Expert Comparison: Burton Men's [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket vs 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket
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Side by side comparison |  |  |
|---|---|---|
Price | from:$344.96 25% off | $258.97 30% off |
Color options |    |   |
User rating | 4.77(205) | 5(3) |
The Curated Take | Great for Ski Patrol due to its durability, warmth and waterproofing. | Best for people who need a waterproof, breathable jacket for warmer weather skiing, with options for layering on colder days. |
Features | Hand-warmer pockets, Hood, Powder skirt, Waterproof, Zippered pocket, Breathable, Weatherproof | Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable, Powder skirt, Zippered pocket, Hood |
Insulation type | None | None |
In the world of winter sports, the Burton Men's ak Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket and the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket are two top contenders. Both jackets are designed with the serious winter sports enthusiast in mind, offering high-quality waterproofing and breathability. The Burton jacket is praised for its supreme functionality and durability, while the 686 jacket is lauded for its lightweight design and layering potential. However, the Burton jacket stands out for its lifetime warranty and eco-friendly materials, while the 686 jacket shines with its packability and large vents for breathability. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
The Burton Men's ak Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket is a high-performance shell that is perfect for riders who need reliable waterproof and breathable gear. It is versatile in different weather conditions and can be layered for added warmth. The jacket has great mobility and plenty of pockets for storage. It is also eco-friendly with Bluesign® approved materials.
The jacket is designed with a cut that lets the jacket flow with the rider, providing supreme functionality. There are no gimmicks; what’s there works great. The jacket is warm and dry, with a great fit that is cut to snowboard. However, one downside is that you need to unzip to access the phone pocket.
The jacket is ideal for people who really need high-quality waterproof/breathable gear, especially in warmer and wetter regions. It's perfect for riding hard, hiking to lines, and long days on the hill. Despite its minimalistic design, it requires thought on layering for the conditions.
I've had many different AK pieces over the years and they never fail me. The Cyclic Jacket is a 2-layer uninsulated shell, which makes it super versatile in all different weather and temperature conditions. Having the confidence of the waterproof-breathability of GORE-TEX helps keep me dry even if I'm riding in the rain. I feel invincible in AK outerwear.
I've had many different AK pieces over the years and they never fail me. The Cyclic Jacket is a 2-layer uninsulated shell, which makes it super versatile in all different weather and temperature conditions. Having the confidence of the waterproof-breathability of GORE-TEX helps keep me dry even if I'm riding in the rain. I feel invincible in AK outerwear.
Burton Men's [ak] Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket
- We price match
- Returnable
686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket summary
The 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket is a dependable, lightweight, and waterproof shell jacket. It is ideal for warmer weather and allows for layering underneath. The jacket has a minimalist design and features large vents for breathability. It is also packable and has multiple pockets for storage.
The jacket is designed with a high thermal rating but is relatively thin, which gives more options for layering on warmer days. It has one large chest vent to allow cooler air to get straight to the core and work on cooling down the wearer, rather than conventional armpit vents. The chest vent also doubles as an access point to the inside pockets of the coat, so you don't have to unzip the jacket to get into the hidden pockets for lip balm, goggle cloth, tissues, etc.
The jacket is ideal for those looking for a dependable, lightweight, and waterproof shell. It features a GORE-TEX 2-Layer shell, air-flo underarm vents, and a merino wool blend inner collar for added comfort. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer a jacket with more pockets or a shorter fit.
I received this jacket as a gift last year when I outgrew my old one. I was drawn to it because it has a high thermal rating but is relatively thin. I enjoy that because it helps to give more options for layering on warmer days. This jacket can pack up into its hood and fit very nicely in a pack if you are trying to do some touring and don't want to wear your coat on the ascent.
I received this jacket as a gift last year when I outgrew my old one. I was drawn to it because it has a high thermal rating but is relatively thin. I enjoy that because it helps to give more options for layering on warmer days. This jacket can pack up into its hood and fit very nicely in a pack if you are trying to do some touring and don't want to wear your coat on the ascent.
686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket
- We price match
- Returnable
Similarities
Both the Burton Men's ak Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket and the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket are high-performance shells designed for winter sports enthusiasts. They both offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, thanks to their GORE-TEX construction. Both jackets are also versatile in different weather conditions and allow for layering underneath for added warmth. They both have a minimalist design and are praised for their functionality and durability.
Differences and Who They're Good For
While both jackets are designed for winter sports, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences. The Burton jacket is ideal for those who prioritize functionality and durability in their outerwear. It's perfect for those who need reliable waterproof and breathable gear, especially in warmer and wetter regions. It's also a great choice for eco-conscious riders, thanks to its Bluesign® approved materials.
On the other hand, the 686 jacket is a great fit for those looking for a lightweight and packable shell. It's ideal for warmer weather and allows for easy layering underneath. The jacket is also perfect for those who prefer large vents for breathability and multiple pockets for storage. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer a jacket with more pockets or a shorter fit.
Analysis on Who’s the Winner
When it comes to waterproofing and breathability, both jackets perform excellently due to their GORE-TEX construction. However, the Burton jacket's lifetime warranty gives it an edge in terms of durability.
In terms of design and functionality, the Burton jacket's cut that flows with the rider and its eco-friendly materials make it a winner. However, the 686 jacket's large vents for breathability and its packability make it a strong contender, especially for those who prioritize these features.
For versatility in different weather conditions, both jackets are comparable as they allow for layering underneath. However, the Burton jacket's layer technology that keeps you warm when it's cold but doesn't let you overheat in warmer temperatures gives it a slight advantage.
In terms of storage, the 686 jacket's multiple pockets and easy access to the inside pockets give it the upper hand. However, the need to unzip to access the phone pocket in the Burton jacket could be a minor inconvenience for some.
Conclusions
In conclusion, both the Burton Men's ak Cyclic GORE-TEX 2L Jacket and the 686 Men's GORE-TEX GT Jacket are excellent choices for winter sports enthusiasts. They both offer high-quality waterproofing and breathability, along with versatility in different weather conditions.
The Burton jacket stands out for its supreme functionality, durability, and eco-friendly materials. It's a great choice for those who prioritize these features and don't mind the need to unzip to access the phone pocket.
The 686 jacket, on the other hand, shines with its lightweight design, large vents for breathability, and multiple pockets for storage. It's a great fit for those who prefer these features and don't mind a longer fit.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences. So, whether you're hitting the slopes or exploring the backcountry, both jackets are sure to keep you warm and dry in any elements.
