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That’s because realistically speaking if you’re already thinking about seam-sealed 20k Waterproofing, or switching to a technical layering system, you probably already own a fleece, a puffer, or some other insulating layer that you could wear under a technical shell.
#686 smarty jackets upgrade
This 686 3-in-1 Jacket is not for anyone looking to upgrade, even though it’s got stats that are obviously an upgrade over most entry-level snowboard jackets. This gives your money a lot more flexibility to really fine tune your setup for you. Instead of having to completely replace your jacket, you’re simply customizing your kit to suit your needs. Or if you’re running cold even with the SMARTY liner on, swap it out for a more advanced down or synthetic insulator.
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Instead of having to replace a whole jacket, you can swap in a different shell if you find the waterproofing compromises aren’t compromises you’re willing to make. Or down the road allow for easier upgrades. The 686 Form SMARTY Jacket will instantaneously move you into the realm of technical layering, allowing you to fine-tune your kit to suit the conditions. The 686 SMARTY Form 3-in-1 Jacket is perfect for the first-timer that subscribes to the buy once/cry once philosophy. And that is exactly who should be looking at this jacket.Ħ86 Smarty Form Offers 3 Jackets in 1 | Photo Mountain Weekly News It’s not a cheap jacket by any means, but it’s also not so high that new or casual snowboarders will think it’s an “expensive” jacket. Right in the middle of the most crowded part of the snowboard jacket market. Just open metal teeth undoing all the work the seam-sealing was doing.įinally, price- the MSRP is $270. Most glaring is the open zipper at the front no storm flap, no waterproof zipper. But closer inspection reveals a few cut corners. Performance gets a lot of points at first glance with 20k waterproofing, fully seam-sealed construction, and of course SMARTY warmth. You’re not going to wow anyone with your style in this jacket, but you’re not going to embarrass yourself either. Aesthetics are subjective, but the best and worst thing you can say about this Vintage Navy Colorblock (or any other colorway the Form is available in) is that it’s inoffensive. Or you can get a deal on a jacket that does everything everyone could ever need, but it will look like it came from the discount rack at a Columbia outlet in the 90s.īut the 686 Form Jacket side steps that whole problem by doing a good, but not great, job with all three. You can get a top-shelf shell that looks alpine-ready, but you’re going to pay for it. The old saying is that between aesthetics, performance, and price you can only choose two. Jim O’Leary Testing the 686 Smarty Form Jacket | Photo Mountain Weekly News The 686 SMARTY 3-in-1 Form Jacket is perfect if you live somewhere where weather can vary significantly even while there’s snow to ride. This style of jacket still gives you tremendous versatility right out of the box, with the ability to adjust and adapt your setup depending on the weather. Which is supposed to be the whole point of SMARTY technology.īut focusing on that aspect might be missing the point.
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It’s not bad, it’s just not a solid stand-alone piece.
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It’s warm enough, but the styling, between the fleece liner on the sides and collar, the awkward open handwarmer pockets, and the ungainly fit, won’t make it the first thing you reach for in a closet full of hoodies, fleece, or puffys. Two down, one to go.īut the liner jacket comes up a little short of a “real” puffer. The outer jacket absolutely functions as a serviceable shell on it’s own, and worn together the liner jacket and shell make the 686 SMARTY Form 3-in-1 Jacket as warm as any other off-the-rack jacket. Granted, saying this is “three” jackets in one is a bit generous. By combining the versatility of a shell with the necessary warmth of an insulating layer, they claim to deliver more value to the customer. But they are certainly among the first to offer a “three in one” style jacket in a snowboard (and eventually skiing) focused design.