Product: 686 iconic Jacket
Price: $159.00 (USD) recommended retail
My rating: 6.9/10
Welcome to my review of the 686 Mannual Iconic snowboarding jacket. In this review I will be assessing the Iconic on a number of factors, namely:
Waterproofing, breathability, functionality, style and value for money.
O.k. let’s get straight into it.
Waterproofing
Waterproofness will be evaluated in two ways. Firstly based on the waterproof rating of the fabric and secondly on the seam sealing.
If you want more info on what makes for a good snowboarding jacket check out the link below.
The Key Specs to Look Out for in a Snowboard Jacket
Waterproof Rating
The 686 Iconic has a rating of 8,000mm. This is a little bit on the low side and generally speaking 10,000mm would be the minimum I would go for.
Typically you will find ratings anywhere between 5,000mm and 20,000mm.
Waterproof rating score = 8,000mm = 1.2/2
Seam Sealing
The Iconic’s seams are critically taped. Ideally I would go for a jacket that is fully seam sealed to ensure it will be waterproof.
Seams sealed score = critically sealed = 1/2
Breathability
Normally breathability will range from around 3,000grams to 20,000grams. The Iconic rates at 5,000g. Whilst I don’t see this being as important as waterproofing it’s still pretty important for comfort particularly when it’s warm – and I look for a minimum of 8,000g if possible.
Breathability score = 5,000 = 1/2
Insulation
Some people won’t feel the need for extra insulation in their jacket but some people who typically ride in colder conditions, or feel the cold more, will appreciate the extra warmth that insulation provides.
This is somewhere where the Iconic does excel. It has 80 grams of insulation in the body of the jacket and 40g in the hood and sleeves. That should make this jacket toasty warm – if you can stay dry!
Insulation score = 0.9/1
Powder Skirt
These things are really handy for keeping snow out of the pants!
The Iconic does have one of these – as most do but certainly not all.
Powder skirt = yes = 1/1
Hood
The iconic also has a hood – this wouldn’t be a deal breaker for me but it certainly does come into its own on those colder, windier days. The hood also, as mentioned in the insulation section above, also comes with 40g of insulation.
So if you are riding in colder conditions this is a definite plus to keep the old noggin warm.
Hood = Yes = 1/1
Venting
Great for airing out those sweaty arm-pits, a lot of jackets have venting. The iconic does have some venting but only on the right hand side of the chest which seems a bit odd to me but there you go.
Venting = Yes but one sided = 0.15/0.25
Pockets
The Iconic should have you covered pockets-wise with a couple of internal pockets, a right chest pocket and a couple of hand pockets.
Pockets = 2 interior, 3 exterior = 0.2/0.25
Style
Personally I quite like the look of the Iconic. It comes in either black, yellow & white or blue, orange and charcoal. I prefer the blue (see above) but the yellow’s cool too.
I’ve learned my lesson from buying for just what looks good from my early snowboarding days – had I been back there however, I would have been very tempted by the Iconic for looks alone.
Of course this is a very subjective thing which is why it doesn’t get too many points towards the final score.
Style score = 0.45/0.5
Final Score
O.k. let’s see how 686’s Mannual Iconic rated overall.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing (material): | 3 | 1.2/2 |
| Waterproofing (seams sealed): | 2.5 | 1/2 |
| Breathability: | 2.5 | 1/2 |
| Insulation: | 4.5 | 0.9/1 |
| Powder Skirt: | Yes | 1/1 |
| Hood: | Yes | 1/1 |
| Venting | Yes | 0.15/0.25 |
| Pockets | 5 | 0.25/0.25 |
| Style | 4.5 | 0.45/0.5 |
| TOTAL | 6.95 out of 10 |
Unfortunately, it does not score very well and is mostly let down in waterproofing and breathability (both very crucial for a snow-bound jacket!)
But there is one thing that we haven’t looked at and that is value for money so let’s see how it rates for its price.
Value for Money
Whilst the Iconic does not really rate that highly, it is at the lower end in terms of price.
Recommended retail is just $159 which is really quite cheap for a snowboarding jacket. So if you are willing to sacrifice potentially getting wet on a rainy day, or being uncomfortable on a hot day, and you are on a tight budget, then this jacket might be a good option for you.
Or on the other hand if you are a fair weather snowboarder – only willing to ride when the sun is out – then this would also be perfectly good for you (you might just have to leave the zip open a bit to let it breathe).
Personally I would spend a bit extra to get something more functional. If I get the chance to hit the slopes I don’t let weather stop me from riding – if I had this jacket it might.
Or you can check out the Quiksilver Mission Snowboard Jacket which is the best under $200 jacket I’ve reviewed – it’s also just $159 but scored 8.1 in my rating system!
Where to Buy
At the time I’m writing this (late-ish season [March] a great time to buy snowboarding gear by the way as there tends to be plenty of sales) the Iconic is on sale at The-House.com for just $112! Now that’s a cheap price. So if you were already considering this jacket that’s more incentive.
Personally, I still wouldn’t get it at that price – if you’re like me and don’t want a jacket that’s only good in mild weather, but has lots of insulation so you overheat and then isn’t that breathable to wick away the sweat, no matter how awesome a price it is – then check out the link below.
Full Collection of Men’s Snowboarding Jackets (over 600 different jackets!)
I hope this review has helped in your decision/research on snowboarding jackets. Any questions or comments very welcome – just leave them in the comments section below.
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