Whats your go to brand?

[ski stef]

If I'm looking for clothing (jackets pants mittens hats) I seem to always find myself at the Patagonia website or section of the store. I like the way their clothes look and fit and in my past dealings with them their customer service has been remarkable. Runner up would be EMS I think. We got an awesome discount through them when I was a student and I still stick with them now.

If I'm looking for hard wear for the mountain (skis boots poles) lately I've been constantly searching Armada skis. I haven't been in the market for new equipment so if I were to look for boots probably I'd look for another pair of Heads. And poles, psh....anyone have a pair that aren't bent? I could use some new poles but as far as a brand goes for those I don't think I'd find myself being very picky.

 

[thetrailboss]

Lots of different brands for different things.

For fleece and soft shells, I look to Patagonia and Black Diamond (of Vermont).

For hardshells, I can't afford Patagonia. So I have a Mountain Hardwear and an LL Bean model.

Fortunately for me, and unfortunately for my wallet, there is a Patagonia Factory Outlet less than 2 miles from my new place Stand back.

Now ski stuff. Boots are Dalbello and skis are Head. I am tempted by some of Black Diamond's offerings though....

 

[bvibert]

No go to for me, whatever looks good and is cheap usually works for me.

 

[4aprice]

As far as ski's go ever since I stepped onto my first pair of Atomic's I've been hooked. Went away to a pair of Volants but returned to Atomic after two seasons. My current pair of Metron 9's are fantastic. I like the "heavyness" which reacts well on eastern hard pack and find them great in bumps and have found them great in deep Utah powder as well. Demo'd some skis last season and found the Vokle (sp?) AC 50's to be very similar. Wish I could have tried a slightly longer pair.

Alex

Lake Hopatcong, NJ

 

[wa-loaf]

Used to be a K2 to guy, but now I own 2 Fischers, a Volkl and a Salomon. Boots are Atomic only because they were what fit me best, They're good for a couple years still, so I'll be open to anything when that time comes around.

I've gotten hooked on Patagonia fleeces (I've got 4 R1 pullovers ...), but the Jackets don't fit me quite right.

So I guess I don't have any allegiances at this time.

 

[BenedictGomez]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not brand loyal to any of these things.

 

[ski stef]

Maybe it's just me, but I'm not brand loyal to any of these things.

Yeah well i am definitely not a walking Patagonia ad between gifts and other better deals but I try to stay familiar with what I know and like. I haven't had much experience recently with skis and stuff, my pair now are volkls but prior to that I've skiied on elans and heads. All the skis I've ever owned have been gifts and used skis that I've been offered at a good price..looking forward to demo'ing this year and figuring out which brand I like based on my own personal preference

 

[deadheadskier]

Was a Rossi skier for years, but my last two purchases have been other brands. Used to be big on Northface, but the last couple of jackets and pants I've owned have been Columbia. No complaints

 

[o3jeff]

I've got a couple Cloudveil softsells that fit me pretty good and also a older insulated Marker jacket. Looking for just a shell for this year, but haven't found a deal on one that fits good.

Patagonia, but the Jackets don't fit me quite right.

I tried on a new Powderbowl jacket last month, fit me well except the sleeves were about 8" too long for my arms.

 

[Grassi21]

Under Arnour for me. I bought some of their stuff for lacrosse years back and just started wearing it for skiing. After awhile, UA had a devoted line for winter sports. I think their quality is not as good as it used to be, but seeing that I use their stuff pretty much year round it would be my go to brand.

 

[wa-loaf]

I've got a couple Cloudveil softsells that fit me pretty good and also a older insulated Marker jacket. Looking for just a shell for this year, but haven't found a deal on one that fits good.



I tried on a new Powderbowl jacket last month, fit me well except the sleeves were about 8" too long for my arms.

Yeah, they're built for tall skinny dudes.

 

[Grassi21]

Yeah, they're built for tall skinny dudes.

Well then I will never wear that brand.

 

[riverc0il]

I play the field quite a bit with brands. For base layers, I have all Patagonia. For socks I have mostly SmartWool. And for outerwear, I've been on a Marmot kick lately but have a wide variety of stuff ready to go.

 

[gmcunni]

Well then I will never wear that brand.

+1

 

[o3jeff]

Well then I will never wear that brand.

+1

The odd thing is their soft goods fit fine. I picked up a nano puff jacket last year and it fits perfect.

 

[jaja111]

Whatever is on steepandcheap is my go to brand du jour.

 

[Grassi21]

The odd thing is their soft goods fit fine. I picked up a nano puff jacket last year and it fits perfect.

I found as the years went on they elongated the sleeves on the cold wear... not good for my hobbit frame. :lol:

 

[Madroch]

For clothes-- I don't have a go to brand, own Marmot, Spyder, Karbon, Marker outerwear. I buy what is on sale that fits my need at the moment.

For skis- used to be an Atomic man back in the day (way back- 80's), but since returning to the sport a few years back I seem to have migrated to fischers-- 3 of my 4 paris of current skis are fischers. I like the light and lively feel with the solid edge hold-- not a fan of the heavy damp feel that many prefer.


Boots- whatever will fit my small skinny feet-- Lange at the moment- but no loyalty there.

 

[frapcap]

I only have brand loyalty for a couple of items where other brands just aren't cutting it for my personal use. -- Socks- Spyder are best for me. Smart Wool are okay, but much prefer the previous.
- Base layer- hot chilis are okay, but I have to agree with Grassi- Under Armor Cold Gear is where its at. - Pricey, but awesome.
- Hats- Mountain Hardware or bust.
- Gloves- I'd be open to trying others, but I really enjoy Scott gloves; especially with a built in liner.

The rest- meh.

 

[Grassi21]

I only have brand loyalty for a couple of items where other brands just aren't cutting it for my personal use. -- Socks- Spyder are best for me. Smart Wool are okay, but much prefer the previous.
- Base layer- hot chilis are okay, but I have to agree with Grassi- Under Armor Cold Gear is where its at. - Pricey, but awesome.
- Hats- Mountain Hardware or bust.
- Gloves- I'd be open to trying others, but I really enjoy Scott gloves; especially with a built in liner.

The rest- meh.

My favorite piece of UA cold gear has been with me for the past 7 years!!!! I think the garment has easily paid for itself at this point.