This is the loosest fit in the witeline series. It does fit a lot baggier than your Beta AR, it is also longer in the front and back. If you prefer a more slim fit than certainly go for the size small.

If you are using it as a midlayer they are both fine choices. As an outer layer you will fell the bite of the wind. They are not windproof softshells so once the temps drop and you are moving down the hill the wind cuts through the shell. They are best served as a mid layer for cold days and an outer layer when the skies are sunny and the temps are just around the freezing mark.

All are good choices- Here are some other gear to consider.
Shell- THETA SV jacket. Same face fabric as the Alpha, longer and more roomy cut. better pocket placement (IMO)
Pants-Stinger or Theta pants if you want some bibs instead.
Vertical gloves- awesome dexterity but are not very warm. I would look into the Zenta glove if warmth is an issue (a little less dextrous though).
Midlayer-Atom LT hoody.- a liitle less warmth (60gm coreloft instead of 100) but it breathes better with the Windpro side panels.

You should do fine with a Large in the sabre. BTW it will have a long cut in both the front and rear.

Actually Arc'teryx has a wide variety of fits as well as lengths which are model specific. In the Sabre and Crossbow you will certainly be a Medium (and have plenty of room for layering). Did you put any midlayers on in the rush jacket when you tried it on? You can also wear a large if you plan on using a larger midlayer underneath or softshell.

Crossbow has a roomier fit than the RUSH. It is also longer in the front and rear. The rush is definitely a tighter fit (but will still will allow room for layering). The Crossbow and Sabre have the most generous sizing in Arcteryx Whiteline products.

Peter
Check out the Alpha SV TALL that is only available from backcountry.com. A Apha SV in the Large TALL sizing would be perfect for you
Good luck

Yes they do. They also have full side zips (zippers at top and bottom) so you can loosen the zips and to get the over the boot easier

Peter, These jackets fit VERY big. They run over 1/2 size bigger than thet stated size. A Large will be plenty big and have a long enough length for front and rear coverage.

You should look into the ALPHA LT as well. Gore tex pro shell protection at paclites weight. I have found paclite does not hold up well in heavy heavy rains (plus condensation seems to build up during vigorous exertion). Pro shell solves both those problems(better protection and increased breathability. The alpha LT is also longer cut in the front/back so it also provides more coverage than the Beta, and has a better front zipper than the Theta SL.
hope this helps

When compared to my Alpha SV and Stingray jacket it feels as if it is a 1/4 to 1/2 size larger.

Brandon, most of your zippers for the fall 2012 collection are the AquaGUARD. I did not see the Watertight vislon.

It is very similar. The main difference is the Fission jacket fits like you had the Beta on with a midlayer. Although with the fission you shouldn't need to wear much of a midlayer. It also has the same length in the front and drop in the rear.

Nightshade is a dark grey with a faint blue hue to it

These are all made in China now (Arcteryx has its own factory there). I wish it was still made in Canada but I am Very impressed by the quality from China

Crossbow and stingray have similar designs. The crossbow has a 1 piece hood (which works better over hooded midlayers) has a slightly more roomy cut and comes with 1 extra internal pocket. The main body on the crossbow uses a heavier fabric as well (and in turn uses thicker seam tape)The Sabre is roomy like the crossbow, is made of the same material as the stingray. It has the largest volume outer pockets (has only 1 internal pocket). Its the best value of the 3 you have listed (arcteryx realized this and has increased the price the the sabre by $50 for next season :-(

I have a medium in both. My Sabre SV is 2" longer in the front (31" front zipper compared to the alphas 29") the collar is the same height. The rear of the sabre is a bit longer as well (maybe an inch. The sabre has a touch more room in the torso FYI.

Its fleece backed. I can post some pics tomorrow if someone doesn't get to it first. It sticks to fleece midlayers like your zion. Most softshells use a fleece backer.

Venta MXis very similar to teh SV. It uses slightly different weights of fabric and has 2 watertight zips on the chest (no watertight front zip still). The hood configuration is another major difference. Its no really better by any means just another version of the venta that they can charge a few extra bucks for. Dont get me wrong these are great softshell- its the price point that is the problem (for $25 more than the Venta MX you can get a sabre SV which has tons more featuers and is fully waterproof).

The hood is neither removable or stowable. It is permanently fixed to the collar, it can only cinch up tight. Only the Ventii jacket has the removable hood (and the fission AR has the stowable hood- but it is not insulated)

The Vertos (which are actually the arcteryx Ventii on the website) use a product called Coreline which adds a touch of insulation to the pants. The face fabric uses a strech gore tex face fabric matted to the pro shell membrane. The Stingray use whats called gore tex softshell. Its really a hardshell with a soft face fabric and a fleece backer on the inside which adds a touch of loft and insulation to the fabric.
Do yourself a favor and get the stingrays and save a few bucks
BTW the verto/ventii are discontinued for next season so maybe they will go on closeout somewhere.....

I own the Venta SV and have tried the Zion (cant speak for the others mentioned). The Venta series are nice jackets, however Arcteryx missed out on making the perfect softshell. These are completely windproof, somewhat waterproof (taped seams are not a gore product so it cannot be considered waterproof), and breathes well enough (esp. with pit zips open). Here's what its missing for a $400 softshell- waterproof zips!A watertight vislon front zip and watertight pocket zips would have made this the perfect jacket. Water soaks the pocket zippers and gets your inner contents damp. The front zip is air permeable so when the wind is blowing hard you can feel a touch of air inside the shell. A watertight Vislon solves this problem as the polyurethane coating enhances the windproof properties and makes it waterproof (ish). The Zion does things better than the Venta series (I have asked arcteryx why they didnt do these extra features). If you already the Zion and are relatively happy keep it- I think its a more versatile shell for the money. Save your money and buy the Marmot ROM shell ( It does everything the Venta does and less than 1/2 the price). sadly I expect more from a $400 softshell
Hope this gives you some insight

Paclite certainly does not breathe as well as pro shell. I have noticed condensation in my Theta SL when doing intense activity (I always try to keep the vents open a bit to prevent it). The Pro shell on the shoulder and top of arms seem to breathe much better. I see your review below- this is certainly not meant to be a ski shell. Get yourself a pro shell jacket.

There are no pit zips or vents in the Kappa Series. These are serious warm jackets if you are doing intense activity you will got very hot in this coat.

The Sabre does not have insulation. It uses a thicker softer face fabric with a light fleece bonded to the gore tex membrane. The combination of these 2 things adds a touch of warmth to the jacket (less than a 50 wt fleece I would estimate). I always use an insulating layer under the jacket (such as the Atom Lt or epsilon). regular fleece does not slide well under the fleece backing of the sabre so look for a smooth faced insulating layer.
Hope this helps.

The Sabre is a snowport specific fully waterproof softshell jacket. The Venta is not fully waterproof. Although the seams are taped with a finishing tape, it cleans up the seams on the jacket and adds a bit more water resistance it does not meet Gores standards of what a waterproof jacket is. Also the front zipper (as well as pocket zippers is not watertight). The sabre as mentioned comes with articulation meant for snowsports as well as a powder skirt. James is right on the money when he says you should look at a hardshell to compliment your wardrobe. Check out the Arcteryx Rush jacket as well as those he mentioned

Crossbow would be my pick. I find the hood configuration works better over more midlayers and it is a touch roomier than the Stingray and rush jacket.

My Jacket made with VIPER stretch was warrantied by Gore since the membrane didn't stretch underneath the face fabric and leaked in 2 separate locations. Im wondering if they fixed the problems (There is almost no stretch in the membrane).

Arcteryx generally uses their own face fabrics laminated to the pro shell membrane. VIPER was a Gore product (that had 2 way stretch face fabric). Some of the Gore reps or Arc reps maybe can clarify if it is or if this is a completely new product on the market.

David

The theta SV runs very big. I own a lot of Arc shells and this is the most roomy of all of them. I have a 40" chest and have a medium and have room to spare- the waist area is also quite roomy and I have to cinch up a lot at the bottom. I can probably get a small and have no problems layering. Go with a medium (BTW these are also very long in the Torso)

These fit roomy compared to most Arc shells. It will depend on how you will want to layer underneath. It is bigger than the Sidewinder AR model and very close the Sidewinder SV (if not a touch roomier). If you plan on using a decent size midlayer with a base - stick with the Large. If you dont wer much under your shells Go medium.

You are certainly a medium in he Vertical. It has more snowsport specific features when compared to the Theta. As for the Stingray it has similar features with a different fabric (gore tex softshell which adds a touch of warmth) and a different cut.
which jacket you choose will depend on what you plan to use it for. the stingreay is a 3 season shell. The theta and vertical can be used year round (although the powder skirt can be annoying in the summer). You really cant go wrong with any of your choices.

No, It is fixed to the collar.

Gore tex paclite is certainly more expensive than other waterproof breathable fabrics. AFully waterproof, lightweight and very packable. It performs well enough in a wide variety of condition(although it does not breathe as well as their higher end proshell). If you plan on doing vigorous activity go for a shell with pit zips (such as the alpha SL). As with any arcteryx product you pay for clean designs, superb construction and the best warranty in the business.

These are roomy. However if you wear a midlayer under you shells - go for the medium. If you typically wear just a baselyer you may get away with a small. If your not sure order both and return the size that doesn't fit to backcountry (best return policy in the business) just keep the tags attached.

The Atom LT is much slimmer than the Atom SV. I can layer the LT under my SV jacket. Mind you the LT will not be as warm as the SV.

The Atom is a great midlayer for the sabre.The smooth face fabric slides well underneath the fleece backing of the sabre. It is also moves very well with the body durig activity. I have the hooded version and do not find it to be a problem with 2 hoods. The atoms hood does not fit well over a helmet but I rarely use it. For the temps you described the Atom can be a bit toasty for my liking. It will depend on how warm your body is and how hard you are working.

The Venta is not really a ski softshell. The Vislon front zipper is quite air permeable (it does not have the waterproof coating) so you may get a chill when bombing down a run. It is more of an alpine jacket. If you want a 4 season jacket that doubles a an outer shell for skiing you should probably look at getting a hardshell (possible even the new FL series of jackets from arcteryx) which is totally waterproof and breathes almost like a softshell.

It does not have windstopper fabric. It uses fortius 2.0 which is a stretch woven fabric. Windstopper uses a membrane laminated to the fabric. Fortius breathes better than windstopper but is more air permeable. I am not sure if there are cfm numbers on the fortius fabric since it is a proprietary arcteryx fabric.

Nate, You are at the cusp of a medium or large. If you use this jacket as merely a shell with a light baselayer you can get away with a medium. If you plan to use a few more layers underneath you should definitely go with the large.

The Sigma AR glove is now called the ZENTA AR.

Yes the seams are taped with "arc'teryx finishing tape" its not a gore tape

Same warmth. The cut is a little roomier than the Hyllus and the Polartec face fabric is more windproof and weatherproof. Meant more for an outer layer and the hyllus is better used as a mid.

For most conditions the Theta SV with a base and 200 wt fleece is adequate. When the temps plummet you will most likely need another layer. It is a very durable fabric and can resist a lot of abrasion. If you want more of a skiing specific jacket look at the Sabre SV or stingray. They have a light fleece backing which adds a touch more of warmth and they have a powder skirt.

LARGE. The medium will look like a crop top on you....

It could be used as a winter jacket. The fabric is completely windproof and waterproof, but is also very lightweight. You will need a decent midlayer for warmth underneath

I assume you are refering to the centigrade scale. Put on a nice baselayer underneath and you should be fine. If you are referring to Fahrenheit - damn thats cold! and you will most likely need a mid layer.

The Epsilon SV jacket/hoody is the closest to a 200 wt hardfleece. I always found the TAU jacket warmer than my epsilon. too bad they stopped making it. get one if they have your size!

From what I have been told it is more like a 100 wt fleece. The Acto is meant for aerobic pursuits with a light loft fleece backing. It is meant to have more breatheablility than insulating properties. The Epsilon series is more like a 200wt fleece and is still water resistant and wind resistant.

They will work for snowsports even though they are designed for all around use. The Beta is cut a little shorter than most other arcteryx jackets so if you have a long torso you may find it riding up. Its a fully waterproof breatheable shell and haas large enough pockets and pit zips to aid you during activity. It is missing a powder skirt and some of the articulation you will find in arcteryx white line of jackets.

They are long jackets (with a roomy fit). front zipper on a medium is 31" long and the back drops 2-3" longer.

2 high hand pockets (they work under a pack and have long zips)
1 shoulder pocket (left shoulder)
1 internal pocket

Mark, if you are going to layer with this jacket you should probably go with the medium. If you plan on using the jacket with just a light fleece or base layer you could try a small THETA SV. The Theta SV is about a 1/2 size larger than the AR with the same length. Hope this helps

My 2011 version is made in China

I would not say it is darker than the pic- but this will also depend on your monitor settings. The color was just nicer in person than what the pic showed (maybe a shade or so lighter overall).

You are probably a small in the Beta. These are cut slightly shorter than most arc jackets so you may want to look at another model for your height. I would check out the Theta AR since it has a similar cut but is longer in front and back and only a few grams heavier.

Both are about the same warmth (200 wt fleece eq.). The Venta is more windproof and does not breathe as well (but has pit zips), where as the Gamma Breathes better and has some stretch to the material (and more athletic cut) for active movements. Both will be shed some light precipitation, but will eventually get wet. You would probably find the Gamma More useful for your needs and have a few bucks leftover to pick up a nice baselayer.

The ATOM Lt would be better. The side panels will breathe much better during aerobic activity and provide some stretch for movement. The SV has a bit more insulation and has a roomier cut and insulation along the sides (as opposed to the wind pro side panels).

This is indeed the Ventii. Arcteryx originally named it the Verto in the sales catalogue (for dealers) when they did their buying in the previous year. They changed the name in between (which happens quite often).
It is only moderately warm (80gm/m2 of coreloft). For most condition a base layer and the jacket will be enough. As temps Depending on temps plummet you will still need to layer.
No experience with the material. Brandon Carlile (Arc rep on this site is an excellent resource)

Carbon Copy is a very dark grey (almost black). It will hide any dirt or spills you encounter. quail grey has a light taupe to its color and will show dirt much easier.

The drawcord hem is in the front on both sides. The cords pull into the hand pockets so they are hidden.

It will work but the Atoms hood can be somewhat annoying. It just doesn't always sit in the stingrays hood right.I prefer non hooded layers under my stingray (epsilon SV jacket is a great midlayer) or get the Atom Lt jacket.

You are definitely a SMALL.

It is an athletic fit, with a bit of stretch to the fabric. I can wear either size (with a 40" chest)- with a medium I will use it under a t shirt, with a large I can put a fleece or another layer under it.
If you plan to layer underneath go for a large- The waist cinches up nicely without looking ridiculously baggy.

No. The SV has the insulation along the sides with the same face fabric on the outside.

I would look to a more fitted layer under the gamma MX. Checkout the caliber or delta Lt fleece. keep in mind, fleece does not slide well when putting a softshell over top.

It is certainly a lot better than the Marmot trient. It is an amazing jacket- but extremely expensive. In most cases the Marmot Trient will be enough jacket for the winter season (plus its over $400 cheaper). it will depend on what you can afford (if you want the best you pay for it when you buy Arc'teryx)

Brandon is SPOT ON with that one. Definitely a LARGE

Its low volume. It may fit over a small-ish helmet.

They would be one expensive pair of cycling gloves! you could cycle in them- but there are better choices for cycling. It will also depend on how cold it is where you bike and/or if you ride in the rain. Take a look at some of the cycling specific companies to see what they have. You dontwant something too bulky when riding and you want some grip on the fingers and palms.

Sabre SV is your jacket then. It is geared towards mountain sports. They are both fully waterproof/breatheable practically bombproof jackets. The Sabres front pockets are larger and it has a powder skirt. It also has a light fleece backing which adds a touch of warmth and softness. The only downside to the jacket is the fleece, it tends to be too warm to wear in the summer. This is where the Theta SV has an advantage. The other advantage to the Theta is the front zipper is much nicer.
Overall - save yourself $75 on the Sabre and get yourself a nice fleece or softshell with the money saved

The Theta SV tends to fit a 1/2 size larger than the current Theta AR (some of the older Theta AR models were cut larger). YOu should try one on just to make sure.

Its really going to depend on how warm your digits are when it gets cold and what type of activity you are using them for. THey are not the warmest glove out there. They are simply leather and gore tex with a mid weight fleece, Although they breathe exceptionally well). If your fingers and hands get cold easily- these are not the gloves for you. Not sure if this fully answers your question but hopefully it helps.

looks like purple (squid ink), Red (road rash red), Taupe grey (quail grey) and black are mostly in stock at the moment

The gloves (Alpha and Vertical) are meant for your hand to be slightly bent at all times. The moment you extend your fingers in these gloves the fit feels weird. As long as they fit fine with your fingers in the grip position they should work. I wear a medium and have long thin fingers- they felt short during extension on me as well. I just realized that I dont normally extend my fingers while skiing. If you prefer the fit of the ALpha why not get those

These run a bit snug. I am the same height and 165lbs, I found the medium a bit short in the torso and snug in the shoulders. I went with a large instead. I used it as a mid layer under my stingray, and would occasionally use it as a stand alone jacket (it is not windproof so if there is any wind outside its not the best jacket). Overall great piece- too bad they discontinued it for this season. The large would be the perfect size for your boyfriend.
Hope this helps

THe crossbow and sabre both have a larger (looser) cut than the stingray. Also because they fit looser they are longer in the front by 1/2". It will really depend on how many layers you wear underneath. Of the 3 choices listed by you the Stingray will be the smallest fit. You really need to try on the jacket with a mid layer underneath to judge for yourself.

Roxo is a deep purple. I find the color looks better in person than the pictures show.

You should measure your chest and check arcteryx sizing chart. THere is a bit of stretch with the fabric. Judging by your size an XL should fit but you should double check just to make sure.

They are similar in materials and craftsmanship. The SV has a few more features, obviously it has the hood, it also has pit zips (nice feature) and is cut a bit longer.
Hope this helps

Your going to be pretty toasty with the hyllus underneath an insulated jacket. The hyllus is equivalent to a 300wt fleece. Depending on how cold you get a 100 wt fleece should be plenty or lightweight.breatheable softshell. At least with the Mako if it gets too hot you will be able to vent some of the heat with the pit zips.

The Alpha glove series are not that warm. They only have a small fleece liner. They are meant for alpine ascents or snowsports where you want to make its 100% waterproof and deterity trumps pure warmth. You should look at the new Zenta line of gloves/mitts. THey are much warmer and better suited for your needs

No difference. Just the color palate has changed- plus they gave changed the color of the lining (all were grey last year) this year they have purple, grey and red.

A medium will be way too short in the front and too tight in the shoulders. A large would suit you much better. You may want to check out the gamma MX hoody as well. If i recall it is a touch longer in the front and has a bit of stretch.
Hope this helps

They did not make any changesto any of the Atom line. Same materials and fit and cut. They only changed the colors available

Go with the Alpha SV. The gauntlet style glove is best suited to most snowsports. I cant imagine why anyone would want such a short glove like the vertical SV. I own the Alpha SV glove. If you have crazy long fingers than they may not be the glove for you. Otherwise they are a fantastic glove with unreal dexterity.

Its a great all around jacket- The only issue i find is the front zipper is not the watertight vislon. SO it allows more air through it and is not waterproof. For a few extra bucks I would pick up the sabre SV jacket and have a fully waterproof breatheable jacket (along with a powderskirt)

Yes
The Atom LT pants are warm (coreloft insulation) and breathe really well). They are not articulated for snowsport movemnt- but will keep you nice and toasty on those Chilly days!

I own all 4 of the jackets mentioned (although my alpha is the SV). I have always had an issue with the front pockets on the Alpha. I find it is really meant for alpine ascents. The stingray and sabre are awesome snowsport jackets- but when the weather is warmer I tend to put the jackets away because of the fleece lining. They are more 3 season jackets. Which leaves us with the THETA SV (or AR) A perfect jacket for snowsports with ample coverage in the front and back. Pockets are well placed to stash your gear, and internal pockets for your goggles and wallet/cellphone. I prefer the Theta SV over the AR because of the hood configuration. Just be carefull of the size since the THETA SV tends to run about a 1/2 size larger than the stated size.
Hope this helps
Good luck

The Gamma SK is a great softshell pant. Fit is great and just the right amount of features. The burly double weave fabric breathes quite well and is wind resistant. It will meet your criteria without breaking the bank. The Gamma MX uses a better fabric (polartec powersheild pro) but is more expensive. It is a bit more windproof and apparent breathes better. The last choice are the arcteryx seeker pants. THey are not made anymore but are made from Schoeller dynamic and breathe amazing well and can sometimes be found for a great deal.
Good luck