686 x New Balance hitched for SUPER NOVA 3L
Megan Burnett
Global footwear company New Balance® and rider owned and operated 686® shacked up! After getting it on they produced their love child, the Super Nova 3L Collection that will be available on a limited edition basis. My awesome photographer Shannon and I were invited to get a first hand glance at the line comprised of outerwear, footwear, boots and accessories at their West coast launch last Thursday in Los Angeles, California.
TIMES NB 580 BOOT
1. Sneaker-like fit
2. features like Rollbar® and Abzorb®
3. BOA’s® proven Focus® lacing system
4. 100% Full Grain Leather
5. Polyurethane Coated
6. RECCO® Advanced Avalanche Rescue Technology
7. Dual Logo Lace Keeper
8. C-CAP® Forefoot Midsole
9. ABZORB® compression/cushioning foam footbed
TIMES NB 575 JACKET
1. Infiidry-15™ 15,000mm Waterproof 10,000gm Breathable
2. 160g Full Body Quilted Polyfill Insulation
3. Water-Resistant Zipper left chest vent
4. Mirror and Pass stash pocket cuff tabs
5. Hide-A-Way Powderskirt
TIMES NB 580 3PLY JACKET
1. Infiidry-20™ 20,000mm Waterproof 15,000gm Breathable
2. Articulated garment construction with fully taped 3-ply seams
3. RECCO® Advanced Rescue Technology
4. Water-Resistant asymmetrical front zipper
5. Water-Resistant zipper left chest pocket
Mike West owner and founder of 686 teamed up with Mike Bretz of Austria to produce the collection. With Mike West on creative control, and Mike Bretz on the engineering side, they were able to create a line that is fresh, visually appealing, and at the same time highly functional. I got to talk with Mike Bretz at the alley after party, and after questioning him about the line started to probe him on why there wasn’t a Super Nova 3L Collection for the female shredders out there.
“It’s a numbers game…” Bretz told me. The reason this line isn’t also out there for the females is because the projected profits just weren’t there. He let me know that when creating a new boot it can cost up to 7.500USD per size. They were able to do this men’s collection because the projected profits were high enough, but when it came to women, the profits wouldn’t be high enough for them to go for it. Honestly, it sucks! I want a female version of this collection, but until the numbers make it worth it to companies like 686 that just isn’t going to happen.
The preview was worth attending. There weren’t many people handling the new products, more so walking by them and gazing as if they were some form of fine art. My inner 8 year old took over and when I saw the collection I was compelled to touch and feel, un-zip and pick-up every piece! The boots are very light weight, and after pulling them apart and analyzing them closely, I was impressed.
The after party had its positives and negatives. The open bar and DJ were great! Who would have guessed that a random alley in Los Angeles could be turned into such a great party pit? However, there were a lot of people who weren’t actually there for the launch. I introduced myself to some random party schmoose and when I asked them if they were there with New Balance or 686 they replied, “who’s that?” That’s the only problem with throwing premiers in L.A., there’s always a lot of random catz that will find a way to get into any party.
In conclusion, the West coast launch was worth the grueling L.A. traffic to get there, and guys will definitely be getting an ear full about this line from me; as well as a push to go get it while it’s still available this season. As for us ladies, well hopefully next time the numbers ARE worth it! I want those boots tailored for us, and I don’t know what we’ll have to do to make that a reality in the future, but after viewing this line it’s definitely something to look into!
Posted by Megan Burnett on 11/17
