#!markdown
I just got the new Alpha AR last week (as a long lasting shell jacket for
winter and chilly weather) and so far it looks and fits pretty good. I love
the articulation, fit and apparent durability… and pretty confident it will
stay out of the way and just do it's damn job while I ride (if I decide to
wear it). Arcteryx also have the best hoods for wearing helmets etc. so in
that regard it's great for mountain biking.
For the price though, I wouldn't want to shred this up. I'm sure it's durable
enough, but I'll likely be a bit more cautious if I ride with it on. The
difference in the AR is basically more GoreTex Pro material (ie. the stronger
one for shoulders and forearms), pit zips (which are a must IMO), an
additional front zip pocket, plus Athletic fit (vs. Trim) for a bit more room,
and of course an extra $150 (making it totally prohibitive for a piece of MTB
kit I know!). The AR was meant to bridge the gap between the FL and the SV.
Great all around shell jackets (and they better be for the price), but I'm not
about to go rip around the shore and risk a tear that I can't fix.
Apparently though some guys from Arcteryx left to start their own company for
mountain bike gear. Don't know who where or when, but it sounds great.
Hopefully they can get the price point to about half of what the Arcteryx
stuff is, then we might see some interest.
My only grips are that it has no hand warmer pockets… but for the function
these were built (ice climbing), they are perfect. But now for regular use, I
have to carry around gloves or jam my hands in my jean pockets (or HTFU as
they say).
Dec. 2, 2014, 1:12 p.m. - Jeremy
#!markdown I just got the new Alpha AR last week (as a long lasting shell jacket for winter and chilly weather) and so far it looks and fits pretty good. I love the articulation, fit and apparent durability… and pretty confident it will stay out of the way and just do it's damn job while I ride (if I decide to wear it). Arcteryx also have the best hoods for wearing helmets etc. so in that regard it's great for mountain biking. For the price though, I wouldn't want to shred this up. I'm sure it's durable enough, but I'll likely be a bit more cautious if I ride with it on. The difference in the AR is basically more GoreTex Pro material (ie. the stronger one for shoulders and forearms), pit zips (which are a must IMO), an additional front zip pocket, plus Athletic fit (vs. Trim) for a bit more room, and of course an extra $150 (making it totally prohibitive for a piece of MTB kit I know!). The AR was meant to bridge the gap between the FL and the SV. Great all around shell jackets (and they better be for the price), but I'm not about to go rip around the shore and risk a tear that I can't fix. Apparently though some guys from Arcteryx left to start their own company for mountain bike gear. Don't know who where or when, but it sounds great. Hopefully they can get the price point to about half of what the Arcteryx stuff is, then we might see some interest. My only grips are that it has no hand warmer pockets… but for the function these were built (ice climbing), they are perfect. But now for regular use, I have to carry around gloves or jam my hands in my jean pockets (or HTFU as they say).