Comparing Stinger with Sidewinder AR/SV

By Greg Wojtkun Ranked #23 - Men's Ski Jackets December 1, 2008

I had the problem to trying to decide between the Stnger, Sidewinder AR and Sidewinder SV. The main thing is... what is the difference with the 3 models? I looked into all 3 and here is the lowdown...

The Stinger and the Sidewinder SV are made with high grade/top of the line Goretex materials. They are essentially the same exact jacket. The biggest difference between these two is that the Stinger has a high collar, different color options, an additional inner pocket, and a stowable hood. I chose the Stinger because I actually like the high collar. The hood stows nice and it fits perfectly around a helmet. I dont know about you, but when I ski, Im always trying to dip my nose into my jacket to keep my face warm on those real chilly days. The Stinger allows for this. I also have a long neck and wanted the stowable hood for those extreme windy/cold days. I also digged the Jalapeno color... sick!. The Sidewinder SV did not come in Jalapeno.

The Sidewinder AR does not utilize the high grade goretex materials which is why it is $100 less expensive. Its still a great jacket, but is not as robust as the Stinger or SV. The materials are a bit different, but it is still suitable for harsh skiing conditions. It fits similar to the SV and as a stowable hood where the SV does not have a stowable hood. The AR reviews should tell you more about the jacket itself. Basically... if you are skiing backcountry in variable conditions and ski in all kinds of harsh weather, and hit the slopes/BC about 40+ times a season then I would look into the SV or the Stinger. If you tend ski in better conditions and dont like to venture out when its blowing 30mph and zero, and only hit about 10-20 days per season, then I personally think the AR is a better choice.

The Stinger jacket is needless to say amazing. Blocks everything... wind, rain, ice pellets... you name it, it stops it. Its extremely breathable and gives you full range of motion. Its not constricting. This is a trademark design of all Arcteryx jackets. It is, however, just a shell (a hard shell that is), so you need to have adequate layering for warmth. I use some patagonia regulators and the Arcteryx Delta fleece. Works fine and is very warm and breathable. The pockets are fine... look... this jacket is intended for hard core skiers in harsh conditions. You can not have a jacket of this caliber and be concerned with "where do I put my keys or my wallet, or my i pod, or my black berry. If you want that, then go buy a puff and be a tourist. Chances are if you are using this jacket, you are in the backcountry and have a pack. The jacket is intended for performance and responding to the elements and to be light weight. Not weight down with pockets and gadgets, etc. The stowable hood is awesome, it fits perfectly over a helmet and has all kinds of elastic chords to fine tune the fit. The high collar does not interfere with a helmet in any manner.

Bottom line: This jack is incredible and highly recommended for hard core skiers who go out in ANY condition and are not scared off by a storm or the elements. Great for backcountry use and in the resort. Go get it.

View Details: Arc'teryx Stinger Jacket - Men's

Helpful Votes: 3 Yes | 1 No