Nmbr1Ballr

I just received this jacket today that I ordered, 686 Plexus Pinnacle 3-Ply Jacket - Men's from Dogfunk.com

My question is this, what makes this a good snowboarding jacket? For $400msrp, even though I paid $240, it feels like a rip off. I mean it very well may be a good jacket, I only have 1 season of boarding under my belt and am by no means an expert on gear or at boarding. But this jacket really feels like a $25 windbreaker. Its light as shit, definitely will not keep you even remotely warm so you will definitely still need layers. Can someone help me and explain why this jacket should cost $400/$240 or even over a $100.

technine42

Because all snowboarding fear is a rip off and im guessing they priced this jacket so high because it says its the first jacket to use boa technology like boots which definitely isnt worth the money its all bullshit and boa boots fucking suck so why would someone want a boa jacket.

Cr0_Reps_Smit

well it says its a shell so its suppose to be thinner so you cab layer under it. also the water proofing and breathability is very good in this jacket at 20k/15m so that usually adds to the price.

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Kingscare

As said previously, their waterproof/breath ability numbers are pretty high, so you're definitely paying for that. They're also boasting some new material that they came up with...so you're paying for that R&D.

That is steep $ for just a shell, but it looks pretty stacked in terms of tech. Not sure the BOA system was a necessity (how often do you tighten those things during a day)?

But if it keeps you dry and breathes well that's great. Hopefully it isn't too cold where you ride because you're gonna have to pick up some under layers.

arsenic0

Its high but its not that out of whack...i know a lot of North Face/Mtn Hardware Professional Goretex shell's are in that 400-500 MSRP range, but they are also pretty rugged well made coats for very harsh weather...never seen this jacket you speak of so its hard to say although from others comments it seems to be high on the "Tech" meter...

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Nmbr1Ballr

Well I guess my question is what makes this "shell" better than wearing just a normal jacket. I know it has breathability/waterproof ratings. And I read the sticky but am not really sure what it means.

I feel like its saying, if it rains my jacket wont let water get through and I will stay dry. And for breathability if I sweat the excess water leave. But what I don't get it how it will keep me dry. If I sweat, won't it just get soaked in my layers? Obviously the price is what it is because of the ratings, but I guess I just don't fully understand what they do, even after reading the sticky.

Nmbr1Ballr

Also what is the point of the powdered skirt? On the jacket it looks like a 4 or 5 inch flap. Not really sure what the point is. If I fall, I don't see that flap stopping any snow from getting under my jacket, maybe thats not the point of it, but that shows you how much I don't know about this stuff lol

Kingscare

First of all the shell you bought is not "better" than a jacket with insulation, because they're both designed differently and have different uses. It also comes down to personal preference.

The shell you have is great when the temperature is not super low and you're sweating more than freezing, an insulated jacket performs best when you mainly need it to keep you warm. Like you said, your shell is designed to block raw water droplets (rain) and let out heat vapors (sweat). The problem is, if you're gonna ride in really cold weather, you're gonna have to layer up beneath it. Layering up does not mean wearing 2 cotton tees under a hoodie, because unless those garments are specifically made to be layered, then all they will do is trap your body heat and eventually start to soak because they won't be able to evacuate the sweat that will form...making you potentially freeze.

So unfortunately, your purchases may not be over, as you will have to buy a first layer shirt (specifically designed to be worn as a base layer in winter activities) and possibly a second layer wool or fleece garment that is a bit thicker and will keep you warm all while still being able to breathe and ultimately let your jacket do it's job.

The powder skirt will work...somewhat. They sometimes can be attached to the matching pants that go with your jacket, but personally i don't find that setup very comfortable. Just tighten it (like the bottom of your jacket) and it should help once in a while when snow tries to shoot up your back/chest.

Mr. Polonia

U spent that much money on THAT jacket? no offense but its plain boring like midget sex.
I have 2 jackets from 686 and i couldnt be any happier with the quality and durability. They r very warm once u have a fleece under but what im tryin to say is that u couldve bought something else from 686 that doesnt look like u got it from target

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Nmbr1Ballr

Thats cool, and after looking all their jackets, they are some that I like a bit better design wise, but they all have about half or a third of the ratings that mine does. So while you can go out and look cool, I can go out and use my jacket in more conditions it was made for.