Jacket advice: Pro shell (stiff and crinkly) vs. Gore Tex soft shell?... RPK, Sidewinder, Stingray

The stiff feeling of goretex won't change much over time if you're taking care of it properly by washing with a tech wash. If you let it get all dirty and crusty, it may start to feel more supple, but its no longer doing its job.  You'll get used to the feeling after a while and think of it more as a windbreaker than a plastic bag.  The "goretex softshell" is really just plain ol' goretex with a fleece bonded to it so it feels soft but still functions the same.  I'd think that if the feeling bothers you that much, this would be the way to go. 

Also check out the Arc'teryx Scorpion.  Bomber like the Sidewinder and Stingray, but made of Gore Softshell so it's softer on the outside.  Still fully waterproof and windproof.  It's the next jacket I'll be getting.

Own the Sidewinder AR and it is great, but doesn't breathe that well and is stiff.  Still a fantastic shell, but I think the Scorpion could be better.

Mike

They are basically the same jacket as far as cut and features, but the Scorpion has a thicker goretex on the shoulders to prevent abrasion from packs and skis.  btw, the sockeye color really 'pops' on camera, if thats your thing.

Both the Stingray and the Scorpion use the Gore Softshell material.  The only difference that I'm aware of is that the Stingray uses the low-loft version and the Scorpion uses the high-loft version.  I have the Stingray and it is a great shell.  However, I've started wearing Kjus Formula jacket and I prefer it over the Stingray.

CJ

I have the rpk and its built very nicely.  While some of this board may look askance, I would also investigate patagonia. 

I just bought the RPK.  If you can find a Spyder outlet, you can find some other colors from last year.  I got the Pompei(red).  They also had a blue and a olive-ish shade.

I have the Sidewinder and had the same initial reaction, but after you put on a layer or two (I wear underarmor and an arcteryx polartec jacket) the feeling of the crinkly plastic bag disappears.  I also really like that my zippers do not stack, dont think that alone is worth the price, but it is a nice feature. 

Take a look at Mammut softshell gore-tex.  You'll be glad you did.

The Patagonia White Smoke series I have is very breathable, light, and quite functional without a bunch of uneccessary stuff.  I've only had it out 3 days so can't vouch for durability, but hey, it's Patagucci, they stand behind their products.

I've owned the stingray for several years.I ski 21 days a year ,and the jacket looks new.I've since bought pants and a sweater,great company with bullet-proof products. Different models fit different body shapes so try them on and go for comfort and function.

I'll put in another vote for the Stingray.   Picked it up towards the beginning of the season from backcountry.com

The athletic fit of Arcteryx suits me well.   I ended up with the orange color, but the local REI had the mahogany color you speak of and it is very sharp and classy looking.     The jacket and zippers felt pretty stiff out of the bag, but after just a few days of use everything is great.  

im just  getting back into skiing after a LONG break, so, im new to all of this, skis, boots, geat etc.... I have a ??? what is the stigma you talk about with Spyder??? I thought they were a good company? Back in the day i had a "C.B.Sports" jacket.....loved it... they still in  business????

IMHO:  Pro Shell is more waterproof/repellent, Soft Shell more breathable.  

I gotcha....know exactly what you are talking about.....my CB jacket was at least 20+ yrs ago..........

Another vote for Stingray here.  I bought my stingray pants from Alexzn a while back and have never been so satisfied!  The material is soft and athletically cut but not tight, windproof like a mofo and I've yet to get cold OR overheated in them.  They're everything you need and nothing you don't.  I look forward to buying a matching Stingray jacket sometime in the future, the material really is awesome!  You'll never regret it!   

I have an Arcteryx Scorpion and the quality is excellent if you're looking for a functional, windproof, waterproof jacket. The fit is pretty slim/athletic, but long enough so that I wear a medium at 6'1"/170.  The thin fleece bonded to the inside probably makes it slightly warmer than just a pro shell jacket, but probably slows breatheability somewhat.  I use it as a resort jacket and it's great.  Here's a link for the Orca color, which I have: http://www.mountainbuzz.com/swap/showproduct.php?product=10719&cat=15

I also have a Patagonia Scholler fabric softshell, which breathes much better, but they serve two entirely different purposes.  If you want breatheability for the backcountry, go softshell.  If you want weatherproof, go gore-tex or other laminate like eVent or dermizax, etc.. IMO, you should choose (or, go with something like a Mammut hybrid http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/gear.tcl?gear=Mammut-Blend-Hybrid&gear_id=4802&action=showgear or a Patagonia Light Smoke Flash hybrid for a softshell with some waterproof shoulders http://www.steepplanet.com/proddetail.php?prod=Patagonia-Light-Smoke-Flash-Jacket)

BTW, I tried on the Cloudveil RPK, and although it's the same inaptly named "Goretex Soft Shell" fabric, it is a heavier jacket, but with more pockets.   Ultimately, the Scorpion was lighter and fit trimmer on me. YMMV, so if you can, try them on. 

Oh, one more thing: I tried the Sidewinder type zipper on an Arcteryx Seeker Comp hybrid jacket but found the side zipper incredibly annoying, so I sent it back. Again, nice jacket, and YMMV...

I'll put in a plug for the Arcteryx Stinger jacket.

It features gore tex pro and is similar to the sidewinder. However, the Stinger has a conventional zipper, roll away hood, different collar and more pockets. It's a superb jacket.

I'm with Alexzn on color....I opt for the brightest thing I can find.

I agree with jamesgig.  I've had the Sidewinder AR for a couple years.  It seemed a little stiff when I first tried it on in the store, but on the slopes I never even notice it.  Having the zipper come up off-center is a plus.  Also,  I thought the soft Gore-Tex was marginally less waterproof, but my memory may not be accurate on that.  Another possible concern:  I sling my skis over my shoulder when walking with them, and my jacket shows no signs of wear.  I don't know if the soft Gore-Tex fabric would hold up as well over time.

But, as indicated by Squeaky, that fluorescent green Stingray is pretty cool!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimski 

But, as indicated by Squeaky, that fluorescent green Stingray is pretty cool!

They call it "Jalapeno"...

All great jackets but a little pricey.  Atleast here in Canada the prices of Arcteryx are on par with that of Karbon and Spyder.  I ski with a shell most of the time and layer accordingly, but in Eastern Canada it can get cold.  For Jan/Feb skiing I have a Descente insulated jacket that works great. 

As far as Patagonia goes is use their pants and the quality is great.  The new powder bowl line this year is definitely worth looking at.  The H2NO fabric I think is every bit as good as Gore-tex for waterproofness.

I just bought a Marmot Pallisades shell (2L Gore-tex) for $170 CDN.  More of a lighter shell, good for skiing but also Spring/Fall.

My favorite jacket by far is my old red and black North Face.  It's ten years old and still going strong.  May not be the latest in design by works for everything.  It still stays in the back of the truck wherever I go.

Best features to look for ... pitzips, a collar and hood that fit, sleeve/jacket pockets with zipper pulls you can use with gloves on.  For me I still prefer a storm flap on the front zipper over sealed zippers, but that's more personal preference.  For what it's worth you may not need the 3L Gore-tex in Arcteryx, the 2L design may be enough.  The new Gore-tex ProShell material is definitely an improvement over older Gore-tex.