So with the AK line I'm often left wondering - are you just paying for the Gore Tex license? Because if you deconstruct the jacket and pants you're left with materials that don't expand upon a range of efficiency and protection beyond what you see in Burton's higher end Burton line up (2L &3L). Adding to this point ... the last few years, Burton has contracted with FYI Designs to help design the AK lineup, including outerwear, gloves and packs. FYI is based in the BC Interior, nestled in the mountains, with direct access to some of the best powder in North America. With FYI's pedigree as former designers for Arcteryx, you would expect this stuff to be functional and durable. But, more on durability later first I want to hack into pedigree ...I should note all of this is purely anecdotal and from the consumer perspective. But that could be the single biggest thing I get stuck on - are you paying for something that is hinging on a brands name and reputation only? Because if that's the case then Burton is doing a disservice to those who are buying the gear for highly technical purposes. Yes, that's a loaded statement but very much true. Are you buying this gear for the latest sublaminated hyped up print your see jeremy Jones or Jussi wearing? The flip side is you are looking to buy gear that will undergo the harshest conditions out there and function day over day.
After scoping out and owning a few pieces of AK over the past five seasons I think its quite possible that AK has gone the way of sacrificing product efficiency for minimalism. Again, I understand the need the need to be lightweight and that is an essential of function but not at the cost of durability. My old Ronin gear hangs tough and in excellent condition after 15, 30, 50 days - hey today was day 76 for one pair of old ronin cargos and I've lost a belt loop over the time that's it. Around the 10 day mark all of my AK has slowly evaporated in the stitching, zipper function and actually developing stress points that tear. The final straw for me was last year when a pair of AK Stagger pants got torn in the backcountry and the was no W48 to cover it. I was lucky in the fact I got this gear off proform. Had I paid full price ... there's no chance I would buy Burton again.The sad thing is - I still love the AK line. As far as soul of a brand I think the AK line does a really amazing job of fusing the soul of people like Jake & Craig Kelly with the innovation that today's snowboarding brings. But, at the same time when you see guys like Terje wearing more straight Burton gear than AK you know something's fishy in the lineup. So, it's a shame that AK has gone the way it has and if I pull my Burton proform out this year - I won't be buying any of the gear. Bottom line - even at profrom prices, Burton AK just isn't worth the money anymore.
+1. I picked up a pair of large Stagger pants last season. As of now there are probably around 10 days on them, give or take. I had to get them repaired them for some tiny cuts (probably from edges hitting it at an awkward angle while carrying a board) and have some frayed threads and the like. The construction is not as solid as on numerous other pants I've ridden that cost considerably less. I also got them pretty cheap and would not pick up another pair.
ReplyDeleteFunny to read this as I am shopping for a new pair of pants after wearing some AK for the last few years. Waterproofing was initially lame and quickly progressed to terrible. A sloppy morning at Northstar last week was the final straw for those highly overpriced duds. As someone who lived for a while in VT I hate to say I shall buy Burton no more.
ReplyDeleteSo you tore your Stagger pant in the backcountry on a tree or your sisters last remaining tooth and now the whole line is dead ?WTF?
ReplyDeleteAK is lifetime warranty. So cry yourself into a new AK pant and give us little people your proform.
Unless you have some real points as why the line is going south. My AK gear is still kicking it and it's been out over 60 times this year. In S&D and trees it's my fav jacket.
SOTN Does have a point. Burton over the past few years has been manufacturing so many pieces to try and touch every ounce of the shred market that their quality in the high end garment has slipped some. I'm not talking design. This comes down to construction and MFG QC.
ReplyDeleteFYI Mr. Lifetime Warranty
Burton's warranty policy
We warranty all products purchased from an Authorized Burton Dealer to be free of defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
ROCK DAMAGE AND ANY OTHER IMPACT RELATED DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY.
Lifetime warranty only refers to GORETEX waterproofing
http://www.burton.com/Softgoods-Guidelines/softgoods-guidelines,default,pg.html
got the greenlight to w48 my 3L hovers. will keep everyone posted.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know you GOT A PROFORM five-billion times. It would be nice if you could actually ride a snowboard.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, you don't have backcountry on the east coast.
Keep on hooning the industry, Hoon.
P.S. You might want to do a little more homework on FYI and their location.
Hey AK (or whoever you are)
ReplyDeleteI got a proform. yay!
1. Jonny wrote this piece based on his experiences with AK 3L. Reading comprehension FTW!
ReplyDelete2. Last time I checked, FYI is based in Pemberton BC
3. No backcountry in the East? That's right. We just spend all our time iceskating in Starter jackets listening to Bruce and Bon Jovi.
4. I actually agree with a lot of what Jonny wrote but am in the process of writing a counterpoint based on my most recent experiences with Burton and AK.
AK, I suggest we settle our differences by meeting at the top of K-145 for a ski-off through the mogul course of death. You bring the blonde plus your jock friends and I'll bring that French, foreign exchange student and Booger.
and then after wards we'll have FRENCH fries
ReplyDeleteFRENCH bread
FRENCH dressing
and to drink Peru ...
Lack of quality control on my AK 3L Hover Jacket : AK logo print on upper sleeve was partly smudged. The shop is wanting to see a pic of it and said they will contact Burton for a response.
ReplyDelete