Contributions by hidden (2)

I tried both the Maverick AR and SV jacket's and I'm not sure I would say either is worth the money. I chose the SV because I found a great deal on it, and found it's fit to be superior. I can deal with Arc’teryx pricing, but I expect every detail to be perfect! The AR is a far lighter jacket and with that comes freedom of movement, it feels great on. Actually I could barely feel it at all. The only aspect about the feel of the jacket I didn't like was the collar. It was too tight, so that if I tilted my head back and then forward my chin would run into the collar. After experimenting with it for a while I decided it could become a real nuisance. The big problem however was its look, and if you’re out on a mountain who cares, but for this kind of money it better look good too. It seemed as if the zipper was causing the material to cinch upward so that the front of the jacket rippled outward. Along with that it just didn't have the super tailored trim fit I am used to, and love, with Arc’teryx.

If you just want the info on the Alpha SV skip down, for a more full review read on. Arc'teryx jackets are some of the best, if not The best. However, this is reflected in their price, so when looking at them I knew I had to be picky and get something that would last me twice as long as a jacket half the price. I will admit up-front that a big part of my desicion was based on style/look and fit. So after looking awhile I narrowed my search to the Alpha SV and Theta AR. Both are very similar shells with differences in the color options and small differences in the cut/fit. They both use the heavier 2 fabrics, although the Theta uses more of it, and generally has more material in it. I tried on a Theta AR and really liked it overall. My only hesitation was that it was a little longer than I wanted. I looked around and could not find an Alpha anywhere, but really wanted to try one before deciding. I finally ordered one from backcountry figuring I could trade it for the Theta if it didn't work for me. The Alpha SV: is a great jacket, it functions great, it looks great, it fits great and it feels right. It's shorter than the Theta AR, which I like, the hood is a little bigger (for a helmet) but has more adjustments to compensate. When zipped up all the way it comes higher on my face, which I wasn't so sure about at first, but have grown to love as it keeps the wind out better. The new style water-proof main zipper it sports is nice, it zips easier which is great for gloved hands. I like the slightly tighter, more form-fitting, trim cut of the Alpha SV although it's minor. I liked the darker (eclipse) color the Theta offered, and it's small, but the no-elastic cuffs of the Theta are more slick. Which, however, is a good aspect to use to point out that the Alpha SV really is designed for technical use; the elastic cuffs don't look as nice, but are more practical. The elasticity of both shells is great for being non-restrictive and the water-proof zippers create less bulk; overall they are both awesome with slight variations depending on what you are looking for. Have fun outside!