As the owner of six...count 'em, six...Arc'teryx shell parkas, I would say this one is my favorite. Why? I love the light weight, the water-shedding fabric, the double Napoleon pockets, the integrated hood, the front zipper, and the overall cut. Incidentally, contrary to what Benjamin says above, Arc'teryx did NOT skimp on the front zipper; they actually used a larger and much easier-sliding waterproof (yes, it is PU-coated) zipper on this model than what they've always used before.

I've tried a lot of hardshells and this is the best I could find for what I want. This jacket is almost as light as emergency rain gear for hiking yet so much more burly, breathable and waterproof.
Durability has been excellent I've dragged it across wet granite, fallen on corn snow, climbed dripping ice, glissaded, you name it this jacket will take it. It even survived a grease dripping chairlift.
Great fit, very well articulated. I love everything about this jacket, it has everything I want and nothing I don't.

Does a jacket get any better than this? Lightweight and bombproof. I use it touring, climbing, skiing, or just to show off. But really a great fit, like all Arcteryx products are, and would highly recommend it to anyone. Fitting is true to size, I am 6'2” 175 pounds and wear a medium. Could be a bit longer for a tall lanky person, but it is a waist cut jacket. Wide shoulders.

Fantastic jacket – I upgraded to the Alpha SV as this was SO light I felt I could add a couple ounces. Everything from the waterproof flat zippers to the streamline fit is top notch. Expensive, but worth it.

Arc’teryx makes the best jackets. It’s as simple as that. I had to walk about 8 hours in pouring rain and this number was as dry as the Sahara. It’s incredibly light as well. Well worth the price.

I usually have to look pretty hard to find anything wrong with an Arc'teryx jacket. The workmanship is impeccable, as with any of their jackets. The finish on the jacket beads water like no other. The fit is great. I love the big hood and its adjustability. Overall, this thing feels pretty bomber; but what's up with the main zip? They use watertight zips on the pockets, the pit-zips, but I think they skimped on the main zip. They reverted back to the traditional zip and inner flaps to keep it water tight. I don't understand why they just didn't go with a water-tight zip up front - is it for durability's sake? That's my only gripe with this jacket, other than that I love it.