Face Mask Question

Rustydog

Rustydog

New member
I'll bet this has already been addressed, but I would like to ask again. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

What do most of the Predator Hunters on this Forum do for face masks? I have been buying the el cheapo ones sold at most retailers, but I am still far from satisfied. I really like a hole for my mouth so that I can easily blow on my mouth calls. (Lifting up the mask, finding my mouth, and removing my hands seems like just another opportunity to be "busted".) :eek:

I would have no problem having a custom one made, I just don't know where to start. (When I cut my own hole in the cheapies, I always end up with too big a hole and my nose and mouth tend to stick out, even more than in real life, LOL!) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I am hoping someone out there will take pity on me and fill me in on what to do or where to buy my ultimate cover-up! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Thanks,

Rustydog

jsb@opusnet.com
 
I wear one of the newer fleece type balaclava's. I can sinch it down as tight as I want around my eyes and really helps on the very cold stands. When I am using closed reed type call I just blow right though the mask.
 
Rustydog

I've never found the perfect face mask either and I'm still looking.

I use the mesh style, like you would use for Sept archery season, because I can hear better than with a heavy type of material. I have used a heavier type when it's very cold but don't like them.

I use a pull over that has 2 elastic bands to keep it in place and the nose/eye hole has a wire in the material that you form to the bridge of your nose. I cut a small hole for my mouth and if it gets too big over time I buy another.

I would like to find a mesh type in snow camo but don't think anyone makes one.

Don't have an answer for you but it you find the perfect face mask please let me know.
 
I wear a camoflauged stocking cap that has the face mask built in. I think I got it at cabela's. It has holes under the nose and an opening for my mouth. Keeps me warm.
 
Same here, a heavy stocking cap when it's realy cold but most of the time I use the net ones with wire around the eyes and I cut a small hole for mouth calls. I hope someone has a better idea.
 
The absolute best one I've ever used is a Carlton Calls Flex Form 3 model #75503 purchased from All Predator Calls.

The mask has a nose bridge that keeps the mask in place. The cut of the fabric lets it lay very flat against your body and it doesn't blow around in the wind like most other masks. It has a cut-out for your mouth. It's really nice in warmer weather because it is a soft mesh fabric that breathes well. As far as a cold weather mask.........well, the ski mask style is probably the best.
 
Personally, I like the ski masks with just one hole in the front and a hole in the bottom to put my head into /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I have several of the masks that have two separate eyeholes, a nose hole with a little cover over your nose and a cutout for your breath to go out of as well as a mouth hole. Those work somewhat OK if it is warm enough so you can get by with just one ski mask. Up here in North DaColder, I usually wear two ski masks and when it gets down into the -15º to -25º range, I put on two regular white ski masks and a wool balaclava over the top of that. If it gets colder than that, I put on a Damart fleece mask first and then slip on the two regular ski masks and the wool balaclava on top of that. It sometimes gets rather difficult to get all the face holes going in the right direction, difficult to get the mouth opening just right so you can get the call in your mouth, and then when frostbite starts to set in it is difficult to get all the masks back up into position so they protect you again.

I have posted this photo before, but here's what that getup looks like with 2 regular and one balaclava in case you haven't seen this photo before. It was only like -24º when this photo was snapped.

LeRoy_Yote_closeup--tiny.jpg
 
rusty dog i have 1/2 dozen or so facemasks. i bought a 3/4 mask with two eye openings & a mouth opening at sportsmans warehouse i think you have one in the portland area now. anyway primos makes it. its the ninja style.
i think you can click on to the primos website & order one ? it is mesh but not as light of mesh as others i've seen. hope this helps.......
 
Y'all need to post pictures. I'm too dumb to figure out what these masks look like but I'm sure I need one because everyone that see's me without one runs... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

$bob$
 
Rustydog, I was having the same problem you were and also I always found myself losing mine out of my pocket or with my ghillie suit on I would carry it in my hand. Lost a couple laying them down to pick up e-caller or something.My sister bought me a boonie hat from basspro for christmas that has the facemask built in it and I love it. I think it was actually made for turkey hunting.Always have it with me and don't have to worry about losing it.It has velcro tabs on the 2 bottom corners so you can wrap it around your neck where it fits tight agaisnt your face or you can let it hang down loose and you have plenty of room to get your hand and call under it. Works great.It also folds up in side hat when your finished out of the way.I plan on using it for turkey hunting also. Hope this helps. Kelly
 
If you find one that fits you well just cut a slit in it for your mouth. Don't cut a round hole though. It you do it will let in a lot more cold air than you think it would.
 
Thanks to everyone who replied with some great information. It does sound like there is no perfect solution, just what works best for the individual hunter. I'll look into the Allpredator site and see what they offer. Also Bass Pro and Sportsman's Warehouse here in Portland.

Rustydog
 
Rustydog: I went through the same problems trying to find a snow camo mask. The fleece full-face ones seemd to always slide wrong when I was not looking straight ahead.

My wonderful wife came up with a solution. She took one of my Bandito turkey masks (the 3/4ones with the wire around the eyes and nose) and used white fabric paint to paint white vertical stripes on the mask. The fabric paint is available in any fabric store and can be applied with a little piece of sponge. The Bandito masks are mesh. I nearly always use turkey diaphragms for "squealing" but have been able to blow other closed reed mouthcalls right through the mesh.

If we could fined our &*%%^# digital camera I'd send a picture.

Moosetrot
 
ithin the best one that I used for deer hunting was a spandoflauge one. It basically pulls all the way over the face and you make the cuts in it for bothe your eyes and mouth. the material actually conforms to your face. Wish you could still buy them at the stores. Think the last place I bought them or seen them it was on a paintball website. Anyhow good luck.
 
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