OUTERWEAR

[kimchi]

@MFD on the topic of rider owned, any strong thoughts on 686? I always had an impression of them as another subpar "rider owned" brand, but I picked up a set of Dispatch Goretex bibs and am pleasantly surprised. Haven't put them to snow yet, but build quality seems solid, good hand feel, lots of thoughtful backcountry-inspired features, fit on point... still need to test them properly but I was pretty impressed especially because their website marketing photos look schlubby as hell lol.

[peruna]

Not so much questions as random thoughts:

• I picked up an AK Cyclic this season. The fits seem MUCH improved. Not sure if they brought on new team or what, but the fit is comparable to the Arc'teryx fits I really enjoyed, but a bit more of a boarder cut.
• Feels like Burton's feeling the pressure for Arc'teryx, Norrøna, and Jones muscling in on its turf (plus existing pressure from Volcom). In past 18 months or so, Norrøna signed Torstein and Arc picked up Haight, van Gyn, and Big Air Jare-- also saw Torgeir rocking Arc in the last Peace Park edit. Plus Jones spinning up its entire program basically.

Hey @kimchi what year are you comparing your new Cyclic to? I rode in a newer but not the newest (2021 I believe) Cyclic jacket for a few days and it fit me worlds better than older AK stuff as well. It seems like B redesigned the AK line for 2020?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/HwEAZKjRDGU

[MFD]

So True. Every brand or owner is beholden to some type of investor. Like all members here I want to support brands that are authentic. We want our dollars to go to brands that are true to our own ideals and passions about snowboarding. I struggle sometimes like everyone to discern hype from reality. I will say this, if your gut doesn't feel right about a brand you are more than likely right. All of us who have ridden for so long and have passion for the mountains have acquired a sixth sense for bullshit. Thats why I love EZ in that it gives us a format to share our thoughts and wisdom.

[MFD]

As far as 686, this is an interesting one. I am old enough to remember when they started and were a Special Blend knock-off brand. Their point of entry was looks like Special Blend but cheaper. I think that has always skewed me away from the brand. Plus their name was originally Jib 686 which was cringe worthy. They have since dropped the Jib and getting a Gore-Tex license has given them legitamacy. Getting a Gore license really means that you are moving enough units that Gore finds you financially viable. Gore's goal is to make more money and eliminate any fabric competitors. That is why brands like 686 and Volcom as well as Burton have proliferarted so much Gore in their lines now. Having Gore now is not the seal of brand approval that it may have been in the past.

[kimchi]

Hey @kimchi what year are you comparing your new Cyclic to? I rode in a newer but not the newest (2021 I believe) Cyclic jacket for a few days and it fit me worlds better than older AK stuff as well. It seems like B redesigned the AK line for 2020?

https://www.youtube.com/embed/HwEAZKjRDGU

I can't recall... I think I tried on 2022, but might have only tried on Swash and Hover last season. I have a Burton Flagship about 15 minutes away from me so I usually try stuff on at least once a season, but I'm blanking. Might have been a few years.

[kimchi]

As far as 686, this is an interesting one. I am old enough to remember when they started and were a Special Blend knock-off brand. Their point of entry was looks like Special Blend but cheaper. I think that has always skewed me away from the brand. Plus their name was originally Jib 686 which was cringe worthy. They have since dropped the Jib and getting a Gore-Tex license has given them legitamacy. Getting a Gore license really means that you are moving enough units that Gore finds you financially viable. Gore's goal is to make more money and eliminate any fabric competitors. That is why brands like 686 and Volcom as well as Burton have proliferarted so much Gore in their lines now. Having Gore now is not the seal of brand approval that it may have been in the past.

Yea, my impression of 686 was always cheap wannabe street wear brand with a gimmicky 3-in-1 system. I hadn't handled it in probably 10-15 years until I picked up the newest stuff. I'm pleasantly surprised but still need to put it to snow.

My impression on Gore is that Gore is a good laminate, but mostly wins on marketing. It goes on the best garments, but only because the high-end customer believes Gore-Tex is best and won't buy jackets without it. So you get this self-perpetuating cycle where Gore-Tex goes on the best built garments, the customer believe they're the best because of Gore when Gore might just along for the ride because of customer expectations. Pretty good market position to be in if you can swing it heh.

[scrub]

@kimchi my homie has 15 days on those new 686 Dispatch bibs and is loving them.

[eleveneightnate]

@kimchi my homie has 15 days on those new 686 Dispatch bibs and is loving them.

Probably 40+ days in mine and they still look new.

[scrub]

Anyone sporting Outdoor Research bibs? I can get a good deal on the Kulshan Storm or the Carbides but can't try them on, I tried on the Kulshan's briefly and they seemed OK but the reviews aren't great.

[kimchi]

Anyone sporting Outdoor Research bibs? I can get a good deal on the Kulshan Storm or the Carbides but can't try them on, I tried on the Kulshan's briefly and they seemed OK but the reviews aren't great.

Heard good things about the Hemisphere and Skyward jackets but no direct experience other than trying them on.

Will say my broader experience with them as an outdoor brand is hit or miss. They’re probably one of the worse lifetime warranty ice axe companies… decent product and good customer service but well below the standard of Arc’teryx, Norrona, even Patagonia.

They're more in the North Face / Mountain Hardwear tier. Their stuff is a cut below the top end stuff, but priced lower at retail and substantially easier to find on heavy discount.