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The Regression of Oakley...corked suit review

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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953
So I just purchased a corked suit (from a great seller on NS, thanks bro). However, when I received it I was very disappointed. Not of course by the style, because the jacket and pants looks awesome, but by the quality. I have always worn Oakley gear, probably had at least one piece of my apparel as Oakley every season for the last 7 years. However, in the last couple of seasons, I have seen them slowly regress in certain product lines in the detailing and structure of the item and increasing the price. This isn't in all pieces, but especially in their higher end stuff. The Corked suit is a prime example

Last year, the suit was called the Air Raid. The Air Raid jacket had lots of sweet features, but includes light to medium, insulation with fleece panels for comfort. It was $310. This year the Corked jacket no longer has fleece and the fabric feels even thinner to me than the Air Raid jacket. The jacket overall just doesn't feel as hearty. And it is now $330. Let material, higher cost? Odd.
Last year's Air Raid bib claimed to have 100g insulation and have fleece in the butt and knees. It, of course, also had a bib. This year's pant claims to have 100g of insulation, but I can tell you that it does not. If you ask if I accusing Oakley of lying, I am close to it. I am telling you that I have owned probably 5 or 6 different pairs of pants that had 100 g insulation, including pants like Oakley's Link and Bullet pants, which felt WAY heavier and thicker. This year corked pants feel much thinner than last year's. I just can't imagine how they are claiming it has 100 g insulation, it is nearly a shell. Also, they took away the fleece in the butt and knees and just have mesh laminate. AND, the price is $20 more this year. Again, much less material and "hearty" feel, and $20 more? Just odd if you ask me. I am pretty disappointed. I love fleece and thick insulation. The Corked suit has let me down. If you are like some of the young guns on this site who just want style, then yes, the suit looks awesome. And, it is indeed 20k and I am sure very waterproof. But, if you bought Oakley for style and warmth, insulation and cozy fleece, look elsewhere than the Corked suit this season. That being said, some of their other stuff is still thick and warm, just not this suit, compared to its predecessors.

I hope that help some people make a decision. Again though, if you want it for style and waterproofing, you won't be disappointed. Just comparing apples to apples, I am let down.
Oct 30 2010 11:54AM
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gpitcher
Posts: 2626 - Karma: 1,691
Thanks dude, I think this will really help out those who are questioning this suit, although I havnt bought oakley gear for the last 7 years like you, I have owned oakley in the past and I can see where your coming from. Im not sure if your considering it, but I suggest calling up oakley and asking what there deal is. I dont know if you want to send it in or what, but its just a suggestion. 1-800-431-1430
Oct 30 2010 12:07PM
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*TURBONERD*
Posts: 15081 - Karma: 9,158
I'm no expert, but I think that the corked suit really is priced so highly because it's THE DUMONT'S pro model. My guess is that it is made in a similar way to some of the less expensive stuff in their line, and they jack up the price because they can. It's certainly unfortunate, but all the more reason to go with less popular Oakley piece.
Oct 30 2010 12:07PM
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A.Eberhard
Posts: 4426 - Karma: 415
Owned an air raid jacket last year and was pretty impressed with the quality, now that I grew out of it I decided to get the corked because I was expecting the same thing or better because of the price. It came in and although I do like the look of the jacket more and it wasn't white like the air raid. It is much thinner basically a shell. I still think the durability will be amazing as usual just not as warm. That being said I ski where it is very cold and 3 thick layers not tees are in order, the air raid jacket even though was slightly more insulated didn't do much last year.

I do not know why the price was raised, in Canada it is $400 for the corked this year, instead of $300 as the air raid last year on the oakley site. Now I got a much better deal cause I know someone at a shop. I don't know why the retail price though is so high? Is it cause dumont wears it? Really who ever wears the jacket I could care less.

If you want a nice style this is probably the jacket for you or if you ski in a warmer climate.
Oct 30 2010 12:17PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953
Well, both yes and no. It is definitely a step up from their stuff that is $200 - it has lots of magnetic closures and is 20k waterproofing, mainly. But yes, they can afford to charge more and give less because of the popularity of the style.

Can anyone speak about the quality of their mid-to-high range jackets like the Fari or the Amplier? I am wondering what those are like. But the biggest deception I still am having a hard time with is them saying the pants are 100 g. I love thick pants and am going to be sad to sell these...
Oct 30 2010 1:15PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953
Your last sentence there is the problem - we shouldn't have to pay $330 for just good style in a warmer climate :)
Oct 30 2010 10:06PM
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GKO
Posts: 1467 - Karma: 1,410
yeah one of my buttons fell off my corked jacket and i haven't even used it yet
Oct 30 2010 11:51PM
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J-Sway
Posts: 685 - Karma: 111
Ahahahaha that sucks so much!
Oct 31 2010 2:07AM
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hewy
Posts: 1355 - Karma: 205
i've definitely noticed this as well, as I'm in basically the same situation. Always worn Oakley gear, atleast 7-8 years, and for some time now I've seen a drop in quality and a rise in the cost. I'll always stick with them for optics, but It's about time I try out some new gear from a new company
Oct 31 2010 2:10AM
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kvan
Posts: 3085 - Karma: 1,225
Just another perfect example of why not to buy overpriced  shit.
Oct 31 2010 2:11AM
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e.will
Posts: 1981 - Karma: 967
i think he's referring to the fact that he usually buys oakley high end gear, because while it is expensive, it is high quality and well worth the price tag if it lasts 3-4 seasons; this apparently is no longer the case. how unfortunate.
Oct 31 2010 1:06PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953
yeah, to be honest, I've always thought Oakley's stuff in the high $200 range was a good value. Often times you get insulation, 20K waterproofing and lots of nice features like magnets, pass pockets, etc. There aren't lots of other companies that offer all that stuff with style for the same price.
Oct 31 2010 1:42PM
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skithesprings
Posts: 9086 - Karma: 1,349
i just think that this should be dropped here.

i have seen a big drop in customer service as well. i was lucky enough to meet an awesome representative from oakley who hooked me up with an o-matter card which gave me a really really nice discount on anything on the website. well, i made some purchases and was shipped the wrong items. no big deal right? wrong. they acknowledged that they messed up the order and reluctantly agreed to accept a return for a refund but REFUSED to replace the items with the ones that i actually ordered. then, to take it farther, they voided the discount incentive so i couldn't even place another order to get what i wanted in the first place. WHAT THE FUCK.

I'll be buying all of my ski gear elsewhere from now on.
Oct 31 2010 2:04PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
for what it's worth, I'm very happy with my air raid suit.

Shitty the corked jacket sucks.
Oct 31 2010 2:12PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953
I think I mentioned it in my original post, but the Air Raid suit is very nice. I was using it as a frame of reference for the Corked suit.
Oct 31 2010 3:47PM
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jibjunkie
Posts: 3807 - Karma: 191
i like how you automatically assumed the corked suit is supposed to be a new air raid suit just cuz it happens that dumont rocked both....oakley makes lots of products and have different appeals for each of their products. the corked suit was prolly made with thinner materials to be lighter because most people with it will be skiing park. they also make burlier stuff like the shit that morrison and pep wear because they need all the technicality they can get and put lots of stress son their suits in the bc
Oct 31 2010 6:41PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953
I think you may have missed the point - that they charged more for less. So, it is thinner fabric and none insulated and non-fleece lined, shouldnt it cost less?
Oct 31 2010 7:34PM
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Kangbang
Posts: 14211 - Karma: 423
i cant say anything for the corked or air raid suit but i have oakley pants and an oakley rocco lite in blue from last year and it seems to be pretty legit.
Oct 31 2010 7:49PM
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Balto
Posts: 25985 - Karma: 4,404
you know the rocco line was the cheapest gear last year right?
Oct 31 2010 7:52PM
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Kangbang
Posts: 14211 - Karma: 423
i know.
Oct 31 2010 7:53PM
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MrLarsen
Posts: 583 - Karma: 16
It didn't cross your mind that the fabric itself might be more technical, and hence more expensive? The waterproofness/breathability rating doesn't tell you the whole story.

And personally I prefer shells anyway, way more versatile.
Oct 31 2010 8:06PM
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jibjunkie
Posts: 3807 - Karma: 191
this. and if your complaing about the retail of such a poor quality jacket maybe u should consider searching for a jacket from last year for much cheaper of better quality such as the alps or battalion model. i personally scored an oakley battalion 15k/15k jacket with liner for $90 on steep and cheap. just putting this out there...
Oct 31 2010 8:32PM
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Triple_Strum
Posts: 6384 - Karma: 953
lol, it didnt cross your mind that no one would use a more expensive, 20k fabric over a less expensive 20k fabric? Horrible argument there. And actually, it pretty much does tell the whole story.

And your point of whether it is a shell or not is totally irrelavent in terms of preference. I am not talking about preference. I am talking about a depreciation in the value to dollar ratio.

And to Jibjunkie, your point is pretty moot as well. I wasn't complaining about not being able to find a deal. I currently own a pair of Air Raid bibs that I got for $75, and a jacket I got for $40. Both new. So don't worry about me, I can find a deal just fine.

Back to the original point, which was just to warn anyone thinking that they are true to their description. I will repeat - Oakley claims the pants have 100g insulation. I compare them to pants from 3 and 4 seasons ago, even last year, that claimed the same thing, and they weigh considerably less.
Oct 31 2010 8:56PM
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Chompo.
Posts: 4952 - Karma: 88
Thanks for this review, i was thinking about getting this jacket.
Oct 31 2010 9:19PM
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MrLarsen
Posts: 583 - Karma: 16
Ok, buy a cheap 20K jacket/pants and then buy a 20K Gore-Tex Pro Shell jacket/pants. Then use both for a long time, in rough conditions, I promise you the GTX pro shell will be WAY better (for a lot longer too if treated properly). There's a reason why a lot of armed forces that use shell jackets, use GTX pro shell (or equivalently priced alternatives) in their jackets..

But your'e right about the insulation, if they claim the pants have 100g insulation, and they don't then that sucks!

And the shell vs. insulated thing was just a bit off-topic rant ;)
Oct 31 2010 9:24PM
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Klick_2_klaim
Posts: 3396 - Karma: 25
If my contrarian economics are correct, Oakley is spending less to sell the same product to people who are going to buy their shit no matter what the cost is. I would bet there is no more or less demand for Oakley than there was last year, or than there will be next year. Just my bet, you dont have to agree.

 Maybe support other companies that are cheaper and are starting to use better materials for a similar price.

 yay/
Oct 31 2010 9:33PM
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gypsytown
Posts: 538 - Karma: 12
i have the corked jacket and mine has the "critically placed fleece"
Oct 31 2010 10:54PM
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Ralf
Posts: 978 - Karma: 81
i had the opportunity to test one last week. last year i bought some 3.5 puffies from you triple strum and i bought a oakley bradford with it. the year before i owned the mystic suit (at that time top of their line). the mystic was only a shell and i was a little dissapointed to get a high priced suit with almost no insulation. i sold it and bought some saga but that's another story. what i want to say is that i have never felt so comfy like in the puffies and the bradford. not sure on their breathability or waterproof but i think the bradford has 10k/5k but it's perfect and insulated. also the puffies are one of the best if not THE best pants i've ever worn. to wear the corked suit was a dilemma compared to them. my buddy tested the primed and was also not convinced. he rides an OTT and shares my opinion that oakley should get back to the old times, support their customers as their customers supported them over the years and bring back the good stuff cause they have what it takes to!
Nov 1 2010 6:04AM
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jeremy.g
Posts: 4931 - Karma: 459
you are sooo fucking stupid dude. i mean so stupid
Nov 1 2010 11:08AM
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yeahitsdave
Posts: 1315 - Karma: 10
From a retailers point of view, Oakley has been, bar none, the absolute worst company to deal with this year. Goggles shipped two months late thanks to moving production of straps to China, discounting got worse, and realignment of their sales reps meant losing one of the most helpful, thorough and meticulous reps to walk into my shop.

If things keep headed the way they are, you won't see Oakley in my shop much longer. That said, they are a company that normally has their head on straight, and anytime you see a dip in their product, they normally restructure their line and correct their issues.
Nov 1 2010 11:17AM
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DannyMac
Posts: 2837 - Karma: 65

maybe TRIP got a sample suit..?  and it didn't have the fleece

either way i know you didn't pay 330 retail LOL 

Nov 1 2010 12:21PM
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JakeSalvador
Posts: 2741 - Karma: 1,309
damnit i was gonna get the corked pants. they looked so sick in the stores. i thought that the texture of the jacket and pant seemed thinner as well. i can recall my dad saying something about the texture and how even though it feels slimmer doesnt always mean its lower quality and less insulated. saga for this year maybe?
Nov 1 2010 12:35PM
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That_One_Dude
Posts: 1050 - Karma: 760
Any chance you could take a few pictures of the liner? Im curious about how warm it will be as well.
Nov 1 2010 9:02PM
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sagesnow
Posts: 3116 - Karma: 1,593
Which are the new pants with the sort of soft black areas on them? Sammy C. wears them alot?
Nov 1 2010 9:25PM
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Pudge
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 3,117
it is so refreshing to see very solid reviews of products in gear talk
Nov 1 2010 10:01PM
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JStrathern
Posts: 8747 - Karma: 1,536
Fari
Nov 1 2010 10:05PM
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gypsytown
Posts: 538 - Karma: 12
oakley uses a material called thinsulate on their high end products and even though its way thinner it is still very warm
Nov 1 2010 11:16PM
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StReEtPIRATES
Posts: 1378 - Karma: 138

YeAh MaNg da backcountry gNargnar kills gear soOoo hard!1!!!!!!

NOT, park destroys gear wayyyy quicker than bc.  Eating shit on icy landings> getting rained on/ scraped by branches.

Nov 1 2010 11:36PM
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RascalWaterMox
Posts: 1288 - Karma: 163
THIS is what the oddest thing to me is... it seems oakley never prices accordingly... i have the rocco pants and jacket and love them... some of the best oakley gear ive had... wayyy better than some pricery oakley jacksets and pants ive had.
Nov 12 2010 6:47PM
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A.Eberhard
Posts: 4426 - Karma: 415
I feel as though the pants are much better built then the jacket, but that is just my opinion.

I think Oakley will fix it all up, it's a pretty big business and if they see sales dropping in the winter section they will straighten up. I think them moving more operations to China is what is fucking up all the orders, shipping times along with a lot of Oakleys products not even on the site yet cause they don't have it yet.
Nov 13 2010 9:26AM
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