These days, it seems like everyone is sporting a monosuit, also known as a one-piece suit, on the slopes and trails. Most outerwear manufacturers now include them in their product lines, and for good reason. While some riders might choose them for the fashion aspect, one-piece suits are actually a practical choice in outerwear. After years of being relegated to retro closing day attire, the one-piece ski suit is making a comeback, and we’re here for it.
This article delves into the world of men's one-piece snowmobile suits, focusing on their practicality, features, and overall value. We'll also explore a review of the CKX Elevation Zero One Piece Suit, providing insights into its fit, warmth, waterproofing, and breathability.
Why Choose a One-Piece Snowmobile Suit?
One of the primary reasons for the resurgence of one-piece suits is their practicality. Onesies make getting dressed easy, keep snow at bay on the deepest of powder days, and provide next-level warmth that keeps you out longer and pushes you to go bigger. It’s a snow-proof cocoon that’s built for powder hunters and style icons alike.
Here are some key advantages of wearing a one-piece snowmobile suit:
- Ease of Use: Simplifies the dressing process.
- Snow Protection: Keeps snow out, especially in deep powder conditions.
- Enhanced Warmth: Provides superior insulation, allowing for longer rides in cold weather.
- Comfort: Eliminates bunching around the waist and prevents snow intrusion.
CKX Elevation Zero One Piece Suit Review
CKX has been producing one-piece suits for several years, and their latest version for men is called Elevation. With the 2020 sled season swinging in late here on the Coast, we didn’t really have an early season. But in classic fashion, when mother nature finally kicked it into gear we were hammered with snow. Day after day it came down, and before we knew it there was a solid base. Our first days of riding were ridiculously deep pow shredding fun, with perfect weather for testing out CKX’s Elevation Zero suit.
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Here's a detailed look at the CKX Elevation Zero:
Fit and Comfort
Having rocked a few onesies over the years, and I have a fair and discerning mind for what I like in a suit. Number one is fit. A little baggy, but not too loose. Articulated elbows and knees. A comfortable suspender system-check, check, check. The Elevation is rocking it so far and I was just putting my boots on.
Warmth
Without any insulation, the Zero doesn’t provide much warmth, but here in Whistler I don’t find I need much until it hits ten degrees below zero anyway.
Waterproofing
Having worn inexpensive gear before, the biggest problem is usually with the waterproofing. With a middle-of-the-pack 20K waterproof rating in the Elevation suit, I was a little worried as to how it would perform in wet, Whistler snow. But so far I haven’t had any issues, no soaking through on the deep pow days.
Breathability
Coming off an injury and being a little out of sled shape those first few days had me sweating my ass off, but the breathability of the suit really impressed me. At the end of the day I was pretty much as dry inside as when I started out in the morning.
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Other Features
The CKX Elevation Zero One Piece features a large hood that stays out of the way while riding, but covers you up nicely when you’re chilling for a break in a snowstorm or in the wind.
Downsides
While I am very impressed with the suit I did find a couple of cons. First, the weight of the suit feels to be on the heavier side. Secondly, the leg cuffs are wide-like really wide.
Summary
Overall, CKX has done a great job with the Elevation Zero One Piece Suit.
Alternatives to Consider
While the CKX Elevation Zero is a solid choice, there are other one-piece suits on the market worth considering:
- Strafe Sickbird Suit: Known for its durability and protection, ideal for riders who push their limits.
- Airblaster Sassy Beast Suit: Sets a high bar for keeping waist-deep snow out and cold at bay-all day long.
- Arc’teryx Incendia One-Piece Suit: Designed for women, offering a balance of style and performance.
- Helly Hansen Ullr Chugach Infinity Powder Suit: Perfect for resort skiing, but backcountry skiers will be able to make the most of safety extras like the beacon pocket, hi-vis details, and built-in RECCO avalanche rescue tech.
Snowmobile Gear vs. Ski Gear
Many newcomers to snowmobiling often wonder if their existing ski gear is sufficient. While ski gear can work in a pinch, dedicated snowmobile clothes offer superior durability and protection.
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Ski gear isn't durable enough. You'll save money in the long run with snowmobile gear. Dedicated snowmobile clothes have much heavier nylon/cordura than ski clothing has. It makes a big difference in water repellency, windstopping and general durability.
Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Ski Gear | Snowmobile Gear |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Lower | Higher |
| Water Repellency | Moderate | Excellent |
| Wind Resistance | Good | Superior |
| Material | Lighter Fabrics | Heavier Nylon/Cordura |
How to choose a snowmobile suit. Basic rules. #snowmobile #equipment #moto #suit
Brands to Consider
When it comes to snowmobile gear, several brands stand out for their quality and performance:
- Klim: Known for high-quality, durable gear, although some find it pricey.
- Tobe: A strong contender to Klim, offering excellent fit and style.
- Motorfist: While possibly out of business, their gear is still highly regarded.
- 509: A more affordable option, but quality may vary.
Other brands like Polaris, CMK, Coldwave, Skidoo, HMK, DaKine, and Castle X also offer reliable options.
Additional Tips for Choosing Snowmobile Gear
- Gloves: Invest in two pairs of quality gloves and swap them midday to keep your hands dry.
- Boots: Consider snowmobile-specific boots for added warmth and durability. Klim boots are a must for many riders.
- Helmets: Don't compromise on helmet quality. Fit and protection are crucial.
- Layering: Opt for non-insulated suits and use layers to regulate temperature. A lightweight down puffy can be added for extra warmth.
tags: #one #piece #snowmobile #suit #mens