After an entire winter guiding snowmobile tours in Montana, Joe Erickson shares what impressed him most—and what still needs improvement.
Let’s Step Outside: Testing CKX Snowmobile Gear All Winter
I feel like I live in my gear all winter when I’m guiding snowmobiles. Customers ask if I work out to keep in shape for my job. I say,
“Yes! Every morning when I put my gear on and each evening when I take it off!”
I can jump into my gear like a fire drill. Sleeping late on a workday has proven this task!
I’m pretty picky when it comes to how functional my gear is, and I often ask,
“Did the person designing this make it for a human?”
Read along with me to see how the CKX Elevation Mono Suit, Titan AMS Helmet with Apex Goggles, Xvelt Gloves and Colchester Lace-Up Boots performed during many hours of use in various conditions.
CKX Elevation Mono Suit Review: Elevated Once Again!
If you get a chance, read my previous article when I tested the CKX Elevation mono suit a few years ago! CKX Elevation Mono Suit – Is It for You?
I still own it and rock it once in a while! With that in mind, I was actually excited to test another, and I wasn’t expecting any significant changes.
Wow! I was wrong! Let’s list the improvements made to this suit!
What’s New with the CKX Elevation Mono Suit?
- Improved zipper protection with buttons and Velcro on the leg cuffs
- One dedicated chest pocket with an orange zipper pull
- One extra zippered inner chest pocket
- Magnetic zipper flap in the chin area
- New hand pocket orientation
- An extra set of arm vents
Improved Pockets and Functionality
The improvements made to this suit have taken usability to a new height. I can’t complain about not having enough pockets at all! You would be surprised how some companies don’t prioritize this.
This suit has a total of six very well-placed and large pockets for all my wants and needs.
I like the new external pocket with the orange zipper pull. It has a tether inside, and I attached my beacon to it for quick access!
When I wore my avalanche bag over this, I didn’t feel it was uncomfortable or awkward.
Chapstick is at home in my left sleeve pocket where it should be, along with my goggle shamie and some candy. Life’s good!
They changed the external hand pockets to be more upright instead of side-oriented. Much safer if you accidentally leave a pocket unzipped, as your items won’t fall out as easily!
Crazy attention to detail.
CKX Elevation Insulation and Ventilation
The Elevation is a lightly insulated suit with 60 grams of Vivo insulation. I find that with all the extra vents, six in total, and the correct underlayment, this suit is excellent for going hard in the backcountry or even bombing the trails for a long stretch!
If you want all the detailed specs, click this link to take you directly to the CKX Elevation product page.
Fit, Comfort and Adjustability
The adjustability of the suit, from the inner suspender system (removable) to the torso tensioner straps and leg-length straps, makes the CKX Elevation a very tunable piece to wear.
I’m 5’7” in height with 175 lbs of pure muscle… Kidding, at 45 years old the belly is popping for sure. No side profile pics, please!
My inseam is 32” and my waist is 34”. The medium size fits me loosely without being too baggy.
I spoke about this in my last article. Some suits may have a more form-fitting design, but I found that maneuverability was compromised.
The CKX has a fit that, whether sitting or standing, leaves you feeling unrestricted and mobile. I also like this loose fit because I can layer when it’s subzero temperatures here in Montana.
The company is easy to deal with, so don’t be afraid to order one. If the size is off a bit, just send it back until you find the perfect fit!
Small Improvements That Make a Big Difference
A couple of quick mentions are the added magnets to the chin gaiter area. This ensures your main zipper stays shut and keeps snow from building up!
Also, at the bottom of the leg cuff, the zipper is now protected by Velcro and a button for redundancy. This was an issue when powder riding, as the zipper would start to open. Not anymore!
I can’t finish this without saying the extra vents on the arms are amazing! I definitely found myself overheated a couple of times.
When I opened all six vents, this suit evacuated the heat fast! I even noticed they slightly tilted the upper torso vents so I could reach the zipper even easier and zip them back up without asking for help!
I would love to meet the designer of these suits to thank them for being amazing at what they do! Either way, THANK YOU!!!
Can’t wait to test another one of these to see what more can be done!
CKX Titan AMS Helmet with Apex Goggles Review
I’ve been told I have a problem. I have more helmets than I need.
Yeah! And a bird doesn’t need the entire sky to fly! So bring on the helmets!
I started a few years back with the Titan Airflow helmet and the 210 goggles. I still love the helmet and use it often on really warm days!
This winter here in Montana was one of the warmest on record! So I loved wearing it for those days. It really works!
Why I Wanted to Test the Titan AMS Helmet
When the latest Titan with the AMS (Air Management System) was released, I wanted to try it for sure.
The innovation behind the open muzzle on the original Titan has been a game changer for a guide who constantly needs to be “giving instructions” to my clients.
When digging out a stuck sled and huffing for air, I just open the muzzle! I also hydrate more because it’s easier to do so!
All the little things. I’ve really come to enjoy the comfort the Titan helmet offers.
What’s New with the CKX Titan AMS Helmet?
Let’s list some changes the Titan helmet has gone through:
- Fixed visor position
- Larger vision port
- New integrated Apex goggles
- AMS system
- Two-function muzzle drop system
I could be forgetting something; however, these are the main features. Let’s get into how this helmet functioned for me.
Apex Goggles: Magnetic Lenses and Easy Handling
The Apex Goggles with the quick magnetic lens removal are absolutely awesome! It’s easier to carry just extra lenses than entire pairs of goggles! Win for less stuff to carry!
And so easy to grab with gloved hands and swap out or even wipe them dry!
They are integrated with perfect fitment to the larger face port of the Titan AMS helmet. The quick strap design works flawlessly, and you don’t drop your goggles anymore.
Fixed Visor: Looks Good, But Does It Work?
I liked the look of the helmet but found that the fixed visor was frustrating.
I use my visor when I’m brush whacking in the trees, and I like it in a low position to keep branches from hitting my goggles.
Also, the long rides westward at the end of the day will have the sun beaming you in the eyes. The visor is fixed in a very high and unusable position.
It’s sleek-looking, but visors have a function. They are not just for looks, so let’s make them adjustable!
Cold Weather Comfort and Chin Strap Issues
The helmet came with face and chin skirts for cold-weather riding, and these are wonderful! It’s very easy to remove them for warmer days, but I loved having them for the cold, windy rides.
The quick-release chin strap is bulky, and I feel it pushing in on my throat when wearing the helmet.
High-neck CKX coats and mono suits will always be tightly under the chin of your helmet to keep snow out. Even when the quick strap is adjusted properly, this is a problem.
I’ve never been a fan of quick-release helmet straps. I found the traditional strap with rings is way less problematic.
There is nothing to get in your way, and after using them for a while, you will learn to take them off one-handed.
My newest motocross helmets all have traditional straps. Not sure why the snowmobile industry wants to put these bulky, expensive, quick-release straps on every helmet.
The New Two-Function Muzzle Drop System
The biggest change to this helmet was the two-function muzzle drop system. On the previous model, you couldn’t open the muzzle without first taking off your goggles.
There is a nose skirt that helps deflect your breath away from the goggles. It is attached to the muzzle, which prevents it from opening until the goggles are removed.
The new Titan AMS has a separate piece that hinges independently, so the user can open just the muzzle while leaving the goggles in place.
This feature, if functional, would be a great benefit.
If it’s dumping snow, you don’t want to break the seal of the goggles from your face and expose them to getting snow inside.
Also, when it’s extremely sunny, you don’t want to take the tinted goggles away from protecting your eyes.
Titan AMS Muzzle Problems in Freezing Conditions
I was excited for this new feature but gravely disappointed. When the helmet is dry and warm, this feature works well.
When you get it out in the cold and snow, where the helmet is intended to serve its purpose, the function works intermittently.
Whether it’s your breath that freezes or snow that melts and refreezes on the muzzle hinges, it makes the muzzle difficult or even impossible to open or close.
I contacted the company, and they said,
“We are aware of this issue and do not have a fix at this time. Try installing the vented muzzle insert.”
I followed their instructions, and it did not help this problem at all.
I was worried it was user error, so after asking a few other guides at the shop who also wore the Titan AMS, I found they were all having the same issue.
The previous Titan helmet I own has worked flawlessly, and I investigated a few differences. One was that they went to plastic hooks on the muzzle latches instead of metal, as on the previous model.
I found the plastic hooks were less durable after repeated attempts to get this muzzle to close on the Titan AMS.
Final Thoughts on the Titan AMS Helmet
In theory, this helmet should be amazing. I really hope the issues can be resolved.
CKX is going in the right direction to make an incredible leap in helmet function and usability.
I’m not mad about the dysfunctional helmet. In fact, I personally know that mistakes are what improve ourselves and the items we use in our sport.
Famous inventor Thomas Edison said, when trying to create the light bulb,
“I have not failed, but found 1000 ways how not to create a light bulb.”
Eventually, he succeeded, and the world has never been the same.
CKX Xvelt Gloves Review: My New Favorite Backcountry Gloves
The Xvelt glove is my new favorite backcountry glove. That’s big praise, and I’m happy to tell you why!
Warmth, Grip and Dexterity for Technical Riding
I like a thinner, less insulated glove when I’m technical riding, yet my biggest complaint is no gauntlet.
Seriously? We have built-in boot gaiters to keep snow from going down our boots. We have high collars to keep snow from going down our suits.
But someone thought that it was a good idea to make a glove that goes inside the sleeve?
The Xvelt glove has the perfect amount of feel for the handlebars, with a nice gauntlet to keep all the deep powder you plan to shred out of your sleeve!
They took some time to break in with the leather palm. The Xvelt gloves are already holding up very well to the abuse mountain riding gives them.
They are insulated lightly enough to keep you warm and dry but have wonderful feel and dexterity to stay connected to your sled.
CKX Colchester Lace Boots Review: Comfort and Durability
What sledder hasn’t been through a truckload of boots? I know I have.
Chewed-off soles, broken BOAs and cables cutting through the tongue, making them less than waterproof! I’m sure you can relate. I personally never owned a pair of CKX boots designed for aggressive riding.
First Impressions: Fit, Support and Protection
When I tried on the Colchester boots, I was surprised at how slender and overall small they felt on my foot. I also noticed they had a very firm insole.
I want support for safety, and these boots are rigid enough to protect my ankles while riding aggressively. They didn’t cut into my legs or cause any discomfort during the break-in period.
I do like how light they feel, and I can maneuver very quickly on the running boards since they feel so sporty.
I ordered a size 9, which is my usual size. They fit perfectly, and as they break in more, I plan to wear a thicker sock.
Warmth, Waterproofing and Build Quality
The slender design doesn’t make them very warm, even though they are rated at -50°C. They have reinforced material on the tongue and where the toe box will crease during walking.
I am impressed with the build quality, and I like the laces for durability.
Nothing against BOA, they work great. I just find it easier to put laces in a boot when one breaks instead of a cable.
My feet stayed very dry, even during our warm winter and wet snow conditions. I spend all day and every day in snowmobile boots, so I like quality, and these boots scream durable!
Conclusion: CKX Snowmobile Gear End-of-Season Review
Huge props to Sledmagazine.ca and Kimpex for providing me with the opportunity to test this CKX Snowmobile Gear Kit!
I’m super blessed to get such cool gear and share my findings with you, my reader and fellow riders alike!