Many
preppers consider having a gas mask as an essential lifesaving item in their
gear set up. Yet, they believe they can purchase a mask inexpensively and then
expect it to perform flawlessly. This is nothing more than wishful thinking. Remember
the old adage: If
it sounds too good to be true it probably is. This is especially true with gas masks. If you think you are
going to spend $30.00 on an old Israeli, Canadian, Russian, German, or Czech mask
good luck. Many surplus masks & filters are available in nearly unlimited
quantities at very low prices for a reason. In most cases, these prices are low
because the masks are obsolete, old, and outdated. In other words: THEY DON’T WORK! If you are resolute about buying a surplus
mask do your homework and make sure to purchase one that will actually provide
the needed level of protection. The following gas masks offer NO protection against nuclear,
biological, or chemical (NBC) attacks and will be of no assistance even for chemical
munitions such as tear gas.
Russian Gas Mask
This mask is over 30 years old and does NOT provide nuclear, biological,
or chemical (NBC) protection. You can purchase these masks for under $20 which
attracts many buyers. Don’t waste your money on this mask.
Canadian M69 C-3 and
C-4
These surplus masks can be purchase for around $30. The Canadian military
has removed the C3 from service and replaced it with the C4 which is defective
and not recommended. Thousands of defective C4 masks are in circulation and
offer literally no protection. Many of these masks are available as surplus on
ebay and other websites. Do not buy.
There were several problems in making
these masks some of which involve using the wrong adhesive to assemble the
voicemitters and valves. Quality control is important with gas masks. A functional,
current-production C4 is difficult to find and none have been legally released
by the Canadian military so be cautious if you see either the C3 or C4 on the
market.
There are many other gas masks on the market that are not worth
purchasing. Above was just a couple of some of the more common masks that seem
to be popular. Other obsolete masks inlcude: Russian/German M-10-M Protective
Mask, Russian M41 Aardvark Protective Mask, Russian SMS Snorkel Protective Mask,
and M9 or M9A1 Protective Masks.
Recommended Gas Mask
Survival Skillcraft recommends the Israeli Military M15 with a new Type 80
NBC filter and the Israeli Youth Gas Mask. But, keep in mind that many options
exist and you need to purchase a mask based upon your needs and not our
suggestions. Do not get lulled into a mask by price alone or you may die
regretting your decision. We recommend the following masks as a good general
purpose mask that is effective. Other quality masks exist yet tend to cost more
or are for specialized purposes that may not suit your needs.
For example:
- Are you going to be a first responder?
- How long are you going to wear the mask?
- Do you need a mask that provides better visability i.e., tactical team or prepper group?
Research what will work for you but at the end of the day you are going to
need to spend some money if you want quality. Surplus is a great deal with
certain products but generally not with gas masks.
The
Israeli gas masks are the most popular gas mask in the world and are highly
effective as long as the mask
is within its 20 year lifespan which most are not, and that the valves and
seals are thoroughly inspected. It is also recommend to be used with a new,
current production filter. Surplus models are only effective if they are not
outside of their expiration period. This is one major reason to stay away from
surplus.
Prices on the Israeli Military M15 range from $60.00 for old surplus
models (buyer beware) to $150.00 for new, unused, and current models. The more
expensive models typically guarantee a new production model that has not
expired. I recommend getting one made by Shalon Chemical Industries which makes
these masks for the Israeli military. Purchase from a reputable dealer that
guarantees both new and unused. Say away from ebay, Craigslist, and even Amazon
for these masks. The Mil-Spec NBC canister gas filters run approximately $38.00
- $40.00
Israeli Youth Gas
Mask
A brand new quality Israeli Youth Gas Mask can be purchased for about
$40.00 although some retailers are gouging customers and charging four times
this cost. Shame on them! Another reason to purchase from a reputable dealer.
Cost: Family of Four
If you opt for the Israeli Military M15 and the Israeli Youth Mask,
assuming you are a family of four your costs will approximately be:
2 - Israeli Military M15 at $150.00 = $300.00
2 - Israeli Youth Mask at $40.00 = $80.00
4 – Extra Mil-Spec NBC canister gas filters at $40.00 =
$160.00
Total Cost = $540.00.
Now $540.00 is a lot of money but you are getting new, quality, current,
and unused gas masks that will be effective along with one extra filter for
each person. If you have sticker shock from the price just think what you will
be feeling if you decide to purchase old gas masks that do not work when
needed. Pay now or pay later but you will pay.
Whatever gas mask you choose to purchase you must make sure that it is
new, unused, not expired, and has new filters. Anything less than this criteria
may prove hazardous to your health. Is surplus the way to go? I think the
answer is a resounding, NO. A reputable dealer is Approved Gas Masks at: http://approvedgasmasks.com/mask-gas.htm
Note: Survival Skillcraft is not associated with Approved Gas Masks in any
manner.
Good luck.
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//TC
© 2013
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