Pros: The quality and performance of this jacket is indisputable. Built to last, and you could wear it in a hurricane and stay warm and dry. Great fit, great style, and some useful ideas like the off-center zipper and stretch back panel.
Con: The 'fit and finish' of the jacket is pretty weak for something that retails for over $500. You do get what you pay for, since the jacket is a great weather barrier...unfortunately, there isn't much else to it. Few pockets, no soft collar around the neck, and the hood is small for most helmets.
Looking for a great performance shell? Buy the sidewinder, but buy it on sale.

Amazing jacket for backcountry boarding. pockets are huge and well placed. I really like the stretchy back! The hood fits over my helmet (red hifi size m). I can't tell you how comfortable I've been in howling winds with this on.
The reason why I didn't give it 5 stars though is the crappy powder skirt. It is completely useless as it rides up all the time. This is not too important though if you've got a pack on since the waist belt keeps your jacket close.

I like my new sidewinder. Plenty of pockets in the right places, bomb-proof, the hood fits over my helmet and it's an overall great ski jacket!

Bomber jacket with all the right stuff. Just wore it in storm and it kept me plenty warm and dry. Pockets in all the right places and the hood fits over a ski helmet. Another great product from this company.

First the fit. This was my biggest worry when ordering this jacket off the net (since it's so expensive!). I'm an XL and the XL fits me perfectly. L is just too small. Next, the build quality. Awesome. The only bad part about it is the elastic bit that you pull on to tighten the powderskirt sticks out...but it's not really a big deal. Being a snowboarder, I was worried that this jacket might be too 'skier-ish' for me, but no, it looks really good and doesn't hurt my snow-cred. This jacket is real expensive but oh, so worth it, so since you're taking the time to read this you know you want it! Just pull the trigger!

I'm 6'0" and 154lb. This jacket fits me well in a 'ski jacket' sense. There’s enough room to fit several layers underneath without feeling constricted. The length is perfect and not too long as the parka I used to use skiing. I like the reinforced fabric on the lower sleeves and body. All the zips are easy to find and operate with gloves on. The hand pockets are huge and can easily fit a camera or water bottle. The chest pocket is also of a good size as it can fit a 2-way radio. Of course so does the arm pocket, but I find talking through the window on the pocket does not work that well for me (I can use the arm pocket for the trail map). The pitzips are nice and long and extend down into the body of the jacket. For example, you can even reach into them to the pockets of the fleece jacket you may be wearing underneath. The inside chest pocket is rather small, though made of stretch material, don't expect to fit anything larger than an energy bar or iPod into it. I also do not find that wearing a ski pack interferes with any of the pockets or pitzips. The hood is rather large, though not large enough to fit over a helmet (not that I feel that is a requirement). I do wish the hood zipped off as I never wear it. I wish the powder skirt was made of something other than taffeta as it appears to deform easily when adjusting it for my waist. I also notice that the jacket will ride up when you raise your arms over your head. This will cause the powder skirt to flip upside down when you bring your arms back down. Not that one does this movement often, but occasionally you may flag down a friend and find you have to re-adjust the powder skirt. I too find the waterproof Sidewinder zipper to be a little tough to operate just at the top bend, but not difficult enough to detract from not having to deal with a storm-flap. I do wish there was another or larger inside pocket but all of these are minor complaints. This is an excellent jacket and utilizing Gore-Tex XCR fabric only adds to its remarkable attributes.

Yeah, these guys are right. This jacket is unbelievable. Get the money, and get one, NOW! The only downside is that the hood obstructs a little when it's not in use, but you get used to it. Good fit, great features, and even better waterproofing. XCR is amazing stuff. THE BEST SHELL EVER MADE PERIOD!

Best shell I have ever owned. It's expensive but you DEFINITELY get what you pay for. Arc'Teryx has attention to detail. True craftsmanship. The fit is phenomenal. Really comfortable jacket for skiing. I couldn't say something bad even if I tried.

I can't tell you how much money I spent looking for the "perfect" hardshell for skiing and all around use. I should've just spent the money on the Sidewinder SV in the first place. I can't imagine a better designed, better fitting, more breathable hardshell. Arc'teryx simply has the best products out there. Yes they are expensive, but you really do get what you pay for.

I wore the Sidewinder SV for one week while skiing in New York and I must say it is the finest shell ever made. Arc'teryx thought of everything when designing this shell. The curved zipper was a big bonus on a 10-degree day and the radio pocket is a great feature. My recommendation: sell the car or ditch the spouse and buy it.

After almost wearing out a Theta AR from 2000, I wanted something new and went for the Sidewinder SV. I used the Theta mostly for skiing, and decided a skiing specific jacket was right for me. I also went down one size, from large to medium, as the Theta was a bit big at times. The medium fits perfect for me: 6ft 2in, 180lb. At first I thought the arms were a tiny bit short, but I have not thought about this when wearing it. The fit is, as always with Arc'teryx, perfect. Though it has less articulated elbows, the arms never snag. The width is just right and the pockets are where they should be. The pit zips are long, and easy to use. I also like that they have used several different fabrics on different parts of the jacket to put stretch and abrasion resistance where it's needed. I really like that the pockets are on the side, as the Theta made me my chest look big when I had camera in the chest pocket and a beeper underneath. The hood is smaller than on my 2000 Theta, and my huge Giro SST helmet does not fit. No biggie. The curved zipper is very nice to wear as there is just regular fabric in front of my chin, but it does requires a tiny bit of effort to close, as the protective flap needs to be pushed in a little bit. The see-through pocket on the arm works just as well with a Motorola Talkabout as it does with a Garmin GPSMAP 60CS. Or with a lift pass. All in all, I am very happy with this jacket, and I'm sure it will last just as long as the Theta did.

I love this Sidewinder SV shell. My only concern is with the see-through compartment on the arm built for season passes. The material is shaded too much for the pass to be able to be scanned. They should have used a clear material instead of the shaded material. It is kind of a bummer to have a jacket that costs this much and not be able to utilize the pass holder.

At last I've found my jacket. Now I'm ready to climb Mount Everest

Worth EVERY penny! This is the ultimate all weather jacket. Take my advice, spend the extra; you won't be disappointed!

The Best Gore-tex Jacket I've ever owned! Better yet, probably the best jacket ever! It's worth every penny! From the Deviated side zip to the zipper garages you will also love the reinforcement on the elbows and lower half of the jacket. The walkie pocket is sweet too! I agree Arcteryx's attention to detail is great and it's getting better and better every year.

I've just returned from skiing at Snowbird - a mixture of sun and snow. This jacket worked out great. It is an excellent shell in terms of performance and is sharp looking too.

expensive, but im writing this so i bought it and it was definitely worth the money. I layed in a puddle of water changing a flat tire in the rain and shirt did not get wet unlike pants. Also skied 4 feet of powder and its a great ski jacket too. Its a shell so base layers are still a need but great for all around use. Very breathable and conveniant. Chest pocket is a favorite.

While shopping for an Arc’teryx coat I was looking for the top tier. I narrowed it down to the Alpha SV and obviously the Sidewinder. Both are amazing jackets.
Draft pit zips are huge, and adjustable if you want to just open them a little. Haven’t tested the powder bib yet, but the buttons and elastic seem bombproof. Hood is not as good as the Alpha in my opinion. The Alpha’s hood is more adjustable and spacious for helmets. Sidewinder’s hood leaves some gaps in protection around the ears if it is not tight enough. Zippers can be a little tricky in the deep cold. Pockets are spacious and plentiful. Bottom pull tight is hard to get loose -- I havent figured it out yet, but it doesnt come loose on its own so that’s good. Im 6'3", 190, and the large fits gloriously. Sidewinder fits a little larger than the Alpha. This is good because you gotta put on some layers if it gets cold! Sidewinder is a very "elastic" coat as far as extensive movement goes. I don’t notice any resistance when I’m reaching for high points, and arm movements don’t have a lot of drag from coat friction. It basically feels like you aren’t wearing it at times....unless the damn hood is over your head and not cinched down.
Also, it’s expensive. I would recommend shopping hardcore for the best deal.

Have just returned from skiing the excellent powder in Harafu, Japan using the Sidewinder SV; this jacket is the business, with thermal and polartec layering warmth was not a problem and dry all the time. Perhaps the best piece of Alpine equipment I have owned in terms of functionality, and looks the goods as well a great device.

I got it send here to Bergen in Norway, and I must say it has met my expectations thus far. It rains a lot here, and I've also used it in the mountains for skiing. It's a really nice and robust jacket, top quality from Arcteryx.

An awesome jacket for the often rainy and windy conditions we get here in Australia. Totally breathable, waterproof and warm. A little pricey, but then isn't everything decent now?

Arcteryx's quality is undeniable, but I think that they are for climbers 1st, and skiers 2nd or so. I'm always digging in my jacket for something, and I found the sealed zippers to be a problem. They are hard to manipulate, especially with gloves on. First, the main zipper would stick where it angles. This might be due to my neckgator, which I always wear. Second, I found that there weren't enough internal pockets. Third, none of their products have a mesh liner to save weight.

This jacket has everything. Let me start with the color. The online pictures do not accurately represent the true color. I have the 2007 blue Sidewinder SV jacket. I was originally going to purchase the maroon jacket because I thought the blue jacket was a light powder blue or skyblue. Since my wife bought the jacket for my birthday, she thought I wanted the blue jacket, and that is what she ordered. I really like the blue jacket. It is more grey blue, understated. I love the color, and am glad I have the blue jacket. My understanding is the maroon jacket is orange with dark maroon highlights. Still very nice, but a little louder.
Great pocket locations, even the one on the sleeve. At first I thought I would use the sleeve pocket for my Garmin Edge, but when the GPS is in the sleeve pocket you cannot read the display. So instead I'm going to put the Garmin in my backpack and use the side sleave for my Treo 650 phone. The Treo display can be read through the window, and it is easy to manipulate the buttons. I have a Giro 9 helmet with earpad speakers. Skullcandy has a way to attach your mp3 player and phone to the earpad speakers. Right now the phone and mp3 player are hardwired to the ear pad speakers. Skullcandy plans to release a bluetooth unit in January to connect the phone to the earpad speakers and hardwire to the mp3 player. I'm looking forward to that, since it will be an easy way to make and receive calls.
Overall the jacket is very high quality and worth the price.

This is the perfect jacket! It's got everything you look for in a real skiing jacket, I especially love the stretch Gore-Tex fabric on the back and the sleeves, it's so smooth to wear at any occasion!

I originally wore a 2002 North Face Mountain Light Parka for my winters, Boy does this jacket blow it away. I like the waterproof zippers this jacket provides, very useful. I ordered a Medium and the jacket has a very snug fit compared to my Mountain Light. I am a 160lb, 5ft 11in man, and this jacket is a perfect fit in my opinion. Grab this with a Delta SV jacket, and you're all set.

That's all there is to say. This is one tank shell. Aside from the hood being kind of big (which is great if you need to wear a helmet, but I usually don't), I'd say it's about the best thing available. Kudos once again to Arc'teryx for their innovation and style. Every piece of gear I own is from these guys, and I won't be complaining any time soon!

Just back from two days at Killington, Vermont. 15 degrees below zero, and windy. The Sidewinder SV is an outstanding shell. So lightweight, you don't even feel like you're wearing it. Bad-ass look to it, as well. I'll be sure to get the matching Theta SV Pant next season! Spend the money, and know that you have the best. Worth every penny.

I looked and researched for a long time before deciding on the Sidewinder. Recently, within the last year or so, I've gone all Arc Teryx. Leaving North Face and most Mountain Hardware gear behind. It is simply the best gear.

This past month I skied in the Sidewinder while in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and a little at Grand Targhee and it worked flawlessly. I stayed dry in the warmer conditions that should have soaked most of my gear. (Have the Minuteman pants by Arcteryx too)

This jacket has overcome anything that I have thrown at it including the usual cold winters in Michigan. It still looks brand new and doesn't seem to have any of the dirt accumulation or used look.

It is a stiff fitting jacket with very tight zippers which may be a little hard to pull, but that's how you know they're water tight.

The only thing that I can say bad about this jacket is every time I wear it to the mall or the store, it sets off the door alarms as they must reflect off that damn "Recco" avalanche reflector.

Not only is the Sidewinder SV one of the strongest jackets I have ever worn, it is also incredibly steezy. I would have to give praise to Arc'teryx for making such an excellent garment. I have worn it on both extremely cold and extremely warm days and it provides superb temperature regulation.

Superb piece of kit. Light, tough, incredibly well constructed and completely waterproof.

So warm I went riding in minus 9 and I only had a mid layer on. Its breathable, fully taped and fantastic. Also I look damn good in it. If you can afford one. get it.

This is my second attempt at adding some feedback for this jacket...hope this one gets through. Like everyone else, I'm in agreement that this is the best ski jacket ever, but wanted to provide some additional info about the fit and the hood for those considering the AR versus the SV. After exchanging some emails with the Arc'teryx customer service I was informed that the SV has a slimmer fit than the AR which explains the need for the stretch back panel. It still has plenty of room for layering, but is just a much better fit than the AR. I am 5'10 170 lbs and bought a medium in the SV. Also, the hood in the SV is more roomy than the AR and fits easier over helmets. I wear a Giro G10 Large which is a pretty bulky helmet. The SV hood fits snuggly, the AR doesn't work for this helmet. Hope this helps.

very breathable, but not as wind proof as I thought it would be (it was gusting up to 30-35 mph, and I had only the sidewinder and 2 light base layers on). kept me dry even as i was digging myself out of waist deep powder after a spill.

Great, met my expectations. Due to the Europe sale instructions it had to be send to a US first and then to Norway. Took some time, but ok now. Really liked the jacket!

The neck and the hood are separate, so when the hood is adjusted properly, the hood turns with your head. If the side zipper is a concern, forget about it. You are using this shell to be out in the most gnarliest conditions, so every part is going to be zipped and tied down. That is why I bought this jacket, because I like to be able to ski in a blizzard!!!!!!

It is expensive but so so worth it. I am a L/XL so hard to fit in most jackets. Both the Large and XL fit fine. Went with the XL for the length (snowboard so when sitting on the deck), but a large would have worked. Nice cut for a shell and great quality. Breathes well

The Sidewinder SV is really well designed. The zipper doesn't get you in the chin or flap in your face, as do so many others. I can't believe nobody thought of this before. The hood is also fantastic. When you turn your head, it turns with you and doesn't obstruct your field of view AT ALL. Amazing coat.