Black Diamond Recon Stretch Ski Shell - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

9.5
out of 10
4 Positive, 0 Mixed & 0 Negative
from 4 Reviews
Retail Price:
$398.95
Used Value:
$239.37
Sale Value:
$359.06
It's darn near impossible for ski companies to incorporate stretchy material into a ski shell that actually fends off winter's weather, but Black Diamond's Recon Stretch Ski Shell seems to keep snow out while you ride through the backcountry's deep powder. Unlike most ski jackets, the Recon Stretch incorporates four-way stretch fabric into a waterproof, breathable membrane that shields you from snow whether you're skinning through snowfall or skiing through face shots. There are ventilation zippers under each arm in case you get too warm, and a helmet-compatible hood and removable powder skirt to keep you covered in case you get too cold or wet. 

Specifications

Brand:
Center Back Length:
31.5in
Claimed Weight:
1lb 11oz
Fit:
relaxed
Hood:
yes, helmet compatible
Length:
mid-length
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Material:
[membrane/laminate] 3L BD.dry, [face fabric] 84% nylon, 16% elastane,
Pockets:
1 chest, 2 handwarmer
Powder Skirt:
yes
Recommended Use:
backcountry skiing, backcountry snowboarding, freeride/powder skiing, freeride/powder snowboarding
Seams:
fully seam-taped
Venting:
underarm

Full Reviews

10
I am 6'2, 210 lb. Sizing is tricky, large is typically too restrictive in shoulders and thighs, XL is typically to baggy everywhere else. The sizing for these is slightly larger than most brands, and for me a Large fits perfectly. It has great movement, I can easily layer under it, but it is a nice slim fit. The perfect amount of baggy. As for the fit and finish, it is also excellent. The material is not too heavy, but feels robust. The stretch is noticeable, and as assuming its has the 20k/20k rating written on it, that is all you ever need. The pit zips and pockets are all logically located, and the hood has great adjustability. I am stoked on this jacket.
Joshua H., backcountry.com
March 10, 2020
8
FIT : Longer in the torso than I am used to, but after using seemed about perfect , almost eliminating the need for the included (and thankfully removable) pow skirt. I think its a tad big in the body, especially considering the strecth in the fabric, but if layering heavily or not as thin as me it should be spot on. Arms perfect for a gorilla like me...perfect length without interfering with glove fit. Hood seems very well designed, snaps tight over helmet with no buffeting, and no vestigal draw cords in front to mess with. FABRIC - Seems quite breathable, and very waterproof. Shed all snow on a good pow day with absolutely no wetting through (which it should when new). The stretch in the fabric really adds to the comfort and it has a nice soft feel, yet face fabric feels very durable. OVERALL : Not sure i would take this into the backcountry IN my pack, since it is a little heavy for such duty, but would likely work really well on a big snow day when you were wearing it from the car. As an inbounds/sidecountry ski shell it is hard to fault IMO.
Wade B., backcountry.com
December 7, 2018
10
Grabbed the large per the sizing chart, was way too big, like swimming in it. Sleeves were about 3-4” too long! Jacket itself was everything I expected, great features with minimalist styling, love it. Returning for a medium, think that will do the trick!
je101202511, backcountry.com
December 3, 2018
10
...purchased this jacket. Had an opportunity to wear it on a pre-season tour of Alta Ski Area last week. Was great in the skin track, very breathable, great venting and the fit was ideal for the backcountry. Will follow this review up post-season with additional 411.
Mark McEwin, backcountry.com
October 29, 2018