Vadim Kim

Very-very strong, stretchy and warm fabric + functional (=beautiful) cut.
The external face of material is dense weaved and smooth, almost like hardshell, and comfy plush inside. Dries really fast.
Good to have a choice with light colored models, for hot Spring sun.

Opted for size MEDIUM (65kg/172cm, 29 waist) and very pleased with the fit. Cinch velcros on the waist (half way) and no need for extra belt, no weird wrinkles under the pack's waist-belt etc., smooth like my relaxed chinos: not too baggy but definitely stylish. A bit long with a casual footwear (so fold a little and use draw cord on cuffs), but exactly what I needed for ski/trekking boots.

Cuffs fully loaded with features like hidden laces hooks, scuff protection patches, draw cords, riveted grommets to use it as gaiters and zippers to fit over the wider ski-boot cuffs - using all of them permanently!
Four mesh lined zippered pockets. My personal favorite - thigh pocket, big&deep and do not restrict the freedom of movements when loaded.

Not the lightest&packable softshells so be prepared if concerned.

One minor thing I'd like to be changed - the front/thigh pockets zippers direction. As the pants are very flexible and stretchy these zippers become partially undone permanently when you are moving, and you have to constantly check-fix it. IMHO, if turned upside down this will not be an issue any more.

Anyway, very beautiful and functional pants.

Didn't get all that hype about Vert Cut Freerides.
Yes, it is sexy and good looking, but nothing more (for me).

Too many layers of leather, insulator and stitches on the palm,
weird wrinkles (especially in below zero conditions when the leather become inelastic)
and pole grip like a jelly in your hand.

Not enough articulation for pole grip.
Never had such a problem before but it's like climbing expanders, always forcing against bending fingers.

Very narrow comfort temperature zone.
When its not to cold or you're hot - they are soggy inside and hard to dry out for next morning.
When its become colder - my fingers freeze very fast.

Skied them for month. Hoped that leather should "break in", but nope.
Neoprene cuff near the velcro flap started to rip off...

And don't buy it in white: sno-seal + couple of days skiing and they are dirty-grey

Use it for skiing primarily. I am 172cm/65kg, generally wear 30" waist jeans, and the size M is just right on me wearing it over padded protective shorts. The softshell part a little bit loose, but its nice for unrestricted freedom of movement and excessive upper body heat transport.
Smooth and sturdy bombshell material, no problems with tree-branches so far.
Waterproof, breathable but when it gets really cold (-25C and lower) I can feel wind-chill, so good layering is a must.
Full set of outer pockets. Bottom protective panels do protect from the ski edges due to the big and though-out coverage area. The gaiters are generous and accommodate any boot, but there is no way to make it sealed when it's deep.

My personal favorite - two bib pockets. Walkie-talkie, digicam, spare gloves etc, no need for backpack on resorts now. And I'm not afraid of broken ribs cause it's securely stored in warmth on belly, and not dangling around in my outer shell pockets and not interfere with my skiing. Bib-to-bottom zipper problem solved by couple of stitches, not a big deal but might be improved.

Issues I'd like to modify:
- the bib straps with velcro panels are folded towards the body, and the doubled part (especially the seam at the strap's end) is pretty thick and annoying right over my clavicle. I think to fold it towards the outer shell is more natural.
Also the straps "Y"-stem on the back could be ~10cm higher to make them more stable on the shoulders.
- bib-pants zipper tab fixation (may be some velcro).
- gaiters width adjustment (velcro flap?)
- outer pockets zipper pull-tabs are too subtle. I can hardly feel it in my ski gloves while trying to find it blindfold.
- side vent zippers, w/o mesh (could be nice for vent and to have access to your knees).

Not too much, though.

Having several Stoic garments now I can say that the fit is the biggest challenge buying Stoic. If it fits you - it's worth it (don't forget about SAC and geartrade).

Keep your knees warm and somewhat protected and they will thank you.
But hopefully you'll never know it.

Use it for Alpine skiing. Have small knees, but the big Telekneesis seashells are nicely curved so they fit me with a side-to-side coverage. Cut excessive strap length, keep it a bit loose and literally can't feel I'm wearing it while skiing. Also pads require some extra space under your outer pants to not interfere with knee bending.

As for protection - not sure about snowboard specific protection (which is more demanding I think) but it works fine for small issues like hitting tree branches etc.

Very thin, just like your second skin.
Very smooth and stretchy material, feels more like a lycra not the wool, and it doesn't matter how long you're wearing it - every time it's snug on your foot without folds and wrinkles. Even when wet.
There is no stupid branding or X-men-like padding thankfully.
Pretty durable, one season in one pair and still on duty
(but care your fingernails regularly).
And yes, after all it smells like flowers, not like my feet.

Search mission complete and I just remembered my size (fits true to size), and hope that Smartwool will do it eternally