The Recon Stretch Pants have been redesigned for added articulation and mobility, making them ideal for skiers who shred both in-bounds and out-of-bounds.
For skiers and riders who demand comfort and mobility for big backcountry missions and resort days, the Recon Pant delivers.
Our Recon Stretch outerwear is built to go uphill and downhill without limitation, offering waterproofness, breathability, durability, and stretch.
Key Features and Performance
With 4-way stretch fabric and movement-focused patterning, these pants move with you in the mountains.
The Recon features two zippered thigh pockets, including a low-profile electronics pocket on the right side.
Read also: Performance Analysis: Black Diamond Ski Pants
A contoured waistband provides extra coverage and the ability to dial in fit with Velcro adjustments on the sides, snap closure, and belt loops.
An integrated RECCO reflector adds a safety feature to the pants, while the instep patches guard against ski edges.
Comparison with Alternatives
Arc’teryx Sabre
The Recon Stretch might be $200 less than the Arc’teryx Sabre, but the two go head-to-head for serious skiers looking for a premium, technically savvy pant.
They both feature a similar aesthetic, with a regular fit (not too trim, not too baggy), sleek, coated zippers, and a well-designed waist that uses a built-in belt rather than Velcro adjustments.
The Sabre offers a bump in protection, too, with a Gore-Tex membrane and stiffer, thicker shell fabric but lacks the mobility of the stretchier Recon.
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And if you like to store your beacon in your pant pocket, we think the Recon has a much more accommodating design.
All told, the Recon is a better value, but in wet weather, it’s hard to match the performance of the Sabre’s Gore-Tex.
Flylow Chemical
The 3-layer Flylow Chemical is also built to play double duty in the front and the backcountry, with a beacon pocket and vents on both the inner and outer leg.
But its thick build (150D), baggier fit, and annoying inner thigh vents make it less than ideal for uphill travel.
The Flylow’s build quality is also a step down, and the waist belt in particular has bulky Velcro adjustments on the outside and a cheap button closure.
Read also: Black Diamond Gloves for Extreme Conditions
We think the Recon Stretch is by far the better design, but if you want a more durable 3-layer pant and don’t want to step up to a higher price point, the Chemical is a good option.
Summary Table
| Feature | Black Diamond Recon Stretch | Arc'teryx Sabre | Flylow Chemical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | 4-way stretch fabric | Gore-Tex | 3-layer fabric (150D) |
| Fit | Regular | Regular | Baggier |
| Mobility | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Waterproofness | Waterproof | Gore-Tex | Waterproof |
| Breathability | High | High | Moderate |
| Pockets | 2 thigh pockets (electronics pocket) | Yes | Beacon pocket |
| Waist Adjustment | Velcro | Built-in Belt | Velcro |
| Additional Features | RECCO reflector, instep patches | Sleek coated zippers | Inner/outer leg vents |
| Price | Mid-range | High-end | Mid-range |