The Subsonic jacket
We put the FA Design Outerwear through the wringer in one of the world toughest environment, the Patagonia, this past summer and it passed with flying colors.
The FA Design Subsonic jacket and pant definitely stand out for its excellent design, attention to details and no nonsense approach to snowsports outerwear. They are no doubt designed for snowboarding without the excess flab and drag that has traditionally been associated with snowboarding outerwear and now being copied by the establishment. The design breaks away from all existing stereotypes and focuses on form and function.
When the outerwear passed our initial evaluation of cryogenic tests in Boulder Colorado. We know the FA Design apparel will be displacing some well known and proven pieces from our traveling luggage.
We find the subsonic jacket in fire engine red to be the go to jacket for backcountry activities. The well articulated shoulder and elbow design and precision fabrication and construction of this jacket functioned flawlessly; chest pockets were ready accessible, the adjustable helmet-compatible hood functioned perfectly without putting any undue strain on the whole body and not restricting vision and moves with you in perfect harmony. A few things we wish the jacket possess are perfectly placed pit zips to allow for cooling during uphill split boarding climbs, waist and wrist gators to prevent powder from getting up your sleeves or into anatomical cracks when things get really deep and interesting.
The subsonic pants truly rule the piste and it is ideal for resort riding. Its articulated knee design provide extreme comfort in any carving position. There is no bunching up of excessive fabric in critical locations. Resort powder riding is not a major concern in this pant, as the boot gator works flawlessly in keeping snow out. However, we hold some reservations for backcountry use. The lack of venting zips can be a problem especially when skinning up. The addition of a removable full bib will make this subsonic pant the ultimate snowsports pants.
In closing, we were very pleased with the outerwear from FA Design. They will be in good company on our shelves. Note that we have not described the fabric technology used by FA Design because it is the best the industry have to offer and the fabric works well, very well we might add. Sizing is a bit off in the traditional sense. For someone with an athletic build, plan on getting at least one size down; that is if you wear a XL traditional outerwear, a L or may be a M might be perfect FA Design size.