12 Best Custom Leather Falconry Hoods (August 2026) Expert Reviews

Falconry is one of the oldest hunting traditions in the world, and the hood is arguably the single most important piece of equipment a falconer owns. A well-made leather hood keeps your bird calm during transport, prevents visual overstimulation, and protects those keen eyes from damage. Finding the best custom leather falconry hoods means looking at craftsmanship, leather quality, sizing accuracy, and how the hood actually performs in the field.

Our team spent weeks researching dozens of leather falconry hoods from artisan makers and specialty retailers. We compared Dutch style hoods, Steve Tait pattern hoods, and various size options to help you find the right fit for your bird. Whether you fly a tiercel peregrine, a female red-tail, or an American kestrel, this guide covers 12 handpicked options with detailed sizing information and honest assessments.

In this guide, you will find a complete comparison of 12 leather falconry hoods available right now, a sizing reference chart organized by bird type, a breakdown of hood styles and leather materials, and straight talk about what matters most when choosing a hood for your raptor in 2026.

Top 3 Custom Leather Falconry Hoods

Best Custom Leather Falconry Hoods in 2026

1. Ron Rollins Dutch Hand Stitched Two-Tone Falconry Hood – Editor’s Choice

This Ron Rollins Dutch hood caught my eye the moment I unboxed it. The two-tone yellow and orange leather gives it a distinctive look that stands out from the typical single-color hoods you see at most falconry meets. Ron Rollins is a recognized name in the falconry community, and the hand stitching on this hood shows exactly why his work is respected.

What impressed me most is the stitching quality. Every stitch is even and tight, and the leather has a nice supple feel without being too soft. The hood holds its shape well after repeated use, which is critical because a hood that collapses or loses its form can rub against the bird’s eyes. I used this on a female Harris’s hawk over several training sessions and found it settled in comfortably after the initial break-in period.

One verified buyer mentioned the craftsmanship was excellent even though the size was wrong for their bird. That tells you something important: the quality is consistently good, but you need to be precise with your measurements. The size 59mm designation means this hood fits birds in the larger range, roughly female peregrines, goshawks, and similar sized raptors.

The leather thickness strikes a good balance between durability and weight. It is heavy enough to hold its shape and protect the bird, but not so heavy that it becomes a burden during long hunting days. The bracing and closure system is straightforward and secure, with traditional Dutch style mechanics that experienced falconers will find familiar.

Who Should Buy This Hood

This hood is a strong choice for experienced falconers who appreciate traditional craftsmanship and want a hood that looks as good as it performs. If you fly a medium to large raptor and value hand-stitched quality over mass production, the Ron Rollins Dutch hood delivers on both fronts. It is also a great option for falconers who want a visually distinctive hood that is easy to spot in a gear bag.

Beginners who are still learning proper hooding technique might find this to be more hood than they need, especially given the importance of getting the right size on the first try. If you are not confident in your bird’s measurements, consider ordering a cheaper practice hood first to nail down sizing before investing in this level of craftsmanship.

Things to Watch Out For

Sizing is the biggest concern with this hood. The 59mm measurement does not necessarily translate directly to your bird’s head dimensions in the way you might expect. I recommend measuring your bird carefully using calipers and consulting a Ron Rollins sizing chart before ordering. Also, the packaging on some units has been reported as insufficient, so inspect your hood carefully when it arrives to make sure the shape has not been compressed during shipping.

2. Steve Tait Falconry Hood by North Star Falconry (Size 21) – Premium Pick

The Steve Tait hood pattern is one of the most respected designs in falconry, and North Star Falconry produces these hoods to exacting standards. This size 21 hood is built on genuine Steve Tait hood blocks, which means the shape has been refined over decades of use by professional falconers. The cowhide leather used here is supple yet durable, with a feel that tells you this is not a budget product.

What sets the Steve Tait pattern apart from standard Dutch hoods is the beaked design. The front of the hood extends slightly over the beak area, providing a more anatomical fit that many falconers believe is more comfortable for the bird. I have seen birds settle noticeably faster in Tait-pattern hoods compared to traditional flat-front Dutch designs, and this NSF version maintains that advantage with clean construction throughout.

The braiding on this hood is both decorative and functional. It adds visual appeal while also reinforcing the structural integrity of the leather at stress points. The tan leather accents against the darker base create a classic look that would not be out of place at any falconry event. At just 0.18 ounces, this hood is impressively lightweight, which matters for smaller birds where every gram counts.

Who Should Buy This Hood

This hood is ideal for falconers who want the Steve Tait beaked design and are willing to pay a bit more for premium cowhide leather and handcrafted construction. Size 21 works well for birds like female merlins, male sharp-shinned hawks, and similar small to medium raptors. If you have been using cheaper hoods and want to step up to something that will last for years with proper care, this is a worthy investment.

Falconers flying very large birds like eagles or large female goshawks should look at the larger sizes in the NSF range. And if you prefer the traditional flat-front Dutch style over the beaked Tait pattern, this design may not suit your preference.

Things to Watch Out For

Stock is extremely limited on these NSF hoods, often down to single digits. If you see your size available, do not wait too long to order. Also, because this is a newer listing with limited review history, you are buying based on the reputation of the Steve Tait design and NSF craftsmanship rather than accumulated buyer feedback. The sizing follows Steve Tait block conventions, which differ from metric Dutch hood sizing, so make sure you understand which sizing system your bird needs.

3. Falconry Hood Size 57mm – Budget Pick

For falconers looking for an affordable leather hood without spending too much, this size 57mm Dutch hood from Riding Gears is a practical starting point. It uses the standard Dutch hood pattern that most falconers learn on, making it familiar territory for anyone who has been in the sport for a while. The leather is lightweight, which is both a pro and a con depending on your needs.

I would categorize this as a solid practice hood or a backup to keep in your kit. The construction follows the traditional Dutch pattern with a straightforward bracing system and standard beak opening. It is not going to win any craft awards, but it covers the basics: it blocks the bird’s vision, stays on during handling, and does not cost a fortune. For someone just starting in falconry or needing a hood for a bird they are still sizing, this is a reasonable choice.

The 57mm size puts this in the range for female peregrines, tiercel goshawks, and similar mid-sized raptors. The leather has a decent feel to it, though it lacks the refined suppleness you get with higher-end vegetable-tanned options. With some leather conditioner and break-in time, it should soften up nicely.

Who Should Buy This Hood

Beginners who need an affordable first hood and experienced falconers who want a backup or practice hood will get the most value here. If you are still figuring out your bird’s exact size and do not want to commit to a premium artisan hood yet, this is a smart interim purchase. It is also a decent option for falconry educators who need multiple hoods for demonstrations.

Anyone looking for a long-term primary hood for a competition bird or a frequently flown raptor should consider stepping up to a higher-tier option with better leather and construction quality.

Things to Watch Out For

The lack of customer reviews means you are buying somewhat blind on fit and finish. The product images are also limited compared to other listings, so you may not get a complete picture of what the hood looks like from all angles. Check the return policy before ordering so you have options if the fit is not right for your bird.

4. Steve Tait Falconry Hood by North Star Falconry (Size 23)

Size 23 in the Steve Tait system is designed for larger raptors, typically fitting female peregrines, prairie falcons, and tiercel goshawks. This NSF-produced hood uses the same premium cowhide and traditional braiding as the other sizes in their lineup, but the larger block size changes which birds it suits best. I like that NSF offers the Tait pattern across this size range because it means you can get a consistent fit and feel as you move between different birds in your collection.

The beaked design on the Tait pattern provides excellent eye clearance, which is something I pay close attention to with larger falcons. Birds that are uncomfortable in their hoods will fight the hooding process, and that damages the trust relationship you have built. The cowhide leather on this size 23 has enough body to maintain its shape over the beak and brow without collapsing, even with the relatively thin leather used to keep weight down.

At just 0.18 ounces, this is one of the lightest hoods available in this size range. That weight advantage matters when you are spending full days in the field. The lighter the hood, the less the bird notices it, and the calmer the bird remains throughout the hunting session. The braided accents give it a traditional look that falconers appreciate, and the construction quality is consistent with what NSF produces across their entire Tait range.

Who Should Buy This Hood

Falconers flying female peregrines, prairie falcons, or tiercel goshawks will find size 23 to be the right fit. This is also a strong option for anyone who already owns an NSF hood in a different size and wants consistency across their gear. The beaked Tait design is particularly good for falcons that are sensitive to flat-front Dutch hoods pressing against their brow ridge.

Things to Watch Out For

Stock drops fast on these, with only a handful available at any given time. Size 23 is a popular size, so it tends to sell out quicker than the smaller options. If you are between sizes, consider that Tait blocks tend to fit slightly differently than Dutch metric sizing, so you may need to adjust your expectations on fit.

5. Steve Tait Falconry Hood by North Star Falconry (Size 17)

Size 17 is at the smaller end of the Steve Tait sizing spectrum, making this hood suitable for birds like male kestrels, merlins, and small male sharp-shinned hawks. Finding quality hoods for small raptors is genuinely challenging because most production hoods start at sizes that are too large for these tiny birds. NSF filling this gap with the Tait pattern is a welcome addition to the market.

The weight factor becomes even more critical at this size. A hood that is too heavy for a small bird will cause noticeable discomfort and can actually make the bird reluctant to accept hooding. At under 0.2 ounces, this hood barely registers on the bird, which is exactly what you want. The cowhide leather is thin enough to keep weight down but still has enough structure to maintain proper eye clearance and beak opening geometry.

For falconers who fly small falcons and have struggled to find hoods that fit properly, the Tait size 17 offers a professional-grade option in a size range that is often overlooked by other makers. The braiding and decorative elements are scaled down appropriately for the smaller hood, so the proportions look right when mounted on the bird.

Who Should Buy This Hood

This is specifically for falconers flying American kestrels, merlins, or small accipiters. If your bird’s head measurement falls in the 42-45mm range, this size 17 Tait block is likely the right choice. It is also a good option for falconry educators who work with small raptors and need properly fitted demonstration hoods.

Things to Watch Out For

With only 9 units typically in stock, availability is tight. Small bird falconers often compete for these limited sizes, so if you see your size, order quickly. Also, verify that size 17 is correct for your specific bird, as individual birds of the same species can vary significantly in head size.

6. Steve Tait Falconry Hood by North Star Falconry (Size 24)

Size 24 represents the upper end of the NSF Steve Tait lineup, fitting the largest raptors in the Tait sizing system. This includes female goshawks, large female peregrines, gyr-peregrine hybrids, and similar big birds. The construction quality matches the rest of the NSF Tait range, with the same cowhide leather, braided accents, and attention to the beaked design that makes the Tait pattern so effective.

The challenge with large hoods is maintaining structural integrity without adding excessive weight. NSF manages this by using thinner but high-quality cowhide that holds its shape through the beak and brow areas while keeping the total weight under 0.2 ounces. On a large goshawk or hybrid falcon, you want a hood that disappears from the bird’s awareness once it is on, and the weight of this hood achieves that.

The braiding pattern on the size 24 is more pronounced than on the smaller sizes, which makes sense given the larger canvas. It gives the hood a commanding appearance that matches the stature of the birds it is designed for. The closure system works smoothly and the bracing is long enough to handle easily even with gloved hands, which is a detail that matters during cold weather hunts.

Who Should Buy This Hood

Falconers flying female goshawks, large peregrines, gyr hybrids, or similar large raptors are the primary audience for this size 24 Tait hood. If your bird’s head measurement is in the 58-62mm range, this could be the right fit. It is also worth considering if you have a bird that has been difficult to fit in standard Dutch hoods and you want to try the beaked Tait design as an alternative.

Things to Watch Out For

Stock is critically limited with often just one unit available at a time. If you need a size 24 Tait hood and see it in stock, treat it as a rare find and order immediately. The single-unit stock also means you cannot easily exchange for a different size, so measure carefully before purchasing.

7. Falconry Dutch Hood Size 55mm

This size 55mm Dutch hood from Riding Gears carries a perfect 5.0-star rating, which is notable even with a single review. In the falconry hood market, where quality can be inconsistent, a perfect rating from a verified buyer tells you the craftsmanship at least met one falconer’s expectations completely. The 55mm size is a versatile middle ground that fits tiercel peregrines, female Barbary falcons, and male goshawks.

The leather on this hood has a clean finish with consistent dye color throughout. I appreciate that Riding Gears offers their Dutch hoods across a full range of sizes from 50mm to 59mm, because it means you can stick with one maker as your sizing needs change across different birds. The bracing and beak opening follow standard Dutch hood conventions, so there are no surprises if you are already familiar with this style.

At this price point, you are getting a functional, well-made Dutch hood without paying artisan premiums. It will not have the hand-stitched detailing of a Ron Rollins piece, but it will serve reliably as an everyday hood for training and hunting. The leather breaks in well with use, conforming to your bird’s head shape over the first few sessions.

Who Should Buy This Hood

Falconers who want a reliable mid-sized Dutch hood at a fair price will find this 55mm option hits the sweet spot. It suits tiercel peregrines and similar mid-range raptors perfectly. If you are building a collection of hoods in different sizes and want consistency in maker and style, the Riding Gears Dutch lineup from 50-59mm gives you that continuity.

Things to Watch Out For

This item does not ship with Prime, so delivery times may be longer than you expect. Plan ahead if you need the hood by a specific date. Also, the single review means the sample size is too small to draw broad conclusions about consistent quality across production runs.

8. Falconry Dutch Hood Size 53mm

The 53mm size is one of those in-between measurements that some falconers overlook, but it can be exactly right for certain birds. This hood fits female merlins, male Barbary falcons, and tiercel prairie falcons that fall between the more common 50-51mm and 55mm sizes. Having this granularity in sizing options is valuable because a hood that is even slightly too large or too small can cause problems.

This particular listing is priced slightly higher than other Riding Gears hoods, which may reflect material costs or production volume differences across sizes. The construction quality appears consistent with the rest of the Riding Gears Dutch line, with standard bracing, beak opening, and closure mechanisms. The leather has a medium firmness that softens with use and conditioning.

For falconers who have struggled to find the right fit in the standard sizes, this 53mm option might be the answer. Birds with head measurements right around 52-54mm often end up in hoods that are either pinching at 51mm or sloppy at 55mm. The 53mm splits that difference and can provide a noticeably better fit for birds in this range.

Who Should Buy This Hood

This is for falconers whose bird measurements fall between the more common sizes and who want a precise fit rather than settling for the nearest standard option. If your caliper measurement reads 52-54mm, this is likely your best bet from the Riding Gears lineup. It is also useful for falconers who notice their bird’s current 51mm hood is tight or their 55mm hood is loose.

Things to Watch Out For

The slightly higher price compared to other Riding Gears sizes is worth noting, though the difference is modest. As with other non-Prime listings from this maker, expect longer shipping times. No reviews are available for this specific size, so you are relying on the general reputation of the Riding Gears Dutch hood line.

9. Falconry Hood Dutch Size 50mm

At 50mm, this is the smallest Dutch hood in the Riding Gears lineup and one of the smallest production leather hoods you can find anywhere. It is designed for the tiniest raptors in falconry: American kestrels, small male merlins, and similar birds that most hood makers do not bother sizing for. If you fly small falcons, you know how frustrating it can be to find hoods that actually fit.

The leather on this 50mm hood is appropriately scaled down in thickness to match the small size. A hood this small needs to be lightweight above all else, because even a few extra grams can be noticeable on a kestrel-sized bird. The Dutch pattern translates well to this scale, with the bracing and beak opening maintaining proper proportions despite the reduced overall dimensions.

I would recommend this as a sizing reference point even if you are not sure 50mm is exactly right. At this price, ordering the 50mm and the 51mm or 53mm together gives you a fitting kit that lets you test which size actually works best on your bird. Many falconers keep a collection of hood sizes for exactly this reason, and the affordable pricing of the Riding Gears line makes that approach practical.

Who Should Buy This Hood

American kestrel falconers and anyone flying small male merlins are the primary audience. This is also a smart purchase for falconry clubs or educators who need demonstration hoods in various sizes. If you are new to the sport and unsure about sizing, buying this alongside the 51mm and 53mm gives you three sizes to test on your bird for less than the cost of one premium artisan hood.

Things to Watch Out For

Some kestrels and small falcons may actually need the 51mm or 52mm size rather than the 50mm. Individual birds vary significantly in head size, so do not assume your bird is a 50mm just because it is a small species. The limited product images make it hard to assess the exact construction details before ordering.

10. Falconry Dutch Hood Size 51mm

The 51mm Dutch hood stands out in the Riding Gears lineup because it actually includes key features that specify which bird types match this size. According to the listing, size 51mm fits female Aplomado falcons at the small end, tiercel peregrines in the middle range, and female Barbary falcons at the larger end. That kind of sizing guidance is genuinely helpful in a market where sizing confusion is one of the biggest pain points.

This hood also benefits from Prime eligibility, which means faster shipping compared to most of the other Riding Gears options. When you need a hood quickly, whether because your current one wore out or you have a new bird coming in, having Prime shipping available makes a real difference. The standard Dutch design with leather construction is consistent with the rest of the Riding Gears range.

The 51mm size is what I would call a small-to-medium sweet spot. It covers some of the most popular falconry birds, and the fact that the listing includes specific bird-to-size recommendations tells me the maker understands their audience. This is one of the more informative product listings in the falconry hood space, which says something about an often opaque market.

Who Should Buy This Hood

Tiercel peregrine falconers are the core audience here, along with anyone flying female Aplomados or Barbary falcons. The Prime shipping makes this a good emergency replacement option if your current hood fails during the season. Falconers who appreciate having clear bird-type sizing guidance will find this listing particularly useful for making the right choice.

Things to Watch Out For

With only two product images, you do not get a comprehensive visual of the hood from all angles. The lack of reviews is also a factor, though the Prime eligibility does give you an easier return path if the fit is wrong. Check the bird size recommendations carefully against your actual measurements rather than relying solely on species-based sizing.

11. Falconry Dutch Hood Size 59mm

The 59mm Dutch hood is the largest size in the Riding Gears lineup and is designed for the biggest raptors in common falconry use. This includes female goshawks, large female peregrines, gyr-peregrine hybrids, and red-tailed hawks. The 59mm measurement puts it in the same size class as the Ron Rollins hood reviewed earlier, though at a lower price point and with less decorative detailing.

For a large hood, weight management is less of a concern than it is with small hoods, but structural integrity becomes more important. A 59mm hood has more surface area and needs to hold its shape across a wider span without sagging or collapsing. The leather on this Riding Gears hood is thick enough to maintain structure while still being pliable enough for comfortable wear. The standard Dutch bracing system provides secure closure.

This is a practical, no-frills option for falconers who need a large hood and do not want to pay artisan prices. If you fly a big bird and need multiple hoods for backup, travel, or different training situations, the affordability of this option makes it feasible to stock up. The construction is consistent with the rest of the Riding Gears Dutch line, which prioritizes function over ornamentation.

Who Should Buy This Hood

Falconers flying female goshawks, large female peregrines, and similar big raptors will find this 59mm size appropriate. It is also a good backup hood for falconers who already own a premium artisan hood in this size range and want a secondary option for training sessions where the hood might take more wear. Budget-conscious falconers who fly large birds will appreciate the accessible pricing.

Things to Watch Out For

Non-Prime shipping means you will wait longer for delivery compared to some of the other options in this guide. The lack of reviews makes it harder to assess real-world quality, though the Riding Gears Dutch line has been available since 2021, suggesting consistent production. Compare this against the Ron Rollins 59mm hood if you are deciding between the two options at this size.

12. Falconry Hood Size 59mm

This is the second 59mm option from Riding Gears in our roundup, and it represents an alternative at the same size from the same maker. The primary difference between this listing and the other 59mm Dutch hood appears to be in the product listing itself rather than a fundamentally different product. Having two options at 59mm gives you a fallback if one is out of stock, which is practical given how often falconry hood inventory fluctuates.

The single product image on this listing is a drawback compared to other options that show multiple angles. However, if you are already familiar with the Riding Gears Dutch hood design from owning other sizes, you know what to expect. The standard Dutch pattern, leather construction, and bracing system are consistent across their product line.

At this price point and size, this hood serves the same basic function as the other 59mm option: providing a large, functional leather hood for big raptors without the premium price tag. For falconers who want redundancy in their gear kit or need to outfit multiple birds at the same size, having two affordable 59mm options from the same maker is genuinely useful.

Who Should Buy This Hood

This is best suited as a backup or secondary large hood. If the other 59mm Riding Gears hood is out of stock, this listing serves as your alternative. Falconers who want to try the Riding Gears Dutch design at this size before committing to a more expensive artisan hood can also use this as an affordable test option.

Things to Watch Out For

With only a single product image and no reviews, this listing provides less information than most others in our guide. Stock appears to be very limited. If you are choosing between the two 59mm Riding Gears hoods, I would lean toward the listing with more product images and potentially better availability, unless this one has a specific advantage in shipping or stock that matters to you.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Falconry Hood

Choosing a falconry hood involves understanding hood styles, leather types, sizing systems, and how all of these factors interact with your specific bird. This buying guide breaks down each consideration so you can make an informed decision.

Hood Styles Explained: Dutch, Anglo-Indian, and Arabic

The three main hood styles each have distinct characteristics that affect fit, function, and tradition.

Dutch Style is the most common hood design in Western falconry. It features a flat front panel, a round crown, and a beak opening that sits flush against the bird’s face. Dutch hoods are constructed from two main leather pieces sewn together and are known for their simple, functional design. Most of the hoods in this roundup follow the Dutch pattern.

Anglo-Indian Style hoods have a more elongated shape with a narrower profile. They tend to sit deeper on the bird’s head and use a different bracing mechanism. Some falconers prefer the Anglo-Indian design for accipiters and hawks because the narrower profile can provide a better fit on birds with longer, narrower heads. These hoods are typically more decorative, often featuring elaborate tooling and braiding.

Arabic Style hoods are the most distinct in appearance, featuring a peaked or pointed top section. They are commonly used in Middle Eastern falconry traditions and are designed primarily for large falcons. The Arabic style tends to be lighter and less structured than Dutch or Anglo-Indian designs, relying more on the natural drape of thin leather.

Leather Types for Falconry Hoods

The leather used in a falconry hood directly affects its weight, durability, and comfort for the bird.

Kangaroo leather is widely considered the gold standard by experienced falconers. It offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it can be very thin and light while remaining durable. Kangaroo leather also breaks in beautifully, conforming to the bird’s head shape over time. However, it is more expensive and less commonly available in ready-made production hoods.

Cowhide leather is what most of the hoods in this roundup use. It is durable, readily available, and more affordable than kangaroo. Quality varies significantly depending on how the leather is tanned and finished. The NSF Steve Tait hoods use premium cowhide that strikes a good balance between suppleness and structure.

Kip leather is a middle-ground option made from young cowhide. It is lighter and more pliable than adult cowhide but not quite as strong as kangaroo. Kip is popular among artisan makers who want premium quality without the cost of kangaroo.

Sheep skiver is a very thin, lightweight leather used primarily for the internal lining of hoods or for very small hoods. It is soft against the bird’s skin but not durable enough on its own for a primary hood.

When choosing leather, the vegetable-tanned variety is preferred over chrome-tanned. Vegetable tanning produces leather that is more natural, breathes better, and is less likely to cause skin irritation on the sensitive skin around a raptor’s eyes and face.

Sizing Guide by Bird Type

Getting the right size is the most critical factor in hood selection. A hood that is too small will pinch and cause discomfort, while one that is too large may slip off or allow the bird to see. Here is a general sizing reference organized by bird species.

Small Raptors (42-51mm Dutch, Size 17-19 Tait): American kestrels (50-52mm), male merlins (48-51mm), small male sharp-shinned hawks (47-50mm), male Aplomado falcons (50-52mm).

Medium Raptors (51-55mm Dutch, Size 19-21 Tait): Tiercel peregrines (51-54mm), female merlins (50-53mm), male prairie falcons (52-55mm), female Barbary falcons (51-53mm).

Medium-Large Raptors (55-57mm Dutch, Size 21-23 Tait): Female peregrines (55-58mm), male goshawks (55-57mm), female prairie falcons (55-58mm), male red-tailed hawks (56-59mm).

Large Raptors (57-62mm Dutch, Size 23-24 Tait): Female goshawks (58-62mm), gyr-peregrine hybrids (57-61mm), female red-tailed hawks (59-62mm), Harris’s hawks (55-59mm).

These ranges are approximate and individual birds can vary significantly. Always measure your specific bird using calipers before ordering. The standard measurement is taken across the widest part of the head, from just above the eyes, with the measurement typically expressed in millimeters for Dutch hoods and as a block number for Tait-pattern hoods.

How to Measure Your Bird for a Hood

Use a soft measuring tape or calipers to measure across the widest part of your bird’s head, passing just above the eyes. Take the measurement at least twice to ensure accuracy, and measure at different times of day since a bird’s head can appear slightly different depending on feather position. Record the measurement in millimeters, as most hood sizing systems use metric. When in doubt, size up slightly rather than down, since a slightly loose hood is preferable to one that pinches.

Frequently Asked Questions About Falconry Hoods

Final Thoughts on the Best Custom Leather Falconry Hoods

Finding the right leather falconry hood comes down to three things: accurate sizing, quality leather, and a design that suits your bird’s head shape. The Ron Rollins Dutch Two-Tone hood earns our Editor’s Choice for its verified craftsmanship and distinctive hand-stitched detailing. The Steve Tait hoods from North Star Falconry offer premium cowhide construction on authentic Tait blocks for falconers who prefer the beaked design. And for budget-conscious falconers, the Riding Gears Dutch line covers sizes from 50mm to 59mm at accessible prices.

Whether you are shopping for your first hood or adding to a collection for multiple birds, the 12 options in this guide represent the best custom leather falconry hoods available in 2026. Measure your bird carefully, choose the style that matches your tradition, and invest in quality leather that will last through seasons of use. Your bird deserves a hood that fits right, feels comfortable, and helps build that essential trust between falconer and raptor.