Equipment-Spyder

Spyder-overpriced and over rated? Can anyone shed some light as it really appeals.. maybe the price suggests its good? I need a rediculously warm jacket as i am a seasonary in Banff this year and it gets cold. Any ideas folks?

Pavelski is your man to answer this question.

I myself bought a set of Spyder pants and jacket a couple of months ago. So far I have only wandered around the house in them - usually when something boring needs doing. I don't yet know how they perform on snow but they soon get you sweating loading the dish washer!

It's exceptionally well made stuff - if a little heavy. I get the impression it's not the most fashionable gear and I'm a little concerned that people might think I'm some sort of instructor (at least until they see me ski).

Still, if it's an abundence of pockets that you want then Spyder will certainly fulfill. I think my jacket (Chamonix 3in1) has 14 of them!

I got my jacket and pants with 40% off yet they still came to £600. I don't think I could have brought myself to pay the full price.

I'm rather tempted by the Spyder range too...

I've got my heart set on a £400 ski jacket (Ladies Diamond) which i've currently got a search running on ebay for!

otherwise - do a google search and I came up with some stores that were cheaper than the other ones. Captainscabin i think was one of them.

as for it's performance - couldn't tell you! I got an alpha industries one which was pretty good, very waterproof (but i really wanted something with the faux fur (must be the fashionista in me) and it was £50 from TK maxx! (it was my first skiing holiday though! - there's was no point in spending a fortune unless i was sure i was going to like the sport!)

I guess it's like buying a good suit or designer handbag - it's all about cost per wear. if you are going to have it year on year like a trusty old friend then it will prove its value. if not and you are planning on changing it every year - buy a cheap one.

cheerie

Nothing say's traditional skier more than Spyder. So if you are trendy and hang with boarders it might make you feel conspicuous. However if you want rich American skiers to think you're an OK person, then go with it. Especially if you can get a good deal.

Trencher

The number one element to consider above all others is, function! There is a famous saying in the skiing world, "form follows function"! Essentially it means that the "look, the logo, the name is secondary to function.

This said Spyder products are aimed for high end expert/racer skiers. It has an image ( which it developed over the years) of clean, racing, very technical ski products. They also stand behind their products, so if you have a are problem with snap, zipper, etc....they will fix or replace unit!

Let us be honest,, in skiing , as in other sports there is an element of "the look'. The image! Young skiers look at what their idols wear and use them as "models"! That is what product marketing is all about!

There are other great ski products. Spyder happens to be one of the best along with; North Face, Patagonia, etc..

Think long term. If a jacket is still great after 10 years and still "in-style" then is it that expensive! Think also cross-activity clothing. I do a great deal of winter camping, and other outdoor activities. Typically it can get -30 and that does not stop out family outings! So functionality is key and yes Spyder does have an image which I like!

You can get same quality however in other brands! Just know what to look for! Here are some parameters to consider on any ski jacket;
1.Windproof
2.Waterproof
3.High collar integrated with hood . I like my hood inserted in collar.
4.Cut. wide chest area, wide shoulder, tight cuffs
5. Extra strong shoulder area
6.Pockets. This is where you see the detail and quality.
7.Quality zippers YKK
8.Collar inside has polar fleece material with a flap just for back of neck so snow does not enter via collar
9. At cuff area where hands come out, special glove-like part which allows thumb to be inserted so that ski gloves and coat are 'mate" with not cold spots.
10. Powder cuff near waist so snow does not come up jacket.
11. Inner zipper for layer approach ( ie inner liner which come off)
12. Vent zippers under arm or in front of chest area.
13. Ipod pocket and channel for ear piece.
14. Extra wide front collar zipper section for polar fleece neck warmer
15. Rear pocket at lower part of jacket
16. All seams heat or glue sealed
17. Zipper front flap well over zipper with velcro closure
18. Snaps all "heavy duty" type ( with 10 extra in pockets)
19. Adjustable hood strap at top of hood
20. Large and wide hood flap with two snaps so that chin is well protected.
21. Adjustable wrist cuff collars with velcro
22. Ski pass pocket
23. Key clip inside pocket.
24. Special hole in left or right breast pocket for communication equipment
25. Built-in avalanche recovery units


Now the last element! Great style and color that will be "in" for 10 years and so you will never win the sinful ski clothing contest!
If you what more advice from a women try Greenskier. She will not doubt advise you well!

Typically you can get such a jacket for about $200-300, USA if you know where to look and when to buy!

Cheers lads and ladies!

i would recomend that you should wait till you're out there. it will be cheaper and you will probably get a better range. also think about whether you want to go for a layering system or big warm jacket.

layering it will be i dont want to freeze haha nah im just thinkin about addin to my spyder collection or whether to go for something a bit different