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Expert Comparison: Burton Women's Avalon GORE-TEX 2L Bib Pants vs 686 Women's Black Magic Bib Pants

Published on 02/02/2024 · 4 min readCompare Burton Women's Avalon GORE-TEX 2L Bib Pants and 686 Women's Black Magic Bib Pants. Get expert insight below!
Marisa Cook, Snowboarding Expert
Grant K, Snowboarding Expert
Delaney K., Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Marisa Cook, Grant K, Delaney K., Zach Hargreaves, Jed Daltorio and others

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Side by side comparison

Final sale
Burton Women's Avalon GORE-TEX 2L Bib Pants
Final sale
686 Women's Black Magic Bib Pants
Price
$169.98
50% off
$161.97
40% off
Color options
+ 3
+ 1
User rating
4.72(67)
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The Curated Take

Best for riders who value comfort, breathability, and flexibility in various weather conditions.

Best for women seeking warmth and style on the slopes due to its infiLOFT insulation and tailored fit.

Features
Bib, Hand-warmer pockets, Waterproof, Windproof, Breathable, Zippered pocket, Quick-drying, Weatherproof
Waterproof, Windproof
Insulation type
None
Synthetic

In the world of winter sports, the right gear can make or break your experience. Today, we're comparing two top-notch bib pants: the Burton Women's Avalon GORE-TEX 2L Bib Pants and the 686 Women's Black Magic Bib Pants. Both are excellent choices, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Burton Avalon is a waterproof, stylish, and durable option, ideal for riders who prioritize staying dry and protected from the wind. However, it's not the warmest option and may require layering in colder conditions. On the other hand, the 686 Black Magic offers a tailored fit and classic style, with added insulation in the knees and seat for extra warmth. It's a great choice for those who want both style and functionality on the mountain. In the end, the best bib for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

The Burton Women's Avalon GORE-TEX 2L Bib Pants are a fantastic choice for riders who want to stay dry and protected from the wind. These bib pants are waterproof, stylish, and durable, making them ideal for all weather conditions. They are comfortable, breathable, and flexible, with straps and zippers that allow for easy restroom use. However, they are not very warm and may not be suitable for temperatures below 15 degrees without layering.

These bib pants are designed with functionality in mind. The straps and zippers are placed in such a way that you don't have to undress to use the restroom, and the straps never slip off your shoulders. They come in a variety of lengths and the fit has been tailored down in the legs compared to the softshell version, so you're not swimming in them. The seams are fully taped and the zippers have also been improved upon, they always stay up even if you don't clasp the other closures.

Working in a ski shop, I live in my bibs and continue to purchase the Avalon series for their functionality. Specifically, the straps and zippers are placed in such a way that I don't have to undress to use the restroom and the straps never slip off my shoulders.

Marisa Cook
Snowboarding Expert

The 686 Women's Black Magic Bib Pants are perfect for those looking for a comfortable and stylish option on the slopes. With a tailored fit and classic design, these bib pants offer a flattering look. The infiDRY 10K/10K 2-layer construction keeps wintry weather out, while the mesh-lined inseam vents help regulate temperature. The pants also feature insulated knees and seat for added warmth, as well as multiple pockets for storage.

These bib pants are designed with a 2-layer infiDRY construction and infiLOFT insulation, which will keep you warm and protected from wintry weather. The pants also feature multiple pockets, adjustable shoulder straps, and other convenient features for a comfortable and functional fit.

The Black Magic Insulated Bib Pant from 686 will keep you feeling comfy all day long. The mesh-lined inseam vents let the heat out when we're riding hard, and insulated knees and seat keep us from getting chilled on the chairlift.

Grant K
Snowboarding Expert

Similarities

Both the Burton Women's Avalon GORE-TEX 2L Bib Pants and the 686 Women's Black Magic Bib Pants are designed with the needs of winter sports enthusiasts in mind. They both offer excellent protection from the elements, with waterproofing and breathability features. Both pants also have a focus on comfort and functionality, with features like mesh-lined vents for temperature regulation and multiple pockets for storage. They also both offer a tailored fit, ensuring that you're not swimming in your pants while you're out on the slopes.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both bib pants offer excellent features, they cater to different needs and preferences. The Burton Avalon is ideal for riders who prioritize staying dry and protected from the wind. It's a great choice for those who are out in all weather conditions and need a durable, waterproof option. However, it's not the warmest option and may require layering in colder conditions.

On the other hand, the 686 Black Magic is perfect for those who want a balance of style and functionality. It offers a tailored fit and classic design, with added insulation in the knees and seat for extra warmth. This makes it a great choice for those who want to stay warm and stylish on the slopes.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to waterproofing, the Burton Avalon takes the lead with its GORE-TEX 2L construction. For style and fit, the 686 Black Magic shines with its tailored fit and classic design. In terms of warmth, the 686 Black Magic comes out on top with its added insulation in the knees and seat. Finally, for functionality, it's a tie - both bib pants offer excellent features like mesh-lined vents and multiple pockets.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Burton Women's Avalon GORE-TEX 2L Bib Pants and the 686 Women's Black Magic Bib Pants are excellent choices for winter sports enthusiasts. The best one for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize staying dry and protected from the wind, the Burton Avalon is a great choice. If you want a balance of style and functionality with added warmth, the 686 Black Magic is the way to go. Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these top-notch bib pants. Happy riding!

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