What is the best brand of snowboard jacket?

[hyper7boy]

So after seeing the skiiers and snowboarders thread it made me realize how many skiiers and snowboarders are on this forum.

So, my question it, with all of the companies out there who make snowboarding jackets, which ones are the best (i.e. warmest, most durable, most waterproof, etc.).

I am not very familiar with the current companies but once we get some replies maybe we can get a poll going for future reference.

BTW the reason why I ask is because of the bond sale this weekend at the international centre powered by Corbette's :)

http://www.internationalcentre.com/events/the-bond-sale-powered-by-corbetts-2011-11-03

[mazdageorge]

From my personal experience Helly Hansen and Solomon. Though I heard Burton isn't bad either

[The Wolf]

Brands don't really mean a thing. Check the specs. All brands will make different levels of quality.

Breathability and Degree of waterproofing are usually advertised on the tags. Waterproofing is measured in millimeters, with higher numbers being more waterproof (eg - 20,000mm) and breathability is measured in grams, with higher numbers being more breathable (eg - 10,000g).

I find that no matter how much you spend on a jacket or pants, or how high the ratings are, if you're on your rear end all day you'll be wet lol. The most important thing is that you find a jacket where the ratings are displayed, so you know the manufacturer at least took that into account and designed the jacket in question to withstand the elements.

FWIW, I have an Airblaster jacket right now, 5,000g breathability and 5,000mm waterproofing, and I am perfectly happy with it. If you want to go all-out look for something GORE-TEX, but it's not really necessary.

[boyracer]

The best place to start would be at "Sporting Life". They carry all the name brands and the specialty ones as well. This will give you the opportunity to try many different brands and choose the best one for you.

[cereal83]

Depends how much you want to spend. Really good Gore-tex jackets are $650 and up and are a shell only so you need an insulation layer. Some good names of real companies are Arcteryx, Marmot and Patagonia but they are not cheap.

Gore-tex has a water proof rating of like 60,000 or something silly like that. Something in the 5000 range wouldn't be very good on a wet day for more then 30-60 min.

[cwp_sedan]

Brands don't really mean a thing. Check the specs. All brands will make different levels of quality.

Breathability and Degree of waterproofing are usually advertised on the tags. Waterproofing is measured in millimeters, with higher numbers being more waterproof (eg - 20,000mm) and breathability is measured in grams, with higher numbers being more breathable (eg - 10,000g).

I find that no matter how much you spend on a jacket or pants, or how high the ratings are, if you're on your rear end all day you'll be wet lol. The most important thing is that you find a jacket where the ratings are displayed, so you know the manufacturer at least took that into account and designed the jacket in question to withstand the elements.

+1

[peterm15]

A hoodie.

I can't wear a jacket when snowboarding. I get way to hot.

Just personal preference.

[Kiyomi]

i just use a t-shirt and the outer shell of my ripzone.

[terapr0]

yea I've been riding for almost 15 years and have owned jackets from Burton, Special Blend, The North Face, 686, DUB, Solomon, Sessions, Volcom and others....they all have good and bad products in their lineup - asking about the "best" really depends on what you're looking for and is incredibly subjective. Even on the coldest days at Tremblant or Whistler I only ever wear a shell with a long sleeve t-shirt underneath. I'd rather be cold and mobile than warm and weighed down. Thats just my opinion; others think I'm crazy. Buy whatever you like, so long as it looks good and fits within your budget. In any case, I recommend GoreTex....they should really call it Jesus fabric :D

[hyper7boy]

To be more specific, what I meant by "which brands are better" is which brands have better, stronger stitching that wont pull out, smoother zippers, etc. I understand that all jackets no matter what company will have various price ranges and features but all around, who is known for making good quality jackets for an affordable price?

I am looking for something thin, warm, affordable, well made, etc. Are there any companies that are known for any of these features specifically? (exp. burton is known for their quick release binding system when it comes to bindings).

[GWN]

Burton AK jackets are very warm and have excellent seals on the seams, will last a really long time.

I'm also a fan of Moment jackets (relatively new / unknown company). Really well made, reasonably priced, and look great! Right now, I have an Analog shell and wear a Jibberish hoodie underneath, it's a great combo :)

[schmat66]

my 32 coat is mint, i have no complaints, its thin and pretty warm, usually wear a sweater underneath with ll vents open but if i dont its still warm,

[ZeroChalk]

I've only worn Burton (higher-end) and I've been fairly satisfied... I just like how everything integrates well together and they put alot of thought into their designs. I'd recommend a good fleece and base layer as well to wicker the moisture away when you sweat - I have a tendency to get really cold (sitting on the chairlifts). I've been out on super duper cold days -40C+ with the windchill and at the top... nothing ends a day faster than being cold.

5000mm is a bit low IMO.

[The Wolf]

5000mm is a bit low IMO.

This is probably true. I ride Chicopee ski club usually (12 runs or so, 300ft vertical) and I usually only get enjoyment out of it for an hour, hour and a half tops... so 5000g/mm works for me. I'd say 8/10k is plenty.

Be wary of a salesmen insisting that you need at least 20k g/mm though...

[cwp_sedan]

I've worn some Ride outer gear for years now and it's only 5000mm and I have been on my ass for hours when the temp was like 10-15 degrees and still had a dry ass. I think it all depends on each style. If I were to replace them I would go with something like sawatsky said (8/10k).

[Sonic31]

I have owned a Helly Hansen for almost 13 years, still waterproof, still breaths well and aside from the somewhat out of date colour scheme still looks good.

One of the zippers finally gave out on it last year. I took it into an authorized Helly dealer, they sent it off to Helly and 3-6 weeks later I had a new zipper installed free of charge. Gotta love any company that backs up their product like that!

[fini]

I have 3 pants, 10k, 10k, and 15-20k (it doesn't say). Pants, I want a minimum of 10,000, preferably 15,000. Sometimes you just can't predict teh conditions. If it's a warmer day, It could soak through. Nothing ruins your day more than a cold wet a$$. Cost being a factor, I always settle for 10k.

I have 3 Jackets, 5k, 10k, and 15k. I'm ok with 5,000 but typically go for 10,000k or more.

[PCLoadLetter]

My advice: Make sure the jacket you get has vents under the arms. They help out SOOO much on those warmer days :thumbsup

It doesn't matter which brand you buy to be honest. If it fits well, you like the look and it seems to be good quality, go for it.