MTek MICH Mask

[thpethalK]

Anybody ever use one of these or knows where to get one?

YouTube- FAST G3C Attaching/Detaching

Seems like a good idea for those who don't want to wear a full PB mask but rather wear a pair of ESS or Bolles (granted the field they play on permits this)

[KNIVEZS]

http://www.mtekweaponsystems.com/store/

meh its expensive

[PaCHeKo!]

Huang will find us a A.C.M. version

[Conker]

Good idea, but IMHO it looks like ass.

But... I guess that's still better than a paintball facemask.

[StrikeFreedom]

Why not just helmet + goggle + half neoprene mask?

[Huron]

Why doesn't anybody just make transparent full face coverage? It kind of hit me during Avatar. Masks like their air masks wouldn't affect your peripheral vision at all and they might even look half-decent. I wonder if someone who knows their stuff about impact resistance can say whether such a large surface could resist BBs? Sorry for the threadjack.

[thpethalK]

MTek's description of the FAST G3c states that it is NIJ IIIA rated to withstand a .44 - 9mm

[Huron]

Originally Posted by ksuechuc

MTek's description of the FAST G3c states that it is NIJ IIIA rated to withstand a .44 - 9mm

If you were referring to what I said, I meant one big transparent piece as a mask, not the G3c. That thing looks tough.

[kullwarrior]

Originally Posted by StrikeFreedom

Why not just helmet + goggle + half neoprene mask?

if you sweat like I do you will understand why I hate mask made of cloths touching my body, especially head.

[Oborous]

Ack, you do realize (like someone already posted) that the MTek is real armor?

It's pretty much gotten a thumbs down from the .mil community, only turret gunners of humvees see a use for it.

You are not going to get a cheekweld with that thing on, you're much better off with the half-mask neoprene and goggles (like already posted).

Oborous

[Downtown_Tactical]

HISTORY
I first saw these guys at the Shot Show 2010. After speaking with Ben and the rest of the guys at the show. It seemed they were really interested in doing business with us and possibly exploring the airsoft side of the market as well. After a few months of back and forth e-mails, we finally worked out an agreement to become a dealer/ US Distributor for their products. We also found out that they were going to make the T3C version of the G3C (Soft Armor).

THE PACKAGE
Arrived today from Fed-Ex and I could not wait to dig into it. Once I signed for the package, I immediately went in and opened the package. I was stunned by the quality of both units (DEMO). I was told that these things were heavily used by the Marines. There was not a scratch on them and there were no rips or tears. These things looked brand spanking new.



VERSA RAILS
Many people have asked why not use the newer MSA Rail system instead of their rails. The answer to that is....well, I guess I do not have an answer for you. What I do know is the Versa Rails will work with every helmet that has been derived from the PASGT, including the PASGT, LWH, TC-2000, TC-2002, etc, etc. And the SM/MED/LRG/XLG of all those sizes. Below is an image of the ACC Versa Rail modification that MTEK will be selling shortly. Price point has yet to be determined. But I have been told that it will be rather inexpensive compared to the MSA system.

4 HOLES ON THE VERSA RAILS - MASK
These are for future upgrades....Maybe for an additional rail system similar to the one below.



MOUNTING THE VERSA RAILS
The Rails Mount right onto the helmet with 4 screws. The same 4 screws that hold the helmet suspension system onto the helmet. If the original screws are not long enough, do not worry. MTEK send 6 new screws of various lengths so the end user will not have to worry. Once the rails are mounted, your helmet is ready to accept the mask.



THE MASK - G3A
The G3A is extremely lightweight at 14 ounces. I honestly thought it would require a rear weight, but it does not. You are able to adjust the height of the mask by adjusting it on the VERSA RAIL system. I was able to adjust my mask to work with my Profile NVG's with no issues.

Now some of you might be asking, "How hot is it going to be?". Well, I am sure that it will be warm in the hot/muggy summer air. There are no holes drilled into the mask for ventilation. But honestly, I am not too worried about it. This is meant to save lives and if I am a little uncomfortable, so be it. Airflow through the bottom of the mask is very good. There is enough space for me to breath with no worries. Remember, I have a larger head. Smaller heads and faces will have even more room for air flow.

The G3A has an MSRP of $599.99 and is available in Black, Coyote Tan, and Foliage. Mine was foliage upon arrival.



THE MASK - G3C
The G3C is also extremely lightweight at 14 ounces. The G3C is also adjustable for height and goggle placement. The one thing I noticed right off the bat was the G3C was sitting pretty close to my face. In some of the images on the net and even here, you can see that the masks are sitting way to far away from the users face. This has been recently fixed with the addition of 2 additional sizes for the G3C.

The G3C has a retail value of $399.99 and is available in: Black, Coyote Tan, ACU, Foliage, Ranger Green, Olive Drab, Multicam, MARPAT (Wood), MARPAT (Desert), Navy, Royal, and a few more.



SIZING
MTEK and Downtown Tactical recently worked together to come up with 3 sizes of the MTEK FAST G3C/T3C. Based on the users helmet size, the new sizes are:
Small/Medium
Medium/Large (Old Standard Size)
Large/X-Large

The new sizes allow the user to wear a larger size or one that is closer to the face.

Medium ACH with Medium/Large G3C


Medium ACH with Small/Medium T3C



BALLISTICS
I am not going to get into all of the test data here. But all you need to do is You Tube "MTEK Mask" and watch the videos. These things really do work. While the solider/officer wearing this will still be seriously injured, they will survive without being penetrated by a bullet. I know of at least one officer that might have benefited from this product.

I will mention that the G3C Armor is rated at Level 3A and is similar to the soft armor found in Tactical/Concealment Vests. The T3C, has NO BALLISTIC Rating and is meant for Airsoft Gaming or Simunitions Trainings.

COMMUNICATIONS GEAR
Peltor Headset
This is a tough question. Because everyone's head is different, and there's a seemingly infinite types of headsets out there. I know the Peltor's will work with the G3C's, but not so well with the G3A's (although they do make a G3A "MOD1", that does, MTEK just does not advertise it...so if someone "has to have" they can accommodate). A good rule of thumb is if the headset has a battery box sticking out the side of it to go underneath the helmet, it will probably have issues with the G3A.

MSA Sordin Headset
I haven't personally tried the MSA SORDIN, but looking at a couple pictures of it, it looks like it will work perfectly (no "crazy" battery compartment sticking out!). However, I do know for sure that the BOSE headsets work well (even though they have a crazy battery compartment), but those aren't something you'll find alot in the civilian world. Really it varies on the person and how they like to wear their com gear.

AIRSOFT/TRAINING VERSIONS
MTEK is very interested in the Airsoft Market. Known as the T3C, the only difference between the T3C and G3C is a large RED tag on the inside of the unit to show the user that they are not wearing ballistic protection. The cost of the T3C is $89.99 and includes a set of Versa Rails.



OVERALL
So far I am very pleased with this product. The next step is to get onto a range an actually test this unit with a rifle and handgun. While MTEK states the G3A is not meant to be worn as a "rifleman", It can be. MTEK has sold several units to SWAT teams all over the United States and they are raving about them. If you have a EoTech or any other weapon sights, you should have no problem. If you need to cheek your weapon, then the G3c is the one for you.

[Downtown_Tactical]

Also, here is an in depth review from the MN Airsoft Association. They were looking at allowing monirs to use this as full face rather than paintball masks. Here is their review for that issue.

Review by MAA President Gabe "THE ARCHANGEL" Stitzel:

MAA REVIEW UPDATE:

BACKGROUND:
I had the opportunity to test the MTEK system at the July 24th 2010 Open Session. Matt "Downtown" Brown had sent out many of his samples but was kind enough to give me his personal unit to test. The test unit was a real L-XL MICH 2000 with the T3C (non armor for Airsoft) soft face guard also in the L-XL size.

I want to make a side note hear and say I don't wear helmets often. I have a big head so finding one that fits can be problematic and I am not used to the extra weight. Having worn a real MICH 2000 for about an hour I have nothing but respect for the Military and Law Enforcement personnel who wear these for extended periods of time.

PURPOSE:
The real version of these is to offer additional protection to the face from IEDs, shots, debris, etc. There are videos showing both the hard and soft versions taking direct point blank shots in the shield with little to no damage to the face (better some broken teeth and some bruises when considering the alternative). For Airsoft it had been suggested that these could replace full face Paintball Masks and we were asked to review the system for that purpose.

Specifically it was asked if this could replace full face paintball goggles for minors. Currently the MAA requires full face protection to guard primarily the teeth and ears of players though soft tissue damage is also a concern (had my fair share of angry parents berating me for the pock marks on their children's faces before the full face rule change). Cost is not a factor in this review though it has come up in conversations.

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS:
The unit is very cool looking but bulky. I would like to test this with a repro helmet as the weight was a little overwhelming for me. The new fastening system is really slick and allows the user to attach and detach the face shield easily. I had watched DT do it several times and he made it look easy, by the end of my testing time I was able to do so as well. DT had several sizes of face shield (including the hard version) but I opted for the soft non armor XL version. He did attach a size that was much closer to my mouth but I decided against trying that as there was little ventilation and aside from just being uncomfortable I thought it may cause fogging.

GOGGLES USED:
Just so it's out there I tested the MTEK system with ESS Profile goggles, Bolle T-800's, and Revision Bullet Ant goggles. I tried all 3 so we could see how the units fit with the system and because all 3 have different sizes therefore offer different surface protection to the face. The ESS and Bolle goggles fit just fine over the helmet. The Revisions, being more like sunglasses, had to be worn under the helmet.

Of the 3 the ESS offered the most additional face protection. I did not bother to take pics with them as there are already pics out there. ESS goggles do not full seal around my face (with the helmet or not) so I only did some tests then switched to my T800s for playing. The pics were all taken with the T800s. I didn't even bother testing with the Revisions as a large portion of my forehead, cheeks, and ears (front) were visible.

TESTS:
Pretty basic....I took multiple burst fire shots from an upgraded AEG. I had the shooters aim at the face mask, my goggles, and then just random angles.


Good front pic with the T800's. I am looking at a slightly downward angle which is why you can see the bridge of my nose. At no time did I feel my mouth or nose was in danger. Notice how much of my cheeks, forehead and even my left ear you can see as this comes back in my testing results.

Side view as I'm adjusting the strap of my goggles. There is definitely a sweet spot but I think that will be specific per person.

RESULTS FROM TESTING:
Isaac was my first shooter and he took shots from around 25 feet with his upgraded M4. His first burst hit me square in the goggles, several rounds bounced off at an angle, hit the inside of the MTEK, then hit me in the face. This was expected and discussed and the velocity of the rounds was negligible so was not of any real concern to me. The second burst was right into the face mask....and again as expected other than a resonating series of "thwacks" nothing happened. Even at point blank range this system is rigid enough to offer maximum protection to direct shots to the face and nose. The third series of shots I took I asked the shooter to not really aim but just generally shoot at my head. I stayed stationary to take shots from different angles. Of 5 bursts 3 were deflected. One ricochet off the inside and hit me in the lip with low velocity. One burst got through the gap between my goggles and the face shield and hit my cheek and one managed to hit the lower lobe of my ear. To be honest, this was expected as well but didn't prevent me from flinching. The shots were taken from farther away so I don't have visible welts (nor did I want any) but as it was a concern I'm glad it happened.

OBSERVATIONS FROM PLAY:
Rifles still cannot be shouldered as most people like. The face shield is larger but more pliable than a paintball mask but I still had similar issues. That said, any player who's been around for awhile lives with this uncomfortable fact and adjusts their play style. I just wanted it noted that the it is still an issue with this system.



Weight is an issue but a player would get used to it with continued use. Yes, I was wearing a real helmet but even a repro will add weight and if you are not used to it it affects your stability/equilibrium. Thankfully DT had a great retention system in his helmet as at times the weight was such that if I had not had my chin strap clipped the whole helmet would have gone flying off when I went from a run to a sudden stop (granted only a couple times as I don't "run").

The unit is big....and that's not just because I have a big head. Many players said my head was clearly visible bouncing around the field and made it a target. Would I had a Multicam or OD helmet and face shield I don't think this would have been an issue but I was aware that my "shootable" mass did go up.

I had a player mention that as I was running up a hill he could totally see my mouth. I was looking downward so from his angle my face was open. He made a point of shooting me on the top of my head as he knew what I was testing but wanted to make sure it was noted.

CONCLUSIONS:
I was the only person to test this unit (probably a good thing as after just two games the helmet bands were soaked) at the Open Session but most players knew what I was testing and why. There was about a 50/50 that looks cool to you look like Dark Helmet from Spaceballs comments. Both at the Open Session and after the unit was inspected by many veteran players (not just PALADIN guys and refs).

With the tests that were conducted I will NOT currently endorse the use of the MTEK system for minors to replace a full face paintball mask. Some have stated we enacted the full face rule to protect minors teeth only....and to that I flat out say that was NOT the case. That was a factor but we had specific incidents where children got hit in the face and the associated soft tissue damage caused parents to complain. As I have stated before, this rule was a case of a minority of parents causing enough of an issue to change the rules for all minors. The MAA's safety rules far surpass most other groups and we always air on the side of LCD safety. Simply put, the MTEK with helmet system does NOT offer the same level of protection as a full face paintball mask and as it relates to minors that is unacceptable. I have also discussed this with our Safety Officer and we did do some of the same tests at my home while he was present....he concurs with my decision based on the test data.

That said, and the MAA had already made this determination, we will accept the MTEK system to be used by players over the age of 18 for indoor and CQB environments as the system falls under the same rules of "modified" full face. I would caution players who use this system of the issues I pointed out but those risks are similar to those experienced with the current modified system rule set.

To those that argue that this is not "fair" to minors....allow me to say that you are correct but that regardless of your willingness your parents are the ones who have legal responsibility/decision making power, not you....and forgive the cliche....but life is not fair. Most of all to minors. There is a legal world of difference between minors and adults. Now before someone posts it, even if your parents agree to allow you to use this system MAA rules will still not allow it. Why? Because we are not going to make exceptions for every minor "just because their parents say it's alright". As I also know people will ask, "What if I get a larger pair of goggles? Ones that fills most of the open space? Can I use this then?" No. Again, it would be an attempt to make this system something it is not. I will say I did try my JT Spectra goggles with this system just as I wanted to see what it would look like and it did cover more area. The key word being "more" not all.

This will not be the popular answer but the MAA does not make rules to make us cool but to protect the player base....and to be frank to protect our collective hind ends in legal issues.



PERSONAL NOTES:
I had already ordered a helmet before I had a chance to test this unit and I do plan to purchase the T3C for my personal use but I will admit more for role playing reasons. For indoor and or CQB games I will still use my JT Spectra's unless the game has a reason to use this larger unit. I do think it's pretty slick but will also take some getting used to. I don't expect the adoption of the MTEK to be widesread in Minnesota as we have a real lack of indoor facilities but it will add a sense of realism to modern reenactment uniforms. I know DT wants people to both see and test this unit and I will also allow players to try mine once it is put together.

SUMMATION:
Under 18 = NO
Over 18 = YES

If players have comments, concerns, or questions they can post them here or PM me.

[Zeonprime]

Originally Posted by GabeGuitarded

If you were referring to what I said, I meant one big transparent piece as a mask, not the G3c. That thing looks tough.

3m makes something like what you saw in Avatar. it is 87.1

[Lord of Rebirth]

Originally Posted by Zeonprime

3m makes something like what you saw in Avatar. it is 87.1

Happen to have a link?

[Downtown_Tactical]

Have you guys ever worn a full face respirator mask during games? They totally restrict your breathing. I have seen people go down with heat exhaustion due to wearing a full face respirator.