Spyder Titan Review

Name: Spyder Titan
Brand: Spyder

Price: $450 List

Manufacturer: Spyder

By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Nov 18, 2016

OVERALL
SCORE

Warmth - 25% 8.0
Ventilation - 15% 5.0
Weather Resistance - 20% 7.0
Features - 5% 9.0
Comfort - 20% 7.0
Style - 15% 7.0

View at Spyder

Our Verdict

Spyder no longer makes the version of the Titan that we tested.

REASONS TO BUY

Bold styling

Smart features and pockets

REASONS TO AVOID

Bold styling

Limited weather resistance

The Spyder Titan is a unique piece in our test. It has an aggressive, polarizing style. For those for whom the style works, it really works. The rest of the population will be turned off. Functionally the Titan is solid but not flashy. Its technical specs belie strong insulating value while Spyder's DWR coating comes up short in our quick sprinkler testing. Excellent detailing pleased testers. Smooth collar construction and well-thought out features will reward those that make the strong style statement of purchasing a Titan jacket. If you like your ski jacket hemmed shorter than is currently fashionable, the Titan joins just a small number of jackets that will fulfill your desires. If a more contemporary cut is desirable, consider our new Editors' Choice winner, the Arc'teryx Macai.

Our Analysis and Test Results

New Version for 2016/2017 Season

The most recent version of the Spyder Titan jacket sports a new selection of colors, graphic design, and fabric. Below, check out the new White/Black/Red version of the Titan (left) next to the version we tested (right).

Here's a summary of the key differences between the new Spyder Titan and the version we tested:

New Fabric — The fabric of the Titan jacket has been updated to a Polyester Stretch Plainweave with Xt.L™ 20k/25k Laminate and Spylon+™ DWR waterproofing, as opposed to the Polyester Stretch Oxford fabric and 20k/20k DWR of the version we tested.

New Graphic Design — The polarizing style of the Spyder Titan has carried over into the graphoic design of its most recent incarnation. The new design follows a similar style to the older version, but with the horizontal chest stripe continuing the full width of the chest, and the color blocks in adjusted shapes and placements.

We have contacted the manufacturer to confirm any further changes and will revise this review as more information regarding updates becomes available. We have not tested the updated version of the Titan jacket, and the review below still relfects the older version that we tested extensively.

Hands-on Review

The ski and snowboard jacket universe presents a wide range of styles. The Titan from Spyder brings a race inspired look to an all around design. The shell fabric and insulation feel as if they are one piece, fitting close and stretchy.

Performance Comparison

spyder titan - jason, mike, and jed model, respectively, the helly hansen enigma... — Jason, Mike, and Jed model, respectively, the Helly Hansen Enigma the Spyder Titan and The North Face Headwall Triclimate. Style varies among these, but all will do the job.
Credit: Jessica Haist

Warmth

The Spyder Titan ranked near the top of our list in warmth. This subjectively rated performance was interesting, given that the jacket fits thin, close and short and comes equipped with the same 60g synthetic insulation of its sibling the Spyder Sentinel. We are not sure why the jacket felt warm, but are confident in our assessment.

Weather Resistance

Spyder's durable water repellent coating wet through a little sooner than most jackets in our sprinkler forearm rub test. The shell fabric, again like the Sentinel jacket, felt nice and soft and fended off classic High Sierra riming conditions. The hood of the Titan fits well and securely and the mid-height collar stays up in front of one's face. The sleeves are of average length and only occasionally work themselves out of union with a wearer's gloves.

spyder titan - riming on the spyder titan. frost accumulated and dissipated quickly... — Riming on the Spyder Titan. Frost accumulated and dissipated quickly in ever changing conditions on one of our test days.
Credit: Jediah Poter

Ventilation

The Spyder Titan comes equipped with mesh-backed chest vents. As noted in our review of the Helly Hansen Enigma, these style of vents did not move as much air around the bodies of our testers as traditional pit zips.

Ski Features

We liked the goggle wipe, the integrated powder skirt, and the straps to unite with Spyder's ski pants.

Fit and Comfort

The svelte Spyder Titan hugs the body in an insulating and fast-feeling fashion. The collar lining is smooth and comfortable against even the most weather-worn chin and face. The pockets are nicely positioned and easy to use.

Style

The Spyder Titan is an all-mountain ski jacket with clear racer-inspired roots. Ski racing and the associated style is no longer the primary driving force in mountain fashion and technology. However, it is still relevant. The statement made by a Titan wearer is firm and fast. One would look strange at the bar rocking the Titan. Something like the Flylow Roswell is more appropriate for someone looking for a layer to wear from first chair to last call. However, it is the style and branding of the Titan that will seal the deal for anyone to eventually purchase this piece. If it works for you, there are few jackets on the market with the look of the Spyder Titan.

Best Applications

Those with racing backgrounds or aspirations will gravitate toward Spyder gear. Spyder makes clothing in a range of styles, but their speed-inspired, sleek pieces are their trademark. This is a bold looking jacket with adequate performance.

Value

The Titan jacket is not inexpensive, nor is it the most functional jacket in the test. Anyone looking for value should check out The North Face Vortex Triclimate or the Patagonia Rubicon Rider

Conclusion

The look of the Spyder isn't for everyone, nor is the performance at the top of our heap. But many will like this jacket for exactly what it is: A ski-specific, warm-weather fast charging piece.

— Jediah Porter