3.9.05 - Maska

Originally, this article appeared in RussianCombatGear's forum and I noticed recently that all the photos were missing from the review. While many may feel that the facemask is only a small and almost unimportant item in the larger scope of major gear needs, I still think it is a relatively interesting item and I am glad that I saved the article for it's new home.

I will update this page from time to time with extra photos of varied masks to show as many types as possible.

The following are a few in my collection.

 

Above; Splav's gorod maska and gorod variant rain jacket.

I stared across the field, into the dark areas. Wherever it's dark; wherever a person can crouch and hide. I moved slowly forward, checking my flanks and trying not to make noise. In an instant - a fraction of a second - I saw him. His face was the first thing my eyes saw. In the time it took the info to reach my brain from my eyes, I dropped to my right knee and shouldered my AK. If he'd stayed in cover and let me pass, he would have hosed me for sure. If his face had been concealed, he could have possibly watched me the whole time and let me pass him and effectively taken me out. He was a lot closer than I would have thought and he gave his position away and was nuetralized with a few rounds from my rifle. His face gave him away. Poor bastard.

It's safe to say that the face is the most obvious and noticeable feature of the human bieng when in outdoor environments. Aside from the different colors of skin, the natural light reflection given off by skin has a totally different signature than all the foliage around it. Even camouflage clothing is only partially helpful, but aids tremendously when playing the game of concealment.

To go through all the reasons why operators wear face masks would take too long for this review. Personal protection of one form or another is the most common reason. Either protection from flame, concealing ones identity, camouflaging the face from view, or just simply keeping warm are reasons enough for the use of a facemask or "balaclava" as it is sometimes called.

Suffice it to say that these practical little things are a smart addition to ones kit and at a very minimal cost, keeping the face concealed becomes a very easy affair.

Here we see some color variations and take note of how the 1 year old LES model has it's cut-outs stretched from many wear/washes.

The Splav model is quite comfortable and perhaps it's nicest feature is the cutout for the mouth. I prefer not breathing through wet cotton so for me this is very cool. The masks are made from a lightwieght t-shirt material and I found that the hole cutouts will sort of stretch over time. They start out as very small holes (reinforced with some simple stitching) and after sweating in them a few times, the holes "give" a little as seen in the photo of my LES pattern variant. I wash the masks in cold water/cold rinse and never put them in the dryer. This insures they retain color definition and will not shrink. Another bonus to the mouth opening is that I experience far less fogging with tactical goggles. Again, it's nicest feature.

The ANA mask is quite different. This mask has a singular cut out for the eyes, which feels much more "airy" and eases pressure around the eyes. With tactical goggles on, the face looks completely camouflaged and the hide factor is increased. This mask just looks totally bad-ass. However, the "breathing through wet cotton" feeling in noticeable almost right away. At the first signs of movement I could tell that the wet feeling around my mouth would persist and probably get more intense as movement increased. I must say that the reinforcement around the cut-out is like that of the collar on a t-shirt. Time will tell how well this holds up but for the time being it feels very sturdy and with luck, it will retain it's shape like a t-shirt once washed and laid out or hung to dry.

ANA's kamysh maska and Noch bdu jacket.

None of these masks pictured are flame retardent and thier sole purpose is, of course, camouflage for the head and face. The patterns and colors all represent very popular variants found in thier respective lines of uniforms and gear. Keep in mind that these patterns and colors will vary depending on the type of material, batch of color pigment, changes in manpower and equiptment, etc. Consistency is not something to expect but even in rare instances when the colors are not quite as the manufacturer depicts them, they are still useful and effective. And, to the collector, very desireable.

This is purely for comparison. This photo shows how black is not always the best choice for wooded areas.

*Special note here - as airsoft begins to get more popular here in the US northeast, more and more regulations are being put on the airsofter due to insurance reasons. The ANA mask complies with new rules of keeping the mouth, skin, and ear canal covered. I still wear the Splav model with no major drama on the field but I highly recommend both of these masks.

That is all.

Camo

6.13.05 Maska Update:

Since the first part of this article was written, I've collected and tried out a few more variants and I'll share with you now my pics and evaluations.

At left is the ANA Maska in kamysh. Great pattern and very well made cotton material but like most masks that cover the mouth, this one too can be a bit stiffling. Several skirmishes and this one has stayed in fairly good shape.

This is the mask manufactured by the Russian company Special Materials. Known for thier body armour and anti-blast materials, SM makes the well known Reed patterned camouflage uniforms for many Russian Special Units as the one seen here. Thier facemask is quite nice and the coloration of this is fantastic in respect to both it's effectiveness and it's desireabilty. A little big but since it's made much like the ANA and Splav versions, it may shrink in the wash and then dried in the hot air of the dryer. The 100% cotton feels a bit softer than the ANA version.
Recently I stumbled upon this grey version of the same black balaclava as pictured above. It was worn in the winter and was surprisingly effective in the semi snow covered forest. It is made from a very lightwieght and breathable synthetic and stretches for a tight and perfect fit. I was also impressed with how it (like the black version) kept my head warm in the cold since it is so extremely thin. I have since dyed one of these OD and the look is killer. As seen here, it is a perfect companion for Splav's Bekas in Gorod... ready for some work in urban environments.

Lately, these are my favorite pics for skirmishing. Highly effective, the "Spandoflage" mesh facemask by Rothco proves to be a real winner in the concealment arena. While I have only worn this once, I have seen other airsofters take to the field in this mask and I can see it's tremendous appeal. The mask comes without the holes - those you cut yoursself while wearing it. Simply pinch a small section in front of your eye and cut it with a pair of scissors. It is surprising how many elite units around the world have chosen this commercially available mask and although it was originally intended for hunters, it's become a standard piece of kit in many soldiers bag of tricks. At the time of this writing, the 2 color variants seen above and black are available. I know at one time olive drab was produced and I'm still checking to see if anyone manufactures this color.

My only criticizm of this item is the use of black shiny nylon at the top of the mask. When used with a hat this is no biggie but without I feel that it's just a bit too obtrusive and should have been replaced with some other type of fabric. I have some extra sniper veil material and I'll try sewing a portion right over the black part. Other than that, it's amazing. Breathes wonderfully and no "breathing through a wet rag" feeling. I can wear one of these all day and move it only to eat and drink. Excellent and highly reccommended.