The SHIFT, COMPOSITE and ELEMENT are three of four different Men's softshell jackets made bye Backcountry.com.All are comprise of Polartech materials, primarily Powershield (which is 98% windproof and very water resistant). To my limited knowledge, the regular SHIFT has the heaviest fleece backing of the three, making it appropriate for winter sports, colder and lower exertion activities than the other two. It includes the wrist pocket and a number of other pockets exclusive to it.The COMPOSITE is essentially a a SHIFT designed for higher exertion activities, such as nordic skiing or running. Its made of panels of Powershield and Powerstrech, which give it an ultimate range of motion. The Powerstrech material lacks the weather resistance of the Powershield, but offers more mobility. The ELEMENT is the "casual" cut jacket, being offered in a single color, something that many city dwellers prefer. Like the SHIFT, it is made entirely of Powershield, but has a lighter fleece backing, making it more suitable for warmer climates. Its truly a perfect Spring-Fall jacket, if you live north of Utah. The same could be said of the COMPOSITE, while the SHIFT is the ultimate Fall-Spring jacket, even sufficing as a 4 season jacket in norther areas like BC and Alaska.I have worn all three of them (I happened to spring for the Shift Welder due to it having a hood) and would say that all are definitely made with excellent construction.The BCC0164 is the 09 SHIFT, and the current ELEMENT is brand new. Also, I am not aware of the newer Composite, although I could be wrong. I hope this helps