Need help ordering 20 jackets for a race team

I've been put in charge of picking out and ordering new jackets for our team this year, and I'm totally lost. There are a lot of nice jackets out there, but most of them are way over our budget, or worse, don't seem to be too available in the U.S., so I can't go to a store to see anything first hand. There is no way were going to order 20 jackets blind.

So, I'm looking for help. If anyone knows a rep, or knows how to do what I'm trying to do, then please help me out.

-There are 18 racers on the team, men and women, so we would probably order 18-20 new jackets.
- Our budget is $200-250 per coat. I'm hoping to get a significant volume discount.
-The jackets need to be insulated, hooded, and able to last a minimum of 2 seasons of abuse, running gates, etc., and need to look nice/stylish enough that everyone will want to wear them (both men and women will have the same jacket). If we order shitty looking jackets, people will just wear something else, which defeats the whole purpose.
- Jackets can't be black. Our school colors are blue and white, and I'm hoping to be able to order jackets in these colors. The color and style of the jackets are possible deal killers.

-Brand doesn't matter. I like the Phenix lineup, but I can't find a U.S. retailer. Descente is also very nice, but very $$$.

Please let me know if you have any ideas.

Thanks!

Simply contact the US based companies you are interested in, negotiate a deal, then send then to some one to do your lettering. Patagonia, Marmot, Sierra Designs, Couldveil, Mountain Hardwear, to name just a few great US companies making great jackets. Getting the graphics done is pretty easy. There are several companies that do it, one is next door to me here in Ventura (so is Patagucci, for that matter.)

You might check out "Beyond X"

They can do pretty much anything you might need, including custom GS suits!

The JH Ski club has insulated Zero-G jackets from Cloudveil. They are embroidered on the back and have the kid's name's on the front and a cool custom wizard logo embroidered on the hip. They come in blue but might be a little spendy.
I have worn one and they are pretty nice. (Warm and sturdy)

Call Spyder customer service http://www.spyder.com/about.contacts.asp and tell them what you want to do. They've got a guy who handles race teams full time with his own stock of equipment.

Just to warn you though you're about 6 months late to be doing this. Most large volume team orders are put in along with all the dealer orders in the Spring.

backcountry.com can hook it up.
our group sales peeps do it all the time.

pm for info

Carhartt.

http://www.cochranskiarea.com/csc_team_jacket.htm

Back when I raced, my mountain team went with the Beyond-X jackets. While I didn't necessarily like the styling, the jacket was pretty tough and warm. That said, don't get something made out of a material that would be foolish to embroider. Like a waterproof goretex jacket that had welded or sealed seems.

Check out Karbon. The website isn't great, but their stuff is actually really good quality and generally cheaper than spyder. They make more traditional "racer style" jackets and newer style shells as well. I can put you in contact with the owner if you want, just PM me.

PredatorWear is also cheap, price-wise, but not construction-wise.

I can help you out. I am the NE Rep for Rossignol. Go to our website: www.rossignol.com and log into the US site. Go to softgoods section and you can view the jackets. Where are you located? Give me you email address and I'll get in touch with you if you are interested.

Will

Another option is Reliable Racing. (reliableracing.com) This Spyder jacket might work, they have others too.

Definitely a little late in the season. I see Ed C. from BeyondX quite a bit, so if that brand interests you, gimme a shout. Rossis race stuff is durable as well so Will's offer is a good one.

Will at Rossignol is a good guy and the styles of the jackets are pretty nicely done. Quiksilver is a big influence on the Rossi softgoods lineup these days...

good luck,

Ira