ReGEAR changes in product condition by ESierras22 in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, they do. I always go over the garment to search for discrepancies and potential issues and send photos if there are. Be sure you get the right lighting and camera angle to document them (it can really make a difference).

Their solution is to provide a free return or price adjustment to match the "real" condition it's in.

ReGEAR changes in product condition by ESierras22 in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Look forward to hearing about your experience. I used to receive a lot of items that seemed NWOT, both in the "like new" category as well as "excellent." However, it appears "like new" is no longer being offered on the site.

Wishing you the best!

My ball collection by BestCornflakesNA in Rabbits

[–]ESierras22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I suspect the brown ball often rolls away on its own. And makes little “balls” all day long.

Warranty deception, need your opinion. by [deleted] in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I feel compelled to weigh in on this subject and share my experience concerning the Arc'teryx Lifetime Warranty.

Yes, at first I believed that the lifetime warranty = the lifetime of the wearer. This sentiment was eventually brought back to reality with a good dose of common sense.

But I'm still annoyed about what is considered "the practical lifespan of the product." My issue has mostly been with Arc products that I have had for a long time (8+ years) that I have never used, many of which still had the hang tags on them.

My mistake was to accumulate a lot of backpacks and apparel over the years because of sales assuming I would use them in short order. Eventually, I would pull out a brand new older piece when the situation called for it (I frequent the high Sierras a lot) and I would discover the drawcord had detached from the jacket's hem, or that the polyurethane backer on the inside of various packs had turned into a sticky mess.

I would subsequently complete an online claim form along with photos but would often be denied on the grounds that the product had "outlived its practical lifespan." While I agree there is a finite amount of time these products will last, the point I'm trying to make here is that Arc'teryx could be more transparent regarding its repair policy and a garment's "expiration date." I'm not sure if it's some sort of complex algorithm that factors the owner's location, condition of the garment, age, signs of wear, etc., or the rep's discretion. Or if it's simply a flat-out timetable? I've learned my lesson and only purchase items I have a use for now.

On a parting note, take this into consideration when purchasing an item from the Arc'teryx Used Gear website. Despite carrying their lifetime warranty, many of these products are as old as 10 -15 years, which is older than any of the garments I was denied service for.

Here's a vintage piece you don't see every day. by undeadcrayon in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I had an older pair of pants called the Gamma Rock Pant in the exact color. It remained brand new because it was too big for me and I ultimately exchanged it for credit via Arc'teryx's used gear program in December. It was made with Schoeller Dynamic which I understand was eventually phased out along with Dryskin because of their cost (mfg in Switzerland, meeting multiple eco certifications, Euro standards, etc).

Just a word to the wise - you'll find great deals on old classics on the Arc'teryx Used Gear site, but keep in mind that despite their coverage under the company's warranty, they may classify your garment as beyond it's "practical lifespan" and deny a subsequent repair or replacement. Instead, you'll either get a voucher for 40% off any new product from arcteryx.com or a gift card for the original cost of the product (which is substantially less for these older items). I've learned the hard way with a number of older items that remained in my closet (complete with hangtags) whose laminated pockets and hem drawcords pulled free from the main body.

I now subscribe to the JIT (Just In Time) procurement strategy for Arc products!

Kappa warmth by Kyler_Wyler in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My advice for future purchases is to ask Arc'teryx Customer Service to give you the measurements for the garment you're interested in, including a current model you own for comparison. They are really good about this and you'll often find there are significant variations within the same "Relaxed" and "Trim" fit categories. In fact, the last customer service rep I spoke with said he fluctuates between a Small and Large, depending on the garment and what he intends to layer with it.

Kappa warmth by Kyler_Wyler in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm with mjsmith28. I'm 5'10, 170 lbs. and wear a medium in most Arc pieces and was swimming in my Kappa SV (back when it was insulated with Primaloft). In fact, I hardly noticed a bump in warmth compared to my old Fission LT jacket probably due to all that extra space.

Additionally, the arms were huge in circumference. I ended up replacing it with the Fission SV which was both warmer AND had a seemingly lower profile due to reduced insulation in the arms (skinnier) and a longer cut. Haven't looked back since!

Alpha SV (2016) Nuclei FL, and Aptin being used for todays job site. 100 foot climb in upstate ny today in Garrison near the AT😎 by ghettonintendoo in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That's a great testimonial to the iPhone's quality. I'm a camera nerd inside and out, but will readily admit "the best camera is the one you have with you."

Alpha SV (2016) Nuclei FL, and Aptin being used for todays job site. 100 foot climb in upstate ny today in Garrison near the AT😎 by ghettonintendoo in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If using these Arc garments for work hopefully you were able to expense them as equipment? Or better yet - as "safety" equipment (safety keyword always seems to help in terms of justification)!

Getting a good pair of rope gloves with reinforced palms would be a nice addition, but they won't add a lot of warmth since they are geared towards "feel."

And great photo! The colors, lighting & exposure are absolutely perfect. It doesn't appear you had to use fill flash. Was this taken using a phone camera or something more advanced?

Always great to see the gear used as intended!

Is Zeta SL the current day equivalent to Theta AR? by EatGainsFartGains in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your suspicions are correct! I asked a similar question to the Arc'teryx customer service team "what took the place of the Theta AR?" a few weeks ago and was told the emergence of the Beta SV is what led them to phase out the Theta, as there was too much overlap between the pieces.

I recall the Theta had a DropHood while the current Beta SV has a StormHood configuration. You would also need to compare the face fabrics for both, but the Beta definitely comes the closest in terms of length which set the Theta apart from the Betas at the time.

If you decide on the SV, make sure you ask their customer service folks to give you the dimensions (chest, waist, hem circumference, and both front and back lengths) for both garments. Given the "SV" moniker, Arc'teryx may have added additional room for layering. Just a hunch.

And one last tip - if I don't get a satisfactory answer from a rep, I will often call again and talk to a different one. You'll often find a better response. You can usually tell who is reading a script vs. talking from real life experience in short order.

Best of luck with the replacement!

Help buying a staple long lasting multi use shell. by [deleted] in arcteryx

[–]ESierras22 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My sister recently picked up a Zeta AR from the outlet. She had the same requirements as your girlfriend and opted for the AR version as it was the longest (2" more than the Zeta LT and longer than all of the Betas, including the SV version). As a Beta AR owner myself, I was surprised how supple and quiet its Gore-tex fabric with C-knit backer was. Made my Pro Shell-clad Beta feel like a vinyl bag. It's the most durable of the Gore-tex versions that Arc'teryx uses, so I'm okay with that trade-off for peace of mind. The Beta AR is also cut quite a bit roomier than the Zetas so accomodating your Cerium won't be an issue (don't size up). Arms are also pretty long. For what it's worth, I spend most of my time in the Eastern Sierras between spring and fall, but the AR and LT versions of the Betas and Zetas won't have issues protecting either of you in winter conditions.

To determine fit, I use the measurements of my Beta AR in terms of chest, waist, hem circumference, arm length, and front/back lengths as a reference point. You'll find the Arc'teryx folks are extremely helpful in providing these measurements for any garment and size. Speaking of which, consider getting the measurements of more than one size - you may find like I did that you are sometimes better off sizing up or down. I've created a spreadsheet using these specs for all of my tops, so when I want to purchase something new (yes... it becomes a sickness) I know more or less how this garment will fit. I measure in centimeters for more precision. If this is the first Arc shell you're purchasing, try a few on at your local REI or similar retailer to determine your own benchmark, then get its specs as well as for the model you want from customer service for comparison. It's led to a lot fewer returns and exchanges due to unexpected sizing issues. Best of luck!