Reviews by User: jkorompis (3)

Just to let everyone know, I'm an Arcteryx fan and owned 3 hardshells and 3 softshells from Arcteryx line which I obtained from 4-5years ago when they were still made in Canada. I'm a skier/mountaineers and I'd like to test every product I owned and pay detail attention to quality of products. I got this jacket because it was such a good deal. However, upon receiving it and comparing it with the original Gamma MX made in Canada, I had come to a verdict. I had the Gamma MX that was made in Canada from 5 years ago. After careful comparison side by side with the one I just ordered which was made in China, the difference is significant. As far as the fitting, they are both similar. I'm 5'10" 180lbs athletic build and the medium fits great even when I put my expedition weight base layer. When it comes to materials and quality of stitches, there are apparent differences. The fabric made in China has more polyester and less nylon and the fleece lining on the inside is thinner compared with the one made in Canada. Overall, I'm not impressed with the Gamma MX made in China at all and finally returned the product. For this reasons, Arcteryx should lower the price. I'm sure I'm not the only person who noticed this inadequacy/inconsistencies on this jacket. For most people who doesn't pay serious attention to materials/build quality, these may not matter at all as the name Arcteryx have already gain reputation in the past.

Just to let everyone know, I'm an Arcteryx fan and owned 3 hardshells and 3 softshells from Arcteryx line which I obtained from 4-5years ago when they were still made in Canada. I'm a skier/mountaineers and I'd like to test every product I owned and pay detail attention to quality and build materials. I got this jacket because it was such a good deal. However, upon receiving it and comparing it with the original Gamma MX made in Canada, I had come to a verdict. I'm being as objective as possible here. I had the Gamma MX that was made in Canada from 5 years ago. After careful comparison side by side with the one I just ordered which was made in China, the difference is significant. As far as the fitting, they are both similar. I'm 5'10" 180lbs athletic build and the medium fits great even when I put my expedition weight base layer. When it comes to materials and quality of stitches, there are apparent differences. The fabric made in China has more polyester and less nylon and the fleece lining on the inside is thinner compared with the one made in Canada. Overall, I'm not impressed with the Gamma MX made in China at all and finally returned the jacket. For this reasons, Arcteryx should either start paying close attention to quality control or lower the price. I'm sure I'm not the only person who noticed this inadequacy/inconsistencies on this jacket. For most people who doesn't pay serious attention to materials/build quality, these may not matter at all as the name Arcteryx have already gain reputation in the past. Regardless of the brand name or its reputation in the past, I always make sure that each product I bought is consistent with its name and quality--it's called being objective. In this case, the Gamma MX just doesn't live up to its past reputation of being one of the top soft-shell from Arcteryx line.

I owned Gamma MX & Gamma SV from Arcteryx but recently just bought the Epsilon AR for a try out. After multiple testing during winter climbs in Mt.Baldy, Mt.San Gorgonio & in the Sierra Nevadas, the Epsilon AR is my choice of soft-shell. Its superior breathability, lightweightness, snow-shedding and water-repellent properties(in light rain) are the very reasons I opted it.You need to wear mid wt or expedition wt base layer in the cold weather (30's and below) to keep you warm. If you're like me who perspire easily, then this jacket is it. Simply put,it's one of the best lightweight softshell for every aerobic activities.