It is in these extremely bright and warm conditions where the Buff CoolNet UV+ Buffs really excel as they are engineered with a “HeiQ” moisture management finish that is designed to dynamically adapt to body heat and efficiently lift sweat away from your skin and into the evaporative cooling fabric to keep you cool, dry and comfortable all day long. The science works, and I found that the new garments made it easier to stay out longer on the water, enabling me to make more casts and better enjoy time on the water.

The benefits to anglers that spend all day in the sun is obvious, and the garments were recently in the spotlight when Buff prostaffer Ott DeFoe won the 2019 Bassmaster Classic wearing them. Ott, who is rarely seen fishing without Buff gear, routinely provides valuable feedback to the Buff design team. Buff explained that his input and experience with the products helps them continue to innovate and create gear specifically for angling applications.

Aggressive casting motions... no problem

“When I fish, Buff means quality gear that allows me to do my job better,” said Ott. “The gear gives me sun protection, adds warmth and helps grip on cold days, and keeps me comfortable while I’m out in the elements trying to catch a bass.”

Hard fish landings.... also no problem

When I compared most facemasks they really fall into two styling camps, those that are really form fitting like the Buffs that Ott wears, or those that looser fitting. A new style hybrid garment has also emerged, where a facemask is integrated into the technical shirt or hoody. Personally I still prefer separate facemasks, as they can be removed when not in use, lightening the overall garment. I also prefer the tighter fit of a Buff because I find the garment requires less adjustment when making quick movements, like the countless casts anglers make during the day. At the end of the day it comes down to personal preference and you should select the style of garment that you find the most comfortable, reliable, and durable.

Though the new CoolNet UV+ Buffs are considered form fitting they are also the most comfortable Buffs that I’ve ever worn because of just how light and stretchy they are. The CoolNet UV+ Buffs weigh in at only 1.2 ounces versus the original Buffs at 1.6 ounces, and the difference is actually noticeable.

After a season of use I really appreciated just how lightweight and comfortable these new Buffs are

In terms of maintenance and durability I have washed my CoolNet UV+ Buffs over forty times and they show little to no signs of wear and tear. It is recommended that you do not use fabric softeners, machine dry, or iron these Buffs and as long as you stick to these rules they will last multiple seasons quite easily. I purposely machined dried the garments multiple times and they held up to the abuse very well.

Polygiene technology helps keep odor in check after a full day in the sun

Price & Applications: Over the course of the entire last season I fished with the Buff CoolNet UV+ Buffs and can safely say that when it comes to fishing applications these are the best facemasks that the company has introduced to date when used in warmer fishing conditions. The CoolNet UV+ Buffs do a fantastic job protecting your skin and keep both harmful sun and annoying bugs at bay, but in cooler conditions some of Buff’s thicker and more insulated options are preferable.

The CoolNet UV+ Buffs are rated UPF 50+

Flexibility continues to be the name of the game when it comes to the Buff CoolNet UV+ garments, and while I used them as a facemask more than 80% of the time, there were times that I used it as a head cover, neck gaiter, or even as an emergency compression device to hold an icepack over a swelling knee injury.

There are over 90 different patterns to select from, including some that feature art from talented artists like A.D. Maddox

Retailing for an MSRP of $24.99 the Buff CoolNet UV+ is slightly more expensive than the original which retails for $20 dollars each. I feel that the $4.00 price premium is reasonable considering the added benefits that the new garment offers. I was able to purchase the new CoolNet UV+ Buffs from Tackle Warehouse at the aggressive price of $21.99.
Buff has packed a lot into the new UV+ versions, and most competitors cannot match the CoolNet UV+ Buffs in terms of light overall weight, comfort, and breathability, and the fact that these garments are also 95% constructed from REPREVE microfiber which helps keep bottles out of landfills and waterways is just one more reason to feel good about sticking with team Buff.
 

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):

Pluses and Minuses: