Dye and HK Army are two of the best-known makers of Paintball Masks. We have an in-depth look at two of their most popular models, the Dye i4 Paintball Mask vs the HK Army HSTL Paintball Goggles – which is the best for you?
Once you’ve seen how these 2 masks compare with each other, find out how they compare with the best paintball masks
Dye i4 vs HK Army HSTL Paintball Mask – Specifications
| Dye Precision i4 Paintball Goggle | HK Army HSTL Paintball Goggles | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Lens | Peripheral vision Toroidal Impact Lens Scratch-resistant UV Coating | Anti-fogging Dual Pane Thermal Lens |
| Vision Angle | Vertical/Horizontal Peripheral Vision | Not stated |
| Strap Security | Tiger Teeth buckles | Adjustable anti-slip goggle strap |
| Wireless Capability | N/A | N/A |
| Comfort | Dual stage foam | Snap in place removable upper and lower goggle foam insert |
| Key Features and Design | Lightweight First Compound Radius Lens Anatomic Fit and Function Compression Formed Ears Scream Multi-Directional Venting Rapid Lens Change | Quick-change lens retention system Lightweight design Multiple vents for breathability & hearing Additional head strap |
| Size Options | One Size | One Size |
| Width | 9.1" | 8.2" |
| Length | 7.1" | 8" |
| Weight | 1.1lbs | 1.4lbs |
| Certification | ASTM Certified | N/A |
| Color Options | Black Dirty Bird Grey Liquid | Black |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
| Cost (amazon.com) |
Dye – Who Are They?
DYE Precision is a paintball manufacturing company based in California, founded in 1994 by Dave and Rhonda DeHaan (DYE stands for Dave “Youngblood” Enterprises). Initially producing barrels for markers, using Dave’s garage as a workshop, DYE went on to become an international business, manufacturing a range of markers, loaders, playing & casual clothing, protective gear, goggles, and luggage.
HK Army – Who Are They?
From its origins in 2007, HK Army has become a global company, with distribution in over 60 countries. Offering an array of paintball-related products, from performance-based hard goods to casual apparel, they are an industry leader in paintball gear and accessories.
Dye i4 vs HK Army HSTL Paintball Mask – Similarities
The masks have similar size options
- Both the Dye i4 Thermal Paintball Mask and the HK Army HSTL Paintball Goggles have the same size options: one size fits most.
The masks both have the same warranty
- Both Paintball Masks are covered by a 1-year warranty.
Dye i4 vs HK Army HSTL Paintball Mask – Differences
Both masks have different lens features
- The Dye i4 Paintball Mask’s lens features a scratch-resistant anti-UV coating. The HK Army HSTL is equipped with an anti-fogging dual pane thermal lens.
Both masks have different vision angles
- The HK Army HSTL does not have a specified vision angle, while the Dye i4 Thermal Paintball Mask has a vertical/horizontal peripheral vision angle.
Both masks have different strap security features
- The Dye i4 Thermal Paintball Mask features “tiger teeth” buckles, while the HK Army HSTL Paintball Goggles has an adjustable anti-slip goggle strap.
Both masks have different foam padding for comfort
- The Dye i4 Thermal Paintball Mask uses dual-stage foam, while the HK Army HSTL Paintball Goggles has a snap-in-place removable upper and lower goggle foam insert.
- Both are designed to wick away sweat and moisture away while providing a comfortable fit for all.
The Paintball Masks both have different features and design
- The HK Army HSTL Paintball Goggles features a quick-change lens retention system, lightweight design, multiple vents for breathability & an additional head strap.
- The Dye i4 Thermal Paintball Mask is lightweight, with first compound radius lens, anatomic fit and function, compression formed ears, scream multi-directional venting & rapid lens change.
The masks both have different widths
- The Dye i4 Paintball Mask is wider at 9.1”, while the HK Army HSTL Mask is 8.2”.
The Paintball Masks both have different lengths
- The HK Army HSTL Mask is longer at 8”, while the Dye i4 Paintball Mask is 7.1”.
Both Paintball Masks have different weights
- The Dye i4 Paintball Mask weighs 1.1lbs, while the HK Army HSTL Mask weighs 1.4lbs.
Both Paintball Masks have different certification
- The Dye i4 Thermal Paintball Mask is ASTM Certified, while the HK Army HSTL Mask is not.
The masks both have different color options
- The Dye i4 is available in Black, Dirty Bird & Grey Liquid color options, while the HK Army HSTL Paintball Goggles is only available in Black.
Conclusion
The Dye i4 Paintball Mask and HK Army HSTL have a fair share of similarities and differences. It might be challenging to choose between the two, so here are some notable facts that might help:
- If you’re concerned about ASTM certification, the Dye i4 is the better option.
- The HK Army HSTL is a little heavier than the Dye i4.
- Though this might not be a huge concern, the Dye has a much larger choice of colors than the HK Army HSTL.
