Convert : Iridium Glow

Review:
The Iridium Glow is Convert's mid-to-lower level pant in the Velocity series. It is a fairly basic pant, stripped down to the essential elements that make snowpants good, and without any of the extras you probably won't use anyways.

I tested these pants in conditions ranging from 10 inches of powder to sunny Colorado winter days. My favorite feature is the very tight fitting HydroPlus gaiters with boot clips. It provides a waterproof interface with your boot that guarantees dry socks at the end of the day (unless you land in a creek). The stash pocket located on the outside of the right leg allows you to safely and inconspicuously store a tool, trail map, lighter, or whatever else you may need on the hill for the day.

These pants are lined with a thin fleece layer in the seat, and a breathable mesh material throughout. The side vents are also lined with mesh, to keep most of the snow out if you take a spill while cruising with the vents open.

Without suspenders and a fairly low waist belt, these are not the best for big mountain, big powder day riding, but they are ideal for springtime conditions or all day jib sessions in the park.

Review:
Most snowboarders are very particular about what they wear on the slopes. I used to shrug Convert off as a lesser brand and wouldn't have thought that I'd end up loving these pants. The Iridium Glow Pant is a great mix of form and function for the price. At only $135 these pants are priced at a point where anyone can afford them, and for the beginner who is looking for a good product for the price or the serious rider looking for a nice change of flavor, these pants deliver.

When I first put them on I immediately noticed how comfortable and natural they felt, and during riding they had great range of motion. At a closer look I noticed how many cool features this pant has. It features the always appreciated side mesh vents, fleece lined butt and knees, two front and one back pockets, articulated knees for a super natural range of motion, and my favorite feature, the cuff zips for extra boot room or steez factor, only instead of having the zips on the side, they're on the front for an original look that people notice.

These pant are light so they wouldn't do well in colder climates and the waterproofing rating is a bit low, but to deal with that, you can periodically use a wash in waterproofer (see waterproofing reviews).