Reviews by User: Ephblum (9)

I haven't used these yet on the slopes, but I did use a different pair of Hestras a good deal last ski season (Dominique Perret Power Dry model), and they are by far my favorite gloves. I'm not sure why but their gloves seem to conform to my hands better than any others, and they have the best pole-grip while still being very warm for their relative lack of bulky insulation. Whoever first came up with the neoprene under cuff design is also a genius. I have two pairs of Hestra and one pair of Mammut under cuff gloves now. I have used Reusch gloves but find the Hestras better all around (fit, durability, warmth, low-bulk, etc.) as skiing-specific gloves.

I picked up a couple pairs and have been very impressed. They really are a great fit for cycling, a men's large-tall fit me snugly while the articulation allows the leg to flex freely (I'm 6'2" 185lbs.). Really blocks the wind well, which is the number one reason you get cold biking in cool weather. You can snap the leg cuff in two places-one to have a normal cuff and one to snug it up so that it is nice and tight so it won't hit the crank/chain. You could almost call them a loose fitting tight-I've put hundreds of miles in in these and haven't had these "pants" make contact with the chain yet. Luckily I got mine when I did as ARC'TERYX has stopped making these.

If you like having the newest and best technical gadgetry, then this helmet is for you. The Bluetooth wireless connection works great with both my cell phone and iPod, and the battery life lasts an entire ski day. If you already have a Motorola Bluetooth headset for talking in the car, getting used to operating the helmet is easy as buttons/actions are just about identical. The only drawback is that because it's not specifically made for the iPod, it doesn't come with a Bluetooth dongle to transmit from the iPod. You'll have to buy a separate one, usually only available with another set of headphones. I picked up a pair of Logitech Bluetooth headphones for $50 and once I synchronized the dongle to my helmet it has worked great. You can control volume as well as pause and skip songs with the helmet, all while having your iPod safely stowed. And unlike iPod ski jackets/backpacks/etc., you can wear the helmet with other jackets and detach the headphones to use on their own.

I just bought these this summer, but have had the Vail pant (this model's precursor) for several seasons and they were great. Spyder's top-of-the-line Legend Series stuff is the probably the best ski apparel out there. Perfect design, excellent durability, just the right amount of insulation. They also think of all the details that make these bibs look as great as the function.

Arc'teryx makes the best fitting apparel for me at 6'2" and 185 lbs., along with 66 North Iceland. An Arc'teryx large is a perfect fit, especially with their longer sleeves than many other brands (a certain "hardwear" company specifically). Adding this MX, I now have a full Gamma lineup with the now discontinued LT, and a couple SV's. Even though this one is manufactured across the Pacific, it still seems to have the great Arc'teryx quality in construction. I like the garbanzo color I got on sale as well, it looks like khaki to me. Best for cool conditions in the 45-55 range. Very windproof, thin and light. I've worn it in a drizzle and water beads well. I haven't had a chance to try it in anything cooler yet.

Very nice pants, can't beat softshell feel plus waterproof. I have the Stingray pant as well but these have a bit softer outside feel and have a little more of a fleecy lining. Arc'teryx makes the best general purpose outerwear. I can't wait to use these on the slopes.

I have only tried these on so far as it's summer, but if I don't review a product right when I get the email reminder, I will never remember later. So, to start, I have been looking for a softshell gauntlet glove with the ability to actually hold tools, etc. and I think these are a great pair. They have some insulation but still keep the hands dexterous enough to manipulate whatever you are holding. Black Diamond gloves are all pretty well made in my experience and these seem to be as well with Schoeller and Pittards components. Nice-sized gauntlet (not too short for the task it's intended for but not so long that you think you are on an expedition to Everest). Most standard features of nicer gauntlet gloves such as elastic wrist, one-handed cinch pulls on gauntlet cuff. Also, the ice specific padding on the top of the hand will come in handy. Seems substantial but it is stretchy material so that it will not affect movement. Overall a very well designed softshell ice glove. Note about waterproofness-I'm not sure about the insert they use and I haven't used these in wet conditions- so I cannot comment on their waterproofness-but in my experience softshell gloves are pretty much never totally waterproof when soaked. Personally, I'm looking for more breathability with high-activity, which is what softshell construction is meant for, and what these gloves should provide very well.

On faith and the reviews, I bought just about all the size 4.0 X-Socks on sale and am really impressed at how much better they are than even Smartwool and Bridgedale socks, which were my benchmarks before. For socks, these really have a lot of technical features jammed in. Perfectly placed more cushioning/less cushioning for a very comfortable and breathable fit. Seem very durable so far through a few washings-I'm following the directions and letting them air dry. Plus, buy enough pairs and register them, and they'll give you a free X-Bionic SS Shirt.

I just bought these this summer, but have had the Vail pant (this model's precursor) for several seasons and they were great. Spyder's top-of-the-line Legend Series stuff is the probably the best ski apparel out there. Perfect design, excellent durability, just the right amount of insulation. They also think of all the details that make these bibs look as great as the function.

Gave it to my 4 yr. old nephew for Xmas and he loves this sweatshirt. Spyder has their great logo enlarged on the back and as with all Spyder clothing, you get what you pay for. For a premium price you get a premium kids sweatshirt.