SmallBizGenius Analysis
686 is an online retailer specializing in snowboarding and outdoor apparel. While some customers praise the quality and style of 686 products, a significant number report issues with customer service, product durability, and order fulfillment, resulting in a low overall Trustpilot rating.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 96 recent reviews
Product Quality
3.5/10Many reviewers report issues with the durability of 686 products, including seams tearing, zippers breaking, and color fading after only a few uses. For example, one customer stated their "ski pants were destroyed after a few runs" while another reported a jacket showing "significant wear and colour fading after being carried in a fabric bag."
30 reviews mention thisCustomer Service
2.0/10A significant number of reviewers express dissatisfaction with 686's customer service, citing slow response times, unhelpful support, and difficulty obtaining refunds or exchanges. Several customers mention being "ignored by customer support" or receiving "no answer or reply" after multiple attempts to contact the company.
35 reviews mention thisShipping & Delivery
3.0/10Some reviewers report issues with shipping and delivery, including delayed orders, incorrect items being shipped, and packages getting lost in transit. One customer stated their order was "in a loop in between Germany- Belgium" for over a month, while another "never received" their order after three weeks.
10 reviews mention thisReturns & Exchanges
2.5/10Several reviewers describe a difficult and frustrating return or exchange process, often involving slow processing times, lack of communication, and unexpected fees. One customer reported having to pay "$8 to process/exchange their bad product," while another waited "over a month and a half" for a refund.
15 reviews mention thisSizing Issues
3.0/10A few reviewers noted inconsistencies in 686's sizing, with some finding the products running small or not fitting as expected. One customer stated, "Your sizing is way off !" and another mentioned, "The pants did run small."
7 reviews mention thisProduct Design & Style
8.0/10Several reviewers praised the design and style of 686 products, highlighting their aesthetic appeal and innovative features. One customer mentioned their old 686 jacket still has "style is still prominent" after 20 years, while another loved the "integrated shoe lace" on their pants.
12 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Yo, Here is the deal.I recieved my first 686 Jacket for christmas about 20 years ago and still rock it to this day. Not only has it stood the test of time funtionally but its style is still prominent."
"Ordering my coat was super easy, website was very streamlined and easy to use."
"Fast shipping great product"
"These pants and the best. I use them for everything to fishing, hiking, work. Cozy and keep you nice and cool in the summer time."
"We ordered pants and needed to exchange them. The process was easy !"
Common Complaints
"My ski pants were destroyed after a few runs (stitching in butt separated completely)"
"Tried numerous times to contact company. No answer or reply."
"Returned one Jacket from Germany back to their Store. 2 month later - still no refund money back."
"The pants did run small. Now I am stuck with them."
"Ordered snowboard pants on 11.12.2025. Its been more than a month and still nothing delivered"
Common Questions About 686
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is 686 legit and trustworthy?
While 686 is a real company selling snowboarding and outdoor apparel, the reviews suggest caution. Many customers report negative experiences with product quality, customer service, and order fulfillment. The prevalence of these issues raises concerns about the company's reliability and trustworthiness. Potential buyers should carefully consider these reports before making a purchase, especially if they value responsive customer support and durable products.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes 686 have good customer service?
Based on the reviews, 686's customer service appears to be a major pain point for many customers. Numerous reviewers report difficulty contacting customer support, slow response times, and unhelpful or dismissive interactions. Many customers mention not receiving replies to their inquiries or having their issues unresolved. This suggests that 686's customer service is not consistently reliable or effective.
Based on 35 reviewsIs 686 worth it for small business?
For small businesses, partnering with 686 may present certain risks. The frequent complaints about product durability and customer service could lead to dissatisfaction among employees or customers who receive 686 apparel. The potential for shipping delays and order errors could also disrupt operations. While some reviewers praise the style and design of 686 products, the overall negative sentiment suggests that small businesses should carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks before choosing 686.
Based on 20 reviewsWhat is 686's return policy like?
The reviews indicate that 686's return policy can be problematic. Several customers describe a slow and difficult return process, often involving a lack of communication and unexpected fees. Some reviewers mention having to pay for return shipping or processing fees, even when the return is due to a product defect or error on 686's part. This suggests that 686's return policy may not be customer-friendly and could lead to frustration.
Based on 15 reviewsAre 686 products durable?
Durability is a significant concern raised in the reviews. A large number of customers report that 686 products, including jackets, pants, and gloves, are prone to tearing, seam separation, and zipper breakage after only a few uses. Some reviewers mention that the products did not even last a full season. This suggests that the durability of 686 products may be questionable, especially for demanding activities like snowboarding.
Based on 30 reviewsLooking for Something Different?
Compare 686 against 80 similar sports & outdoors options.
View Alternatives