This is my review of the Burton AK Cyclic Jacket.
I’m a certified snowboard instructor and have been riding most of my life. I’ve used dozens of different snowboard jackets over the years and know how to accurately rate them based on key performance characteristics.
The AK Cyclic is a high quality jacket that will keep you dry and ready for action. It features many innovations and advanced technology that make it a good choice for demanding cyclists. It’s very expensive but worth it if you want the best of the best.
I will dive into the details and go over every aspect of the jacket in this article. I’ll show you everything I like about it, along with a few cons, to give you the information you need to make an informed buying decision.
Let’s go.
Introducing Burton AK Cyclic
The Burton AK Cyclic is a very soft jacket that offers more in terms of weather protection and comfort. It is made from high quality materials and will work well for any snowboarder who decides to rock it.
This model represents many high-tech innovations to deliver superior performance in a wide range of conditions. The jacket is versatile enough to be worn in all types of winter conditions and will hold up well to heavy use.
The heart of the fantastic performance offered by the AK Cyclic lies in its Gore-Tex membrane. Gore-Tex is one of the best waterproofing materials, and this jacket is made almost entirely from it to keep you dry in the wettest conditions.
It’s not an insulated jacket, so it might not be the right choice if you need more warmth. But I prefer the versatility of a shell because it allows you to adapt to different weather conditions and situations. You can always use a thicker midcoat if needed.
The AK Cyclic is also very comfortable and has an articulated fit that won’t hold you back. You can expect a natural, effortless range of motion. It’s pretty true to size, but you might want to go bigger if you like that baggy look.
It’s a ready for anything jacket and a reliable companion on the slopes. It’s packed with features that go beyond the competition, and I’ll go into detail in the sections below.
Burton did an amazing job with the design and construction, and I don’t know of anyone who was disappointed with their performance on the mountain. It’s up there with the best options and is backed by a brand known for excellent customer service.
The biggest downside is its price. This is an expensive option that will keep it out of the average rider’s range of options. If you can afford it, you won’t be disappointed. Unfortunately, many runners cannot afford it.
Still, I think it’s a recommended option that can work really well for just about any rider. It is highly functional and will give you exceptional performance while keeping weather protection and comfort in mind.
Burton AK Cycle Detailed Review
The Burton AK Cyclic is a solid snowboard jacket. It has incredible waterproofing capabilities and is very comfortable. It’s a high quality jacket with a price to match, and while I recommend it, the price is a little disappointing.
Comfort
It is a very comfortable jacket. I prefer my outer layers to be very flexible to provide unrestricted freedom of movement. The AK Cyclic will allow your upper body to twist and turn in any direction without holding you back.
It comes with a regular articulated fit, ideal for most riders. It’s neither too baggy nor too baggy, giving you a comfortable feeling you don’t have to think about. This is an intentional design feature intended to improve mobility across the mountain.
The jacket is true to size, so you can get your standard size without worrying about whether it fits you properly. If you like your jackets in a loose size I would order a size larger as it’s not meant to be a loose option.
You also get other comfort-enhancing design considerations. No-lift underarm gussets allow you to move your arms effortlessly without any restrictions. It doesn’t add a lot of extra stuff and is very functional.
There are also many pockets and their placement is well placed. This increases comfort by allowing any items stored there to stay in place and not cause discomfort while driving. I really like the placement of the zippered chest pocket.
cordiality
Even though the AK Cyclic is one of the most waterproof jackets on the market, it won’t necessarily be the hottest option on the market. It has no insulation and is more like a shell style jacket.
I prefer this style because it is more flexible than a heavy insulated option, and I know many other riders feel the same way. Most of the time, especially when pedaling hard, a shell will suffice. If you need extra warmth, you can always throw another layer underneath.
The Gore-Tex outer layer does a good job of deflecting the wind. Of course, it also does a fantastic job of waterproofing, and this suit is very effective at keeping you warm when the conditions are bad.
A live lining is another design feature that adds warmth. This material uses taffeta and a closed cell mesh to provide retention and adaptive heat regulation. There are pores in the material that open if you’re hot and close when conditions cool.
waterproofing
The AK Cyclic is exceptionally waterproof. It scores extremely high in this category for good reason: it will keep you dry even in almost any condition. You don’t want to swim in it, but other than that you’ll be fine.
A Gore-Tex shell provides unparalleled waterproof performance. This outer layer is tough and durable to provide long-lasting snow protection season after season. The shell is bonded to the outer fabric to provide effective protection without limiting comfort.
It also comes with a water-repellent zippered waistband that provides another level of waterproofing when you’re in deep snow. This gaiter easily prevents snow from getting under your layers and is crucial on deep powder days.
Water resistant YKK zippers make things even better. Zippers are weak points on some garments that allow moisture or wind to slip through the fenders. That won’t happen here, because these zippers are very efficient.
additional features
This jacket comes with many extras that increase performance and value. Burton is known for being an innovator in the snowboard industry, and that reputation shines through with the AK Cyclic.
Fully taped seams are found throughout, providing another level of water and weather protection. These use a special vapor sealed tape which is very effective while giving the jacket greater durability.
It also has excellent ventilation to allow extra airflow when you pedal hard and its internal temperature rises. Mesh-lined underarm vents allow for some customizable comfort and are designed not to snag on your inner layers.
Another awesome feature is the StormForm Contour Hood. It has a contoured shape designed to easily fit all types of helmets without being restrictive or tight. This hoodie is very adjustable, so you can adjust it perfectly when the weather is bad.
Assess
The biggest drawback of the AK Cyclic is its high price. It has a lot of innovation and uses high quality materials, so I can see why Burton put such a high price on this one. But that doesn’t mean I like it.
If cost is not an issue, I think this jacket is a safe bet. You get excellent waterproofing abilities and it is very comfortable. The jacket will last a long time, so it can be considered a long-term investment.
Unfortunately, cost is a major concern for almost all cyclists. This one will cost you almost as much as a new snowboard, and I think that pretty much diminishes its value. This will be out of the budget range for most runners.
I still recommend the jacket if you can afford it. You won’t be disappointed, other than the initial sticker shock.
The alternatives
If the Burton AK Cyclic is too expensive or you just want to shop around, here are some recommended alternatives. The jackets below are all solid, high-quality choices.
- Dakine sawtooth
This is another highly waterproof option that will keep you warm and dry no matter where you like to ride. It features a Gore-Tex 3L layer, which is even thicker than the AK Cyclic. It also has a longer length which allows for an alternative fit.
The Sawtooth is well built, and while I don’t think it’s as durable as the AK, it will provide plenty of warmth and comfort. The two-way adjustable hood is a standout feature that adds another level of weather protection.
- covered burton
The Burton Covert is a much more cost-effective option, which in itself makes it a bit more appealing than the competition. You’ll still get solid weather protection and comfort with a two-layer DryRide outer shell.
It also comes with the same adaptive live liner that provides custom comfort, and the taping seems to increase durability.
- Volcom L Gore-Tex
This is an affordable Gore-Tex option that does a solid job of keeping you dry while you ride. It has a comfortable, easy-to-wear fit and a breathable V-science lining that allows moisture and heat to escape when you’re pedaling hard.
My opinion
The Burton AK Cyclic is a high-performance jacket designed to handle whatever situation you find yourself in on the mountain. Its price is very high, but it is worth it if you want extreme sealing and a lot of comfort.