Keeping four occupants comfortable in a dusty UTV requires more than simply splitting the output from a small helmet pumper. Rugged Radios introduced the original MAC4 Air Pumper System in 2014 as a high-volume solution capable of supplying filtered air to as many as four helmets.
Manufactured from billet aluminum and equipped with AIRAID filtration, the original MAC Series was designed for demanding off-road racing environments. Its filtered airflow helped reduce the dust entering a properly equipped helmet while also supplying cooling air during hot races and recreational rides.
Original Rugged Radios MAC Series Models
The lineup announced in 2014 included four configurations:
- MAC1: 135-cfm single-person air pumper
- MAC4.1: 235-cfm single-person air pumper
- MAC4.2: 235-cfm two-person air pumper
- MAC4.4: 235-cfm four-person air pumper
The MAC4.4 was particularly useful in four-seat UTVs and race vehicles because one high-output unit could distribute filtered air to the driver and three passengers. Rugged Radios also offered smaller configurations for vehicles that did not need four helmet connections.
For more information about the original single-person model, see our coverage of the Rugged Radios MAC1 air pumper system.
Why Use a Helmet Air Pumper?
A helmet air pumper draws outside air through a filter and sends it to a compatible helmet through a flexible hose. Positive pressure inside the helmet can help keep dust from entering around the opening while the moving air helps cool the occupant.
This can make a major difference during desert races, dune rides and long days on dusty trails. A multi-person system also gives everyone in a four-seat UTV similar protection rather than limiting filtered air to the driver.
The Current Four-Person MAC Air System
Update: The original billet-aluminum MAC4 described above has since been replaced by a newer generation of Rugged Radios MAC Air pumpers. Although the current four-person model serves the same basic purpose, it should not be confused with the original 235-cfm MAC4.4.
The current system uses an injection-molded ABS housing designed to improve airflow, a high-static-pressure fan and a dual-filter arrangement. Its washable external pre-filter removes much of the dust and debris before it reaches the washable intermediate filter.
The complete four-person bundle currently includes:
- Four lightweight expandable helmet-pumper hoses
- Threaded hose cuffs compatible with Rugged Radios MagLock hardware
- Rocker-switch variable-speed controller
- Washable dry-media pre-filter
- Washable intermediate foam filter
- Particulate pre-filter wrap
- Waterproof power connection and 12-foot power cord
- Universal mounting hardware
The adjustable controller allows occupants to reduce airflow when less ventilation is needed or increase it in hot and dusty conditions.
See the current Rugged Radios four-person MAC Air bundle, or compare the complete selection of Rugged Radios air-pumper systems.
