Even though I live in southwest Pennsylvania, I ride my 92 Harley Davidson Fatboy year round for two reasons. The first is that it gets amazing gas mileage and the second is just to prove I am a bad ass. Just kidding, everyone already knows I am a bad ass. What is one of the many bad ass things associated with motorcycles....skulls. The Schampa Lightweight Skull Face Mask
;however is the only skull motorcycle thing I own.When the weather started to get a little chilly (below 55 degrees for me), I knew it was time to get something to cover my grill, especially since I don't run a windshield. Since I only wear a half helmet, it is nice to have something to keep the rocks and bugs off my face.
After checking some options out, I settled on the skull mask. I have to admit that besides the great reviews on Amazon I thought kids in passing cars would get a kick out of it and they do.
The first thing you notice is that the mask is well made. The sewing is done right and the Velcro is tough but not too rigid. It is very soft and comfortable on the skin, yet really blocks the wind but allows you to breath. The bib covers your neck and tucks into my hoodie nicely. The graphic is high quality and now going on two months of use still looks new.
The thing I like most about the skull mask in comparison to my Schampa Pharaoh
is that I don't have to take my helmet on and off to put it on. This is helpful during short stops like fueling up or grabbing coffee. Even now that it is chillier and I have the ear/neck insert in my helmet, there is still enough Velcro to still fit around my big head.The coldest ride I have done with the mask was in 40 degrees at an average speed of 45 miles for about an hour. That works out to a windchill of around 25 degrees. Everything the mask covered was cozy. Everything that was not covered was a bit uncomfortable. Thus the reason the next day I ordered the Schampa Pharaoh. I find myself using both of them about every day I ride now. The Pharaoh in the morning and the skull mask later in the day. They compliment each other.
The one annoying thing that goes part and parcel when you wear any face mask with eye protection is the annoying fog. This is especially the case when you first get outside and your glasses are still warm. I manage this two ways, first of all I uncover my nose until my glasses cool down and I am constantly riding. I usually do the same at red lights. The second is using Cat Crap
... yeah, you heard me right, Cat Crap. After years of trying every snake oil concoction to put on my glasses to make them stop fogging, I heard about Cat Crap and gave it a try. It is not perfect, but is the best I have ever used. Your glasses may still fog up a little but the fog dissipates much faster if it does form. I reapply it about every other day. So whether you are in need of an inexpensive last minute Halloween costume or just enjoy motor sports in the cooler weather, at $10.49 (Amazon Prime) give the Schampa Skull Mask a try.
Good review.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if my mask is the same brand, but it looks the same. Though I have a large head and the velcro would pop open when I turned my head. So I sewed the mask to a black handkerchief and tie that around my head. It effectively lengthened the ties plus it added another thin layer of fabric. And since you mentioned it, last year when I took my kids for Trick or Treat, I rocked the skull mask, 3/4 old school helmet, and a trenchcoat. I got some strange looks. When it's cold in the mornings (or sometimes foggy), I add a bubble shield to my helmet, and use the mask more to cover my neck.