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Snipes

225 reviews
Colour
Jet Black
Kākāriki
Ink
Size

Sharp baggies for enhanced performance at the edge. The Snipes are stripped back with minimal pockets, generous mesh front-vents and slightly shorter legs than the Juggernauts or Supertankers. Making them cooler in hot weather, and less likely to mess with your landing gear. Combine with a mesh liner for optimal off-road comfort.
+Features
  • Easy-Rider™ stretch lumbar with adjustable velcro Trim Tabs™.
  • Smooth fitted waist with zipped fly.
  • Gusseted crutch for pedalling freedom.
  • Combine with Innuendos, Underdogs, Stowaways or Flatliners mesh liner for increased performance.
  • Zip security pocket.
  • Mesh front-vents.
  • Tough Hi-Impact™ Stretch nylon fabric takes the knocks.
  • Mid-length legs sit just above your knees.
  • Designed & made by us in Aotearoa | New Zealand.
+Tech

  Weight: 220 gm

+Hi-Impact™ Stretch
Hard wearing and quick drying nylon fabric. Super stretchy for a closer, performance fit. Tight double weave 'looped' construction combines bulletproof durability with next to skin comfort.
  • Composition: 89% nylon; 11% lycra.

+Easy-Rider™
Stretch hip panels and Trim Tabs™ keep Ground Effect baggies hitched up. Intelligent design reduces surplus fabric for a smoother and therefore more comfortable interface between bum and saddle. There's also less risk of getting hooked up on technical trails.

+Luxury Liner
These baggies are supremely versatile. Add the InnuendosUnderdogs or Stowaways lycra mesh liner to deliver no-nonsense performance in the saddle. Whip ‘em out for washing or when moving into après ride mode. Winterise by using a pair of Geronimos or three-quarter length shorts as the liner.

+More than Kiwi Made
Ground Effect clothing is crafted right here in Aotearoa | New Zealand. Has been ever since we started back in 1994. Manufacturing locally works for us. We operate a quick-response system - holding minimal stock of any one item, but churning out a few more quick-smart when the pile gets low. The upshot is that we are seldom caught with our shelves empty, so orders get despatched the same day you place them.

+Compare

  Hydroslides Juggernauts Snipes
Fabric

HydroFoil &
Hi-Impact Stretch

Hi-Impact Stretch Hi-Impact Stretch
Liner Separate Separate Separate
Trim Tabs™ Yes Yes Yes
Leg Vents No Yes Yes
Leg Length Above-Knee Mid-Knee Above Knee
Fit
Sizes S - XL S - XXL S - XL
  Double Happys Slim Jims Supertankers
Fabric Hi-Impact Stretch Hi-Impact Stretch Hi-Impact Plus
Liner Integrated Separate Separate
Trim Tabs™ Yes No No
Leg Vents No No No
Leg Length Mid-Knee Above Knee Mid-Knee
Fit
Sizes S - XXL S - XL S - XL

+FAQ

+Baggy vs Lycra
A stretch short will always deliver more performance than a baggy number as there's no surplus fabric bunched up between your bum and the saddle. However, baggies are the default choice of battle-hardened cyclists off road, on tour and around the streets. They combine a loose but not super-baggy fit with an optional mesh liner and moulded pad... providing the performance benefits of conventional stretch shorts with minimal compromise.

+Are they water-resistant?
The Hi-Impact™ fabrics have a water resistant treatment. While the pants are not waterproof, they do provide some short term resistant to drizzle and light rain. They are windproof, dry faster than lightening if you do happen to get caught out and are extremely hard wearing. For increased rain protection checkout the splashproof Hydroslides with their HydroFoil™ Plus rear panel.

+Washing

  • All Ground Effect clothing enjoys a warm 40ºC machine wash. Try to avoid cold-water detergents and those with bleach, 'oxygen whitener' or fabric softener.
    • The cold-water varieties have little enzymes that are super-charged to brave the cold but can damage technical fabrics and cause skin irritation.
    • Bleach rots natural fibres like merino, strips the dye, attacks laminates of waterproof fabrics and can also cause skin irritation.
    • Sodium Percarbonate (the main ingredient in oxygen whitener) can make colours run.
    • Fabric softener and stuff containing it like wool wash destroys the water repellent finish on waterproof and water resistant fabrics, and can cause colours to run.
  • As a rule of thumb, a product that is easy on the planet is also easy on your body. Select a mild plant-based soap like Ecostore, Earthwise or Aware.
  • Hand washing is sometimes the only option on tour, but a washing machine rinses more thoroughly and is preferable if you have the choice.
  • Most Ground Effect gear dries super-fast so hanging on the line or drooping over the bedpost is generally the best option. High heat can damage some fabrics so if you do take your threads for a spin, set the device on 'medium' or 'warm' rather than hot. A lap in the dryer is recommended for your rain jacket, after it has dried on the line, as it helps recharge its water repellant finish.

+Shipping
  • Items are generally packed and sent the same day your order is received.
  • Costs $9 by overnight courier within New Zealand.
  • NZ$12 by tracked airmail to Australia.
  • Around NZ$15-25 by tracked airmail to destinations elsewhere in the world - calculated in our shipping cart as you check out. 
    • More shipping and tax details in our FAQ.
    Customer Reviews
    4.8 Based on 225 Reviews
    5 ★
    82% 
    184
    4 ★
    13% 
    30
    3 ★
    4% 
    8
    2 ★
    1% 
    2
    1 ★
    0% 
    1
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    Filter Reviews:
      OW
      09/01/2013
      Ollie W.

      Enduro Spec

      Sniper shorts were on the money for the hotter days on the Trans Savoie Enduro. The pocket was perfectly placed for scanning lift tickets in Chatel and Les Gets which was cool.

      MB
      10/01/2014
      Marc B.

      Built to Last

      Like most Ground Effect products, the Snipers are clearly built to last. After a half-season in the desert, our review pair are still looking fresh. Enduring construction does mean that they're slightly warmer than less-substantial alternatives- but the shorter length and mesh vents really do help.While riding, the Snipers all but disappear- the Velcro waist adjusters sit cleanly against the waist and the cut is well-arranged for pedaling. The zippered-and-poppered fly works as intended and is offset slightly in a way that reduces interference with pack waist belts.Unlined, Ground Effect recommends their own Underdogs liner with the outers. Unfortunately, the padded mesh undershorts are sized differently than the outers- where the small Snipers fit a 30in waist well, the same-size Underdogs felt a whole size larger and couldn't be tested (no XS is offered). Medium and larger riders would do we'll to size down if liners are needed.Overall: While the reduced length will put some off, the Snipers are a well-made and high-performing all-day short.

      MB
      10/01/2014
      Mike B.

      Sharp Shooters

      The Snipers are very light, and have only one minimal pocket. The legs are a little shorter than some baggies, so they are out of the way. The single pocket is small, and ideal for something light that needs to be kept secure. Like a car or house key - but perhaps not your whole set. It also houses an emergency tube patch, like all Ground Effect clothing.These shorts don't have a liner, but I used them with my own bib shorts and also the Underdogs. Bibs were more comfortable, but the Underdogs were cooler due to their mesh construction, although the padding is fairly basic. In use, the gusseted crotch kept the shorts off the seat when standing, and I'm yet to catch them on the saddle, or anything else. A taller back maintained my modesty on group rides too.With the combination of mesh vents and the Hi-Impact material, I've ended up with a light, vented, well fitting set of baggy shorts. Not a fan of baggies before, the Snipers have won me over.

      CJ
      09/05/2015
      Clayton J.

      Snipers

      I really like these shorts. Good length, light fabric and comfortable. I removed the side adjustment flaps and velcro as well as the pocket fabric. Anything in a thigh pocket ****** me off before I get on a bike let alone a few hours later when fatigue sets in. They dry out quick. The gusset in the crutch is how all pants should be. I have purchased a second pair. Cheers Clayton

      DM
      09/08/2015
      David M.

      Snipers are great

      Recently bought a set of snipers. Like all the Ground Effect gear, well made, well designed and am loving them. Thanks again Ground Effect for your passion to the sport and creating the best gear for us to enjoy our passion for the sport.