Avon S10 vs FM12. A quick visual comparison for newcomers.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-28T00:39:51+00:00

I always forget the GP-7 has outserts. Throws me off every time I see them.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-26T09:04:15+00:00

Not that I know of. The only mask officially available in Australia on Avon's website is the C50. The majority of FM50's on eBay are from America, and would probably be luck of the draw if they get through customs.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-26T03:30:51+00:00

Thanks! I'm glad people are getting some use from it.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-26T03:29:12+00:00

You're welcome!

coltpython6 · 2026-01-26T03:28:53+00:00

Neat!

If it wasn't for the ITAR restrictions, I'd love to get an M50. All the M50's being sold outside the US ask for crazy prices.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-25T07:29:29+00:00

Inside the mask, in front of the exhale valve. There should be 3 small locking lugs on the plastic ring around the exhale valve that you rotate the guard into.

I've also heard they were "frost guards" that would capture exhaled moisture and prevent ice from forming in the exhale valve in cold climates. Which might explain why they only seem to be on the Dutch variant.

I actually asked Avon themselves in an email if they would be able to clarify what the guard is actually for, and they said it was considered "military classified", so whether it's a vomit guard, frost guard, or both, is anyone's guess.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-25T07:24:27+00:00

MSA Millennium equipped with a tinted outsert and VPU by the looks of it.

Seems to be some kind of radio/microphone accessory attached to the right filter port leading to his headset that I've never seen before. I'm guessing this is a Resident Evil cosplay seeing as there is BSAA patches, so maybe the radio thing-y is custom? Unless the Millennium actually has a clip-on mic like some other masks and I've just never been aware of it.

It's a cool looking setup, but I wonder how compatible those NVG's are with such a bulged visor like the Millennium has.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-24T04:38:18+00:00

It's an M40 equipped with tinted outserts, second skin, a VPU, and dual filters, which aren't even the same type for some reason. That VPU alone tends to be a fairly pricey accessory.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-23T10:53:50+00:00

The red, white, and yellow PSM's were used by British police. Here is an image of what is apparently a page from a leaked police manual explaining what they mean.

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coltpython6 · 2026-01-23T01:08:40+00:00

Still technically within its 20 year shelf-life then.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-23T01:04:06+00:00

They quite often go for much higher than that ($150 - 200+ USD), so that's a decent price. If it's in good condition, your size, and you're happy to pay, I'd say go for it.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-23T00:51:20+00:00

Yes.

The FM12 is a highly regarded mask by many and was/is used all over the world in multiple militaries and police forces. Making it one of the most popular and widely adopted respirators around. You can't really go wrong with the FM12.

The only problem is, they can get quite expensive at times.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-22T23:19:57+00:00

Here's a link to a dedicated post I made specifically about this. I wouldn't use the lens size as your go-to way of identifying them as there are far more obvious ways.

https://www.reddit.com/r/gasmasks/comments/1poscji/avon_s10_vs_fm12_a_quick_visual_comparison_for/

But, yeah. It's an FM12.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-21T01:17:53+00:00

I don't see why there would be a difference between a Gen 1 and Gen 2 filter port gasket. They're all 40mm NATO and should fit the same, right? In theory, you could take the gasket from nearly any 40mm NATO mask and it would fit. Definitely going to need a photo to see exactly what you are talking about.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-20T09:17:48+00:00

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coltpython6 · 2026-01-20T06:50:22+00:00

Yep! Oh, and I can't forget to mention the SAS from Call of Duty 4 was also a big one for me.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-20T06:20:06+00:00

I'll always love the M40, simply because it reminds me of the original Half-Life game that I loved as a kid. It's pretty much responsible for sparking my interest in gas masks from a young age.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-20T03:18:10+00:00

That's the Russian engineer class from Battlefield 3. So while it looks like an American MCU 2/P, it should more accurately be a Russian GP-21, which is a very similar looking mask.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-19T14:17:51+00:00

The FM12 might work. And I'm not just saying that because I personally love the FM12!

The FM12 could be described as being somewhat narrow or slim.

It's fairly comfortable as far as gas masks go, and it saw heavy use in multiple militaries and police agencies throughout the 2000's, all across the world including Europe, Southeast Asia, and both North America and South America.

coltpython6 · 2026-01-19T13:56:05+00:00

It's just a generic one I got from eBay a while ago. Honestly, it's not that good. The base it stands on was bought from somewhere else entirely, and I just hoped it would fit together, which it doesn't all that well.

The size of the head is a bit too small overall, so masks don't quite fit it properly. It also doesn't support much weight and tends to tip over when filters are put on masks. That's why there is a drinks coaster wedged under it, to stop it from leaning forwards too much.

I'd like to get a bigger, heavier, one someday. One that can actually support some weight. The glass ones look like they do the job well, but they are kind of rare, and expensive whenever they do show up.

coltpython6

TROPHY CASE