I have been asked many times about the snowmobile jacket I use. I think that it is all about personal preference. So, I asked different snowmobilers and gathered their views about snowmobile jackets.
The most recommended snowmobile jacket by snowmobilers is KLIM. They are high-quality jackets that are expensive but worth buying, and they last for more than three to four seasons.
Recommended Jackets
| Snowmobile Jacket | Shell Material | Comfort | Sizing Options | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
KLIM Apex Jacket | Goer-Tex 3 Layer |  | S, M , L, XL, 2XL | See at Amazon |
FXR Team FX Jacket | Dual Nylon |  | M | See at Amazon |
509 Range Insulated Jacket | 5TECH Cordura |  | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL | See at Amazon |
Castle X Men's Code Jacket | Polyester and Nylon |  | XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL | See at Amazon |
CKX Ungave Jacket | Nylon Taslan |  | M | See at Amazon |
Ski-Doo Absolute 0 Jacket | Sympatex 2-Ply Laminated Polyester |  | S, M , L, XL, 2XL, 3XL | See at Amazon |
Arctic Cat Women's Team Arctic Jacket | Nylon |  | M, L, XL | See at Amazon |
Arctic Cat Men's Race Team Jacket | Nylon | | M, L | See at Amazon |
Polaris Men's TECH54 Switchback Jacket | Polyester | | S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL | See at Amazon |
For me, KLIM has always been the best choice among every other manufacturer. Their jackets are reliable and durable.
I have used a KLIM APEX jacket, and I loved it. It has a Gore-tex 3-layer performance shell that keeps you dry. There are biomotion recognition markings and chest zipper vents. You can also remove inner liners so that you can use this jacket in higher temperatures.
The best thing is that you have a lot of adjustment at the collar, cuffs, and bottom hem. It costs $450 on Amazon. That is a fair price for the features, the warmth, and the durability it provides.
After KLIM, FXR is the most recommended jacket by snowmobilers. FXR competes neck to neck with KLIM when it comes to durability and keeping you warm.
A couple of years ago, I used to have an FXR Team FX jacket. I loved the double nylon shell of the Team FX jacket. It remains dry even after a whole day of snowmobile riding. It has dual zipper vents, which are one of the best I have used.
The collar is soft and comfortable to wear for extended periods. And the best thing is the stretch inserts at the upper back and the back sleeves. You will never feel limited if you ever have to lift something or do some work while wearing this jacket.
It costs $325 on Amazon, but I have often seen this jacket for $300. The difference is not much for such a good option with high-end durability.
Then comes the 509, castle x, and the CKX. They are famous for budget-friendly jackets. But it does not mean that they do not manufacture high-quality jackets.
All these manufacturers make jackets that usually cost less than $300. They also make a few high-quality jackets that may cost you more than $300. Such as the 509 Range Insulated Jacket.
The only gripe with the budget-friendly jackets is that they do not last more than a season or two. After a whole season of use, they lose their strength, color, and protection.
The worst thing about budget jackets is their poor-quality zippers. Some jackets have velcro or buttons along with the zipper, but they are not as good as a high-quality zipper.
These budget manufacturers also offer few high-quality jackets, such as the 509 Range Insulated Jacket, Castle X Men’s Code jacket, or the CKX Ungave Jacket. At their very best, they still cost less than $325.
These jackets are reasonable, and you should consider them when looking to buy a new snowmobiling jacket. Unlike the cheap jackets by the same manufacturers, they last for more than two to three seasons, and they do not get frayed easily.
Among all these manufacturers, I have found that Castle X and the 509 have a wide range of sizes.
The OEM jackets are the last. Many aftermarket jackets are better than the OEM ones and cost less. It does not mean OEM jackets are any less durable and comfortable than the competition.
For beginners, OEM snowmobile jackets are an excellent choice because of their perfect fit. They feature everything that you may need while riding.
I have found that one of the main reasons for not choosing the OEM jackets is the price. They cost about $500 to $700, where you can get a high-quality KLIM jacket for much less.
OEM jackets are durable and last for three to four seasons.
Manufacturers like Polaris, Ski-Doo, or Arctic Cat have the best variety for women. It is something that you will not find in other brands like FXR or the 509.
The Ski-Doo absolute 0 is the best unisex OEM jacket in the market. For $520, or less on Amazon, it features a high-quality shell, air vents (underarm), durable zipper, adjustable cuffs, and bottom hem.
You can also remove the inner liners where the temperature is a bit high. The best thing I like about this jacket is its weight. It is very light and warm to wear.
When it comes to choosing between OEM jackets, Arctic Cat jackets are no less than Ski-Doo. There are two differences I have found. First, the Arctic Cat jackets are cheaper than Ski-Doo. And secondly, there are only a few jackets by Arctic Cat that have buttons ]along with a zipper in the front.
I like the zipper with button style because it prevents air from penetrating inside the jacket. It also comes in handy when the zipper gets stuck or breaks.
The best snowmobile jackets from Arctic Cat are their TEAM Jackets for men and women.
The Women’s Team Jacket costs about $280 on Amazon, and the Men’s Team Jacket costs $270 on Amazon.
Polaris offers the most variety in sizes and colors. When compared to Ski-Doo and Arctic Cat, they are more attractive and good-looking.
Just like the Polaris Men’s TECH54 Switchback Jacket, which is available in six different colors and five different sizes (Medium to 3X-Large).
It features adjustable collars, cuffs, and a bottom hem. There are zipper vents, removable liners, and Scotchlite trims (reflective marks).
For $300 on Amazon, it is a stylish jacket that is warm and comfortable to wear.
In the end…
For snowmobiling, the most recommended jacket by snowmobilers is KLIM. It is a known brand among snowmobilers for its high-quality jackets and other wearables.
In my experience, KLIM is the most reliable brand, and I would recommend it to anyone.
FXR is the second most recommended jacket after KLIM. It is also another notorious brand that offers high-quality snowmobile jackets for less than $500.
FXR snowmobile jackets are durable and last for more than three seasons.
Then comes the 509 and the CASTLE X. These are the most budget-friendly recommended jackets, and they last for about two seasons of snowmobiling.
The least recommended are the OEM snowmobile jackets. They are expensive but best for beginners and women and offer a wide range of sizing options.
Ski-Doo, Polaris, and Arctic Cat offer high-quality snowmobile jackets. But, Polaris beats in sizing and color options.