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Expert Comparison: Airblaster Men's Beast Bib Pants vs 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bib Pants

Published on 02/09/2024 · 4 min readCompare Airblaster Men's Beast Bib Pants and 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bib Pants. Get expert insight below!
Nelson A, Snowboarding Expert
Michele J., Snowboarding Expert
Grant K, Snowboarding Expert
Contributed By Snowboarding Expert Nelson A, Michele J., Grant K, Zach Hargreaves, Josh Kulchin and others

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Side by side comparison

Out of stock
Airblaster Men's Beast Bib Pants
Out of stock
686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bib Pants
Price
from:$154.98
50% off
from:$173.97
40% off
Color options
+ 1
User rating
5(2)
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The Curated Take

Best for those needing durable, waterproof, and breathable bib pants.

Best for all-season skiers needing durable, versatile and waterproof pants.

Features
Bib, Waterproof, Zippered pocket, Breathable
Waterproof, Windproof, Belt loop
Insulation type
None
None

In the world of winter sports, the right gear can make or break your experience. Today, we're comparing two heavyweights in the bib pants category: the Airblaster Men's Beast Bib Pants and the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bib Pants. Both are top-notch products, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Beast Bibs are renowned for their durability and waterproofing, making them ideal for those who love to charge hard on deep powder runs. On the other hand, the SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bibs are versatile and adaptable, perfect for all-season skiing. They come with a removable fleece liner for extra warmth on cold days and are designed for comfort and durability. In the end, the choice between the two will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

The Airblaster Men's Beast Bib Pants are a force to be reckoned with. These bibs are designed for those who want full-coverage and protection on deep powder runs. They boast a waterproof membrane and durable construction, making them ideal for harsh weather conditions. The stretch fabric and articulated fit allow for easy movement, while the bib also features mesh-lined vents and an integrated belt for added comfort.

The Beast Bibs are also known for their impressive waterproofing. They can keep you dry even when you're sitting in puddles! The fabric is light and breathable, with venting and mesh to keep the snow out. However, they are a shell, meaning you'll have to layer underneath since there is no insulation.

One minor downside is the pulls, which have a tendency to come off the strings. But that's a small nitpick for a bib that offers such rugged, waterproof, and cool features.

I have 150 days in my current Beast bib. I have run them over rocks, sliced them in trees, and scraped them on boiler plate ice. These are a durable set of bibs that, for the price, are some of the best waterproofing around.

Nelson A
Snowboarding Expert

The 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bib Pants are all about versatility and adaptability. These bib pants are perfect for confident all-season skiers who want a durable and versatile pant. They come with a removable stretch fleece liner for extra warmth on cold days, and the shell is made with 20K waterproof fabric to keep you dry in any conditions.

These bibs are designed with external waist adjusters to prevent ride-up, anti-abrasion coated kick panels for durability, and fully taped seams for longevity. They also feature reinforced seams and multiple pockets for added convenience.

One of the standout features of the SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bib Pants is the removable stretch-poly fleece pant midlayer. This can be worn like sweatpants during après activities, making these bibs not just functional, but also versatile.

Excellent bib from 686 that sure to keep you warm, comfortable and dry on any type of day on the mountain! These bibs are awesome! These will pair perfectly with the 3 in 1 jacket from 686 in your curation!

Michele J.
Snowboarding Expert

Similarities

Both the Airblaster Men's Beast Bib Pants and the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bib Pants are designed for winter sports enthusiasts who demand the best from their gear. They both offer excellent waterproofing and breathability, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable on the slopes. Both bibs also feature an articulated fit for easy movement, and they both have mesh-lined vents for cooling off.

Differences and Who They're Good For

While both bibs are high-quality products, they cater to different needs. The Beast Bibs are all about durability and waterproofing. They're ideal for those who love to charge hard on deep powder runs and need a rugged, waterproof bib to keep them dry.

On the other hand, the SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bibs are all about versatility and adaptability. They're perfect for all-season skiers who want a durable and versatile pant that can adapt to changing weather conditions. The removable fleece liner is a standout feature, offering extra warmth on cold days and the option to go light when the sun peeks out.

Analysis on Who’s the Winner

When it comes to durability, the Beast Bibs take the crown. They've been tested in harsh conditions and have proven their worth. For waterproofing, it's a tie. Both bibs offer excellent waterproofing, keeping you dry in any conditions. In terms of comfort, the SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bibs edge out the Beast Bibs, thanks to their removable fleece liner and external waist adjusters. Finally, for versatility, the SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bibs are the clear winner, with their removable liner and adaptability to different weather conditions.

Conclusions

In conclusion, both the Airblaster Men's Beast Bib Pants and the 686 Men's SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bib Pants are excellent choices for winter sports enthusiasts. The Beast Bibs are perfect for those who need a rugged, waterproof bib for deep powder runs, while the SMARTY 3-in-1 Cargo Bibs are ideal for all-season skiers who want a versatile and adaptable pant. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences. But one thing's for sure: with either of these bibs, you'll be ready to conquer the slopes in style and comfort.

Curated experts can help

Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert and get personalized recommendations for whatever you’re looking for!

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