Snowmobile gear works different for different people. What works perfect for some, does not work as well for others. I get that.
After thousands of miles / kilometers since my TECH54 ™First Look article, I’ve now experienced enough varied conditions to pass on my judgments on Polaris’ newest TECH 54 line of insulated apparel.
My focus was the 2020 Trail targeted Northstar 3M insulated jacket and bibs. I liked them, I really did!
The outside shell material was extremely durable with no abrasions noted after doing everything a snowmobiler may do on or off their snowmobile during a season. The Water repellency treatment used was totally effective with snow and moisture of any type noticeably sliding right off.
Other TECH54™ characteristics noted were:
A very light and flexible feel, no matter what the riding temperature was. I’ve had jackets in the past that became very stiff when the temperatures bottom out.
I’ve had several color coordinated jackets over the years, but I don’t think any ever matched or highlighted one of my sleds as well as this one accented the look of our 2020 Polaris XC 137.
The sizing was accurate (I size up to accommodate my Tek Vest), shoulder fit was right and hand gaiters always kept snow out of my sleeves
Whether it was me nearing a new decade of age or the zonal insulation formatting of the TECH54 ™ Northstar line, I was cooler. It was necessary for me to slightly adjust my under layering to stay comfortably warm. No issue just noted as being different from either me last year or my last year’s Polaris Pro series jacket.
The feature that I did feel was missing from this high end apparel offering, was a lack of available venting. On warmer occasions, it is desirable to have an easy option for bringing in a little cooler air.
The TECH54™ Northstar bibs were perfect. Insulation, pockets, gaiters, shoulder strap width, adjustable waist belt and zipper quality / locations, all hit my ultimate targets of convenience and always dry and warm. What more could you want?
With full length leg zippers offering wide leg openings, I found it easy to put them on or take them off with my boots on. No dancing around with your boot caught in a small leg opening.
The Northstar Insulated trail version of Polaris’ TECH 54™ line, gets my personal high marks for 2020. Add some venting and I would rate it right with the best of the best of current snowmobile apparel.
To pick out the perfect apparel accent to your current or next sled, you can check out all of the available colors options at Polaris.com.
