Hilason vs Weatherbeeta Fly Sheet: A Texas Horseman's Take

By Travis Colburn | AQHA-approved judge, third-generation Texas horseman, lead field tester for Hilason since 2018 | Last updated: June 16, 2026

Weatherbeeta is the Australian brand that has owned the "built-in neck cover" category for two decades. They make a good sheet. They also make a sheet that costs twice what we do for a feature you can get from us separately for less. Here is the breakdown.

The Quick Verdict

If you want a standard fly sheet at the best price with UPF 50+ protection, buy Hilason ADFS at $60. If you specifically want a built-in neck cover integrated into a single sheet and you do not mind paying the Weatherbeeta premium, the Weatherbeeta ComFiTec Mesh Essential is a solid choice at $90 to $130.

Price and Value

Hilason ADFS standard: $59.95. Add a separate neck cover (ADFS-NF) for $72 total, or buy the integrated ADFS-NF for $72.

Weatherbeeta ComFiTec Mesh Essential with built-in neck cover: $90 to $130 depending on size. The standalone ComFiTec Mesh without neck cover: $60 to $90.

The price gap is real on the integrated neck cover models. You are paying about $30 to $60 for the integrated construction. Is the integration worth it? We do not think so. A separate neck cover is a separate neck cover, regardless of whether it is sewn to the sheet or attached with velcro. If the neck cover tears, you can replace just the cover on a Hilason. With an integrated Weatherbeeta, you replace the whole sheet.

Materials and Build

Hilason ADFS uses a 600D poly/nylon mesh body with 1200D reinforced shoulder panels. The neck cover on the ADFS-NF attaches with a heavy-duty velcro system and a buckle at the poll. The whole thing can be removed in 30 seconds.

Weatherbeeta ComFiTec Mesh Essential uses a lighter mesh designed for Australian conditions, which are generally less brutal than Texas summers. The integrated neck cover is part of the same panel construction. Lighter mesh means cooler but less durable.

UV Protection

Hilason ADFS: UPF 50+ (98% UV blocked). Weatherbeeta ComFiTec Mesh: rated for sun protection but specific UPF varies by model year. The current ComFiTec Mesh Essential is in the 90%+ range but is not always UPF 50+ certified on the spec sheet.

If you have a horse with pink skin, a sun-sensitive muzzle, or a coat you want to keep dark, the Hilason UPF 50+ rating is a real advantage. If your horse is a chestnut with a black muzzle and you do not care about coat fade, the Weatherbeeta rating is fine.

Fit and Sizing

Hilason: 7 sizes (66 to 84), cut for quarter horse build. Weatherbeeta: deeper size matrix including pony and draft, with multiple fit options.

If you have a quarter horse, the Hilason fits out of the box. If you have a pony, a warmblood, or a draft cross, the Weatherbeeta size range is broader and the fit engineering is better for non-standard builds.

Who Should Buy Which

Buy Hilason if: You want the best price on a UPF 50+ fly sheet, you have a quarter horse type, you prefer a removable neck cover (or no neck cover), you value repairability.

Buy Weatherbeeta if: You specifically want a built-in integrated neck cover, you have a pony or non-standard build that needs the broader size matrix, you trust the Australian brand legacy.

Buy neither if: Your horse is in 24/7 turnout with no shelter and you are in a hot, dry climate. The lighter Weatherbeeta mesh will not hold up to mesquite. The Hilason 600D will, but you may want to look at our heavier turnout sheets for that scenario.

FAQ

Is the Weatherbeeta mesh cooler than the Hilason? Slightly. The Australian mesh is lighter, which means more airflow and less heat retention. In a temperate climate like England or the Pacific Northwest, the difference matters. In Texas, the difference is overwhelmed by ambient heat. A heavier mesh that blocks 98% of UV is cooler on a dark horse than a lighter mesh that blocks 90% of UV.

Can I attach a separate neck cover to the Hilason ADFS? Yes. The ADFS-NF is exactly that. It is the standard ADFS sheet with an attached neck cover. You can buy them as a set or buy a neck cover separately and add it to an existing ADFS.

Does the Weatherbeeta integrated neck cover stay on better? Marginally. The integrated construction is slightly more secure. In practice, both stay on a horse that does not deliberately try to remove them. If you have a horse that strips sheets, neither integrated nor attached construction will help. You need a sheet with a snugger fit and a chest strap.

Which brand is easier to wash? About the same. Both go in a front-load washer on cold, gentle. Both hang dry. Do not put either in a hot dryer.

Does Weatherbeeta make a UPF 50+ sheet? Some models. Not all. The ComFiTec Mesh Essential is the model we see most often in the US. Check the spec sheet on the model you are buying. If the listing does not specify UPF 50+, assume it is not.

Travis Colburn is a third-generation Texas horseman and AQHA-approved judge with 22 years training western performance horses. He has been Hilason's lead field tester since 2018. Travis writes the gear guides for hilason.com and uhorse.com based on what he sees actually working on ranches from South Texas to Montana.

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