OVERVIEW:
I’m using another opportunity to highlight some bug control items…last month you might remember that I reviewed the SmartPak Deluxe Fly Mask (See Here).
I’m staying on the SmartPak track for now. The same day I ordered the masks I also ordered two fly sheets. Nahe got a 78″ sheet with purple trim and Stanley got a 75″ sheet with hunter trim.
My first impression was wow I love this material. The mesh is somehow lightweight but also feels durable.
I’ve tried lightweight flysheets like the Mio and they tear the first time they are used, they take nothing at all. I’ve tried durable like the Kensington or Weatherbeeta but they are heavy and don’t breathe well. This had a totally different feel. The Schneiders are ok but have given my horses chest rubs.
The mesh is a fine mesh offering 40% UV protection, it comes with a removable neck and a belly guard. It also comes with leg straps. The top of the neck even has a band you can attach your fly mask to (I’ve used it and it only occasionally prevents your flay mask from disappearing into the grass). I’m assuming the strap is actually for halters, but I am not one who believes halters should be worn in turnout. I digress…
The mesh also has a checkerboard pattern. Studies have shown that patterns can confuse flies and they don’t land as easily on patterns. My hope is that the checker pattern would act similarly.
What really won me over was the 3-year durability guarantee. Listed directly on the product page the guarantee states:
“We are so confident in the durability of the SmartPak SmartMesh Ultimate Fly Sheet that if anything happens to this fly sheet within three years of your purchase, we’ll exchange it for a new one in the same size – no matter what! It’s that easy.”
Remember that…
Nahe gets horrendous sweet itch, so he’s an excellent candidate to test the warranty out. He will typically go through 1 or two fly sheets each year. Stanley and Tiger are rambunctious, so that’s another excellent way to test it.
Well, in July Stanley came in with a ripped hood. It’s usable but the strap of the closure is torn. Nahe rubbed the tail of his so badly it needed to have the tail cut completely off in order to be safely used. Nahe has gone between this sheet and his Schneider’s sheet. The Smartpak sheet is nothing like how he’s destroyed others.
I had a lot of trouble finding information about this warranty so I screenshotted the part of the description that says it has a warranty at all. I tried to use the chat function with no luck (Must have tried the wrong time) so I texted the number they gave me. Amazingly they responded quickly and were able to help. I gave them my information and they looked up the details of the products. Since the sheets have been sold out I was given the choice to take a credit on the sheet and void the warranty or use these for the remainder of the fly season and get new ones shipped automatically to me when they restock in March. So we will start 2025 with fresh new sheets! I’m absolutely amazed at how easy and kind they were.
PROS:
- Breathable
- Durable
- Elegant/Classy look
- Pattern to confuse flies
- UV protection
- 3 Year Guarantee
- Smartpak is great to work with!
CONS
- No matching fly mask?
Alternatives:
- Weatherbeeta
- Kensington
- Schneiders
- Rambo fly sheet
Final Word:
I like these fly sheets far better than the SmartPak fly masks!
I was saying “You get what you pay for,” but I’ve paid more and gotten less in the past. I paid $160 each for these fly sheets. So far I feel they’ve been a worthy investment. I like that they are breathable, I like their durability despite having both get tears this year.
The warranty and ease of working with Smartpak made this review a “it’s pretty good” to “I highly recommend this.” Smartpak doesn’t sponsor me nor do they know this blog exists so I was a regular day-to-day customer and they were so happy to help and made my life so much easier. I get a pit in my stomach sometimes when I have to speak with customer service but they resolved my problem and made me smile. I couldn’t ask for better service.
I also love that my boys can have their own color while staying classy and professional. The look of these fly sheets is stunning. The colors aren’t too wild, allowing individuality within the confines of a standardized look.
When SmartPak makes a fly mask that matches the look and quality of these sheets, I’m all in.
(PS>>>>>If a SmartPak employee or designer happens to read this, I’d also be thrilled with matching fly boots in the same style and design of Shoofly boots. THAT review can be found HERE)
Final word: Smartpak’s fly sheet and 3-year warranty with amazing customer service are WELL WORTH the purchase. I highly recommend giving these a try.
The Green Horseman 
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