Making the S10 "safe" for airsoft

DarkAlman · January 22nd, 2007, 01:13

I was really upset when I found out the S10 respirator wasn't suitable for airsoft use. I am one of many players who have been trying to make an SAS load out and without the masks its kinda disappointing. So I decided to do something about it.

Firstly a loud and clear safety warning:
THE STOCK S10 RESPIRATOR IS NOT SAFE ENOUGH TO BE WORN FOR AIRSOFT USE. THE LENSES WILL NOT SURVIVE ANY AMOUNT OF BB FIRE AND THE MASK DOES RESTRICT BREATHING WHICH IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE HEAT STROKE WHICH CAN BE FATAL IF NOT TREATED ACCORDINGLY. S10 FILTERS PURCHASED SECOND HAND MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH CS GAS OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS WHICH ARE NOT PLEASANT TO DEAL WITH AND AS SUCH NEED TO BE DISPOSED OFF PROPERLY. I HAVE DONE ALOT OF RESEARCH AND HAVE THE BENEFIT OF YEARS OF EXPERIENCE OF MYSELF AND TRAINED PROFESSIONALS AND PROPER TOOLS BEFORE COMING TO THESE CONCLUSIONS AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF TESTING HAS AND IS YET TO BE PERFORMED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MY MODIFICATIONS. ANYONE WANTING TO DO THIS ON THERE OWN WILL DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK. IF THERE IS EVER ANY DOUBT AT ALL IN THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT YOU USE YOU JUST SHOULDN'T USE IT. PERIOD!

Ok now that that is out of the way...

Next a little background:

Problem A: Lenses
The lenses on the S10 are NOT IMPACT RESISTANT BY ANY MEANS.
To give you an example my friend shot his mask (not while anyone was wearing it) with his 1911 pistol. At 20 feet it went CLEAN THROUGH.

Problem B: Breathing
NBC equipment SUCKS to wear. Fact is wearing a mask even without the filter restricts your breathing. The idea is after all that restricted breathing is better than breathing in CS gas or worse. If you intend to reenact like me then you have to suffer. But there are ways of making your breathing easier. SAS and similar military troops train rigorously to get used to the effects of wearing gas masks. Don't expect to get used to it over night.

My Solution:

Breathing:
*This should be preformed on new and unopened filters only. Used filters should be disposed of and not used.

The S10 filter is designed in such a way that it can be cracked open with a little effort and gutted. Inside is a paper filter and active carbon filter both can be easily extracted. The filter can then be reassembled with glue or tape. This allows you to preserve the look of the mask without restricting your breathing more than it already does.

Lenses:
The stock lenses are grossly inadequate and unfortunately that are not easy to replace. I acquired a sheet of lexan glass, the type used in racing cars.
Its a similar compound to what is used in bullet proof glass, just not as thick or laminated.
1/8" thick and according to manufacturer specs is rated for 20+ joules of force or 1-3 joules of force when compromised (visibly cracked in any way).

Then lenses were then (forgive the terminology) sewed in place. Holes were drilled into the plastic structure of the existing lenses frames and then steel wire was used to secure then new lenses in place. Silicone rubber was then use to help with the seal.

GLUE IS INSUFFICIENT AS THE RIGID BOND WILL SHATTER OFF WITH A SINGLE IMPACT... I know I tried.

*don't bug me about the img not working, I know Geocities sucks.

So far the lenses have taken bursts of 385 FPS head on without even so much as a dent. No signs of the lenses wanting to come off.

Testing has yet to be completed, I have yet to prove them fully yet (and I have yet to actually trust my eyes to it) don't try this at home children.

redhawk_six · January 22nd, 2007, 02:52

Why would you want to wear a gas mask for airsoft? They're hot, sweaty, uncomfertable and just plain unplesent to wear, and its not like we're using tear gas or chemical weapons.

Nice work, but really doesnt make sense to me...

BC_K · January 22nd, 2007, 03:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhawk_six

Why would you want to wear a gas mask for airsoft? They're hot, sweaty, uncomfertable and just plain unplesent to wear, and its not like we're using tear gas or chemical weapons.

Nice work, but really doesnt make sense to me...

That's kinda like saying why do people bother buying accessories and gear.

To make their impression.

Tho if it was me, I'd hack apart the valves inside of it so I can breathe no problem at all.

Quantis · January 22nd, 2007, 04:37

Just because YOUR not using chemical weapons doesn't mean that I'M not using chemical weapons..

I'd always though it'd be cool to toss a can of teargas into a CQB house

It'd be like an "I win" button

(I'm just kidding, so don't go getting your knickers in a knot over this)

Lakonian · January 22nd, 2007, 12:18

That mask is damn sexy. It kinda reminds me of the combine from HL2

http://hl2.gamona.de/images/screenshots/combine.jpg

LUTNIT · January 22nd, 2007, 12:54

There is one guy in Ottawa, BigN I believe, and he has a Canadian Forces gas mask (don't know what models/age.) It has ballistic rated polycarb lenses, he used it in one game that I know of.

Moz · January 22nd, 2007, 13:38

Move along citizen!

When you say glue, do you mean that you took the lenses out and replaced with with different (the lexan) and glued them into place? Have you tried gluing the lexan on top of the lenses that are already there?

DarkAlman · January 22nd, 2007, 13:50

Quote:

When you say glue, do you mean that you took the lenses out and replaced with with different (the lexan) and glued them into place? Have you tried gluing the lexan on top of the lenses that are already there?

The existing lenses can't be easily removed, the were dileberately moulded directly into the plastic clamps that hold them in place. The only option was to add new lenses on top of exisiting. I attempted to glue them on but that was insufficient and in fact dangerous.

Quote:

Why would you want to wear a gas mask for airsoft? They're hot, sweaty, uncomfertable and just plain unplesent to wear, and its not like we're using tear gas or chemical weapons.

Nice work, but really doesnt make sense to me...

Its called milsim. Part of milsim is putting up with what real soldiers wear.
Again it is mainly for the appearance.

redhawk_six · January 22nd, 2007, 23:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkAlman

Its called milsim. Part of milsim is putting up with what real soldiers wear.
Again it is mainly for the appearance.

You're coming very close to sounding like an ass there... just a friendly warning. I know what milsim is, Ive probably played many more milsims then you have. It's very rare for a soldier to use their mask outside of training, and I dont think Ive ever heard of a milsim scenario that includes a simulated gas attack... although its not a bad idea.

As for apperences, really, practicallity and comfort should come first, after all, its just a game. But to each his own...

Amazing KG3 · January 22nd, 2007, 23:35

i was trying to build a SAS loadout, until i figured itd only look cool with a s10. so now its on to KSK.

DarkAlman · January 22nd, 2007, 23:46

Quote:

i was trying to build a SAS loadout, until i figured itd only look cool with a s10. so now its on to KSK.

Kommando Spezialkräfte!

Why not Grenzschutzgruppe neun?
They do CT work as well... even though they are technically civi's.

Quote:

I dont think Ive ever heard of a milsim scenario that includes a simulated gas attack... although its not a bad idea.

That apparently is happening this year in Manitoba...

FOX_111 · January 24th, 2007, 00:18

Nice mod.

I'd nice to play with a good gas mask.
It protect your face and preserve the look.

The only good one I tried is the one pictured in my banner. The restriction is minimal and I could play with it all day unless the temperature outside was really hot.

The problem is, it's a civilian mask and aiming with it is not easy.

Gryphon · January 24th, 2007, 00:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by redhawk_six

You're coming very close to sounding like an ass there... just a friendly warning. I know what milsim is, Ive probably played many more milsims then you have. It's very rare for a soldier to use their mask outside of training, and I dont think Ive ever heard of a milsim scenario that includes a simulated gas attack...

Given the tone of your first post and the one quoted above you sure have some gall "warning" him he's coming off like an ass, pal. I happen to know DarkAlman personally, I've gamed with him, and you don't have a leg to stand on with your assertions.

DarkAlman · January 24th, 2007, 00:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by FOX_111

Nice mod.
********************
The problem is, it's a civilian mask and aiming with it is not easy.

thanks

And yeah Even though this ones an army mask aiming isn't much easier, especially in the dark. SAS troops shoot from the hip in CQB for a reason.

Amazing KG3 · January 24th, 2007, 00:53

Yeah ive seen videos of them doing that, nice to know whay now. thanks for the info.

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January 22nd, 2007, 01:13	#1
DarkAlman Trader rating Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Winnipeg	Making the S10 "safe" for airsoft I was really upset when I found out the S10 respirator wasn't suitable for airsoft use. I am one of many players who have been trying to make an SAS load out and without the masks its kinda disappointing. So I decided to do something about it. Firstly a loud and clear safety warning: THE STOCK S10 RESPIRATOR IS NOT SAFE ENOUGH TO BE WORN FOR AIRSOFT USE. THE LENSES WILL NOT SURVIVE ANY AMOUNT OF BB FIRE AND THE MASK DOES RESTRICT BREATHING WHICH IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE HEAT STROKE WHICH CAN BE FATAL IF NOT TREATED ACCORDINGLY. S10 FILTERS PURCHASED SECOND HAND MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH CS GAS OR OTHER CONTAMINANTS WHICH ARE NOT PLEASANT TO DEAL WITH AND AS SUCH NEED TO BE DISPOSED OFF PROPERLY. I HAVE DONE ALOT OF RESEARCH AND HAVE THE BENEFIT OF YEARS OF EXPERIENCE OF MYSELF AND TRAINED PROFESSIONALS AND PROPER TOOLS BEFORE COMING TO THESE CONCLUSIONS AND A LARGE AMOUNT OF TESTING HAS AND IS YET TO BE PERFORMED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF MY MODIFICATIONS. ANYONE WANTING TO DO THIS ON THERE OWN WILL DO SO AT THEIR OWN RISK. IF THERE IS EVER ANY DOUBT AT ALL IN THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT YOU USE YOU JUST SHOULDN'T USE IT. PERIOD! Ok now that that is out of the way... Next a little background: Problem A: Lenses The lenses on the S10 are NOT IMPACT RESISTANT BY ANY MEANS. To give you an example my friend shot his mask (not while anyone was wearing it) with his 1911 pistol. At 20 feet it went CLEAN THROUGH. Problem B: Breathing NBC equipment SUCKS to wear. Fact is wearing a mask even without the filter restricts your breathing. The idea is after all that restricted breathing is better than breathing in CS gas or worse. If you intend to reenact like me then you have to suffer. But there are ways of making your breathing easier. SAS and similar military troops train rigorously to get used to the effects of wearing gas masks. Don't expect to get used to it over night. My Solution: Breathing: This should be preformed on new and unopened filters only. Used filters should be disposed of and not used. The S10 filter is designed in such a way that it can be cracked open with a little effort and gutted. Inside is a paper filter and active carbon filter both can be easily extracted. The filter can then be reassembled with glue or tape. This allows you to preserve the look of the mask without restricting your breathing more than it already does. Lenses: The stock lenses are grossly inadequate and unfortunately that are not easy to replace. I acquired a sheet of lexan glass, the type used in racing cars. Its a similar compound to what is used in bullet proof glass, just not as thick or laminated. 1/8" thick and according to manufacturer specs is rated for 20+ joules of force or 1-3 joules of force when compromised (visibly cracked in any way). Then lenses were then (forgive the terminology) sewed in place. Holes were drilled into the plastic structure of the existing lenses frames and then steel wire was used to secure then new lenses in place. Silicone rubber was then use to help with the seal. GLUE IS INSUFFICIENT AS THE RIGID BOND WILL SHATTER OFF WITH A SINGLE IMPACT... I know I tried. don't bug me about the img not working, I know Geocities sucks. So far the lenses have taken bursts of 385 FPS head on without even so much as a dent. No signs of the lenses wanting to come off. Testing has yet to be completed, I have yet to prove them fully yet (and I have yet to actually trust my eyes to it) don't try this at home children. __________________ Quidne - Latin: Literal translation "Why Not?" TM Sig P228 KA FN FAL Canada's resident KA FN FAL expert.... apparently

January 22nd, 2007, 04:37	#4
Quantis Trader rating Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Ottawa	Just because YOUR not using chemical weapons doesn't mean that I'M not using chemical weapons.. I'd always though it'd be cool to toss a can of teargas into a CQB house It'd be like an "I win" button (I'm just kidding, so don't go getting your knickers in a knot over this) __________________ I take photos: www.fasttrackphoto.com

January 24th, 2007, 00:18	#12
FOX_111 Le Roi des poissons d'avril Trader rating Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Terrebonne, Québec	Nice mod. I'd nice to play with a good gas mask. It protect your face and preserve the look. The only good one I tried is the one pictured in my banner. The restriction is minimal and I could play with it all day unless the temperature outside was really hot. The problem is, it's a civilian mask and aiming with it is not easy. __________________ Vérificateur d'âge: Terrebonne Last edited by FOX_111; February 11th, 2007 at 12:30..

January 22nd, 2007, 02:52	#2
redhawk_six Trader rating Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Aldergrove, BC	Why would you want to wear a gas mask for airsoft? They're hot, sweaty, uncomfertable and just plain unplesent to wear, and its not like we're using tear gas or chemical weapons. Nice work, but really doesnt make sense to me...

January 22nd, 2007, 12:18	#5
Lakonian kos Trader rating Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Wherever.	That mask is damn sexy. It kinda reminds me of the combine from HL2 http://hl2.gamona.de/images/screenshots/combine.jpg

January 22nd, 2007, 12:54	#6
LUTNIT Trader rating Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Ottawa	There is one guy in Ottawa, BigN I believe, and he has a Canadian Forces gas mask (don't know what models/age.) It has ballistic rated polycarb lenses, he used it in one game that I know of.

January 22nd, 2007, 13:38	#7
Moz Trader rating Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Toronto, Ontario	Move along citizen! When you say glue, do you mean that you took the lenses out and replaced with with different (the lexan) and glued them into place? Have you tried gluing the lexan on top of the lenses that are already there?

January 22nd, 2007, 23:35	#10
Amazing KG3 Trader rating Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Calgary, AB	i was trying to build a SAS loadout, until i figured itd only look cool with a s10. so now its on to KSK.

January 24th, 2007, 00:53	#15
Amazing KG3 Trader rating Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Calgary, AB	Yeah ive seen videos of them doing that, nice to know whay now. thanks for the info.

Making the S10 "safe" for airsoft

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