Spyder has been a ski clothing gear provider for almost thirty years specializing in racing gear such as GS suits. My first Spyder clothing item was purchased about ten years ago in the form of a ski jacket as part of a pro form deal on a racing team. I was quite taken by the design, especially practical aspects such as pockets in practical areas and appropriate give in the sleeves for elbow and shoulder motion. When my first Spyder jacket wore out through regular usage with only very minor defective issues, I decided to stay with the brand.

Purchases to replace my ski jacket, pants, and gloves were all covered under the Spyder brand. I was distraught to find my new jacket had a rip on the inside under arm after only a few days on the slopes. Other such poor quality and defect issues soon appeared such as Velcro becoming unstitched, fraying, stitching coming undone, and general garment stress. The ski pants experienced a few product failures on functional but not essential aspects. And I found my gloves to be rather lacking in the wicking aspect which resulted in soaked gloves from excessive sweating. I have since replaced my gloves after only two seasons of use but am keeping the jacket and pants as still functionally sound despite serious quality issues.

Spyder products come with a lifetime guarantee, but who has time to fuss over shipping products for potential repairs, pending the request is not turned down. Especially during ski season when these issues first become problems. Shipping cost for repairs aside, I want my gear and clothing to work properly and deliver performance and durability from day one. Jackets and pants should not have feature failures within a few uses. Additionally, I expect high performance and high cost gear and clothing to last several years before basic wear and tear becomes notable. Higher end clothing should last double digit years before replacement becomes necessary.

Perhaps I am being unreasonable, but I expect more from gear and clothing and have found other companies have better track records than Spyder for longevity, quality, and durability. I am brand conscious when I find a brand that delivers but will likely be looking to products made by Spyder’s competition when it comes time for replacements.

It should be noted that major shipments of fake Spyder gear were discovered not long ago. Such counterfeit products have been sold on Ebay and other such less reputable locations. My purchases were made at reputable gear shops which were official vendors for the brand and decidedly not counterfeit or fake. But buyer beware not only of quality issues but also of fake product sold through Ebay and less reputable online retailers.