PlanetSKI Gear Review #3 Winter 2024/25

11th December 2024 | Alf Alderson - Gear & Equipment Editor

In our December review the Komperdell ski poles stand out as a must have. Our review also features the Salomon Brigade Index helmet, HH three finger gloves, Vallon sunglasses and more. NEW

HELLY HANSEN ULLR THREE-FINGER GLOVES £120 www.hellyhansen.com

Three-finger gloves make a nice compromise between mitts and regular gloves.

They provide a combination of the warmth of mitts with the dexterity of gloves, and the Ullr is no exception.

They feature Helly Tech Professional material to block wind and moisture, along with Velcro adjustable cuffs with an under-the-cuff fit, and a snug, warm brushed fleece lining.

The palm is made of leather for durability whilst the thumb features a soft goggle/nose wipe.

You also get elasticated wrist loops to ensure you don’t lose them.

VERDICT: Warm, snug gloves with all the essential features, but quite pricey.

Helly Hansen ULLR Three-Finger Gloves £120 – Image © Helly Hansen

BUFF THERMONET MULTIFUNCTIONAL NECKWEAR £21.95 www.buff.com

A buff has become a pretty standard accessory for most skiers, and this latest incarnation uses PrimaLoft insulating fibres for exceptional warmth along with a comfortable seamless, four-way stretch and moisture-wicking construction.

It features the designs of Whistler-based artist Katie Zessels.

It is made from 58% recycled content and by buying one you’re also supporting the work of Protect Our Winters #POW.

VERDICT: Does what it says on the tin without costing an arm and a leg

Buff Thermonet Multifunctional Neckware £21.95 – image © Buff

VALLON WATCHTOWER SUNGLASSES £124 www.vallon.com

Vallon’s 80’s retro shades come with something the 80s certainly didn’t have – sustainability.

The shatterproof Zeiss lens is set in a frame made from recycled fishing nets fused into a highly durable and lightweight nylon fabric.

You also get different sized interchangeable silicone nose pads (S, M, L) for a secure and personalized fit.

The lens provides Cat 3, 100 % UV protection and has a RiPel hydro-oleophobic coating and there are three lens options:

Black (smoke tint – 13% VLT);
Dark-teal (copper tint – 14% VLT)
Silver (brown tint – 14% VLT).

The retro design works well for skiing as it provides a better peripheral sun protection than regular sunnies, as well as looking pretty cool.

VERDICT: Cool retro-style shades with built-in sustainability.

Vallon Watchtower Sunglasses £124 – image © Vallon

KOMPERDELL CARBON FXP4 EXPEDITION VARIO ALL-SEASON POLES £179.95 www.komperdell.com

Yes, these new poles from Komperdell are pricey, but unlike regular ski poles they’re designed for year-round use for everything from skiing and ski touring to hiking and trail running, so that does make them better value since you’ll potentially get loads of use out of them.

They have some excellent features, not least of which is the light weight – the Carbon FXP4 Expedition Vario poles are 30% lighter than previous versions, weighing in at just 248g, so you’ll hardly notice you’re either using or carrying them.

They pack down to 43cm whilst extending to 120 – 140cm (there’s also a ‘Compact’ version weighing 237g with a pack size of just 38cm and extension of 105cm – 125cm, which does mean they won’t be long enough for taller skiers).

They’re made from a combination of high-strength aluminium on the lower section and a carbon composite on the upper section ensuring they’re plenty tough – so much so that Komperdell offer a three-year no quibbles guarantee.

You also get an extra, wider basket for ski touring or powder days, and a cover for the tips for when you have them attached to your pack on hiking trips.

In use they feel great – the extended soft hand grips and adjustable, padded wrist loops ensure a secure hold, and the folding mechanism is fast, efficient and smooth.

VERDICT: Lightweight, packable and versatile ski/trekking poles which are a pleasure to use.

Komperdell Carbon FXP4 Expedition Vario All-Season Poles £179.95 – image © Komperdell

SALOMON BRIGADE INDEX HELMET £110 www.salomon.com

The green skiing revolution continues apace – a good thing, obvs – with Salomon’s new Brigade Index helmet, which they claim is ‘…the first fully recyclable ski and snowboard helmet on the market’.

Made with at least 96% of materials from the ‘same range’ (which I assume means the same Salomon range of products), it can be fully recycled once you’re finished with it, which is clearly a good thing – I’ve got at least two ski/bike helmets which are beyond their sell-by date, but which I’m reluctant to bin – yet what else can I do with them?

Anyway, in addition to its green credentials the Brigade Index has an injected shell construction which provides high durability, shock absorption and impact deflection while remaining very light.

A newly designed ‘Custom Dial 360 V’ dial fit at the rear of the helmet now provides vertical as well as lateral fit, and a completely redesigned V-shaped ear pad construction which I soon discovered ensures a perfectly snug and comfortable instant fit.

I would have preferred more ventilation channels – there are only six, they’re very narrow and on the model we had they were not adjustable (but other models are), but that’s a personal thing; and they do still allow a constant airflow between your head, your helmet and your goggles, so I didn’t overheat.

I also liked the fact that the liner is removable and washable, because let’s face it, things can get a bit pongy inside a ski helmet after a while.

VERDICT: Lightweight, eco-friendly and not too expensive, the Salomon Brigade Index has a lot going for it.

ADIDAS TERREX XPERIOR 2L LINED RAIN.RDY ANORAK £250 www.adidas.co.uk

Made with a minimum of 70 % recycled content, the Adidas Terrex Xperior 2L Lined RAIN.RDY Anorak is a bit of a mouthful but it comes with a good range of features.

The material is, as the name suggests, rainproof and also comes with a PFC-free water-repellent finish as well as having a two-layer construction which means it’s lined for increased comfort, and an integrated snow skirt and adjustable helmet-compatible hood further help to keep the elements at bay.

There’s a decent range of pockets – a belly pocket, padded chest pocket and forearm lift pass pocket with detachable goggle wipe, all of which have zips, and pit zips, the right one of which runs all the way to the hem to make the anorak easier to get on and off (not everyone will appreciate this style , of course, as it’s a bit hassly when compared to a regular jacket for getting on and off), whilst the front half-zip also helps with temperature regulation.

VERDICT: If anoraks are your thing this one is well-designed for skiing.