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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Roger Norris on December 06, 2021, 04:15:57 PM

Title: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: Roger Norris on December 06, 2021, 04:15:57 PM
Teresa Asbell and I talk pretty regularly, and this morning she called to tell me that my favorite pattern, Woodland Magic, was back in stock. This led to a pretty good discussion....Teresa asked the question: "Why do you tend to like the darker patterns, like Woodland Magic and Cedar Swamp? Do you not like the lighter patterns?"

It was an interesting talk. YES. I DO like the lighter patterns. In fact, Timber Ghost is actually one of my favorite patterns. BUT....I think it's 2 things:

1. I came up on WWII camo, Tiger Stripe and Woodland camo. In fact, if I am wearing a commercial pattern these days, it is usually Tiger Stripe. Dark. I guess I am guilty of choosing what appeals to my eye.

2. It is the way I hunt...I always seek out the cedars, pines, and dark corners of the swamp. Woodland Magic and Cedar Swamp plaid just fit. If given a choice of trees, I will ALWAYS hang my stand in a pine. I like the cover.

Yet late season, or out west (which is rare)....I will always grab a lighter pattern.

How about you guys? How do you choose your wool?
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: ron w on December 06, 2021, 04:27:46 PM
In the evergreens I like darker patterns, in the open hardwood I grab light stuff, browns and grays.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: PrimitivePete on December 06, 2021, 06:44:16 PM
I feel the lighter patterns work real well to not blob you up, my favorite is Timber Ghost. I just got in a Pathfinder and I love it.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: Roger Norris on December 06, 2021, 06:58:11 PM
I agree....if I were hunting in an area with long views, I would probably use Timber Ghost always. I'm certain my Woodland Magic and Cedar Swamp are a dark blob at a distance.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: Sam McMichael on December 06, 2021, 06:58:44 PM
In the really thick stuff such as pine thickets, etc. I like the darker stuff. The more open areas seem to work well with lighter colors, including grey. Too dark a pattern just shows up as a big, black blob from a distance. My preference is to try to create the illusion of empty space, thus the grey, tan, and yellow splotches that makes it seem that an animal is not perceiving a solid object. I may be full of it, but it seems to work.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: Kelly on December 06, 2021, 07:02:09 PM
Both in the same fabric. I want light and dark in the same fabric, what colors it is doesn't really matter as long as there is lots of contrast. By light I'm talking white or light gray.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: woodchucker on December 06, 2021, 07:45:06 PM
A light colored plaid, for bright sunny days....

A dark colored plaid, for cloudy overcast days....
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: Orion on December 06, 2021, 07:59:27 PM
I,too, want a lot of contrast between light and dark, but if I had to choose one, it would be light. Whether on the ground or in a tree, dark shows up as a large blob.  Light is less likely to do so. 
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: ESP on December 06, 2021, 09:17:24 PM
I would like the river rock or northern ghost, I like the contrast .  But I have evening stand green.   Honestly by the time the leaves fall from the trees I usually have a vest over them.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: tzolk on December 06, 2021, 09:46:34 PM
Well, I’ve had success with Evening stand Brown and I think a lot of guys have.  I do love the Montana Magic also and the Timber Ghost.  All 3 patterns are what I have but I think I might be more inclined to use Timber Ghost in the winter. Some shameless selfies with the ESB pic resulting in a 9yard kill from the ground
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: Roger Norris on December 07, 2021, 10:38:53 AM
Well, I’ve had success with Evening stand Brown and I think a lot of guys have.  I do love the Montana Magic also and the Timber Ghost.  All 3 patterns are what I have but I think I might be more inclined to use Timber Ghost in the winter. Some shameless selfies with the ESB pic resulting in a 9yard kill from the ground

How have you been Todd?! Good to "see" you ;0)

I LOVE ESB....great pattern.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: tzolk on December 07, 2021, 03:46:37 PM


Pretty good Roger! Enjoying Michigan again but on the west-ish side.  That ESB is the Steve Yzerman of Plaid camo. Best all around! 😁

Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: DouglasCorrell on December 07, 2021, 04:53:41 PM
 Why not both? I prefer large patterns with significant contrast between light and dark. River Rock Plaid might be my new favorite.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: BAK on December 08, 2021, 10:44:13 AM
Totally depends on where and how you hunt.  I place my ladder stands against large old trees or in ceder thickets.  For me I want darker colors so I don't stand out like a surrender flag.   :o
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: Howard on December 08, 2021, 11:40:01 AM
I just ordered a olive/Buffalo plaid. I like several of the colors though. But with sizing and availability to consider I only got the one. Probably ordering another one after Christmas too and get a lighter shade.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: MnFn on December 08, 2021, 03:01:51 PM
I have an asbell in dark colors and another brand in light.
There must be enough contrast as I got two shots at this guy.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: A Lex on December 08, 2021, 10:09:02 PM
That's a real nice photo MnFn, says a lot.

I mainly use an Asbell Timber Ghost jacket. It is the ideal color combination for the bush where I hang out, but my 2nd choice would be the gray/black plaid like in MnFn's picture above.

Best
Lex
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: Terry Lightle on December 09, 2021, 07:26:31 AM
Have hunted in lots of different patterns both light and dark,they have all worked for me
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: LookMomNoSights on December 09, 2021, 01:43:21 PM
The darker patterns speak to me more so than the lighter patterns but truth is for the purpose of blending,  I don't think you can go wrong with any of them.
 Love Asbell Wool! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: MnFn on December 10, 2021, 11:10:58 AM
I should add, my wife bought it for me as a Christmas present.  I originally picked out another pattern with some lighter plaids in it. It was out of stock so this was my second choice.

It works for me, I get ALOT of use out of it every year.
Title: Re: Asbell Wool, Light or Dark?
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on December 10, 2021, 12:02:37 PM
I love my Pathfinder Olive Drab but it's blanket weight I would like to get a light weight in anther color but I don't see my size do i have to order it custom or wait for more to be added?