Riding Gear

Polaris2012 · Feb 15, 2013

I read an article in SnowGoer this month that kind of made sense on why companies like Motorfist and Klim charge so much for their gear. It makes sense to me and I understand its a smart investment, i will pay for good base layers and mid layers but i still for the life of me can not bring myself to pay $300+ for a coat or bibs or $250-$400 for a helmet. But i do need some new riding gear. I found some reasonably priced gear from Castle X does anyone have any expirience with this brand good or bad?

tantrumpipeline · Feb 15, 2013

Polaris2012 said:
I read an article in SnowGoer this month that kind of made sense on why companies like Motorfist and Klim charge so much for their gear. It makes sense to me and I understand its a smart investment, i will pay for good base layers and mid layers but i still for the life of me can not bring myself to pay $300+ for a coat or bibs or $250-$400 for a helmet. But i do need some new riding gear. I found some reasonably priced gear from Castle X does anyone have any expirience with this brand good or bad?

The gf has a castle x jacket because it's pretty and colorful, when its colder than -20 she stays at home, newbie this season so I didn't put out the investment in Motorfist gear as we weren't sure if she would like sledding enough to justify it, next season it will be sold and replaced for this reason alone

RXN · Feb 15, 2013

Had castle x snowpants. They lasted a season and a half. Was wet all the time. Switched to klim snowpants made to seasons, find them lighter, and as long as I wear wickering long johns I stay dry.

Joholio · Feb 15, 2013

Very happy with the FXR Adrenaline bibs I found at Turples in Red Deer. Very warm(but liner comes out for warm days) and dry. But $300. You get what you pay for! Also I was told if I had a ten dollar head then I should wear a ten dollar helmet. Jus sayin.

tex78 · Feb 15, 2013

Joholio said:
Very happy with the FXR Adrenaline bibs I found at Turples in Red Deer. Very warm(but liner comes out for warm days) and dry. But $300. You get what you pay for! Also I was told if I had a ten dollar head then I should wear a ten dollar helmet. Jus sayin.

Baaaaaaaaaaaa.

And the way u ride u need a roll bar and stump filter around u.

from my HTC

Joholio · Feb 15, 2013

Huh? You got that right buddy! XM supposed to be ready today but I gotta go to work dammit! Sit all week... Work all weekend... Story of my life. Rip it up for me!

Wilk INStheWEST · Feb 15, 2013

Had CastleX last year, and it was way too warm for me. Always sweating in it. This year I'm wearing TOBE gear, so good! The price on TOBE gear looks to have come down a lot for next year. I paid 1000 for jacket and pants this year, and next year the same set up looks like it is going to cost about 650. Keeping dry is the key to keeping warm.
Also, don't cheap out on a helmet! Find something that fits well and is comfortable to wear all day.

JFedup · Feb 15, 2013

I have struggled over the years to find the "best" outer wear for sledding. I have spent a considerable amount of money on brand name gear and have also bought cheap stuff to find the right product for my needs. I finally broke down and ordered a set of Klim gear and have honestly never looked back, best investment ever! I talked directly to Ray and Heather at Klim and they set me up, I would definatley recommend them and the product to anyone. Best gear I have ever had. I ride with buddies who have castle X and they don't complain about their gear either. I know this probably doesn't help you in your decsion just wanted to give u my 2 cents. Good luck!

armascott · Dec 10, 2017

I know this is a old thread, but wondering if anybody has any updated reviews on the newer styles of Castle jackets? I hear that in 2015 they improved a lot

snochuk · Dec 10, 2017

I have had Klim jacket, bibs and boots and this will be the sixth winter and I still stay dry.
Left boot gets wet sometime but with doo clutching I am totally surprised that it has not melted!
No plans to switch brands.

LID · Dec 10, 2017

80-90 days on my Strikt jacket, looks like I bought it this year. Water still beads on it, zippers all still good. Shoulders in good shape and I have a heavy pack sometimes

pano-dude · Dec 10, 2017

LID said:
80-90 days on my Strikt jacket, looks like I bought it this year. Water still beads on it, zippers all still good. Shoulders in good shape and I have a heavy pack sometimes

I picked up a strikt jacket this year and am impressed with the quality. Also made in Golden is a plus.

tmo1620 · Dec 10, 2017

If your worried about spending 300 on a coat you have the wrong hobby, buy good gear once and it lasts for years or buy $hit gear 3 times in the same time span and end up spending more in the long run and your wet and sweaty the whole time....... never understood trying to sled on a budget, its cold and $hitty out most of the time, being uncomfortable would take all the fun out of it

iceman5689 · Dec 10, 2017

Been wearing klim for yrs, decided to try out FXR ranger monosuit. Definitely not as good quality as klim. Tore a 6" hole in it after second weekend of riding with it.

firstdoo · Dec 10, 2017

I have Klim tomahawk bib/jacket and love it. Its not insulated and Ive only ever worn a base thermal and a long sleeve shirt. I can't actually remember needing to put on my sweater. I use to wear an FXR two peace, but made the mistake of buying insulated pants. I never wore the liner in my jackets and was always cooking (I'm my own natural furnace). I always stock layers in my tunnel bag if its ever needed. I couldn't imagine buying cheaper gear and risking being wet. Its the furthest think from skiing and having the opportunity to stop at the chalet for a warm up/ dry out. If anything were to go south and you needed to spend a night on the hill, being dry could save your life. I got a smokin' deal on my Klim ($400 - half off new) but would have had no problem spending full price.

If you are worried about price head to Martin Motorsports and look at their non-current inventory. You could probably get into a Klim Bib/Jacket for 450ish and it would be money well spent.

After saying all that, if theres anyone interested in an FXR jacket/bibs send me a pm. I guess ill put a post in the classifieds for that gear.

armascott · Dec 10, 2017

I'm not worried about price, I have a Strikt jacket ( which I accidentally ordered a bit too tight ) and a Klim jacket that got in a fight with a tree last year. I like them both but was just exploring other options. I agree you get what you pay for in most cases, and definatly don't want to be caught cold and wet in the backcountry.

Barry Barton · Dec 10, 2017

Had klim for 2 yrs the warmer gear since I don't ride as hard as the young guys best I I've every bought. My son has had his klim gear for seven years and we are tree riders. Ive seen him blown of the sled with dead tree branchs and not a rip on the suit and he wears the litter gear and he loves the suit. One thing the guys I ride with have done is try different gear and it comes back to u get what u pay for and we talk to different groups to see what they use but it never comes down to how much it costs. My wife doesn't like what my son and I ride the mountains but one thing she has always said is I don't care what it costs life and safety is more important than money.

Tippett · Dec 10, 2017

You will know why a jacket/bibs/boots/helmet is 300-600$ each when you spend 20+ hours in it with a overnight stay ..... warm.dry.comfy.strong designed by riders for riders. Klim!

If you cant afford new I have a slightly used pair of klim pants for sale 100$

firstdoo · Dec 10, 2017

I forgot to mention that I mainly doo tree riding. The tighter the trees, the more challenge and joy I get. I don't have a single nic in my Klim after ending up in a few trees (and putting a nice cooling vent in my exhaust side side panel). Klim gear definitely strands up to some use and abuse. Not to mention the warranty that they have. My riding buddy sent his pants back after 5-6 years of wear them and Klim sent him replacements due to waterproofing. I'm sure he spent at least 700 hours in them on the hill.

adamg · Dec 10, 2017

A lot of people here are beloved by the folks in the sales departments of these clothing companies. I keep seeing 'It works great so it's worth whatever they charge for it.'

Personally I follow the consumer principle of 'I will buy the good stuff, but it should cost as little as possible over what it cost to make.' And I make my buying decisions with that in mind. All my gear is goretex Klim, event Motorfist, or 509. But it's all bought on sales.

I'm not sure this thread has a actual topic or question, but my suggestion to everyone is buy the good stuff, sure, but don't pay their outrageous full price.

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