Personally I think Ortovox can improve on this. First of all my ski packs have a specific shovel pocket and because the handle does not separate from the blade it doesn't fit in my packs. My next issue is that when the shovel is collapsed the handle extention just slides right out. As soon as I took it out of the box the handle slid out and dropped to the floor. I do think its great when fully extended and locked out, its just not gonna work for my current application. Those who keep their shovels inside the main pouch or have giant shovel pockets may have more success.

Some improvements over last years model which I really like anyways. The powder skirt is now removable so it doesn't have a big ol sinch line around it when you wear it when your not sking. Pocket placement is also improved. Jacket has tons of features. Me likey.

Crowbars are working great for me. They fit well with both my Bern and my Giro helmets. I dig the skull grafix add some steeze but I really wish these came with some more lens options. Mine are black iridium which are pretty great on bright days but not so hot in flat light or night skiing.

I ordered 3 pairs of these for gifts for friends. To my suprise the arms were bent on 2 pairs. They sat crooked on your face. Of course BC hooked me up, they sent out replacements right away while I sent the bent ones back. When the new ones got here one of those pairs was bent as well same problem the first ones had.

I'm a big Oakley fan I have a half dozen pairs and a shit ton of their gear and softgoods. This is the only issue I have ever had with Oakley's stuff.

The hood is not removable or stowable. This is a very big coat and is not very packable if you want to use it for a touring layer I would look elsewhere. I don't use it for skiing but I could see it being used on a cold park day. It nice and warm when its cold and windy.

I like the jacket, its really warm if your going to be in super cold conditions. I will not use this as a mid-layer for touring its just to heavy. I will use it for resort skiing in sub-zero conditions.
The fit is not what I have come to expect from Arc. This season I ordered the Delta SV and the Sniper both size L. The Sniper fits me so well and the Delta SV just doesn't fit as well. It feels like the arms are to long and its a little to tight around the torso.

Hands down the best and most versatile mid-layer I have. It fits great very warm under my shell and looks great if you rock it solo.