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October, 2024

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Virtika
Posts: 623 - Karma: 10,949
Hey NSers! As some of you know we have grown and developed here on Newschoolers, with the help and feedback of all of you. We constantly want to hear from you guys. Tell us how we're doing; the good, the bad, any ideas you might have, etc. We like hearing from customers who have personal experience with us, but we also like hearing from those of you who haven't had much interaction with us.

How are our products? Are you happy with the improvements we've made over the past few years?

How is our customer service? Is there anything we can improve?

What do you think of our new site? And what are your thoughts on our transition from First Drop to Virtika?

What do you think of our new 2014 products including all our clothing and 3L, 25K Triple L outerwear?

We like to keep an open line of communication with all of you, and look forward to continually working to improve everything about us as a company!
Oct 12 2013 9:23PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Now, take this with a grain of salt since I wouldn't buy either... But has there ever been another brand this side of Playskool or Oshkosh B'gosh that was portrayed as as immaturely as FD? They just seemed to have a lot of negativity and immaturity attached with the brand name IMO- Hell even cops are all over Lesh about FD. I understand that ignorant & somewhat immature wannabe-thug teens are pretty much the target market but damn man, I was really giving them props for letting go of that and growing up so to speak. I'd want to if I was them personally.


I can understand why their previous target market would be let down a little bit that the brashness of their image has been toned down, but I was in the school of thought that they were growing up with their demographic... Perhaps their demographic simply isn't ready? I could be totally wrong and I certainly am not trying to insult anyone who bought from them, these are just my outside observations based on my understanding of target markets, brand identification and evolution of business models. Maybe they should just stick to the unpolished and brash FD recipe, I don't know. I'd give them props for trying to advance in any case even if it doesn't work out for them.
Oct 18 2013 4:00PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
This is a really valid point seeing as there is a certain stigma attached to the brand and how it has been marketed. I'm all for the brand/company growing up, but I really liked the look of all the gear as FD and some of it has obviously changed to accommodate the new brand. More pointedly the apparel. The outerwear is all still Viritika, but I fear it will change in the future and turn into less of what it was from a design standpoint and move into something more in-line with the looks of the new brand/logo.
Oct 18 2013 4:14PM
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papermache
Posts: 1097 - Karma: 616
only purchased one fd product ever. hoody, size xl, fit like shit, returned it for a L instead, still fit like shit. haven't been inclined to buy anything since.
Oct 18 2013 4:20PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37372 - Karma: 119,844
Anyone that trys to portray a "not give a fuck mentality", to me, actually does give a fuck. But it sells outerwear, so who am I to say whats wrong and right for business? My friend has a pair of FD pants and they look like shit. Other than that, I really can't say much about your products, Haven't bought any nor do I want too. The colorways are weird, and overused. I feel like I've seen their styles before, but from 10 different companies. The 3L honestly looks like G-suit, but in different colorways.
Oct 18 2013 4:25PM
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Virtika
Posts: 623 - Karma: 10,949
Yes, your grammar could use a little work, but who's couldn't, right?

Thanks for your honest feedback. Yes, we've tried to make a name for ourselves in a relatively short amount of time. We agree that we should be making only the highest quality gear on the planet, at affordable prices, and not have it be so crazy baggy. Our new Triple L gear is EXACTLY that.

We're putting together a video to showcase all the new features of our Triple L suit, which should be done shortly. In the meantime, here's a pic of our new Triple L suit. Large pants, XL jacket. Model is 6,1" / 190 lbs.


Click for larger image
Oct 18 2013 11:24PM
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jsnow
Posts: 864 - Karma: 6,920
^not a bad look.

And I must say you guys on the marketing side are killing it.
Oct 18 2013 11:27PM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,354
Like very much
Oct 19 2013 11:03AM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,354
Like very much
Oct 19 2013 11:05AM
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TimRiley
Posts: 1873 - Karma: 1,327
IMO they are trying to lose the stigma attached from the initial productions, which makes sense. I can also say that I own one of the Virtika prototypes from this year and it is incredibly well made. I think the new designs are just keeping up with the times.

Oct 20 2013 10:01PM
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Virtika
Posts: 623 - Karma: 10,949
^^ This is definitely in part true. We want to rebrand to show the world our commitment to making the absolute best outerwear and clothing on the planet.

Check out this video that we just released, it shows the improved fit, fabric, and features of our new Triple L outerwear.

Oct 20 2013 10:30PM
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RockNRollNghtClb
Posts: 2013 - Karma: 2,509
sleeves need some tapering
Oct 21 2013 1:06AM
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MothaHucker
Posts: 4678 - Karma: 2,591
god damn that outerwear looks nice
anybody who claims that this product is shit is simply ignorant.
Oct 21 2013 1:14AM
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STwoops
Posts: 2941 - Karma: 5,126
work on fit and form and make it better every year ]ike what else do you guys have to do? we get to pick basically our own colorways so less james bond shit more scientific form fitting but baggy cause honestly i would rather get 10k armada cause it feels better on me and thats all that matters.
Oct 21 2013 1:49AM
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Virtika
Posts: 623 - Karma: 10,949
Sleeves are perfect, trust me. They just look a little weird and long in this pic because we wanted to hide the model's hands...
Oct 21 2013 2:11PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
See, minus the ridiculous sleeves that is pretty freakin' fresh.




Oct 21 2013 3:10PM
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TimRiley
Posts: 1873 - Karma: 1,327
^Sleeves are actually a great length. Looks like the picture is a tad misleading with the jacket sinched at the waist.
Oct 21 2013 3:19PM
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Virtika
Posts: 623 - Karma: 10,949
Sleeves are perfect, trust me. They just look a little weird and long in this pic because we wanted to hide the model's hands...
Oct 21 2013 3:52PM
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FulcraMedia
Posts: 86 - Karma: 317
I ordered the triple l jacket and im super stoked! I personally like the like the new brand/name. I know this will sound stupid, but what do the hiking straps do? just curious
Oct 21 2013 7:46PM
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SABEK
Posts: 128 - Karma: 2,809
Definitely stepped it up the last few years, and we obviously love the custom outerwear idea.
Oct 21 2013 8:03PM
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e~b
Posts: 861 - Karma: 2,735
anybody else laughing?
Oct 21 2013 8:06PM
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Virtika
Posts: 623 - Karma: 10,949
Nice, thanks for your order! You'll LOVE the new Triple L outerwear.

The hiking straps are adjustable and removable, and allow you to wear the jacket almost like a backpack when you're hiking and getting super hot. It's super easy, just leave the hiking straps around you like the straps on a backpack, and then just slide your arms out of the sleeves and the jacket will just hang on your back.

Click this link- http://virtika.com/product/black-triple-l-jacket/, there's a pic in there that shows the hiking straps.
Oct 21 2013 8:18PM
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Catbug
Posts: 463 - Karma: 1,027
Really? Am I the only one curious about this?

Why were the models hands hidden?
Oct 21 2013 9:17PM
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freeballer
Posts: 726 - Karma: 960
You need to make some models that aren't insulated and heavy.  Anyone that ever hikes, bootpacks, or skins to their secret stashes will find your outerwear cumbersome and heavy.  It seems you have legit fabrics like 3 layer, breathable fabric, but i think that would be counteracted by the heavy mesh and insulation.  I don't know anyone that uses insulated jackets and pants.  you layer with base and mid layers as necessary for the given temps.  the mid and base layers are very light and breathable.  have you thought about an Arcteryx/Patagonia quality shell without the dorky fit?  i have to admit i haven't seen any of the new stuff, so perhaps you are already making this.  my buddies just don't want a suit that weighs a metric ton because all of the unneeded insulation and mesh.  I think a shell would get you better sales in Utah, WA, OR, and CA to the core skiers that get after it with skiing outside of the park.  i do realize this might not be your customer base, but maybe you are short selling yourself by not having that option.  again, maybe you already do.  for me and the dudes i ski with, the holy grail = super techy shell material with a better, less dorky fit/look than Arcteryx. 
Oct 23 2013 3:34PM
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Virtika
Posts: 623 - Karma: 10,949
Thanks for your comments. Because we now have a super thick, waterproof 3L shell fabric, we've made our new Triple L outerwear with a VERY thin liner and layer of insulation (much thinner than past years, less than half actually). We really love having a suit that is warm enough to just wear boxers and tee shirt underneath on the coldest of days, but still having tons of vents, zip off sleeves, etc for when things heat up. We ski in our suits 12 months out of the year, and find that it works incredibly well in all temps.

That being said; Yeah, we've thought about doing just a shell in the future, and we probably will. We'd like to be able to give people the option to have just a shell or an insulated jacket.

Oct 23 2013 10:39PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
You'll make a lot more if you separate insulation layers.

If I were you guys I'd be trying to come out next year with a 3 layer 'system' with options- Steezy ass wicking base layers, long sleeve Arc atom-like wicking insulated hoodies or fleeces for the midlayer and then the shell- all made to work and fit together and of course look good or even match.

Not only will it give people options for temps and season, it'll add opportunities for brand identification as well as create more sales as the base and midlayers would probably be worn off the hill too. A shell isn't that much less than an insulated jacket so to offer the other layers as integrating options with style, you're opening up the door to make a lot more money.

If you're stepping up your quality and perception game and educating your maturing demographic on proper use of layering whilst retaining your sense of style in doing so, I would see that as the clear progression. Just my .02. I see a lot of advancement already but there's still a lot of potential for growth and brand maturation imo and that's a good thing.

Best of luck guys!
Oct 24 2013 10:09AM
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NH_OPERATOR
Posts: 1070 - Karma: 2,883
I dunno about that. Their design now seems to allow for one jacket for any temp pretty much, with nothing more than a base layer. I have a similar jacket. If its cold, you keep everything zipped up, a little warmer, open a few vents, warmer still, the rest of the vents, really warm, unzip the jacket. I know with my jacket I can wear it from -15f to about 45f with just a base layer on, just varying the number of vents I have open.
Oct 24 2013 10:52AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
I'm not saying an insulated jacket doesn't work, just that from a moneymaking and diversification standpoint, it would be smart to also offer a shell and different levels of compatible layering all from the same brand. Also while one jacket and one pair of pant may work well for one type of person, it will not work well at all for some others. By not offering an alternative type of insulation or layering options you're eliminating that type of customer from your potential market share.

Certainly was not saying that insulated jackets don't work in any case. Sorry if that's how it came across.
Oct 24 2013 11:38AM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
Ight yo. Imma have to disagree. I have a V3 that i just wore all day hiking around mt.baker on a sunny afternoon. While I was hiking, i just opened up the 10 million vents and took off the arms. I was a little sweaty, but it was a pretty normal hike. Keep in mind this is the V3 which has some thick ass insulation. Started skiing, put the arms back on. As the sun got lower, i closed the vents, and by the time i got back to my car it was freezing, but I was warm with my vents closed and arms on. Honestly i like it more than adding different layers and trying to be comfy, which is my other jacket shell and separate base layer. I only have to bring one jacket, no matter what I'm doing. I think one of the biggest issue for the BC pow hunter skier is they haven't actually looked at this from a neutral view point. Its always been a park rat thug thing, so they miss out on what is actually a better cheaper product than a lot of the jackets they shell out tons of cash for. Im not saying its better than high level arcteryx, but its a hell of a lot better than some of the jackets I've owned, hiked and skied.

One issue I really have found with BC skiers is their sense of self righteousness. They think what they do is somehow more noble, and somehow more core than park skiing, so there really might not even be a point even trying to break into that market. BC skiers aren't a very open minded group. Maybe as a younger crowd of skiers gets into BC, there is a better chance. But as for most of the ones I know and ski with, once their over 25, they think they know everything ever about any kind of backcountry skiing, along with the brands they are set with.
Oct 24 2013 12:59PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Jesus fucking Christ.

Read the fucking post above you before you try to get all "Myah the BC skiers are jerks" on me. It's not about "what works" but about what will diversify the brand and make more money. Also you may be confusing actual BC travel with slackcountry trips and quick hikes. I don't know a single person who wears an insulated jacket on a 10k+ day. Just sayin.



Thanks for the sanctimonious bullshit though, it was REALLY eye opening. You've changed my life forever.
Oct 24 2013 1:06PM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
No im not even calling you out. In fact you did more than most that i know, by showing positive directions they could take it, and you're right I mean more like sidecountry/short skins than a real BC trip.

I probably just shouldn't have quoted you, since a lot of youre ideas would work pretty well. I just think many of the BC skiers wouldn't even consider it due to the brand name, even if it was an exact replica of arcteryx shell.
Oct 24 2013 1:17PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
Oh, sorry then I guess. Must have read that wrong. What I am getting at in every one of my posts is that FD/V is MOVING FORWARD in what I believe to be an effort to mature the brand along with a maturing demographic. Believe it or not, the average FD wearer will move on from basketball shorts and fully insulated stuff at some point. When they do, wouldn't it be cool if their fav outerwear company made something to accomodate that? The materials are already being used, it just has to be tweaked to fill another niche.


Better yet I'm thinking of someone buying the new integrated insulation system and totally "seeing the light" for the first time. Know what I mean? If you're getting progressively more into touring etc (as many NSers are), you're likely going to make the switch eventually, this product would essentially bridge the gap- and a VERY wide one currently exists IMO.



I mean aside from trew, who's making really nice and steezy shells/gear for BC booterheads? Not many. I simply see an opportunity to capitalize on and that's why I commented on the advantages of diversification. I bet the insulated crowd would be far more likely to try out layering if they came out with some steezy shit to do so, not so much the other way around.


Oct 24 2013 1:27PM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
Yeah, trew was the brand that i thought of. Steezy yet functional in the sidecountry/ mild backcountry. I happen to be one of those NS'rs, and I happen to know and ski with quite a few more, and it seems like more are getting into it. We need more products that fill that gap, from outerwear to skis and bindings.
Oct 24 2013 3:27PM
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Virtika
Posts: 623 - Karma: 10,949

You guys both have very good points.

Some people DO like wearing lots of layers. Once I tried it, I personally (and most of the people I've talked to that have worn our jackets) like our semi-insulated suit quite a bit better than layering up. Especially with our new Triple L gear that is more breathable, and waterproof, with an improved fit, 8 flow through vents, zip off sleeves, and has thinner insulation, I think anyone who tries it will love the ease and comfort of not having to wear anything underneath. The bib pants are loose, comfy, and deliver heat up through the jacket, while keeping snow out.

We ski freezing freezing cold -20 degree days, and 75 degree days in the summer and it's really nice to just wear boxers and a tee shirt underneath at all times. We know that some people DO like to layer up though (nothing wrong with that!), so we're planning on introducing a shell only option at some point for those customers.

I don't think there's a right or wrong way, just preference. And it's OUR preference to make gear that as many people as possible are stoked on. Thanks for your feedback!

Oct 25 2013 12:19AM
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Aahlnas
Posts: 131 - Karma: 148
when do you start shipping?
Nov 3 2013 4:34PM
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SSteezle
Posts: 9297 - Karma: 7,732
completely agree with this. First drop was fresh, virtika just doesn't come off the tongue right
Nov 3 2013 4:57PM
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coldcuts69
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 1,888
get ad block and fucking lighten up
Nov 3 2013 5:02PM
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
I have had some of the "First Drop" products and they definitely were not great and i havnt had any of the new stuff so i couldnt make a good judgment on that stuff. But i will probably never buy your products because i wouldn't associate myself with a company that advertises the way you do. But hey if thats what most newschoolers likes, keep doing it if it works but you wont see me in Virtika
Nov 3 2013 6:20PM
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Turd.Ferguson
Posts: 1437 - Karma: 2,713
more drugs and stupid shit
Nov 3 2013 6:23PM
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Aahlnas
Posts: 131 - Karma: 148
Has anyone even received their gear yet?
Dec 11 2013 4:46PM
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K-Dot.
Posts: 3739 - Karma: 7,737
Don't ever stop putting the bib option on your pants. The comfort of your v3 bibs cannot be matched and I'll probably pick up a pair of 3l pants at the end of the season just for that reason. Also some sort of tech hoodie/softshell would be cool
Dec 11 2013 8:28PM
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Jakelapham
Posts: 139 - Karma: 2,657
I have never owned any Virtika products, but I'd say my next jacket will be Virtika. I personally don't like your pants. Colours are gross, and too many pockets. Simple is best for me pant-wise.
Keep up with your marketing. It appeals to a set demographic (me, 18yo male) and is good.
Dec 11 2013 9:11PM
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PowMooCow
Posts: 48 - Karma: 11
I've never owned fd/virtika outerwear and didn't even consider it until this year. The new stuff is dope especially in the solid colors that are not as flashy. The coats and pants look cozy and comfy and the quality of your outerwear looks much better. There are a lot of pockets but they are all conveniently placed. The only problem I see is that Virtika outerwear seems hard to match with other outerwear. Stocked to see what you guys make next season. There is a lot of potential.
Dec 12 2013 12:58AM
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alldayaveryday
Posts: 4 - Karma: 85
I have a V3 suit from I think 2012 (?) and I still rock it almost every single day. In winter, I wear it both to school because it's freezing and skiing because the jacket is bombproof, waterproof, and warm as hell. All my friends love it, I think the style looks so sick, and the jacket feels great. I have only had 1 problem with the zipper, and it doesn't really bother me. The ads to me are take it or leave it, but I definitely see what you're trying to do with it. I reccomend FD/Virtika to every one of my friends, and whenever they try my jacket on they love it. Customer service is probably the best I've ever dealt with, ski brand or otherwise. You dudes are always ready to answer my questions and even proactively offer to exchange things if they're broken. Most companies I have to waste like 2 hours just getting them to agree to exchange a size. I'm all for Virtika. You guys rock.
Dec 12 2013 8:57PM
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Dalley
Posts: 45 - Karma: 409
I have been buying your outwerwear for years and I have had nothing but great experiences with your company both in customer service, and products and I wanted to commemorate you for that. Your color-ways and designs are always so sick and every year you guys continue to make great improvements on already great outerwear. The only possible suggestion I can give you guys is you should make skinnies but with a bib. I can buy ski pants with a bib or i can buy skinnies yet I cannot find both. Also if anyone knows of a company that sells skinny snow pants with bib you should comment the link.
Aug 12 2014 2:17PM
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Espen519
Posts: 552 - Karma: 969
Yo virtika

End of last season I picked up black v4 pants and black and grey v4 jacket, got em at excellent price clearance, and love em so far, only used for like 3 days so far, all spring but had some cold too and it held up great. On hotter days I opened all vents and zipped off sleeves, worked fine. I think wearing as a vest with hoodie underneath would be great. Only problem I've had so far is that my pants right pocket won't open, zipper won't budge, which kinda sucks, but oh well I guess right. Also, the letter/logo on my sleeve is starting to sorta look like it's separating, but nothing major. Only thing i really notice is the stuck pocket zipper. Solid products on warmth though
Aug 12 2014 2:59PM
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Plankton
Posts: 3226 - Karma: 6,840
why is there still a FDwear logo on the back? isn't that name gone?
Aug 12 2014 5:07PM
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RobWatson
Posts: 124 - Karma: 426
Had a read through this thread, i'm pretty new to Virtika but I think I will definitely buy your gear in the future. In my opinion the jacket and trouser combo looks really good, it may not appeal to some people but no outerwear appeals to everyone.

As far as the advertising, I think the friday videos are brilliant, so many people post on this forum saying that everythings becoming to serious and everyone should go back to the Shane McConkey days of Gnar and not taking skiing serious. Virtika do just that, at an even sicker level. To me it has made them stand out against other competing outerwear companies, each has their merits. Some won't like it, but i assume the majority of males trolling the internet for entertainment when they are not skiing will find it breath of fresh air you might say.

Can I have a job Virtika? I want to throw ski's out planes and pour milk on tits.
Aug 12 2014 9:01PM
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cory.iyoob
Posts: 736 - Karma: 5,371
Your Instagram page like a few of my videos I put out which I thought was smart for getting your name out. The problem is I just don't see anything much different from you guys and any other company. I feel like I'm buying bottled water when I look at most jacket brands and only a few stand out.
Aug 12 2014 10:04PM
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