I bought my first pair of Vertical Cut Freerides in 2006 (see my other much older review) and still have that pair kicking. I have also added a yellow pair since and together they are the best gloves I have ever used for skiing bar none. I have used/use for activities other than skiing many other gloves including Mammut Schoeller, Black Diamond Mad Max, Marmot Ultimate, Marmot Work Glove, Reusch, OR, Mountain Hardwear, and several other Hestras such as Heli Glove, Heli Mitt XCR, XCR Long, XCR short, RSL Comp VC, Perrett Pro Model, etc. But for skiing the best glove by a significant margin that I've ever tried is still the Vertical Cut Freeride and mine have worn great. I have two pairs so each probably gets only about 10-15 days per season. They are not the best in the most frigid conditions (near 0F) or warm/wet conditions (over 35-40F). But for most ski conditions these are the absolute best glove out there. Be sure to get the right size as sizing is important to get the snug fit that you want for that ultimate pole-grip and feel. I said before that the under-cuff design was genius and I stand by that several years later. It is a much cleaner glove/sleeve interface (you don't look like you're about to give a cow a rectal exam), makes getting the gloves on easier (no cinching gaunlets with one hand), and with many better ski apparel makers including internal wrist gaiters on jackets nowadays it's still an airtight/snowtight interface.

In the shoe these are the best socks out there. They really do what they claim and make just about any endeavor more comfortable. They have less bulk than most other socks. Most sock companies claim to have different materials/construction in different areas for support , etc. but I think X-Socks takes this to a whole new level of precision and performance. I'm not sure where these ones specifically were made, but I know some of the X-socks I have are made in Italy (either these or the Speed Metal). I have used the biking ultralight for years now for biking and the hiking socks in boots and picked up some of these recently for walking/golf. I would advise that they are not the most durable out of the shoe for walking around in just socks. I found them easy to get holes in compared to other brands such as Smartwool and Bridgedale, which have much more material to them. I had lost several right foot socks from the mid-hiking ones before I stopped doing this. At this price you should be careful with them and wash them as per the instructions with air drying only. An occasional one has made its way into the dryer and come out okay though. In the shoe they do seem to last forever. The biking ones that I immediately take off after a several hour ride are still as good as new. It can be a bit confusing with all the different types, so I would suggest trying a pair from several different models until you find your favorite and then splurge for a half-dozen or more pairs if you can afford it.

I must admit that these metal ones are better than the regular run performance in terms of feel (very thin construction) and temperature regulation. They look pretty cool as well with a metallic sheen. In the shoe these are the best socks out there. They really do what they claim and make just about any endeavor more comfortable. They have less bulk than most other socks. Most sock companies claim to have different materials/construction in different areas for support , etc. but I think X-Socks takes this to a whole new level of precision and performance. I'm not sure where these ones specifically were made, but I know some of the X-socks I have are made in Italy (either these or the Speed Metal). I have used the biking ultralight for years now for biking and the hiking socks in boots and picked up some of these recently for walking/golf. I would advise that they are not the most durable out of the shoe for walking around in just socks. I found them easy to get holes in compared to other brands such as Smartwool and Bridgedale, which have much more material to them. I had lost several right foot socks from the mid-hiking ones before I stopped doing this. At this price you should be careful with them and wash them as per the instructions with air drying only. An occasional one has made its way into the dryer and come out okay though. In the shoe they do seem to last forever. The biking ones that I immediately take off after a several hour ride are still as good as new. It can be a bit confusing with all the different types, so I would suggest trying a pair from several different models until you find your favorite and then splurge for a half-dozen or more pairs if you can afford it.

I have two pairs of these, one in the older style nylon twill fabric from a couple seasons ago when the Davos first replaced the Vail pant and one in the newer stretch Primeflex fabric. They are the benchmark for all other ski pants I've used/tried (Kjus, Arc'teryx, TNF, Oakley, 66 North) . Not only is the fit great for me (6'2" 185-I usually wear a large or preferably a large tall but got these in XL) the new style has an even better fit that is less baggy and thus gives you more freedom of movement. They also redesigned the thigh vents to slash more across the front of your legs rather than just down the sides, allowing a lot of air to rush in, especially if you're moving or its windy. I wear these in just about any weather from single digits to 40s with the vents open with just CW-X's underneath. The rest of the features are just top-of-the-line Spyder: Very well-made with extra stitching and extra panels all over, waterproof zips with garages, waist adjusters, nice pulls and big buttons that you can use with gloves, etc. Every year they show that they really listen to users of their products because they come up with little design improvements that really work.

I have only tried these on so far as it's summer, but if I don't review a product right when I get the email reminder, I will never remember later. So, to start, I have been looking for a softshell gauntlet glove with the ability to actually hold tools, etc. and I think these are a great pair. They have some insulation but still keep the hands dexterous enough to manipulate whatever you are holding. Black Diamond gloves are all pretty well made in my experience and these seem to be as well with Schoeller and Pittards components. Nice-sized gauntlet (not too short for the task it's intended for but not so long that you think you are on an expedition to Everest). Most standard features of nicer gauntlet gloves such as elastic wrist, one-handed cinch pulls on gauntlet cuff. Also, the ice specific padding on the top of the hand will come in handy. Seems substantial but it is stretchy material so that it will not affect movement. Overall a very well designed softshell ice glove. Note about waterproofness-I'm not sure about the insert they use and I haven't used these in wet conditions- so I cannot comment on their waterproofness-but in my experience softshell gloves are pretty much never totally waterproof when soaked. Personally, I'm looking for more breathability with high-activity, which is what softshell construction is meant for, and what these gloves should provide very well.

Arc'teryx makes the best fitting apparel for me at 6'2" and 185 lbs., along with 66 North Iceland. An Arc'teryx large is a perfect fit, especially with their longer sleeves than many other brands (a certain "hardwear" company specifically). Adding this MX, I now have a full Gamma lineup with the now discontinued LT, and a couple SV's. Even though this one is manufactured across the Pacific, it still seems to have the great Arc'teryx quality in construction. I like the garbanzo color I got on sale as well, it looks like khaki to me. Best for cool conditions in the 45-55 range. Very windproof, thin and light. I've worn it in a drizzle and water beads well. I haven't had a chance to try it in anything cooler yet.

Very nice pants, can't beat softshell feel plus waterproof. I have the Stingray pant as well but these have a bit softer outside feel and have a little more of a fleecy lining. Arc'teryx makes the best general purpose outerwear. I can't wait to use these on the slopes.

I just bought these this summer, but have had the Vail pant (this model's precursor) for several seasons and they were great. Spyder's top-of-the-line Legend Series stuff is the probably the best ski apparel out there. Perfect design, excellent durability, just the right amount of insulation. They also think of all the details that make these bibs look as great as the function.

Gave it to my 4 yr. old nephew for Xmas and he loves this sweatshirt. Spyder has their great logo enlarged on the back and as with all Spyder clothing, you get what you pay for. For a premium price you get a premium kids sweatshirt.

I haven't used these yet on the slopes, but I did use a different pair of Hestras a good deal last ski season (Dominique Perret Power Dry model), and they are by far my favorite gloves. I'm not sure why but their gloves seem to conform to my hands better than any others, and they have the best pole-grip while still being very warm for their relative lack of bulky insulation. Whoever first came up with the neoprene under cuff design is also a genius. I have two pairs of Hestra and one pair of Mammut under cuff gloves now. I have used Reusch gloves but find the Hestras better all around (fit, durability, warmth, low-bulk, etc.) as skiing-specific gloves.