We “Westerners” like gear that’s versatile for a lot of different conditions. We ride almost eight months out of the year and in every type of weather, from frigid cold blizzards to 60+ F in the spring. We are not seat riders; we navigate very technical terrain on every outing, so we need gear that performs without fail. We were extremely impressed with the Thrust jacket and bib combo from Castle X. There was no “break-in” period; it was flexible, lightweight, breathable and waterproof. We were also impressed with the pockets to carry all of the extras and really liked the vents in warmer weather. Overall, it was everything us mountain guys look for in our gear. Of course, you also want your gear to look good, and this combo does not disappoint.
Cost: $329.99–$349.99 (jacket); $299.99 (bibs).
More info: www.castlesales.com