Gear Review
Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's
Excellent, but overpriced shell
By busotti
Ranked #1144 - Men's Technical Shells
March 24, 2008
Arcteryx has a slavishly devoted flock that allows them to charge ridiculous prices for some of their pieces... and I myself am vulnerable. I bought a used one and am happy with the deal, but no way for list price. I have other jackets by Mountain Hardware, Montbell, and Marmot, and there is no way that this is 2-3 times better than those (whereas the price is 2-3x more).
I have the XCR model (made in Canada). The differences with the new pro-shells are: laminated rather than stitched seams, slightly more vertical front pockets, got rid of the bulky plastic tabs attached to zipper cords to save weight. The whole breathability of Gore-Tex like fabrics is overrated. Yes they do breath more, but if you really want to have a big effect on breathability, partially unzip the jacket and open the pit zips! The thickness of the fabric is a little more durable than other Arcteryx models for durability.
Arcterxy looks fashionable for gear, which is nice. The front pockets are nice and tend to work better when wearing a pack than side pockets. But for the cost of replacing this, I have to think twice about glissading in it. Also, sincle late 2007, Arcteryx has moved most of their production to China. The MBAs have figured a way to increase profits without dropping the price. Don't even try to explain it as offsetting the high price of gas!
View Details: Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 4 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- 489N Gore-Tex Pro Shell 3L
- Fabric Waterproof Rating:
- guaranteed waterproof
- Fabric Breathability Rating:
- guaranteed breathable
- Fit:
- standard
- Center Back Length:
- (medium) 30 in
- Venting:
- underarm zips
- Powder Skirt:
- no
- Pockets:
- (external) 2 front, 1 sleeve, (internal) 2
- Seams:
- fully taped
- Hood:
- yes
- Liner-Compatible:
- yes
- Recommended Use:
- taking on the most severe weather
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
6 Comments Last Reply: January 28, 2010 By: Jared
Salomon was bought by Amer. So Adidas is no long the parent company. http://www.amersports.com/media/releases
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Actually, Arc'teryx is owned by salomon. Salomon is owned by the adidas group. Strange that arcteryx is owned by adidas.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
I think it was Mountain Hardware that was purchased in 2007 by Columbia. Talked to ArcTeryx about their Chinese production as I got my first small that the torso was too small but the sleeves were correct. They defended it strongly claiming the chinese produced ones are just as good. I am not sold. Love their stuff, however.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Arc'teryx was purchased by Columbia around 2007....
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
and these cost about $900 in Australia.. haha wtf
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
I can tell you something when it comes to price. This jacket costs an additional 300 $ in Norway. as do most gore tex pro shell jackets of any brand. So Backcountry prices seem pretty darn great from this side of the Great Salt Lake.=)
Helpful Votes: 4 Yes