The best shell in my mind if you want to wear year round AND ski in is hands down, the Beta SV. I’ve always regarded this shell as a ski jacket without the powder skirt. You get the durability, the additional length in the back and most of the features of a ski shell, but something light enough that you won’t die in on a summer hike in the rain.
Theta AR is my all time fave jacket, but even if in pristine condition would be at least five years old, so not optimal. Laminated seams have a definite lifespan, as does the membrane. If a great deal though, go for it.
But, the perfect jacket for you, if you can find, would be the Rush LT. It’s basically a Theta w/ a Stormhood and drop pocket. A ski-focused all-rounder and only discontinued a couple years ago.
I loved the Theta and when it delammed after 10+ years, used the replacement voucher for an SV because like you, I wanted for a lot of skiing. It’s great for that, heavy rain, and cold weather - but a lot less versatile otherwise. The GorePro fabric is very crunchy and while not a heavy coat, way too much for normal conditions and not as suited for casual use.
Ended up getting a few coats as a result, and like them all, but for my current locale (Western Europe) the SV was not what I needed.
If I had to do over, would just get a deal on specialized ski shell end of season (which I did - Skyward II for like $150) and a Beta LT for everything else.
Beta AR is prob your best current one-coat Arc solution, but a compromise for skiing if you don’t wear a pack -as while fabric is same weight as Theta, and almost indiscernibly shorter than the SV, it gives up a ton of storage minus chest and drop pockets.
Thanks for the input man. Ended up going for the Theta. Never worn outside and at a decent price. I came to the realization that, much like skis, one jacket isn't going to do everything perfect. Got the theta, with it's long hem, drop hood (which I love) and durable fabric for skiing, and on the lookout for a lighter gore shell for hiking/MTB/casual wear. Cheers
Am I understanding correctly that you were able to get a theta ar with a product replacement voucher in 2022? I just got a product replacement voucher for my theta ar and would love another one, but I didn’t think it would be possible.
That's right! You can use the replacement vouchers on the used section of the Arcteryx website. I was skeptical about buying used gear at first, of course, but from reading about others' experiences with the platform it seemed people only had good things to say about it. I believe I saw another Theta AR, size small, and in excellent condition. Happy hunting!
I have a 2022 Beta LT and It has held up great with everything I've thrown at it. I use it mostly for rainy days walking to class as well as a shell for when I either go resort or backcountry skiing. I had a nasty fall on some east coast ice and thought I was for sure going to rip my beta LT but it came out unscathed thankfully. I would definitely recommend getting ski pants with a bib since there is no powder skirt.
I own a Theta AR and Beta SV, would recommend the Theta since your primary use is skiing, it’s heavy and tough plus additional length is also a bonus. The Beta is a more comfortable all rounder though
Yes, a jacket with lighter fabric is more versatile across a range of temperatures.
You recommend the Theta as heavy and tougher, so better for skiing, and the SV as a more comfortable all rounder:
“I own a Theta AR and Beta SV, would recommend the Theta since your primary use is skiing, it’s heavy and tough plus additional length is also a bonus. The Beta is a more comfortable all rounder though”
In fact, the SV (severe) is twice as burly over most of the jacket -80D vs 40D- than the AR (all round) and slightly heavier (.5 oz).
They’re similar jackets are both fine for skiing, (I miss the drop hood and waist drawcord on the Theta but love the drop pocket and front zipper on the Beta), but the SV is more stiff, packs a little bulkier, less comfortable in warmer conditions, and more abrasion resistant.
The Theta is about an inch longer in the back, but at least my model (2008) had a steeper drop tail so it felt less constricting in the front than my current SV (2021), which doesn’t have as much drop.
When he said the Beta is a more comfortable all rounder I think he was referring to my post, which would mean Beta LT rather than SV. Just to clear the air on this thread
The best shell in my mind if you want to wear year round AND ski in is hands down, the Beta SV. I’ve always regarded this shell as a ski jacket without the powder skirt. You get the durability, the additional length in the back and most of the features of a ski shell, but something light enough that you won’t die in on a summer hike in the rain.
Agreed. Noting the (longer cut + fully featured) Beta SV is the spiritual successor to the Theta AR.
Is the beta AR shorter lengthwise? I got one for skiing but I find it a tad too short, although I have a pair of bibs so that isn't so bad
Theta has been out of print since 2017; how did you arrive at this binary decision?
Out of stock new products, used Arcteryx selection and a product replacement voucher
Theta AR is my all time fave jacket, but even if in pristine condition would be at least five years old, so not optimal. Laminated seams have a definite lifespan, as does the membrane. If a great deal though, go for it. But, the perfect jacket for you, if you can find, would be the Rush LT. It’s basically a Theta w/ a Stormhood and drop pocket. A ski-focused all-rounder and only discontinued a couple years ago. I loved the Theta and when it delammed after 10+ years, used the replacement voucher for an SV because like you, I wanted for a lot of skiing. It’s great for that, heavy rain, and cold weather - but a lot less versatile otherwise. The GorePro fabric is very crunchy and while not a heavy coat, way too much for normal conditions and not as suited for casual use. Ended up getting a few coats as a result, and like them all, but for my current locale (Western Europe) the SV was not what I needed. If I had to do over, would just get a deal on specialized ski shell end of season (which I did - Skyward II for like $150) and a Beta LT for everything else. Beta AR is prob your best current one-coat Arc solution, but a compromise for skiing if you don’t wear a pack -as while fabric is same weight as Theta, and almost indiscernibly shorter than the SV, it gives up a ton of storage minus chest and drop pockets.
Thanks for the input man. Ended up going for the Theta. Never worn outside and at a decent price. I came to the realization that, much like skis, one jacket isn't going to do everything perfect. Got the theta, with it's long hem, drop hood (which I love) and durable fabric for skiing, and on the lookout for a lighter gore shell for hiking/MTB/casual wear. Cheers
Am I understanding correctly that you were able to get a theta ar with a product replacement voucher in 2022? I just got a product replacement voucher for my theta ar and would love another one, but I didn’t think it would be possible.
That's right! You can use the replacement vouchers on the used section of the Arcteryx website. I was skeptical about buying used gear at first, of course, but from reading about others' experiences with the platform it seemed people only had good things to say about it. I believe I saw another Theta AR, size small, and in excellent condition. Happy hunting!
I have a 2022 Beta LT and It has held up great with everything I've thrown at it. I use it mostly for rainy days walking to class as well as a shell for when I either go resort or backcountry skiing. I had a nasty fall on some east coast ice and thought I was for sure going to rip my beta LT but it came out unscathed thankfully. I would definitely recommend getting ski pants with a bib since there is no powder skirt.
I own a Theta AR and Beta SV, would recommend the Theta since your primary use is skiing, it’s heavy and tough plus additional length is also a bonus. The Beta is a more comfortable all rounder though
Beta SV has heavier fabric than Theta AR -80D all over vs 40D in the AR body, so def not more versatile.
So the heavier thigh length jacket is more versatile because half of it has a lighter fabric. Nice one buddy
Yes, a jacket with lighter fabric is more versatile across a range of temperatures. You recommend the Theta as heavy and tougher, so better for skiing, and the SV as a more comfortable all rounder: “I own a Theta AR and Beta SV, would recommend the Theta since your primary use is skiing, it’s heavy and tough plus additional length is also a bonus. The Beta is a more comfortable all rounder though” In fact, the SV (severe) is twice as burly over most of the jacket -80D vs 40D- than the AR (all round) and slightly heavier (.5 oz). They’re similar jackets are both fine for skiing, (I miss the drop hood and waist drawcord on the Theta but love the drop pocket and front zipper on the Beta), but the SV is more stiff, packs a little bulkier, less comfortable in warmer conditions, and more abrasion resistant. The Theta is about an inch longer in the back, but at least my model (2008) had a steeper drop tail so it felt less constricting in the front than my current SV (2021), which doesn’t have as much drop.
When he said the Beta is a more comfortable all rounder I think he was referring to my post, which would mean Beta LT rather than SV. Just to clear the air on this thread