Anyone have any of the Westcomb gear?
I've just stumbled upon them. If you ski with an Ipod it seems they have that dialed.
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Anyone have any of the Westcomb gear?
I've just stumbled upon them. If you ski with an Ipod it seems they have that dialed.
They have a good portion of the line at a store here. Apparently the designers are ex Arcteryx guys. From fondling them and asking questions my take is a fairly bomber design. There are a few people here using the product so I can try to get a review as well.
bump because I have the Westcomb Mirage coat in my cart on BC.com - anyone have this coat?
Edit - or anyone know whether eVent fabric performs as well as 3L XCR?
Do some google on eVent. I think there is some study done for the US Army, eVent outperformed XCR.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hutch
http://www.feedthehabit.com/news/gro...t_fabrics.html
got it from here, which compares it with proshell: http://www.getoutdoors.com/goblog/in...Are-Drawn.html
Test done by the military
Click here (pdf)
Be careful, since you actually need half a brain to figure out the results.
eVent and gore-tex have the same level of waterproofness?
Basically yes.
But a plastic bag is completely waterproof too, but it doesn't really do you any good if you end up soaking yourself with your own sweat. So it really comes down to breathability. Which is where event outperforms XCR.
Many people confuse waterproofness with wet out
i found what i was looking for, thanks. most eVent fabrics seem to be listed at 30000mm water column...
While I haven't skied the Mirage I have fondled it quite a bit and tried it on at OR. The S-curve is easier to move through than the Sidewinder of Arcteryx, IMHO. As for eVent - I've tested gloves, two jackets and pants with eVent over 2 separate seasons with around 100 days total and I was just as dry from the outside and the inside (read - this stuff breathes SOOOO much better than XCR). Not a single complaint.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hutch
Survey says - yes.Quote:
Originally Posted by f2f
Regarding Westcomb I think of the brands available in North America (66 North no longer distributes in NA) they are making the cleanest best fitting gear that used eVent. Ground uses it as well but unless they've changed their fit their jackets suck for fit unless you're 5'10 with a gut like a Miller Man.
trigger pulled - thanks for the info, Kendall.
Anyone who pulled the trigger on one have any feedback on the mirage yet?
Anyone have or know where to get a Mojave soft shell?
Returned mine, the L was too big (too long in the arms) and I didn't like the fact that I couldn't zip out the hood. Looked like a great coat otherwise, though!Quote:
Originally Posted by skibumnh
Whats your normal sleeve length. Ive got gorilla arms for my height, and usually go with a 35" sleeve. The sizing chart for the mirage says it has 34" sleeves but would you say they are longer?
I have some Westcomb Mirage pants in my cart. ANy further reviews on eVent...westcomb...mirage?
Hutch, Powstash?
I am sure Powstash will chime in here, but I sent him a PM a while back when I was looking at the Mirage Jacket. He said that eVent is the real deal and I think he said that he will not be going back to Gore-Tex. I think he was selling his Arc'teryx for his Westcomb. I ended up buying the Mirage Jacket of SAC a while back. I have not had the chance to use my jacket yet. Construction looks very bomber.
Bump. Would like to get some current opinions on the Westcomb Mirage shell. How do folks like it compared to the Arcteryx stuff? Event v. Gortez Pro? Durability in the Mirage (or Westcomb stuff in general).
Looking for a new hardshell and interested in the Westcomb/Arcteryx stuff.
Mine has durability issues. I'm going to try to warranty.
Fit, features, and the eVent cannot be beat!
Can you expand at all? You think it was limited to your particular Mirage, or accross the board?Quote:
Originally Posted by Summit
I have a Mirage and like it alot. Event works really well. No durability issues with mine though I pretty much only wear it in wet-ish conditions. My only VERY minor gripe is that the zig-zag in the zipper can, though doesn't always make the zipper difficult to one-hand. It looks cool though.:fm:
Yeah, I am looking to replace a TNF Gortex Pro Shell. Would be used as a hardshell for in-bounds use, but also to fold up and throw in my pack when touring. I always wear my Cloudveil Rayzer softshell as an underlayer and primary layer when touring.
Pretty much what I am looking for is:
1. Durability - can withstand in-bounds use.
2. Weight - would be good to minimize weight/pack space when I throw at bottom of bag for touring
3. Breahabilty - everything I have read makes it clear eVent tops the Gortex Pro Shell in this regard
4. Waterproof - I am in Cali, so this is a big issue. Want bomber waterproof in my hardshell. Event seems to fit the bill.
Given the price of say the Arcteryx Alpha/Beta/Theta ARs and the Westcomb Mirage, I don't want something falling a part either. So build quality/warranty department is signficant too.
To the zipper point, I have read that in other reviews, but frankly, I usually just two hand the zipper anyway. Is that really THAT big of a deal?
Only if your other hand is otherwise occupied. Like I said, a very minor gripe.Quote:
Originally Posted by Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer
Same issue with the Arc Sidewinder. I'd say a mild annoyance at best. I'll take the coolness factor, plus not having a zipper against your chin outweighs the one-hand issue.Quote:
Originally Posted by oftpiste
Main zipper pull broke, not all the iPod controls work, and the fabric ripped out around a zipper pocket... it looks well constructed so I'm guessing it is a fluke.Quote:
Originally Posted by Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer
Thanks for the input so far. Does the Westcomb hood fit over a helmet? That may be a deal breaker for me b/w a Theta AR or the Mirage. HUGE bonus if it does.
I'm a huge fan of my Mirage. I think it's durable and eVent lives up to the hype.
I know the hood fits over my climbing helmet...pretty sure it fits over my ski helmet but it's a fairly tight fit.
It's super light too. Perfect for alpine climbing.
I got a screamin' deal on mine so it was a no brainer.
Hood does fit over skid lid, but it's not super roomy.
Had the mirage jacket and the "no name for now" bibs (had a different "name" last season, I forget what), since last season. Bomber stuff, couldn't be happier.
That is exactly my gripe too. Very minor really, otherwise, I like mine too.Quote:
Originally Posted by oftpiste
1. Yes, no question.Quote:
Originally Posted by Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer
2. Lighter than 3 layer goretex. Heavier than paclite. Tougher than paclite though - no worries about carrying a pack. Probably on par with gore proshell (but that's a guess).
3. It's quite simply the most breathable hard shell I've owned (and I didn't just stay at a Holiday Inn last night). They say the breathability is about on par with first-gen goretex, but I owned one back in the day, and this jacket is better (probably due to better material). It is not as breathable as a good non-windstop softshell though, but it does have pitzips.
4. It's as waterproof as any goretex (or other brand w/b) shell. I've worn it in a PNW downpour and stayed dry as a bone.
I also own the original Dead Bird Sidewinder (circa late 90s? Gore XCR, made in Vancouver) and here are some comparisons...
The mirage breathes some - the sidewinder doesn't breathe at all. Any skinning or bootpacking results in sweat for me. Sometimes I sweat while skiing in the sidewinder, but never have in the mirage.
The zipper on the sidewinder is angled, but straight. It's easy to pull with one hand. The zipper on the mirage has an s-turn that presents a bit of a challenge for one hand. That said, for some reason I've had problems with the sidewinder's zipper occasionally coming open from the bottom. The mirage stays shut.
Both have nice high collars with the zipper away from your chin, and velcro at the arm holes, and powder skirts, so snow never gets inside. Actually, both of them fit well enough that I don't even do the power skirts up.
Both have nice hoods that turn well with your head, but neither will fit over a smith variant helmet.
Both jackets look/fit great done up. They both have a trim, athletic style (no tall tee steeze here). But they both look/feel stupid and billow in the wind like a sail when not zipped.
The mirage has a couple of features that I like better than the sidewinder. The first is that it's longer in the back and shorter in front. The second is the "Napoleon" pocket.
The westcomb colors look pretty bad... if you care about that.
^^^^^^^^^^^ Now THAT is a Tech Talk response! Great info. I am pretty much set on the Mirage as I have done a good amount of other research and it fits the bill perfectly on what I am looking for. Now if I could only find one that is in stock, and cheap......
How about sizing? I generally wear a Large in most things. I am 6'4", 190. 16-16 1/2 neck and 35-36 sleeves (long arms). No idea on shoulder width, but not huge.
I assume go with a Large in the Mirage, but let me know otherwise.
Interesting on the colors. I though the reddish orange looked good. Crazy bright green too.
I'm a 50+ geezer about your size with a bit more of a pencilneck and a bit of a tummy depending on what part of the season it is. I have an XL. I wanted room to layer which is there, but even with minimal layers underneath I feel like it fits well. Not bulky and baggy, but roomy. I wanted room for a serious insulating layer which it affords but I wear it frequently without a lot of layers because when it's wet snow or rain/snow in the PNW it's usually pretty warm. I would recommend an XL for you if you want to be able to layer at all.
I'm also under the impression that the newer models do not have pit zips, but mine does.I like them because I - being not always in the best of condition - go really hot to cold depending on exertion. I use the pit zips but some Event experts say it breathes so well you don't need them or it fouled up the way the barrier is supposed to function. Not sure I agree, but I'm no expert. When I'm working hard the jacket does get damp on the inside (I'm a pig) but dries very quickly when opened up. For the record mine's the burnt orange and it's pretty subdued.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer
Thanks UCL, anytime.
As for the sizing, I'm just shy of 6'1" and just shy of 170 lbs, also a pencilneck, no gut, and I've got the medium. With that size there is very little room for layering, but I bought it specifically for higher exertion days (skinning, climbing, etc.) where I typically wear a light wool shirt, and a lightweight fleece. I'm also a bit of a furnace. When I was trying them on, the large wasn't totally out of the question on me (and my arc is a large), so I'm inclined to agree with oftpiste that you may want an XL.
Interesting that there are no pit-zips on the new ones. I'm no expert either, but I use mine, and am glad that they are there.
The colors comment was more about Westcomb's stuff in general (and the stuff they make for backcountry dot com's brand). I just had a look at the website, and the Mirage colors actually look good (mine's black).
"Breathes so well you don't need pit zips" is the most retarded idea ever. Pit zips aren't about moisture control. They are about temperature control.
So true and the only reason I did not buy the Vapor Jacket.Quote:
Originally Posted by Summit
UCL, I am going to agree with the XL.
I'm 5'10" 175 and have 34" arm length. I tend to take L in everything and the Westcombs have a very 'athletic' cut. In Med for me the arms weren't too bad but the waist was super tight. The L was about perfect with room for a fleece layer if need be, but for your size, gotta be XL.
Somehow I was under the impression that the pitzip-less version was the made-for-BC.com version last season? I could be completely wrong, but I thought BC.com was offering a cheaper, less-featured version last season w/o pitzips.
Thanks to all. Looking around, but can't seem to find them in stock anywhere. Will keep looking.
What is the most comparable Acterxyx? The Sidewinder or the Theta AR?
contact Westcomb directly. they had a major blem sale last spring and might have something sitting around....?
I'd say that the mirage fits right between the two dead birds you mentioned. It's designed like the sidewinder with the offset zipper, and hip length. But the fit is slimmer than the current* sidewinder, more like the theta, which is quite fitted, but longer (mrs. pisteoff has one).
*I say current sidewinder because my original version's fit is different... smaller/slimmer.
I have no affiliation with these guys, nor experience as a customer, just found them with a search -
http://www.alpinesportsoutlet.com/p-...liateid=10056&
Another option is Backcountry dot com's Stoic eVent shell which is made by Westcomb. It lacks pit-zips, and who knows about the fit, but the price is good - especially the ones on outlet. They even come up on SAC from time to time.
UCL,
I have an older Sidewinder and find the powder skirt to be next to useless. It's constantly riding up. The Theta doesn't have a powder skirt, but it's a bit longer (both mediums 3-4 years old), and has two waist cinches. I find the Theta better at keeping snow out.
Also the hood on the Theta AR is significantly better than the Sidewinder AR.
Rab also makes eVent shells. They carried them at The Fifth Season in Shasta City when I was in there last week. Dunno much about their shells other than Euro alpine guys like them a lot.