PAUL UDOVIC

Small is the correct size. Note that even a small is cut quite long (at 5"10" my small is still quite long on me). You may want to look at the alpha LT jacket, very tough exterior in a lighter package and cut slightly shorter in the front.

Powder skirts are a nice touch on a ski specific coat but a pain sometime when wearing it around town. That being said the Theta is a nice ski coat. It provides ample coverage and has some great articulation. I sized down to a small on my theta since I tend to layer less with it.It also functions as a perfect 4 season coat (my sabre and stingray are not great in warmer weather) The sabre is a touch warmer with the fleece backer and the fabric is much quieter. The pockets of arcteryx Whiteline series of jackets are also roomier than the theta which is nice for skiing. If you can afford it stick with both jackets (you can never have too many IMO).

Jeff
The Squid ink color is the exact same as you saw with the Sabre pant. It is certainly not a girly color (I would almost consider it a grape purple). I own bondi blue, Miro Blue and Blue ray jackets and I find I take the Theta around town the most of all the jackets I own. I do find I get a lot of compliments on the color since it is very different.

The paclite material on this jacket are more purple (same purple hue seen in shoulder/arm area of teh ALPHA/BETA FL squid ink). The Pro shell parts of the jacket are the blue (olympus blue hue like the theta SL)

Your in between a small a medium. My Small theta SV is the exact same size as my medium ALPHA SV (2009 version) and very close to Medium Sabre SV. I started out with a medium Theta SV and switched to a small (5'10" 165lbs). You should try it on somewhere just to be sure. They are VERY long jackets in the front and back. You could save a bit of money and look at a medium BETA AR.

PS: stick with the medium

Squid ink is a deep purple with a slight blue hue in it.

Typically very little if any winter gear comes in during the spring. In fact they try and sell of the remainder of their winter stock throughout the summer. You should probably look around and see if you can find some elsewhere

The Beta AR pants made with Pro Shell have the dark grey (knit backing) The Gore tex XCR versions pre 2007 have the tricot backing (light grey). Face fabrics have also changed over time. The belt/waistband is also defferent from previous versions. Also the newer versions use the watertight zip on the front pocket. Hope this helps

The Alpha SV like the Beta AR are meant to layer underneath. Your Alpha SL is meant for very minimal layering. The SV will fit much like the Beta AR in the biceps.

Jeff
The crossbow fits the same and has one more internal pocket and the thicker gore tex in the torso, shoulders and the tops of the arms. there is not that much difference between the sabre and crossbow. Pick it up if you find a great deal!

Jeff,
$270 is just above wholesale so I would certainly jump on that (next years line up does not include any blues). Greenlight is OK but not as nice as Bondi Blue thats for sure (greenlight s also discontinued for next fall) I am not aware of any changes between model years.
Sabre pants are nice but a little baggy. Depends on how you like them to fit. The Stingray pants are more athletic and I prefer the fit. Black or dark greys are probably the best colors for pants with this jacket so yes carbon copy is a perfect match, (even squid ink looks pretty cool next to it).
Hope this helps
Cheers
PAUL

Hey Jeff,
Sorry for the lateness of my reply. Bondi Blue is a bright blue with a hint of green in it (I believe it is referred to as CYAN). I love most blue shades and tend to buy a lot of different blues in my wardrobe. It will really depend on what what types of colors you like to wear. I get a lot of compliments on it since its really different.
As for fit. I am the same height and weigh just a little bit less. I like the fit of the sabre for layering but it is a bit big with just a t shirt underneath. When the temps rise I tend to go for my pro shell jackets or now I have the Gore active shell.
If you get a good deal on the Bondi blue - go for it. The price for fall 2013 is going up $50 on the sabre ($525)

Roy

Had a Sabre now for its second season and it is holding up as well as any of my Pro shell jackets. I prefer using the Gore softshell while skiing and snowboarding to my Pro Shell jackets. The fabric is more supple and has a touch of warmth with the fleece lining.

It is helmet compatible but not as big as the Alpha/Theta SV hoods (those are huge). The Alpha SL does cinch down nice as mentioned. If you find it is still too big when you get it exchange it for the Theta SL. The hood is much smaller

Roy
The theta is a great 4 season jacket. It is a mix between lightweight and burly. It uses a mix of fabrics (tougher on shoulder and arms, lightweight on torso). Good enough to repel the wickedest winter storms and lightweight and breatheable enough for the summer months. It is definitely a great all around jacket.

Kathleen, It is made of the same material as the Beta SL with a few different features. It has a longer cut, a 1 piece hood, and most importantly pit zips. Paclite does not breathe as well so pit zips are important (especially if you are using it for any activity). The Beta SL is best suited as a lightweight rain jacket. THe minimalist is similar to the Alpha SL and is quite a bit cheaper (marmot uses a front flap in the front as opposed to a watertight zip). Arcteryx uses slightly different face fabrics and has the best warranty in the business. You cant go wrong with either choice.

It is certainly not a green hue. are you sure its not the lighting your in? post a pic if you can

I must be the only one here who says large. I am the same height and 165 (40" chest) with an athletic build and I am in between sizes. The medium feels tight around my chest and lats. I prefer the fit of the large to the medium (I wear a medium in pretty much everything else).
Hope this helps

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.