Don't bag them until you try them EvanL
In point summary format:
* I have found my Arc'teryx items to be of high quality. I have 2 of the shell jackets (Stingray and Sidewainder SV). After wearing both of them for 60+ days of riding, they will look brand new and I stay completly dry - can't ask for much more
* I don't find the jackets "tight and restrictive" and they certainly don't restrict my snowboarding. I find their "cut" is perfect for me. I have plenty of room to move my arms up and down, etc, even with a base and thick mid layer.........if people start blaming their crap riding because their jacket is too "tight and restrictive", well.........you get my drift
* My Arc'teryx jackets dont "ride" up my back so getting a wet back is not an issue
* My Sidewinder SV has a nice feature whereby the zipper zips up slightly towards the side so you don't get a zipper in your face (Some Burton AK jackets have copied this feature)
* Zips up nice and high so keeps my neckwarmer from sliding up
* Zips are nicely sealed so nothing gets in through that area
* Plenty of space in the pockets and plenty of pockets
* I reckon they look awesome
They might be a bit on the higher end of the price scale, but I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for" - buy a cheap jacket and it will perform like one, buy a more expensive jacket and it will serve you better and longer. My Arc'teryx jackets will last a few more years yet.
