Thread: What to buy, Arc'teryx Gamma MX/SV or MHW Alchemy??

I am looking at the following "soft shell" jackets for X-Mas:
Arc'teryx Gamma MX
Arc'teryx Gamma SV
Mountain Hardwear Alchemy

I was wondering which jacket you guys recommend if any of you own or have worn these models.

I was also wondering what the big difference was between the MX and the SV models. I would appreciate any input, thanks!a

This is going to turn into a shit storm regarding whether Arc'teryx is worth the money they charge or whether they're merely fashionable.

That said, I'd go with the Gamma SV. The price difference between MX and SV isn't huge iirc, and the SV is made with more bomb proof fabric (higher waterproofing and whatnot).

thanks!

As far as durability, etc, is Arc'Teryx superior than MHW or?

Never mind the search function, open your damn eyes. Right on this front page, about 20 posts down, is a debate on this topic. Maybe you should read it.

I have had a few soft shells. I seem to wear them for 2-3 years and then try something new. They are not totally worn out then and each still gets use, but after a few years of everyday wear its time for a change. I've had a Cloudveil serendipity, Mountain Hardware alcahmy, and just got a arc'teryx gamma mx with the hood. I have liked them all and i don't think you can go wrong. The main difference between them is the fabric. Scholler vs. windstopper, vs. powershield. They all seem to have advantages and disadvantages. I have really liked the arc teryx and powersheild fabic the last few weeks especially for skiing. I think the mx hoody is the way to go for skiing. It seems to have a bigger cut, better for layering and the hood is nice. The mountain hardware is a great all round jacket and good for bc skiing, but the cut is too close fitting for layering for in bounds stuff. The windstopper fabic is probably the most protective of the bunch. I guess that comes at a price of breathabilty, although i never noticed that. I would just try them on and see what you like or can find on sale. You really can't go wrong with any of them.

I was looking at a bunch of soft shells earlier this fall and almost went with the Gamma MX but ended up with the Cold Fusion jacket from Beyond Fleece. I have always had trouble with getting a good fit with jackets so the custom fit is really nice. You dont get the laminated seams and pockets but the quality is still very high.

Just thought I would throw that out because it seems you are looking for about the same thing that I was.

I have the Marmot Sharp Point and it rocks. I really need pit zips and the Alchemy doesn't have them, plus it is very warm.

The ter-X soft shells were a bit tight on me.

i have the gamma mx hoody and absolutely love it. i've used it for everything from spring tours to ice to below-zero windy tours. powershield is the best softshell fabric out there, imo, and i've used most of them.

the gamma mx does fit closely--i'm 5-9, 145 and can't really wear much under a size M. it's spendy at over $300, but even though i didn't pay that, it'd be worth it.

appreciate the help guys! never mind the a-hole responses from ICE-T....I was asking for a little advice and you guys have helped!! THANKS!

I have the Gamma SV. The only real reason I got it over the MHW was because it fit better on me. I'm sure I would have been happy with either the other as well. I do wish I had gotten the MX with the hood though (although it seemed a little bit thinner=not as warm (possibly)). I would just go and try some on to check fit, and decide upon a fabric as mentioned byn ccwaskier.

I have a Cloudveil serendipity I really like. So, even though Iceman is right, here's some more info.

I also just scored one of these:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/...qx/product.htm .

For the $ it's a great deal.

Forget the MH, they have good down jackets, but not a fan of their softshells.
Fack, just checked it's windstopper. Scratch it.
Wind not going in = heat not going out.
My summary - as a user of both - between the Gamma SV and MX:

Both are three season softshells
Gamma MX =Spring to Fall ; Gamma SV is Fall to Spring

The Gamma SV is a lot warmer. cuts the wind more. Heavier, tougher feel. Stretches, but not as stretchy.
Less pockets, but that's OK. They are a little higher so won't get in the way of a hipbelt.
They are bigger, so you can put stuff in like a hat etc. that won't fit in the chest pockets of the MX.
I never used the lower pockets of the MX.

The sv is made of full powershield, the MX is powershield lite.

For winter usefulness, I prefer the SV.
The SV because if I am going to get a jacket I want it to insulate too.
the mx is good, but I wouldn't use it to ski since it is lighter AND is less windproof.

Not really relevant: MH looks stupid with the one pocket. A black gamma SV does double duty to/from the bar

thanks for the help Canadasteep and everyone else....I guess I am leaning towards the SV, as I want a jacket that is warm and one that I can ski in.....never thought I would put up the $$$ for the Arc'teryx but I really like their softshells! Thanks again guys!

No worries And the double duty for "bar" or "club" wear is very improtant:
you drop coin on a jacket, so you got a lot less coin to drop elsewhere!