design or the i4’s streamlined low profile, you really can’t go wrong. Just get out there and start conquering the field with your awesome new Dye goggles!
