Facemask/Balaclava reviews?

evPocket · Post by **evPocket** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:01 pm

Hey this one is for all my friends riding through the cold weather. I've been having a blast on my Buddy 50 btw January here in the midwest has been really mild. However, I lost my facemask

It was given as a gift, apparently just bought at Wal Mart, and they don't have the same one to replace or any ski mask. I went to our local army surplus, and got one that is passable as a replacement, but we are in the midst of a few really cold days and it's not cutting it. So I'm looking to buy online.
The last one I had was great because it was long in the neck so I could tuck it into my inner layer of clothing, and it easily covered my mouth/nose entirely so all that was showing was my eyes. The only one I could find on short notice at the store has a larger hole, more an allinone eye/nose/mouth hole. Not gonna cut it

So yeah! I'm looking for something warm that covers all the way to the eyes and below the neck (although I considered mixing my new mask with a bandana style one). I have been seeing these Neoprene masks but have no idea how warm they are and am not seeing reviews. Would love you guys' input.
I'm certainly trying to withstand going 40-45mph with temperatures in the 20s. I love feeling like I'm beating the elements so if it can handle colder I'll go for it.
Thank You! Much love.

KrispyKreme · Post by **KrispyKreme** » Thu Feb 05, 2015 8:43 pm

https://shop.vtarmynavy.com/black-polar ... 7AodaVAAsQ

tspinning · Post by **tspinning** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:53 pm

I use an Under Armour Men's ColdGear Infrared Hood which I tuck into my base/under layer, and then I also use a Seirus NeoFleece mask on top of that for the extra cold days... Although this last Northeastern storm session has left me taking public transport or working/staying home... Once a bit more of the melt occurs (which may be never if we get the predicted 1-2 feet this weekend) I'll be back on the Buddy!

UA Infrared Hood

Seirus NeoFleece

MYSCTR · Post by **MYSCTR** » Sat Feb 07, 2015 1:07 am

Looks to be a really good one - temped to get it at only $13.99 Prime on Amazon. I still use one from Colorado we got when skiing a few years ago.

N-Ferno 6823 Wind-proof Hinged Balaclava, Black

MYSCTR · Post by **MYSCTR** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 12:28 am

Just came in and way too warm to wind test on a ride yet wearing it just a few minutes for a picture proved it is very warm. Drops well below the collar line so you have layered protection. Or if you wanted to work on your Ninja skills.
(see post above for details)

theemptythrone · Post by **theemptythrone** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 6:58 pm

i just use a scarf. cheap and fashionable.

KrispyKreme · Post by **KrispyKreme** » Fri Feb 13, 2015 7:38 pm

MYSCTR^^^^That looks warm and has that ninja effect.

theflash784 · Post by **theflash784** » Sat Feb 21, 2015 2:53 pm

I live in Michigan and used to work outdoors for a 10 hr shift in all kinds of weather. I had a friend who went to the western states on hunting expeditions so before Calebas opened a store in Mich, I had him pick me up on of their balaclavas during one of his trips. It worked so well my son snatched it when he was in the Army and it traveled with him to Germany, Kovosvo and Iraq. I had my friend pick me up another one and I wore it through many winters working. I retired 5 years ago and I still wear it to take my granddaughter to the bus stop and pick her up. I have worn it under my helmet and it worked well for that too. I don't ride much in the cold- I will admit to being a fair weather rider but the few times I did ride when it was in the 40's- I used the balaclava.

MYSCTR · Post by **MYSCTR** » Sat Feb 21, 2015 5:28 pm

We have had a few days of colder riding to wear the black N-Ferno 6823 wind-proof hinged Balaclava pictured above. The last day was 28 degrees on our commute to work, which would have had a 9-degree wind chill temperature at 45 actual miles per hour. We ride with a HJC half shell helmet with a pull down visor that leaves my temples exposed when there is any cross wind and tends to freeze my face on really cold days.

Likes: First, this Balaclava wrapped my exposed temples in warmth eliminating any face freeze. The hinge top makes it easy to adjust just how much face you want to expose; it also allows you to adjust the top to come down over your forehead in whatever position you prefer very easily. The base easily layers below your collar on your jacket or coat; the front lower coverage extends to protect your throat and can hang over or be tucked inside your shirt. The front section has some sort of covering that stops any wind from coming through although there is a vent screen for breathing which when used alone under the helmet does not fog up the face shield.

Dislikes: On the coldest days the vent screen for breathing or speaking does allow some cold air in which makes for cold lips although any full face helmet or even scarf stops this.

For $13.00 on Amazon this was a steal of deal if you were lucky enough to get one.

More from the manufacturer below:

Ergodyne's N-Ferno 6823 Wind-Proof, Hinged, Balaclava

Wind-proof Hinged Balaclava: Stretchable fleece with wind-resistant fabric covering the nose and neck for the ultimate in winter protection and comfort.

Call us crazy, but we just happen to think your headwear should consistently provide a beggars banquet of BTUs. So quit playing with matches and build a bonfire around your brain with the element busting energy of the N-Ferno Cool Series. All N-Ferno Warming Products include winter liners and other head wear designed to keep workers warm and comfortable. We've got versions for cool, cold, and extreme conditions with hi-tech fabrics and superior features for reliable warmth from ear-to-ear. In fact, most liners have pockets next to the ears to hold warming packs.