Spring Ski Jackets: Guide to buying a Shell Jacket:

Buying a Spring Ski Jacket

In the midst of winter warmth is paramount in your ‘must have’ features when buying a ski jacket.  However Easter skiing can be pretty uncomfortable when the sun beats down onto your highly insulated jacket! 

Q: So what should you look for when warmer-weather skiing?

A: Shell Jacket: A waterproof, breathable jacket without insulation….

What to consider when buying a Shell Jacket:

1.     Fabric: Gore-Tex is the fabric leader and is the best, but there is a growing range of alternative waterproof and breathable membranes available, which are not as pricey.  Look for fabrics with a waterproof rating of 15k - 20k mm and a breathability rating of 10k – 15k grams.

2.     Layers:   With layers, it is easier to control the amount of insulation/ventilation you have depending on what you are doing at the time.  The key principle when wearing a shell is to follow the 3-layer principle:

• ·         Base Layer: Many opt to wear one base layer, and carry a spare mid-layer in their backpacks should it cool down during the day.
• ·         Mid Layer: good technical layer, which must be breathable too
• ·         Shell Jacket on top: giving you the flexibility to adapt to spring skiing conditions perfectly.  

3.     Breathability: In bold and underlined(!) – this is the key feature in all your spring ski clothing!  You will inevitably sweat more so you must wear clothing that will transport the sweat away from your body.

4.     Waterproof:  Hard Shell jacket fabric will be waterproof, but check for taped seams and waterproof zips to ensure there are no weak points.

5.     Vents: Pit Zips: a really handy feature to release trapped hot air and let in some cool air to circulate around your skin.  Lift up the arm of the jacket and check to see if there are underarm zips that you can undo.   

6.     Other uses: we love being able to wear our shell jackets for other sports too!  Cycling, hiking, etc.

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NOW ON SALE!

Scott Viretta Jacket 2014 30% off RRP! It’s rare to find 4 seasons of versatility in one shell, but the Viretta has it: 2.5 layers of stretch fabric and unique features like a roll-away hood that zips into the collar make this an ideal piece for everything from an AM bike commute to an afternoon ski-tour. 

Scott Exploit Jacket 2014 20% off RRP!  Dialed athletic fit, pack-friendly pocket location, and four-way stretch in a 3-layer waterproof/breathable shell. 

Scott Cascadia Jacket  50% OFF RRP! Scott's top of the range GORE-TEX® Soft Shell jacket.

Scott Vikos Jacket 2014 30% off RRP!  Ultralight, waterproof, windproof, breathable 3L Jacket

Ski Helmet Sizing

SIZING AND FITTING OF SKI HELMETS

At Sports-Outlet we only sell helmets that are fully certified for snowsports use, providing you with high levels of protection.  

The aim with fitting a ski helmet is that you can hardly feel it is there when it is in place.  Here are some top tips to consider:

1. SIZE:  Start by wrapping a measuring tape around your head about a half-inch above your eyebrows.  Pull the tape comfortably tight around your head to achieve the best results.  Make sure you get precise results by measuring 2 or 3 times.  This measurement is your helmet size.

2. FIT: When the helmet is on adjust the straps equally both sides until the helmet fits snugly.  Many helmets have adjustable fit systems. The rim of the helmet should sit just above your eyebrows and the back of the helmet should not touch the nape of your neck.  

3. TEST: With the helmet in place and the chinstrap fastened you should not be able to roll the helmet sideways or backwards.  If you can, adjust the straps again.  If it still doesn't fit try another helmet - perhaps another brand will fit you better.  Fit is the single most important factor in your purchase.

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Scott Ski Helmet Sizing:

XXS:   50 - 51.5cm   (20 inches)

XS:    51.5 - 53.5cm  (20.5 inches)

S:     53.5 - 55.5cm  (21.5 inches)

M:      55.5 - 57.5cm  (22.25 inches)

L:      57.5 - 59.5cm  (23 inches)

XL:   59.5 - 61.5cm  (23.75 inches)

XXL:    61.5 - 63.5cm  (24.5 inches)

Smith Ski Helmet Sizing:

Youth Small:  48-53cm

Youth Medium  53-58cm

XS   52-54cm

S   54-56cm 

M   56-58cm

L   58-60cm 

XL   60-62cm

Bern Ski Helmet Sizing:

XS:    52 - 53.5cm 

S:     54 - 55.5cm  

M:      55.5 - 57cm 

L:      57 - 59cm

XL:   59 - 60.5cm 

XXL:    60.5 - 62

Buying Guide - Skiing Outerwear - Jackets & Pants

www.sports-outlet.co.uk.  

Discount top brand ski shop.

Ski wear technology has reached new dizzy heights in the last few years and it can be very confusing when faced with 8000mm/10000gr/STR etc jargon.  What does it all mean…?! So Sports-Outlet has put together the Snowwear Concise Alpine Dictionary for you:

A is for…Abrasion-resistant.  Some ski pants feature an extra panel at the bottom to protect the fabric from rubbing against boots or poles, where the fabric is more susceptible to getting a tear.

Breathability Rating: Most ski jackets have a rating such as 10000/12000 (or 10k/12k).  The first number (10000) refers to the waterproof rating.   The 2^nd number (12000) refers to the breathability rating.  The higher the rating the more breathable the fabric.  If you perspire when skiing or boarding you need to zap this extra moisture away from your skin, so you should look for a highly breathable fabric in your jacket.

Critically Taped Seams: Like Fully Taped seams the purpose is to stop any snow getting into the fabric through the seams.  However Critically Taped seams means that only the main seams in the garment are fully taped – not necessarily every seam as with Fully Taped seams, which are usually a bit pricier.

Draw Cords: Many hoods have draw cords which can be adjusted to pull in the fabric around your face should the winter elements start to attack.  You also find draw cords in the bottom of some jackets.

E….Errrrr

Fully Taped Seams: The purpose is to stop any snow getting into the fabric through the seams.  More expensive outerwear often has Fully Taped seams, which means that every seam in the garment has this protection.

Goggle Pocket:  If you like to swap between sunglasses and goggles look out for a large interior pocket in your jacket which can accommodate your goggles when not in use.

Gore-Tex®:  For supreme durable waterproof and windproof protection then Gore-Tex is the market leader.  This is a permanent waterproof and windproof coating on fabrics.  Many brands use this, but it is more expensive.

Hoods: To hood or not to hood!  Most ski jackets have hoods, but some are fixed and some are removable.  Also if you wear a helmet you should look for a jacket where the hood can come up over the helmet if required.  Adjustable features such as Draw Cords are useful for pulling in the hood when required.

Insulated:  Insulated jackets offer various levels of warmth generally ranging from 40gr to 220gr.  An insulated jacket will then have a waterproof outer shell to protect you.  If you are likely to perspire heavily, or are skiing at different times during the season, then a shell jacket would offer you breathability and temperature control that insulated jackets don’t.

Layers:  Always wear technical layers that are also breathable to maximise the performance of your outerwear.  Look for warmth without added weight.

Leg Gaiters: Inside the bottom of all ski pants is an inner elasticated gaiter that fits around your boot holding your pants in place and stopping snow riding up inside your legs and down your boots…brrr.

Primaloft®: Primaloft® insulation is lightweight, breathable and proven to repel water better than any other synthetic of natural insulation, so you remain warm, dry and comfortable.

Shell:    Pure Shell jackets can offer superb levels of waterproofing and breathability, but do not offer any warmth.  For spring skiers, or touring skiers and boarders who spend time going uphill as well as down and work up more of a sweat, this fabric zaps the moisture away from the skin and offers great protection from the elements.  When warmth is needed the trick is to layer up underneath.

Ski Pass Pocket: Gone are the days when you have to fumble for your ski pass on a string.  Just zap your sleeve or chest ski pass holder across the sensor and you’re in!  Very handy.

Snood:  For many a favourite accessory: sits over your neck and can be pulled up over your mouth and chin when it gets a bit chilly out there.  Ski Lift essential!

Snow Skirts:  This is an elasticated hidden inner waist band to stop snow riding up inside your jacket.

STR: Strategic Thermal Regulation: A canny feature which puts insulation where you need it in cold zones and performance mesh in hot zones to sure you are kept warm and dry without added bulk.

Vents:  Many jackets and pants have zipped vents in the armpits and between the legs.  So if you get a bit warm just unzip and let the cool air in!

Waterproof Rating:  Most ski jackets have a rating such as 10000/12000 (or 10k/12k).  The first number (10000) refers to the waterproof rating and refers to ‘10000mm’, which is a result from a pressure test when the fabric is stretched out and water poured on top to a height where it eventually permeates the fabric.  The higher the rating the more waterproof it is.  We would advise that any rating above 8000mm is good. 

Wicking:   This refers to the properties in the fabric lining that draws moisture away from your skin.  It effectively absorbs moisture and spreads it over a large surface, accelerating the vaporation process to keep you dry.

Wrist Gaiters:  Some jackets have cuffs attached to the wrists of your jacket than come down over your hand and are held in place with thumb holes.  Again to stop snow getting where it shouldn’t, and also to hold shut th  at chilly gap between jacket and glove. 

 

www.sports-outlet.co.uk.  

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Choosing a good ski helmet....

Choosing a good ski helmet should be getting easier - more brand choice, more designs and more safety innovations - perhaps that means it's actually getting harder!

At Sports-Outlet we like to think we've done some of the hard work for you.  By just selecting a few select brands that, without exception, offer that cliche 'style and performance' - well-designed helmets that will fit well, are compatible with your goggles (avoid that tan streak on your forehead!) and offer superb protection...

www.sports-outlet.co.uk

Here are just a few examples:

With Brim
Smith Variant Brim RRP £135.  Our price £90

Without Brim
Smith Aspect RRP £95 Our price £71

With Venting





Smith Variant RRP £130.  Our price £87



And Without Venting
The Scott Scream Helmet RRP £74.99.  Our price £59.99

And How About a Bit of Colour...!

For more ideas take a look at www.sports-outlet.co.uk

Any questions - just get in touch: sales@sports-outlet.co.uk or call us 0845 388 9558

Scott Ski Goggle Lenses: The Buying Guide

SCOTT are world leaders in ski goggle manufacturing and their goggle lenses deliver unbelievable levels of clarity. All SCOTT goggles offer 100% UVA/UVB/UVC Protection and the lenses are either Cylindrical or Spherical giving superior optical clarity: (cheap ski goggles use ‘stamped lenses’ which are flat).

Buying a good pair of ski goggles is obviously essential for maximising your vision and enjoyment on the slopes.  Lens technology has advanced so much in recent years, but it can sometimes be confusing to know which lens to use when.

SPORTS-OUTLET stocks a huge range of SCOTT goggles: at the best prices online, offering discounted junior and youth ski goggles, as well as OTG, male, female and unisex ski goggles for all conditions.  

SUNNY BRIGHT DAYS

Look for lenses that produce highest level of protection against the dazzling effect of the sun and snow glare, enhancing clarity and contrast:

• SCOTT SOLAR 3 
• SCOTT SILVER CHROME 
• SCOTT NATURAL LIGHT NL-15

MIXED CONDITIONS

Lenses portray true colours enhancing clarity and contrast, giving the clearest view.  Also reduce eye fatigue from taking goggles on and off.

• SCOTT NATURAL LIGHT NL-40
• SCOTT GREEN, BLACK, YELLOW, BLUE or PURPLE CHROME
• SCOTT LIGHT SENSITIVE BRONZE CHROME (lens automatically adjusts to available light)

CLOUDY DAYS

Exceptional contrast in flat or low light conditions.

• SCOTT AMPLIFIER
• SCOTT ILLUMINATOR
• SCOTT RED CHROME

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Scott Spherical and Cylindrical Injection Moulded Polycarbonate Dual lenses are computer engineered to match the natural curvature of the human eye.  This allows light to pass undistorted through the lens to the eye, delivering a completely unaltered natural view.  This, coupled with the use of an injection moulded polycarbonate lens, delivers unmatched optical clarity and durability.

• NO FOG™ ANTI-FOG LENS TREATMENT – to prevent condensation and fogging
• 100% UVA/UVB/UVC RADIATION PROTECTION – to screen out these harmful rays
• SUPER SOFT FACE FOAM – for all day comfort and protection if you fall.
• DUAL LENSES – integrated 2-layer barrier to reduce condensation and fogging
• HELMET COMPATIBILTY
• REVOLUTIONARY AIR MANAGEMENT (RAM) – patented frame ventilation system
• AIR CONTROL SYSTEM (ACS) – air intake/outtake vents.

The Power of Gore-Tex® in a Ski Jacket!

When choosing a new ski jacket most are looking for the same thing - qualities of a jacket that will provide endurance and performance...so it's decision time - to Gore or not to Gore?!

Endurance: Gore-Tex® is the top of the range fabric for the slopes: highly durable, breathable, completely waterproof and windproof.  It really is every skier's dream, but comes at a cost.  Most of this season's Gore-Tex jackets start in the region of £300.  Worth checking out www.sports-outlet.co.uk for some genuine savings on quality Gore-Tex® jackets:

• 20% off the Scott Ralston Jacket now £252! (RRP £315)
• Even bigger discounts of previous season's GoreTex - how about £215 for the best-selling Scott Preston Jacket!?   
• Scott Lombardo Jacket 2014 - 10% off £284
• Scott Explorair (Shell Touring Jacket) now 50% off! £182.50
• Many more bargains online!

www.sports-outlet.co.uk

Performance: So you've chosen the fabric - now look for extra features like underarm venting and functional storage in your new jacket.  Adjustable hoods if you need protection on those chairlifts and powderskirts to keep the white stuff out when you're heading back down the hill. Do you need just a shell jacket or some insulation where you need it most?  

Looking Good: the toughest jacket in the world has still got to look good!  The trend now is very much on block solid colours, rather than patterns which date faster.  We love the bright colours - but make your choice: bright top, dark pants; bright top, bright pants; dark top, bright pants....but never dark pants, dark top - don't play it that safe!

New Season Scott Mountain Hard Shell Jackets

Suddenly the summer button has been turned off and it's all systems 'are GO' to get ready for the new  winter season.  So what is new for this winter... let's start with a run through of all new in the SCOTT 2013/14 ski shell jacket range:

Starting with 'Mountain Hard Shells': these are the lightweight shell ski jackets that offer supreme protection and performance for alpine athletes.  No insulation, but breathable, water-tight fabric you can rely on.

The Explorair NG Gore-tex Pro Shell is the ultimate in mountain protection: retailing at £370... we also love the lightweight jackets available in this range - the SCOTT Exploit (RRP £220) and Viretta (RRP £200) which are great for all-season wet-weather protection...we would wear them day in day out!  

And with 10% off at www.sports-outlet.co.uk they won't stay on our shelves for long!