Arc'teryx Sidewinder SV Jacket

GNARLY! Totally Tubular! K-RaD k00L! Arc'Teryx makes another innovative jacket for those crazy boarders and breaks away from their usual slim fitting garments that are more for climbers than boarders. Well, I have to say, I own the Alpha SV and this jacket offers a more loose relaxed fit.

Pros:

Generous fit for boarders

Cool curved zippers

Quality Gore-Tex XCR

Useful hood

Cons:

Hard to use zippers

No fleece insulation

Tacky Radio pocket

Compared to the Alpha SV, this jacket offers a more generous fit for layering and the curved zipper makes this jacket look more cool. Believe it or not, most Arc'Teryx Gore-Tex XCR jackets without the curved zipper still offer solid protection against chin scrape thanks to their fleece chin guard. The Gore-Tex XCR is top notch, as Arc'Teryx produces the finest XCR outerwear. The hood is useful for boarders but some might find it a tad small if used with a helmut when compared to the larger sized Alpha SV hood.

What's with the zippers? Okay, they're waterproof or water resistant at least, but they're difficult to zip up and down. However, the zippers are the highest quality I've seen in any jacket. Arc'Teryx is suppose to improve their zippers in their coming seasons.

Okay, I must say, this jacket will feel a little chilly when worn alone and there is no insulation such as fleece. Well, that kinda sucks because boarders don't really care about my jacket is lighter than your jacket, 'nuff said. BTW, just avoid this jacket if you value insulation and wait for the next Winter season as they're gonna release a similar jacket with insulation. Lastly, what's with tacky transparent radio pocket? It seems that Arc'Teryx messes up their Gore-Tex outwear with their sleeve pockets. First, it's extremely hard to zip/unzip with one hand; secondly, they only add extra more chances that your arm will get wet if the zipper is not properly zipped up. As for the radio pocket, heck, next time don't make it transparent because it's just so not radical.

Finally, this is the new snowboarding jacket for the K-RaD 31337 |-|/\R|>c0re boarders. But you'd have to pay a price. Just hope that Tom Herbst, new CEO of Arc'Teryx, and former CEO of Mountain Equipment Co-op <--(the Canadian not-for-profit REI), would make Arc'Teryx a more affordable for us Canadians... I believe that the Fall '02 will finally make Patagonia/Patagucci obsolete. I think their Fall '02 with insulated PrimaLoft and other lightweight fleece on their Gore-Tex outwear will revolutionize Gore-Tex outwear, PERIOD. Patagonia only beats Arc'Teryx only in advertising. Ironically, Arc'Teryx just hired Bob Holding, former marketing director of Patagonia. Yeah, Patagonia sucks, North Face sucks more, and Mountain Hardware sucks too because they make ugly expensive Arc'Teryx copycat outerwear. One more word to Arc'Teryx about their Fall '02 line: Gore-Tex PACLITE SUCKS!!!!! There are SERIOUS durability problems with PACLITE to the point that even The North Face stopped using PACLITE on their outwear! Hey Arc'Teryx, stick to 390NR face fabric with Gore-Tex XCR to achieve lightweight compressibility. So, I predict that the Fission SV jacket with Paclite will have durability problems. Well, at least it's suppose to keep you warm.

Would not recommend. Product failed and I had really poor customer service experiences with the Arc'teyrx.

Disappointed with the performance. Went on a ski/snowboarding trip and the jacket failed at the left arm seam. This was an obvious failure of the arm stitching and I really expected more from this jacket which was marketed as being one of the most durable snow jackets.

I didn't have any major falls beyond what is normal and the jacket was purchased less than a year ago and only used for 10-12 days. Warranty experience was not quick enough when I reached out. Factory store told me it was "wear and tear."

Online was better, however I needed a repair/replacement within two weeks for my next mountain, trip but they were too slow in responding with options. Ended up returning the jacket to the store where I got it. Tried to write a review on their website, however the review wasn't approved!

Really disappointed with Arc'teryx customer service and honesty with product quality...

Images below:

This is simply the best hard shell money can buy - it is fantastic! I brought the blue version (which is by far the best) last year and I have worn it nearly every rainy day we've had!

It is only a hardshell, which I think is good as it allows you to layer up more easily. It is really warm, and it doesn't let the cold of the wind in at all.

Another major bonus is the fact that it is so light! I couldn't believe it at first, when it's on you can barely notice. All in all, it's pretty much perfect.

This jacket is hands down the finest snowboard/ski jacket on the market. Made with the highest quality Gore-Tex XCR, Arc'teryx thought of everything when they designed this jacket. Every external zipper, even the pit zips, are waterproof YKK zippers that don't leak even without any storm flaps. That saves a lot of weight. The curved zipper keeps it out of your face and chin. Clear radio pocket is perfect for putting is ski passes and cards. All cords can be adjusted with one hand, even the hood. If there is one jacket in your wardrobe, better make sure it's a Sidewinder SV.