In the past i have used Freeride pants and want to get bibs for this season. I have looked at both Stealth and Togwotee and I really think the Stealth are the way to go with the flexible gortex, although the Togwotee are also a premium product. Thoughts- is it worth spending the extra $160 on the Stealth Bibs? Thanks in advance for any input
Klim Stealth-vs-Togwotee Bibs
- Thread starter Cobalt 200
- Start date
I started out with the Klim pant way back when they first started as a company in the 90's. After a while I went to the Togwotee bib when they were released because I like having the bibs as they keep your back free of snow and overall functionality. Would I pay more for something else. No, the Togwotee bibs suit me perfectly well and have no reason to look at anything else. One of the best purchases I have ever made in regards to sled gear.
I use to buy cheap burton pants and get a season out of a set, finally poneyd up the dough for the togawee's and wish I would have years sooner. I've already gotten 4 seasone out of them (replaced once under warantee due to broken zipper pull on the pocket) and they are fantastic. As stated above, freedom of movement, always dry. I think anything else is a waste of money.
I've never had Klim gear and was wondering the same thing. Tried on the Tog pants and Vadeze jacket and loved the fit and finish....didnt see the need to spend more money so that was what I ordered.
I too went for a few years wearing cheaper clothing and when I finally spent the extra cash.....I was so angry with myself with getting wet, cold, and all the other crap, and that I thought I actually didn't think there was a difference. I personally upgraded from the tog bib and Valdez coat this year and bought the stealth items. Mostly because they are much more comfortable.
Nothing was wrong with my bibs or coat, but I learned my lesson when I bought my first klim items, that there is a huge difference. I also have come to the understanding.....these items could possibly save me. I want the best latest stuff. Something that keeps me dry and if it can help me enjoy this sport I want it.
If you are going to fork the money out for klim might as well buy the latest and greatest. There is a reason why they came out with it
Nothing was wrong with my bibs or coat, but I learned my lesson when I bought my first klim items, that there is a huge difference. I also have come to the understanding.....these items could possibly save me. I want the best latest stuff. Something that keeps me dry and if it can help me enjoy this sport I want it.
If you are going to fork the money out for klim might as well buy the latest and greatest. There is a reason why they came out with it
The stealth bib can be folded down into the pant and worn like the freeride pant. (at least that's how I am going to wear them). I am not a bib guy, but the stealth bibs are pretty freaking sweet.
The lightweight and flexibility of the stealth is unmatched by anything out there in the industry. You cant go wrong with the togwotee, but I think you will be surprised at how much more flexible and free the stealth bibs are.
I don't know you or your riding style, but if you are pretty active on a sled, jumping side to side, and do any sort of walking around to get buddies unstuck i would seriously consider the stealth bib. Even sitting down the stealth is much more comfy. Go try them both on at a dealer and walk around the shop, the difference will be noticeable for sure.
The lightweight and flexibility of the stealth is unmatched by anything out there in the industry. You cant go wrong with the togwotee, but I think you will be surprised at how much more flexible and free the stealth bibs are.
I don't know you or your riding style, but if you are pretty active on a sled, jumping side to side, and do any sort of walking around to get buddies unstuck i would seriously consider the stealth bib. Even sitting down the stealth is much more comfy. Go try them both on at a dealer and walk around the shop, the difference will be noticeable for sure.
Here is the nitty gritty, well at least from our side of things. And for this post, I write this from the first person, as I am the one with the time spent riding this particular setup.
In years past, the Togwotee Bib and the FreeRide Pant have been the big sellers for us. Some people like pants and some people like Bibs. This has been a 100% preferential debate for years now. But up until last year (2013) both the Togwotee and the FreeRide were basically the same setup, one just had the chest and suspenders. In 2013 the Togwotee got re-designed with the application of Gore-Tex Pro, which is a three layer system that is 25% more breathable than that of the standard Gore-Tex used in the rest of the Klim lineup. So in essence this bib was now the top dog of the lineup being the most breathable, most durable gore-tex motor sport specific shell ever designed. The free ride pant also got some changes in 2013 with a new color configuration, and a slightly different cut, but still used the traditional gore-tex for Klim.
I personally got to ride the stealth setup, both jacket and pant for a little over two weeks last year, and it was pretty impressive in my opinion. I think if people are telling you it stretches, don't expect it to be like your four way stretch swim trunks. It does stretch - in essence, but I prefer to tell people it is extra flexible. You can't grab onto it and give it a swift pull and make it stretch any sort of distance that will be noticeable to the eye, but you can feel the fabric give and flex in the direction you are pulling. The one awesome feature that the stealth bib has that no other Klim piece has, is the ability to zip off the chest and suspenders, and wear it as a pant. The best part, of this, which really needs to be evaluated on the freeRide pant, is that it has belt loops. Still baffles us here, that none of the Klim pants have belt loops. The stealth bib is also a bit more lightweight than that of the Togwotee bib. One other noticeable thing that I was able to feel was that the stealth bibs fit more slim than the togwotee. The legs were a better fit for me than my togwotee and freeride pants.
But truth be told, so far this year, those that buy the stealth are taking a chance, banking on the fact that Klim is a reputable company producing reputable products, and if they designed something better than anything else in their lineup in previous years, it is probably worth the extra money. I don't think you will find anybody out there that has ridden them in the general public that can tell you that your money is well spent yet. Maybe in a couple months, but not yet. I will be riding the stealth pant this year for a couple reasons. First, because of the belt loops, and second because of the fit. I am 6'2" and 190, and I really enjoyed the slimmer fit, and REALLY loved having a belt.
Do those things make it worth the extra $150.00 to you? That is something that each and every person will have to answer for themselves.
In years past, the Togwotee Bib and the FreeRide Pant have been the big sellers for us. Some people like pants and some people like Bibs. This has been a 100% preferential debate for years now. But up until last year (2013) both the Togwotee and the FreeRide were basically the same setup, one just had the chest and suspenders. In 2013 the Togwotee got re-designed with the application of Gore-Tex Pro, which is a three layer system that is 25% more breathable than that of the standard Gore-Tex used in the rest of the Klim lineup. So in essence this bib was now the top dog of the lineup being the most breathable, most durable gore-tex motor sport specific shell ever designed. The free ride pant also got some changes in 2013 with a new color configuration, and a slightly different cut, but still used the traditional gore-tex for Klim.
I personally got to ride the stealth setup, both jacket and pant for a little over two weeks last year, and it was pretty impressive in my opinion. I think if people are telling you it stretches, don't expect it to be like your four way stretch swim trunks. It does stretch - in essence, but I prefer to tell people it is extra flexible. You can't grab onto it and give it a swift pull and make it stretch any sort of distance that will be noticeable to the eye, but you can feel the fabric give and flex in the direction you are pulling. The one awesome feature that the stealth bib has that no other Klim piece has, is the ability to zip off the chest and suspenders, and wear it as a pant. The best part, of this, which really needs to be evaluated on the freeRide pant, is that it has belt loops. Still baffles us here, that none of the Klim pants have belt loops. The stealth bib is also a bit more lightweight than that of the Togwotee bib. One other noticeable thing that I was able to feel was that the stealth bibs fit more slim than the togwotee. The legs were a better fit for me than my togwotee and freeride pants.
But truth be told, so far this year, those that buy the stealth are taking a chance, banking on the fact that Klim is a reputable company producing reputable products, and if they designed something better than anything else in their lineup in previous years, it is probably worth the extra money. I don't think you will find anybody out there that has ridden them in the general public that can tell you that your money is well spent yet. Maybe in a couple months, but not yet. I will be riding the stealth pant this year for a couple reasons. First, because of the belt loops, and second because of the fit. I am 6'2" and 190, and I really enjoyed the slimmer fit, and REALLY loved having a belt.
Do those things make it worth the extra $150.00 to you? That is something that each and every person will have to answer for themselves.
Thanks everyone for the opinions and insite. My only slight concern now the the warmth of the Stealth. I have my layering dialed in for the Freeride pants and the Togwotee seen the same thickness and the Stealth seem significantly thinner. Blown Motor~ did you notice a difference in warmth of the Stealth when you had a chance to wear the leisurewear season thanks again for all of the assistance.
the layering system you used for togwotee and freeride will work perfect with the stealth. None of them are insulated and are all gore-tex shells, stealth may indeed be lighter but its not going to be colder.
We agree with what Phatty said above, all three options are 100% just a base outer shell, absolutely zero insulation. The others feel heavier just because of the material used, not because of the integrity to keep you warm. Your standard base layers will keep you just as warm.
No not at all, like above, all of these options are just shells, they just have different construction that makes them the jacket that they are. But none of them have any insulation in them at all, so the only "warmth" that you would be adding to your body would be the layering below the shells.
Tried on a stealth jacket recently and the fit is nicer than the valdez...but dont think it is worth the extra cash. My valdez and tog gear showed up and I will be very happy with.
Thanks for the great post!
I've also been debating whether to go Stealth or as I have in the past Togwotee bibs and Valdez jacket. I like the idea of the flexibility and slightly lighter weight as well as the slightly slimmer fit. My concerns are will that Gore-Tex stretch breath as well as the Gore-Tex Pro now used in the Togwotee and Valdez, and just as importantly will the Stealth be as resilient to tears and abrasions from the heavy wear and tear associated with snowmobiling.
Thanks for the insight!
I've also been debating whether to go Stealth or as I have in the past Togwotee bibs and Valdez jacket. I like the idea of the flexibility and slightly lighter weight as well as the slightly slimmer fit. My concerns are will that Gore-Tex stretch breath as well as the Gore-Tex Pro now used in the Togwotee and Valdez, and just as importantly will the Stealth be as resilient to tears and abrasions from the heavy wear and tear associated with snowmobiling.
Thanks for the insight!
Bought the new stealth this year... love them. I like the free feeling they give me over the tog. I like the fact that I can wear them as pants or bibs. Usually prefer pant set up personally. Totally worth the cash. Tough to pony up the money, but you won't look back.
I bought a set a set at boise show and I have a perfectly good valdez jacket so obviously I think they are awesome. They are just fit slimmer or better and are way lighter. The bibs are the big plus for me. I never liked my klim bibs. When klim first came out the bibs were too short. The next set they came with I got the tall version and then they were too long or baggy for me. I would always get snow in my boots from walking through the snow. The gaitors would push up, even with the loop attatched to your shoe lace. The only thing I have ever found that works is duct tape. The Stealth bib has zippers instead of velcro and they have a strap, on the outside, to suck them to your boot so no more duct taping for me. They can be used for a bib or pants. I bought a pair of motorfist pants and they were always falling down. I think my tek vest would get on them and push them down so I felt like one of those kids with their pants halfway down. They only had two choices of snaps, for the waist, and it wasn't enough. The new stealth has velcro straps on each side to tighten them up. They have beltloops but I don't want to wear a belt. Just as well wear them as a bib if you have to wear a belt. The only thing that sucks about them is the price and the fact that I have airframes on my sled. I have ripped every set of pants or bibs I've had because of the traction screws. If you have the money they are worth it and if you don't they are not. I have a bum shoulder, from concrete, so any liitle bit of pressure I can get off my shoulder is worth it to me.
Anyone mixing say tog pants and stealth jacket? like the tog pants alot better but the stealth jacket is hard to beat.
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