Klim or HMK gear

[CROW]

One is grey xxl (last years model) used 1 season $125 shipped, and the other is orange xl (2006 model) used 1 season $100 shipped.

Hmmmm...XL to XXL in just one season, now we know where the username comes from. j/k


I wear the Powerxross pullover as well, great fitting and performing piece. I checked out the HMK stuff, while it was high quality stuff it seemed heavier and not as flexible.

 

[Justin Credible]

I have no experience with klim or HMK but I have Castle X Camo Switch and other than the looks and the price I'm not impressed. The velcro on both the pants and jacket is ripping off and the big rubber logo on the pant leg fell off after less than half a season of riding. Water proof they are not, I would have to hang the pants up in front of the heat register so they'd be dry for the next morning and the bottom of the pant leg builds up with snow way to much. They do fit well and allow for easy movement and even in -40 weather with some Helly Hansons on I was sweating but the build quality just isn't there. You get what you pay for I guess and that's the last time I buy Castle.

 

[Vertical_Escape]

I have no experience with klim or HMK but I have Castle X Camo Switch and other than the looks and the price I'm not impressed. The velcro on both the pants and jacket is ripping off and the big rubber logo on the pant leg fell off after less than half a season of riding. Water proof they are not, I would have to hang the pants up in front of the heat register so they'd be dry for the next morning and the bottom of the pant leg builds up with snow way to much. They do fit well and allow for easy movement and even in -40 weather with some Helly Hansons on I was sweating but the build quality just isn't there. You get what you pay for I guess and that's the last time I buy Castle.

I'd have to closely echo the above. Castle might work OK for trail riding, but it's not well enough made to hold up to a lot of abuse. Switched to full Klim mid-season and was thrilled with the results, warm, dry, durable.......what more could be asked.

 

[F-Bomb]

Phatty not fatty! He can hide behind a willow. Klim sponsors him cause they only have to use 1/3 of the fabric! They can get three riders for the price of one. What was left from his apparel they used to outfit Gardiner! hey hey

 

[m1000cat]

LOVE MY KLIM GEAR TOMAHAWK JACKET & VALDEZ PARKA TOGWOTEE BIBS
NEVER WET.....THERE GLOVES A DIFFERENT STORY ALWAYS WET OR FROZEN

 

[phatty]

Phatty not fatty! He can hide behind a willow. Klim sponsors him cause they only have to use 1/3 of the fabric! They can get three riders for the price of one. What was left from his apparel they used to outfit Gardiner! hey hey

ive been eating hardy this summer and i dont think the willow is going to cut it... i have to use small aspen saplings to hide myself

gardiner could build himself a 2 man tent out of my left over apparel! hahaha

lets get you to out to cali in 4 weeks mister F bomb!!!

 

[Snowgov]

Klim gear

You can't go wrong with KLIM gear. Breathes well and is comfortable all day long. I'll be looking to add to my collection this fall. Good Luck!

 

[Timber700RMK]

I have Klim bibs & parka & love them. I would also love to try HMK, but they only make short (normal) size pants & jackets.

 

[schmitt]

ttt for flatlander_99!!

 

[PowderBrad]

HMK has bew gear loaded ont ehir site. 2 new coats and pants. Women stuff and youth now. Boots ucnahnged it seems.

 

[live2ride]

I have Klim bibs & parka & love them. I would also love to try HMK, but they only make short (normal) size pants & jackets.

They have Tall sizes coming in 2 weeks!!!! I talked to Kirk at Haydays, and we discussed his new line, I also got my son a youth coat!!! I love the line!!!

 

[YETIms]

this one

i like this one!

 

[Work - Never]

It all boils down to GORETEX.

Either you believe Gore-Tex does a better job of keeping you dry and allowing your body to breathe then other products or you don’t. If you believe it does your only choice in snowmobile specific clothing is Klim. If you don’t believe it does or you don’t think it really matters buy HMK or any of the other products using other waterproof materials.

Do some research on Gore-Tex and decide for yourself. There are 4 things Gore-Tex may do better then any other material on the market today. Keep out water, breathe, keep out wind, and seal seams. If you do the research it won’t take long to understand why Klim is willing to go through all of the hoopla to use the Gore name, or why they have to charge more for their product to make the same profit as others who sell for less.

There are lots of things I am willing to cut corners on, but with the sleds I ride today and the country I ride in, I am not willing to cut corner’s on the clothing that I depend on to keep me alive if something goes bad. I don’t care how it looks, I care how if functions.

 

[Why Not]

It all boils down to GORETEX.

Either you believe Gore-Tex does a better job of keeping you dry and allowing your body to breathe then other products or you don’t. If you believe it does your only choice in snowmobile specific clothing is Klim. If you don’t believe it does or you don’t think it really matters buy HMK or any of the other products using other waterproof materials.

Do some research on Gore-Tex and decide for yourself. There are 4 things Gore-Tex may do better then any other material on the market today. Keep out water, breathe, keep out wind, and seal seams. If you do the research it won’t take long to understand why Klim is willing to go through all of the hoopla to use the Gore name, or why they have to charge more for their product to make the same profit as others who sell for less.

There are lots of things I am willing to cut corners on, but with the sleds I ride today and the country I ride in, I am not willing to cut corner’s on the clothing that I depend on to keep me alive if something goes bad. I don’t care how it looks, I care how if functions.

I had to spend a night in the cold with a half rain half sleet drizzle all night long. Even with a fire by midnight it was tough to stay warm. We all had on waterproof gear, but buy 2:00 AM the only gear that was still dry inside and out was Klim. They all claimed to be waterproof and breatheable, but when put to the test only Goretex could keep us dry. I won't ride in anything else now. When I thought my life was on the line and all I could think about was my wife and kids, the extra $100.00 bucks seemed pretty cheap. I was lucky and was riding with guys that understood why it was worth the extra bucks, and were willing to trade tops and bottoms every hour or keep everyone somewhat comfortable and dry.

 

[LakeEffect]

We carry both Klim and HMK at our shop. I ride in both and love them both, but here are some thoughts:

Boots:
I loved my old style Klim Radium boots. They fit great and were very durable - lasted 4 years. Now that they added Goretex (which I love) to the Radium GTX boots I think the boots gained 5 pounds each - and they are bulkier. I'm a little disappointed in them. And the Klim Adrenaline's don't have a removable liner so if you get real sweaty feet, I recommend a boot dryer. I keep asking them when they are going to bring out the old Radium boot with Goretex, hopefully soon!

The HMK boots all fit great. They run about 1-2 sizes small depending where you fit on the scale. I wear a size 10 and the 12 fit me best. I love the white ones. They are higher than the Klim boots and offer more ankle support in my opinion than the Klim. Plus as far as looks go, they are pretty slick.

Jackets:
I usually ride in either the Klim Valdez Parka or the Powercross pullover. It all depends on the weather. The Valdez was redesigned for this year and it seems to be lighter and a better cut. I really like the fit, but my current Valdez is still in too good of shape to consider updating. The Powercross pullover is a great durable pullover for the warmer days, but to me it rides a little bulky for what it is. The reassurance of the Goretex is great on those possible misty rainy days though.

As for HMK I have the most experience with the Stealth and the Predator pullover. The Stealth is a great cold weather jacket with the liner, but I usually stuck to the layering system - once you get used to it, it's hard to not layer. The outer shell seems a little thin compared to the other HMK gear, but it has never ripped in our riding.

The Predator pullover is a heavier duty pullover in my opinion. The cordura fabric is sort of like a canvas so it is a heavier coat. I have worn it in 0 degree weather with a layer system. Very flexible and comfortable.

Even though no Goretex, we have had little issues with HMK not holding up to moisture. Probably will be equal performance to Goretex on an average day of riding, but if it is really wet and you are out for a long time, the HMK is going to get wet through first. Plus the out shells seem to hold more moisture where it beads and flies off the Klim a little more.

A couple people mentioned ToBe before. I would really like to get those products in to compare them to Klim and HMK.

As far as looks go, I think HMK has a more freeride look while the Klim is a little more traditional. I always talk to them about that look - it has been their mainstay for years now.

My .02

 

[YETIms]

i ride only in powder and wet snow. And in last 4 years i use only goretex.

Pants and Jacket i use are "The North Face" and swiss "mammut" cloths. Both are with goretex and perfect for me. As underware i use also the north face cloth.
And also klim shoes.

I think there is no perfect product for all of us, you have to try what is perfect for you.

 

[Work - Never]

There are a lot of different brands of outer wear that are Gore-Tex. Klim is the only one that builds snowmobile specific gear, but I know lots of guys who wear other types of Gore-Tex gear such as ski or hunting to ride in. I rode in my Simms fishing Gore-Tex rain jacket lots of times before Klim came out with their packable Gore rain jacket.

I spent some time at Cabelas and Sportsmans looking for new packable rain gear for hunting. It's not just in snowmobile gear, if your going to buy Gore-Tex regardless of the manufacture, your going to have to spend more money. Like I said, only you can decide if the Gore product is worth the extra bucks. But, you can't expect Klim to build with Gore and sell for the same price as other manufactures using other types of waterproof material, especially if they're using the Gore-Tex seam sealing method and equipment which Klim uses.

I got no problem with a guy not thinking Gore-Tex is worth the money, or not buying it because they can't afford it. What I have a problem with is guys who think Klim gear should cost the same as other manufactures using e-vent or another waterproof material. E-vent and other materials work fairly well right off the shelf, but they simply can't stand up to the test of time or abuse and maintain their waterproof abilities like Gore-Tex can.

For those who may not know, I heard on hear once that Gore-Tex is Gore-Tex. This is not true. Gore makes it's product with different layers. A 3 layer Gore will be more durable for a longer period of time then say a 2 layer Gore. Only companies like Klim who have signed a contract with them can use their very best material's and seam sealing system.

 

[frankensled]

klim is comfortable and holds up well but i think is overpriced but i still wear it go klim

 

[RMK4life]

I go for both. I have KLIM freeride pants and I love 'em. I also have a softshell pullover that is amazing as well. For boots though I say HMK. The HMK Pros are second to none in comfort, support, and warmth.

 

[PowderProject]

What do you guys think about Scott gear? Just looking for some feedback on Waterproof,durability,comfort,style,etc.... Thanks