hroark2112
05-31-2009, 06:39 PM
Picked this up from the GLBB classifieds from his "demo mask" sale. It's the Z model. I'll try to be thorough here for everyone, complete with pics, of course!
I checked out the masks since I sold some gear & wanted to try a new mask (something not already in my collection!). Ron had just posted his ad for the demo masks. I originally wanted a different mask, but Ron wouldn't budge on it, so I opted for my second choice. Being that this mask was pre-made and already painted, the wait time was nil, just waited for the actual UPS shipping.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/Covetedmask.jpg
Ron was very straight up with me, the paint job is a stock paint job, nothing special at all, and because it was a demo, the clear coat isn't 100%. He told me it's about 80%, and he's probably pretty close. There's some imperfections that can be seen if you're really looking for them. Nothing significant, but he was very up front about it which was a positive.
I got the mask about a week after I ordered it, and unlike some mask makers, the mask was packaged very well, with obvious care as to how it would arrive. Seems like most mask sellers just toss it in a bag, and Ron definitely packaged it well. Initial impression of the mask was that it is a fairly light mask, with a solid shell and a nice cage. I put it on and adjusted the straps a bit, so the mask fits well now. There is some room in between the sides of the mask and my head, so it does move a bit, but that's OK by me. For a stock padding job, it's pretty close to a perfect fit.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/100_0457.jpg
On ice the mask is well balanced and does not wiggle around. I haven't taken any significant shots to the head, but I have been run twice and taken the brunt of impact to the head with the mask on. Overall it feels very solid and protective. The padding feels firm and the collisions left me with no ill effects to the head. It appears to be a dual-density padding, with 2 different foams used to make the mask both comfortable and protective.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/100_0454.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/100_0456.jpg
Now to the negatives. The biggest downside to the mask is how the chin 'hugs' the face a bit. Some of my other masks are wider in the throat area and feel a bit more protective, this mask is a bit more like the Itech 961 in this area. It feels like a shot to this area will hit all neck (I do wear a collar, of course) and not mask. It's a preference thing, but I do feel that I'm not 100% covered in the throat like I am with some other masks. The other negative point is very minor. The straps are made of thin elastic, instead of the thicker, heavy elastic that most of my other masks have. Time will tell how this stands up.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/100_0455.jpg
All in all, this is an excellent mask in my opinion. Much care has been taken in the construction and finish of the mask, the inside of the mask is painted (although not a pro finish, it does make for a very nice finish inside), and the overall shape of the mask is very cool.
I would definitely recommend this mask to those looking for a new mask.
I checked out the masks since I sold some gear & wanted to try a new mask (something not already in my collection!). Ron had just posted his ad for the demo masks. I originally wanted a different mask, but Ron wouldn't budge on it, so I opted for my second choice. Being that this mask was pre-made and already painted, the wait time was nil, just waited for the actual UPS shipping.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/Covetedmask.jpg
Ron was very straight up with me, the paint job is a stock paint job, nothing special at all, and because it was a demo, the clear coat isn't 100%. He told me it's about 80%, and he's probably pretty close. There's some imperfections that can be seen if you're really looking for them. Nothing significant, but he was very up front about it which was a positive.
I got the mask about a week after I ordered it, and unlike some mask makers, the mask was packaged very well, with obvious care as to how it would arrive. Seems like most mask sellers just toss it in a bag, and Ron definitely packaged it well. Initial impression of the mask was that it is a fairly light mask, with a solid shell and a nice cage. I put it on and adjusted the straps a bit, so the mask fits well now. There is some room in between the sides of the mask and my head, so it does move a bit, but that's OK by me. For a stock padding job, it's pretty close to a perfect fit.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/100_0457.jpg
On ice the mask is well balanced and does not wiggle around. I haven't taken any significant shots to the head, but I have been run twice and taken the brunt of impact to the head with the mask on. Overall it feels very solid and protective. The padding feels firm and the collisions left me with no ill effects to the head. It appears to be a dual-density padding, with 2 different foams used to make the mask both comfortable and protective.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/100_0454.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/100_0456.jpg
Now to the negatives. The biggest downside to the mask is how the chin 'hugs' the face a bit. Some of my other masks are wider in the throat area and feel a bit more protective, this mask is a bit more like the Itech 961 in this area. It feels like a shot to this area will hit all neck (I do wear a collar, of course) and not mask. It's a preference thing, but I do feel that I'm not 100% covered in the throat like I am with some other masks. The other negative point is very minor. The straps are made of thin elastic, instead of the thicker, heavy elastic that most of my other masks have. Time will tell how this stands up.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/hroark2112/100_0455.jpg
All in all, this is an excellent mask in my opinion. Much care has been taken in the construction and finish of the mask, the inside of the mask is painted (although not a pro finish, it does make for a very nice finish inside), and the overall shape of the mask is very cool.
I would definitely recommend this mask to those looking for a new mask.