Reviews by User: Schoen Parnell (2)

I first looked at gloves with built-in wrist guards. The built-in systems I found were not snug enough and had too much play. I wanted the secure feel of my skating wrist guards. So I tried the Dakine wrist guards. Those rely mostly on spandex to hold the supports in place. This too did not give me the snug/secure feel I wanted. Nobody carried the Burton (RED) wrist guards so I ordered a pair from BackcountryStore.com. These were what I was looking for - adjustable velcro fastening on the wrist and back of hand, plus padding on the palm. I took them into a ski shop to find some gloves that fit - went up a glove size with the guards on, found that a glove with a removeable liner works best with the guards (put guards on first, then the liners, then the gloves). When riding I didn't notice I was wearing them and they did not interfere with my ability to buckle in or out.

What I really wanted was the Burton AK 3 Layer pant, but these sold out too quickly. I found that most of the local ski shops have plenty of Ronin pants left over but very few AKs (Hint to Burton - make more AKs and fewer Ronins). I have short legs (28" inseam) and found the Burton inseams, while still too long, are the shortest of all the manufacturers I checked out (I know, long and baggy is cool but I'm 40 years old and don't care about cool anymore). The Ronins have lots of pockets and lots of room. I stayed warm and dry with one thin layer of capilene base underneath. Burton seems to put as much thought into their clothing/accessory line as they do their boards. They consistently put out the highest quality, long lasting products. I've been buying their stuff since my first board in 1986.