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Sitka Subalpine vs Optifade Cover

Started by michiganoutdoorsman, May 04, 2025, 03:26:10 PM

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michiganoutdoorsman

As the title suggests, which pattern would you choose for spring time gobblers in Michigan? If you're a Sitka hater then it is what it is, I just want guys opinions that have experience with it out in the field. I've been rocking Mossy Oak Original Bottomland for the longest time now, just ready to switch it up with camo and with my profession I get a heft discount on Sitka so I'm not worried about the price of it. I can see benefits to both camo patterns. Maybe I'll eventually end up with both, but starting out I'm just curious what guys with real world experience with the camo are going with. I'm gonna throw the patterns down below for the people who don't know what they look like, thanks!

And again, this isn't a discussion on if Sitka is overpriced or not or to start any arguments. We all like what we like.

joey46

#1
Huh?  Don't see any examples and never heard of Sitka.  I'll Google it .  Good luck.
YOU  REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Tom007

I think Optifade cover is best for the Michigan woods. Good luck..

Ihuntoldschool

Camo is more about what kind YOU like. The turkey ain't gonna care one bit.

Just sit still and buy whichever suits you. You can even mix and match.

joey46

Did Google it. That's some high end stuff.
YOU  REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Dtrkyman

I have subalpine, blends well in the green up, earlier in the season I would think the cover is better with the "dirty" look it has, I really think it's not an issue either way.

I have the vest in Timber which I like as well but they don't offer that pattern in the guard series!

I'll probably order the guard hoody in cover!


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Notsoyoungturk

I think the optifade cover would work better.  I think subalpine has more tan than I would like.
A hunt based on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be - Fred Bear

Spring Creek Calls

I have a jacket and mountain pants in subalpine. Really like both the pattern and performance. I wear it spring and early fall.
2014  SE Call Makers Short Box 2nd Place
2017  Buckeye Challenge Long Box 5th Place
2018  Mountain State Short Box 2nd Place
2019  Mountain State Short Box 1st Place
2019  NWTF Great Lakes Scratch Box 4th Place
2020 NWTF GNCC Amateur 5th Place Box
2021 Mountain State 3rd Place Short Box
2021 SE Callmakers 1st & 2nd Short Box
E-mail: gobblez@aol.com
Website: springcreekturkeycalls.weebly.com

budtripp

Subalpine is flat out amazing in the woods on the ground. Good buddy of mine has a shirt in the pattern and my decoy bag is printed in it. In my area at least, it flat out disappears.

nyhunter

I wear subalpine here in NY and love it, it is by far better than the tree and limbs camo that most people wear. Once you see it in the woods you will understand.

10th Legionaire

#10
I mix and match stuff. In the Sitka gear for my area the Timber works really well early in the season. I bought the Equinox Guard pants and hoodie this year and think it will be a great pattern. Edit; I wasn't clear I bought the Equinox outfit in Cover.

I'm not sure the Sub Alpine would be the best choice for Michigan woods. Like Notsoyoungturk says, too much tan after everything greens up.
Less is more

                       Print by Madison, on Flickr

Timmer

#11
For clarity to those reading, Optifade is the pattern design, and it comes in 6 colors.  Two of those are Subalpine and Cover.  See here - EXPLORE OPTIFADE PATTERNS.

You can check patterns against different backgrounds on this site - Camo Matrix
Timmer

All of the tools, some of the skills!

Ihuntoldschool

#12
Quote from: Timmer on May 09, 2025, 10:47:18 AMFor clarity to those reading, Optifade is the pattern design, and it comes in 6 colors.  Two of those are Subalpine and Cover.  See here - EXPLORE OPTIFADE PATTERNS.

You can check patterns against different backgrounds on this site - Camo Matrix


Sure you can. But turkeys dont see like deer or humans.
The way camo appears to you is nothing like how it appears to a turkey bird

Birds see the world in a much more colorful way thats beyond our comprehension





Timmer

Quote from: Ihuntoldschool on May 09, 2025, 11:25:07 AMYou can check patterns against different backgrounds on this site - Camo Matrix


Sure you can. But turkeys dont see like deer or humans.
The way camo appears to you is nothing like how it appears to a turkey bird

Birds see the world in a much more colorful way thats beyond our comprehension


[/quote]

Yes, that is a good point.  The comparison site I shared does have something they call "deer vision," which may be more similar to what birds see.  That is if there is any true science and function behind it and it's not just a gimmick. 
Timmer

All of the tools, some of the skills!

Timmer

Quote from: Ihuntoldschool on May 09, 2025, 11:25:07 AMSure you can. But turkeys dont see like deer or humans.
The way camo appears to you is nothing like how it appears to a turkey bird

Birds see the world in a much more colorful way thats beyond our comprehension



Yes, that is a good point.  The comparison site I shared does have something they call "deer vision," which may be more similar to what birds see.  That is if there is any true science and function behind it and it's not just a gimmick.
Timmer

All of the tools, some of the skills!