One of the Daves you know

I just picked up an Enzo and figured I would kick off the review section here. First impressions are that the Enzo has a really nice design, cut, and fit. For me (6' 160lbs), the medium fits like it should, athletic with room for layering. If you like a bulkier fit or want room for a big down mid-layer, size up in this one for sure. Oodles of sleeve length with nicely tapered cuffs to keep the snow out. The Gore-Tex Pro Shell is nice and thin. There's no weight listed but my guess would be 600g.

This could easily function as a four-season shell. A couple issues for me on this one are the off-center zip - I like this concept, but I find it gets caught on my chin when I turn my head to the right with the hood up. I think you either need to go way off-center like the Arc'Teryx Sidewinder, or keep it in the middle. There is also no loop on the inside collar for hanging your coat up - minimalist or oversight? There is also an elastic skirt on the inside of the peak on the hood. It's hidden from view and I think the point of it must be to give the hood a little extra grip over your helmet, but I could personally live without it. The stormhood design is not going to let the hood blow off - I would much rather have completely unrestricted head motion inside the hood than whatever small advantage this hood skirt design might offer.

Anyway, all that to say this is a fantastic Gore-Tex shell that will keep you dry year round. Maybe a little over-designed, if anything. I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5.

The Alpha SV is amazing at what it does, but it is not for everyone. If you are thinking about picking up this jacket because you need to protect yourself from the worst weather mother nature can throw at you, then don't hesitate. However, if what you are actually looking for is a multi-purpose ski jacket that will protect you from almost everything the big mom throws your way and be a reasonable choice for a good portion of the rest of your winter activities, then maybe keep looking.

I moved up to this jacket from an Alpha LT thinking the two would be very similar. And while they are similar in design, the SV is significantly roomier, has a higher collar and bigger hood (which are already BIG on the LT) and the face fabric is incredibly stiff and loud. Want to chat with your friends in the lodge or cat AND hear what they have to say? Better take your jacket off first.

The Alpha SV is a great jacket but unfortunately was not the right choice for me.

I've had this jacket for two years now and wear it year round, almost every day. It is breathable and light enough to wear in the summer but also my go-to ski shell in the winter for both resort skiing and touring. The athletic cut is a bit slim for a down mid-layer (even for a skinny guy, 6' 160lbs in a M), but it fits the atom LT nicely. It has also proven to be an incredble outer layer for year round biking. The hood fits a bike/ski helmet easily and comfortably inside. In fact, the hood is so well designed that I am able to wear my bike helmet with no ear coverage right down to about -10C. This blows my mind. No toque, no liner, no earmuffs, no problem. The hood fits well around my face and doesn't pucker out. The result is that the wind, cold, and rain stay out, without reducing visibility.One note: The innermost layer of the hood recently began to delaminate slightly. This was fully covered by the lifetime warranty at ArcTeryx with a replacement jacket.