After doing some turkey watching this weekend and trying to mouth call, I realized it's time for a new facemask. The one I bought at Cabelas last year fits snug around my face and makes it difficult to use a diaphragm call and also gets wet and uncomfortable due to breathing condensation. What is your favorite mask?
Sitka mesh face mask. It fits, the mesh is soft, has an opening for the mouth and actually stays where you want it without those long strands elastic or being so tight you can't breathe. Best 25 bucks you'll ever spend on a mask.
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Get a spandoflage one. You can cut out eye n mouth holes
The ol Tom half buff or performance half mask. It's extremely thin and breathable and can be snatched down around your neck in no time if you need to up and move. Mouth calls sound fine coming through it
http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-OLT3170
Of course macks is a little high on price.
Quote from: RiverRoost on April 11, 2017, 08:21:25 AM
The ol Tom half buff or performance half mask. It's extremely thin and breathable and can be snatched down around your neck in no time if you need to up and move. Mouth calls sound fine coming through it
http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-OLT3170
Of course macks is a little high on price.
this is also my pick. on cool mornings it keeps your face warm and on muggy days it breathes well.
Only thing from under armour I ever like i have a nice face mask from them
I made one out of a quick dry camo jersey type shirt. I had my mom sew a piece of elastic in the top. I drew out the eyes with chalk, and put a slit for mouth. Then she cut out the eyes and mouth, and stitched around the cuts to keep it from unraveling. Custom fit, and comfortable. Not to mention inexpensive. One shirt can make two of them. Will post pics later.
The best I have found was a mesh one I believe it was a Turkey Thugs brand 1/2 or maybe 3/4 mask that I got at Walmart. Its cool and comfortable. I used to have a couple cotton full face masks that were nice too but I had both those till they fell apart.
Simple, cheap, works great. This is the mask I've been using for 30+ years. The wire forms around your eyes and nose and elastic keeps it pulled tight so you can always see. Keep it around your neck while walking. Pulls up quickly and is light and cool.
https://www.quakerboy.com/product/bandito-elite/
I like the simple and cheap H.S.Strut 3/4 mesh mask...I have used these for years after having the same issues with a bunch of different ones like your having.
I guess I hate them all. I've never found one I liked, most of the time I use a boonie hat with a built in mask that doesn't fit tight. I can deal with it pretty good. I've used as ASAT leafy head net this year and like it so far. I still prefer the face mask built into the boonie hat. It's simple to just roll it up when not needed and it pulls down in place when needed
I have a 3/4 face mask from primos, it has the eyes and mouth cut out.
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facepaint
Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on April 12, 2017, 12:43:33 PM
I like the simple and cheap H.S.Strut 3/4 mesh mask...I have used these for years after having the same issues with a bunch of different ones like your having.
I ordered this one from midwest turkey supply. Worked great this morning, a lot easier to work a mouth call when your mask isn't clinging to your face!
I use a UA 3/4 mesh mask, really nice mask, very breathable and has a bendable nose wire and bungee draw string in the back.
Quote from: tha bugman on April 19, 2017, 02:19:38 PM
facepaint
I went with facepaint late last season and been using it ever since. I wish I had done it years ago. It's kind of a pain getting off but well worth it to me. I can hear, see and breathe better.
Use facepaint some days and a mask others. Best mask I have found is an under armor half mask I have been using for about 8 years or so. Really like facepaint when bowhunting. A mask screws with my anchor.
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Facepaint is the best choice by far. Easier to work with, won't bother you like a mask, won't interfere with hearing or vision. In a pinch you can use some soft dirt. I have never found a mask worth wearing.
Call me frugal, but my wife sewed a strip of thin brown elastic to what looks like a large camo handkerchief. My ears hold it up and it rests loosely on my nose, keeping my glasses from fogging up. The turkeys and deer don't seem to complain. If the mosquitoes/buffalo gnats get too bad, I drag out the head net.
Another recommendation for face paint over a mask. I really like Carbomask. Not greasy, goes on fast, and comes off real easy with makeup wipes.
I wear a short brimmed ball cap from Bass Pro with sewn on hang down mask. Conceals my glasses and does not fog up. Mask does not come into contact with skin.
I like about any mesh half mask style.
Quaker Boy Bandito
Do yourself a favor and try one
Ol tom mesh half mask or mossy oaks new half masks.
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Quote from: eddie234 on April 12, 2017, 09:15:31 PM
I have a 3/4 face mask from primos, it has the eyes and mouth cut out.
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This in the light weight mess material and nothing else...period.
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My phone
Cheap and old fashioned....I have been using since forever a mesh facemask by (God know who) with a set of old sunglasses sewn inside the eyeholes. It moves with your head and you can use mouth calls easily.
+1 on the Bandito.
Either the Quaker Boy or HS Strut 3/4 mesh mask with the wire nose insert.
Quote from: guesswho on April 20, 2017, 05:58:26 PM
Quote from: tha bugman on April 19, 2017, 02:19:38 PM
facepaint
I went with facepaint late last season and been using it ever since. I wish I had done it years ago. It's kind of a pain getting off but well worth it to me. I can hear, see and breathe better.
Baby wipes will take it right off.
I use a facemask for turks but use a burnt cork for archery as facepaint and that stuff comes off very easy.
Quote from: Hooksnhorns on May 18, 2017, 02:19:21 PM
Quote from: guesswho on April 20, 2017, 05:58:26 PM
Quote from: tha bugman on April 19, 2017, 02:19:38 PM
facepaint
I went with facepaint late last season and been using it ever since. I wish I had done it years ago. It's kind of a pain getting off but well worth it to me. I can hear, see and breathe better.
Baby wipes will take it right off.
thanks for the tip half the time I can't find the HS strut makeup remover.And the soapy water doesn't always get it completely out.
The dark facepaint makes us older fellas look younger too, just like the touch of gray ads. I came home one day from hunting this spring and had cleaned up some with wipes but still had a bunch of dark in my white beard. Wife spun around and said, Wow you look 10 years younger! :camohat:
I was going through some of my old gear this year and found my old boonie hat (in original bottomland camo) with attached mask. For some reason, I retired it years ago, probably after buying some newer camo. It got put back into service this season. I had forgotten how much I liked having that attached mask feature. This old hat still has great mojo as I managed to kill two good PA gobblers while wearing it.
Quote from: Double B on May 21, 2017, 10:09:27 AM
The dark facepaint makes us older fellas look younger too, just like the touch of gray ads. I came home one day from hunting this spring and had cleaned up some with wipes but still had a bunch of dark in my white beard. Wife spun around and said, Wow you look 10 years younger! :camohat:
All my daughter does is giggle at my "guy liner" and offer to teach me how to put on my makeup right. My wife jokingly tells me to keep it on cause it looks hot. Oh the tribulations of a modern turkey hunter. Least they all know me at the local gas stations and don't hit the panic button when I walk in the store.
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Quote from: Strutr on May 25, 2017, 07:14:59 PM
I was going through some of my old gear this year and found my old boonie hat (in original bottomland camo) with attached mask. For some reason, I retired it years ago, probably after buying some newer camo. It got put back into service this season. I had forgotten how much I liked having that attached mask feature. This old hat still has great mojo as I managed to kill two good PA gobblers while wearing it.
I'm 58 and have had to wear glasses full time since the 4th grade. I've been using the same ball cap with attached mesh mask since 2002. When it wears out I'll be looking for another as close to that one as I can find.
I've been using a primos 3/4 face mask for years. I just ordered a ol Tom full face mask and I think it will be my new favorite. Both have the mouth cut out.
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Bought 4 0f these at walmart this morning were 10.00 marked down to 4.00
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170528/fa7fddaeec77395787c702e198b24d90.jpg)
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Well, I can't tolerate anything snug to my face. Also can't stand any face paint...I sweat too much! Thus I wear one of those 3/4 headnets with the oblong eyehole and pull it up when needed.
Got an Ol Tom half mask for Christmas wore it once the first day, shot a gobbler and left it in the woods.
I started turkey hunting years before dedicated turkey gear was common. I have been hunting for 35+ years with a wide-brimmed camo booney hat and a piece of camo mesh tied like a veil. When I'm out walking, the veil is pulled back over my neck. When I sit down, I pull it up so it's sitting bunched up on top of the hat. If I'm surprised by a gob, all I have to do is tilt my head forward and the veil falls down over my face. It's just loose enough that I've got a slit between the top of the veil and the brim of my hat. It's old-school, but it works.
Was walking out of woods like 6-7 yrs. ago, and walked up on a mask laying on the ground. It was one of these leafy-type that fits over head...eyes/mouth holes. Someone had dropped it and was never able to determine who...been wearing it ever since. Have several but like this one best...have had some birds real close...never knew I was there. Mask is a confidence thing to me...want to feel like I am part of the woods and clothing you wear can give you little extra confidence, besides, we need all we can get when dealing with ole eagle eyes.
Just picked one of these up
https://www.drakewaterfowl.com/collections/ol-tom/products/big-bob-boonie-w-face-mask1?variant=41146980240
Made it myself. Camo mesh with some leafy strips stitched to then attached to cap.
Quote from: Forked lighting on May 28, 2017, 10:49:06 AM
Bought 4 0f these at walmart this morning were 10.00 marked down to 4.00
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170528/fa7fddaeec77395787c702e198b24d90.jpg)
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I really like those and stocked up on them myself .
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Any of you wear glasses? I need a new mask that won't fog up my glasses. Thank you
I've wore them my whole life and they're a pain in the turkey woods. I've tried half mask, 3/4 mask, loose mask, tight mask and my glasses fog up quite a bit. If it's cool and I break any kind of a sweat, when I stop, set up, they'll fog up every time. My wife works for an eye dr and has brought home this and that but still fogs up. I have a darker beard so I'm going with face paint. Nothing crazy, just enough to do the trick. Got some that comes off pretty easy and doesn't leave a residue.
Ive got a 5-6" beard right now, so paint could work for me as well. Just prefer a mask for turkey hunting and paint for deer hunting personally. I'm debating on getting contacts just to wear while turkey hunting. I cant see much of anything in detail past 15-20 yards.
I have had problems with every mask I have ever owned fogging up my glasses except one and of course that one was lost. I paint my face black when I get in the blind.
Quote from: batsonbe on February 17, 2018, 10:55:22 PM
Ive got a 5-6" beard right now, so paint could work for me as well. Just prefer a mask for turkey hunting and paint for deer hunting personally. I'm debating on getting contacts just to wear while turkey hunting. I cant see much of anything in detail past 15-20 yards.
I got contacts for that very reason. Bow hunting for deer and turkey hunting were a lot more enjoyable with contacts than with carrying a pair of glasses or not being able to see very well.
Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on April 12, 2017, 12:43:33 PM
I like the simple and cheap H.S.Strut 3/4 mesh mask...I have used these for years after having the same issues with a bunch of different ones like your having.
I'll second this.
Quote from: Tennessee Lead on February 17, 2018, 12:21:29 AM
Quote from: Forked lighting on May 28, 2017, 10:49:06 AM
Bought 4 0f these at walmart this morning were 10.00 marked down to 4.00
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170528/fa7fddaeec77395787c702e198b24d90.jpg)
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I really like those and stocked up on them myself .
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For <$5, these are pretty good deal. Comfy too.
Quote from: merriamsman on March 04, 2018, 01:23:35 PM
Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on April 12, 2017, 12:43:33 PM
I like the simple and cheap H.S.Strut 3/4 mesh mask...I have used these for years after having the same issues with a bunch of different ones like your having.
I'll second this.
Agreed. Tried a bunkerhead but it was just too much stuff. El cheap mesh face mask was the best. Now I switched to an aerowool tube from first lite and won't go back. Wicks heat away and glasses don't fog up nearly as bad.
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X2 on the Sitka mesh. Before that my glasses would fog up. A trick I used to do back then was to pull the mask down below my nose, then put a little face paint just on my nose to reduce the glare and prevent fogging.
Looks like this post will live forever. I never realized so many people had so many issues with facemasks. I wear glasses and never had many issues with many different masks. I do like a mask that covers my whole face to lessen the risk of any glare when turkey hunting. The one I currently use is from Bass Pro. A short brimmed ball cap with attached camo mesh that is easy to see through. Check it out and it may solve many of the issues being experienced.
I just ordered and under armor face mask from amazon. It is very highly rated. I'll let you know how it is when I get it tomorrow
I love the H&S face paint in the cream. You can't feel it on or does it run off. I sweat a lot most days walking 3-4 miles and it stays on great. Most importantly I can still dip with facepaint. I ain't getting a net and cutting a mouth hole out.
I have an older underarmour half mesh mask and I love it. I wanted to buy one for my wife and they dont make it anymore.
Quote from: Poleaxe on March 10, 2018, 08:23:09 AM
I love the H&S face paint in the cream. You can't feel it on or does it run off. I sweat a lot most days walking 3-4 miles and it stays on great. Most importantly I can still dip with facepaint. I ain't getting a net and cutting a mouth hole out.
I am still using some old Fred Bear face paint from the 70's or 80's. Yep I'm cheap!
I really like the Banded Brand that I got just prior to season. Sorry if I have already mentioned this one.
I been using the MAD mask for years and like it. Also wear the rhino skink hood under it.
I am using the under armor real tree face ask and it is great, especially on cold mornings
I believe my current mask is a Hunter's Specialties full mesh mask.
Plenty of bugs, as well as warm weather where I hunt (although cool mornings).
I do NOT want a mouth hole, cause I want to be able to move my mouth for the mouth call when birds are close.
I like the mesh, cause it is less hot, and does not fog my glasses as bad on cool mornings.
The mesh fits loosely enough to keep ants and other critters from biting me.
I wear mine under my hat in such a way I can quickly pull it down... I find it easier to pull it down, than pull a 3/4 mask up...
Quote from: merriamsman on March 04, 2018, 01:23:35 PM
Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on April 12, 2017, 12:43:33 PM
I like the simple and cheap H.S.Strut 3/4 mesh mask...I have used these for years after having the same issues with a bunch of different ones like your having.
I'll second this.
I'll third this.
Check these out. I bought 5 and they seem ok. For $20 for 5, I will give them a shot.
https://safishing.com/shop/5-p...20180427023357:s#configuration
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The Sitka mesh mask has been working great for me, didn't have any issues with fogging up this spring.
Quote from: compton30 on May 19, 2017, 04:49:05 AM
I use a facemask for turks but use a burnt cork for archery as facepaint and that stuff comes off very easy.
^^^^ This
Quote from: Muzzy61 on December 07, 2018, 01:24:08 PM
Quote from: compton30 on May 19, 2017, 04:49:05 AM
I use a facemask for turks but use a burnt cork for archery as facepaint and that stuff comes off very easy.
^^^^ This
Remember doing this for a Halloween costume back in the 80's, works real well from what I recall.
Quote from: tomstopper on May 01, 2018, 09:32:29 AM
Check these out. I bought 5 and they seem ok. For $20 for 5, I will give them a shot.
https://safishing.com/shop/5-p...20180427023357:s#configuration
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That what I use and look cool doing it I might add.
I use the UA mesh mask with the drawstring. Best mask I've ever found but they look like they are discontinued. The Nomad mask on the Mossy Oak website looks to be the same design. The drawstring top to adjust fit and the length are the key features in my opinion
I am a eye glass wearer and recently purchased a Sitka face mask. It seems that this maybe the best face cover that I have used. We will see this spring.
I used to use a dark-colored face paint until a buddy said I was a racist.
Quote from: Gobble! on December 17, 2018, 02:39:23 PM
Quote from: tomstopper on May 01, 2018, 09:32:29 AM
Check these out. I bought 5 and they seem ok. For $20 for 5, I will give them a shot.
https://safishing.com/shop/5-p...20180427023357:s#configuration
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That what I use and look cool doing it I might add.
Cheap too so if I lose one here or there, I dont get upset
Quote from: RiverRoost on April 11, 2017, 08:21:25 AM
The ol Tom half buff or performance half mask. It's extremely thin and breathable and can be snatched down around your neck in no time if you need to up and move. Mouth calls sound fine coming through it
http://www.mackspw.com/Item--i-OLT3170
Of course macks is a little high on price.
x2 i have this one and like the fact that is pull up/down and has breathing holes where you mouth and nose go. not too hot and doesn't fall down. i can stick a trumpet mouth piece thru the holes to run it
Quote from: EZ on April 12, 2017, 12:24:08 PM
Simple, cheap, works great. This is the mask I've been using for 30+ years. The wire forms around your eyes and nose and elastic keeps it pulled tight so you can always see. Keep it around your neck while walking. Pulls up quickly and is light and cool.
https://www.quakerboy.com/product/bandito-elite/
I agree, this is my personal favorite as well!!
Seen yesterday the mossy oak store has some.nice ones on sale. I have the nomad facemask it seems nice haven't used it in the field yet though.
Full net when bugs are bad half with my hat pulled down most of the time.
I have been using the full head net mask that comes with a leafy suit. Fits over hat and all and has elastic around the head for the eyes and when the elastic wears out it has a draw string to snug it around the face. Doesn't hamper the use of a mouth call or yelper. Works great for me.
Go boonie insect headnet. Military surplus. It looks thin but, gobblers have never seemed to notice. Also keeps insects of all sorts from pestering you. I wear glasses and the additional air flow and room stops the problem of fogging.
As some others have said, it's Quaker Boy Bandito 3/4 for me. I've been using them for around 30 years and have tried other, but always go back to the Bandito. It's always around my neck and ready to go if I have a quick set up. The wire frame around the eyes is another plus, as I wear glasses and I'm able to form it around my glasses in a way that keeps them from fogging up. It just works well for me.
I'll be listing several next week for trade, have a hard time finding ones I like. I have 2 coming this week that will be listed if I do not like them as well all in a lot with the others.
Mossy Oak had a new mask at the show. I have avoided masks due to fogging of my glasses but this one breathes so well it is not a problem. Just cinch the cord and go. No more face paint.
I'm gonna make a play on the Nomad Loose Fit gaiter before season starts. Looks awesome. Hoping to find a less than full price deal
Quote from: Notsoyoungturk on March 02, 2019, 08:04:04 PM
Mossy Oak had a new mask at the show. I have avoided masks due to fogging of my glasses but this one breathes so well it is not a problem. Just cinch the cord and go. No more face paint.
Mine came in yesterday, I like it better than the full head net...
My Mossy Oak half something or other came in today and I think it will be a winner. I like the cinch cord. Now if I can find a bird to test it out. It doesn't clear my lower eyelids well, though.
I have 2 facemasks, one is the 3/4 mesh mask with the copper bendable wire around the eyes and elastic headband. The other is a full headnet which, when buggy, I pull over my head, hat and all. At imes, if just a few bugs, I'll spin the 3/4 mask around to the back and just look through the mesh. Another advantage of looking through the mesh and not the opening is if hens are involved. They're very good at picking up your eyes.
When I first started turkey hunting I used face paint. I found it very uncomfortable...particularly if I sweated at all. But I go back a ways...there were no headnets then...they came along later. Plus I feel much more "hidden" with a mask. As far as those tight-fitting spandex masks I wouldn't be able to stand anything tight to my face like that.
Quote from: Notsoyoungturk on March 02, 2019, 08:04:04 PM
Mossy Oak had a new mask at the show. I have avoided masks due to fogging of my glasses but this one breathes so well it is not a problem. Just cinch the cord and go. No more face paint.
is this it?
https://www.amazon.com/Mossy-Oak-Camo-Mesh-Hunting/dp/B07GNNT7SH
I picked up a Nomad loose fit headnet at the Mossy Oak turkey show they had at the store. They had it reduced to 19.99 I have been wearing it listening in the mornings just to try it out and I really like it.
I'm partial to facemasks attached to a cap, but with the facemask coming off the bill of the cap and no eye opening. With the material coming off the bill. it isn't rubbing against your skin, and the bugs can't bite you through it. I've got 3 that are getting worn out. I bought mine from Bass Pro but I'm not seeing any out there now :'(