Masta NZ rugs - are they any good?

kerilli

kerilli

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I am usually a FAL and Rambo devotee, but i'm looking for a couple of good MW high-neck rugs for my 2 yr olds to live out in all this winter... but they'll have outgrown them by late spring, i reckon.
my FAL and Rambos go on for ever and ever, and i've never begrudged the cost because they're so brilliant and i know i'll use them for years and years, but the Masta Check-tech rugs with the very high shoulder darts look very good, and for £60-£70, i wondered how good they are? do they stay waterproof even after hours in a deluge? do they rub at all?
any help/advice much appreciated, thankyou.

btw, all my wonderful FAL and Rambo rugs are 6'6" - 7', and of course the fillies only need 6' rugs this year. typical. *sigh*
 
I've had Mastas in the past and won't touch them with a barge pole any more. They always leaked, got sodden and wouldn't dry out, rubbed, fell apart when a horse as much as touched one (let alone one that tried to rip it!) etc. They are also not horse-shaped so don't fit the majority of horses very well. IMO you can't beat a Rambo or a Fal (and I've heard nothing bad as yet about Premier rugs). Stick with those, or if you need something cheaper try a Weatherbeeta (or maybe even a Shires, I had a good Shires one once - but many that were not any good!)
 
To go against the grain, the only rugs iI will put Beau in are Rambo and Masta.
He is a big horse and they are the only rugs deep enough for him.

He has a Masta check tech light weight, and a medium weight, both are going strong, generous, totally waterproof and they fit VERY well!
 
Ditto St_Bernard
Masta rugs fit my welshie really well and he is very deep chested - have tried several others and they just don't fit him. Also haven't had a problem with them leaking - they are the check tec and have just purchased a new medium weight one for £51 from Equestrian Clearance - only had to have a new one as last years don't fit anymore!!
 
I've also got on really well with the Masta Check Techs - no leaks, stand up to rough play & about the only make I've tried that fit my ID really well.
 
Sorry have to agree wouldnt touch masta rugs with a barge pole, they just dont fit my mare at all infact on our yard havnt seen many horses that mastas fit nicely.
 
Yes, they leak like a sieve and are permanently damp taking ages to dry, only any good as a dry weather rug. I would never get another one. Far better to spend more on a good rug that will keep your horse dry.
 
I was really pleased with myself getting a Masta & neck cover at half price, but the probs are as follows:

Stayed waterproof for about 5 mins
Very shallow at the back
Tears easily
The trigger clips on the leg straps have got VERY sharp edges. I kept cutting my thumbs, like bad paper cuts, & couldn't work out for ages how I was doing it, & that was how.
One of the trigger clips died pretty quickly
Not breathable ie quite sweaty

It's the one with navy & turquoise squares on it.

I've learnt my lesson & stick to FAL & Weatherbeeta.
 
I bought a Masta last year for my (then) 2yo Shire cross. It was the 170g standard one.
It was a bit of a weird shape, deep at the front then 'ran up light' behind if you get me.
It leaked like a sieve (the only one of my rugs to leak), the fleece wither bit fell apart, the seams started to give way.
I've had Rambo's and Weatherbeeta's in the past, but nothing was as c**p as that (and it wasn't any cheaper than a Weatherbeeta).
Avoid like the plague.
S
smile.gif
 
Like you normaly go for Rambos, Fals etc.

I brought a Masta for my yearling and love it! I really like the fit of them. I was also given one from a friend (Who was even to her from a friend) A rug thats survived three youngsters can't be that bad!
 
I got a Masta check-tech rain sheet for Baron and its brilliant. Fits him well, hes had it on for months now and it hasnt leaked at all, dries really quickly and hasnt torn. I wouldnt think twice about getting another one.
 
I am in the anti Masta crew I'm afraid.

Really strange fit to them. I usually get Horseware rugs, the cheaper ones, RHino, amigo etc.
The masta does leak, gets stupidly heavy when wet, slips, is far too big round my big front ended cobs front. Worst 50 quid I have spent.
 
Love Masta's. NEVER had a problem with them leaking or tearing etc. No rough parts. The only issue we have come across is the neck size, which is usually rather generous for smaller animals. We have some that have been in use 6 months constantly (animals live out) and been worn for over 5 years.
 
I love Mastas and won't use anything else. Never had a leak, rip or a problem with fit - although I do have a rather round welsh cob. I can't imagine they'd fit a tb very well, though I highly recommend them for cobs and other big chunky ones.
 
I hate Masta's. Maybe they're improved I dont know, but I had 2 winter turnouts about 5 years ago and they were utterly useless. They leaked like hell and got absolutely shredded (on horses who dont even shred rugs!). Would never ever buy one again.
 
I have a couple of Masta rugs that are ok, but to be honest Idon't think I would buy another. I haven't had any probs with them leaking but:
-Both rugs (Zing MW and Masta SRT) are very short at the bum end.
-There are only 3 D-rings to hold neck covers on which means as soon as there's a slight breeze, they blow back, exposing Min's neck/ shoulders.
Linings tear easily (none of his other rugs have) and piping/ edges frayed quickly.
-The SRT billows out when windy so he looks like the Goodyear Blimp!

Sticking with the you get what you pay for principle- Premier Equine and Rambo.
 
I've got a Masta's and tbh it's one of the best I have - never moves/leaks/rips and fits H perfectly - you're welcome to take a look.

I've had it 4 years now and apart from one neckstrap missing where another livery chewed it it is brilliant
 
I have a few Mastas and have gone through a few in his growing years and love them. They fit my maxi cob brilliantly. Sounds like they are much better for the bigger boy brigade!
 
I don't rate masta rugs. Why not try the Horseware Amigo rugs, they have the quality and fit of Rambos but significantly cheaper. I am a big fan, mine have never leaked or rubbed and fit my mare really well.
 
The old Masta's are good, but I bought the Zing turnout this year and it's absolutely shocking. The fit is horrendous-it slips back. It's not waterproof ata all, and it rips very easily, and my horse isn't a rug destroyer!! Their fly sheets this year where horrendous too! I didn't buy one but lots of people at the yard did. The surcingles ripped off everyone of them. So yes, avoid!!
 
Zing is the economy brand though & Masta aren't that pricey to begin with. I think there comes a point where things are cheap for a reason & best avoided!
 
When Mastas first come out I bought some and they were brilliant, but recently the quality seems to have deteriorated and the rugs leak and tear easily. For a cheap rug I find the Weatherbeetas vastly superior.
 
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