For all-around performance no matter the conditions, it's hard to beat Arc'teryx's Sabre SV jacket. But some of its high-end specifications may be overkill for some skiers and snowboarders.
Arc'teryx's Rush and Sabre lines represent the brand's top end of ski and snowboard performance shells. It's hard to go wrong with any of the choices, but the differences among the Rush, Sabre, Sabre SV and Sabre Relaxed Anorak are significant enough to steer you toward one and away from others depending on how and where you ski and snowboard.
But first, here's how Arc'teryx compares the aforementioned jackets: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007149/X000007192/X000008922/X000008498
Arc'teryx Rush vs Sabre: Overview of all models
- Rush (Men's - Women's): An absolute favorite of ours that we don't think will disappoint any skier or rider. The Rush has everything you need in a ski jacket for all conditions: top-end 3L Gore-Tex Pro face fabric, pit zips, an RFID ski pass sleeve pocket, and Arc'teryx's unbeatable helmet-compatible StormHood. Two internal dump pockets and three zippered external pockets (two handwarmers and one chest) offer plenty of room. Plus, it's the lightest of the group, which makes it the ideal choice for backcountry touring. See our in-depth review of the Arc'teryx Rush jacket and bib. MSRP: $700
- Sabre (Men's - Women's): The Sabre's face fabric is a step down from the Rush and the Sabre SV. Instead of the Gore-Tex Pro in both of those models, the latest edition of the Sabre employs the three-layer Gore-Tex ePE Gen 2. A solid weatherproof performer, no doubt, but it may lack the longevity of the Pro versions. Also unlike the Rush, the Sabre has a powder skirt. MSRP: $750
- Sabre SV (Men's): In Arc'teryx lexicon, SV stands for "Severe Weather," and the Sabre SV lives up to its name. A beefed-up version of the Sabre, the SV model offers super tough and durable N100D (denier) 3L Gore-Tex Pro throughout. That's sturdier than the 80-denier fabrics of the Rush and Sabre. The Sabre SV is also cut longer than the others. It's internal and external pockets essentially mirror those of the Rush (three zippered external, two internal dump pockets). Two other notable differences from the Rush: the Sabre SV has a powder skirt (snow skirt), which is not removable, and a two-way main zipper. MSRP: $900
- Sabre Relaxed Anorak (Men's - Women's): The new Sabre Relaxed Anorak is styled and built for freeriders. Accordingly, it has a 3L Gore-Tex ePE waterproof and windproof body with a super durable and abrasion-resistant 200-denier nylon canvas face fabric. It's kangaroo front pocket (accessed by a side zipper) and loose fit is about as much steez as you'll ever see from technical Arc'teryx products. But the Sabre Relaxed Anorak checks all the requisite boxes for days on the slopes: pit zips for ventilation, helmet-compatible StormHood, RFID ski pass sleeve pocket. MSRP: $800
- Rush Insulated (Men's - Women's): We tend to shy away from insulated shells, primarily because we like matching our baselayers and midlayers to each particular day and activity. But hey, we realize others may feel differently. The Rush Insulated Jacket, unlike its hard shell bretheren, is not waterproof. Instead, it has a Gore-Tex Infinium windproof fabric. It's insulated with Coreloft 100. It doesn't offer pit zips for ventilation, and there's no RFID ski pass pocket. The Rush Insulated is not an insulated version of the Rush hard shell. These are two very different jackets whose commonality is perhaps that they're best suited for backcountry use. MSRP: $800
If you really want an insulated ski jacket, Arc'teryx has better options for most users. See our Best Arc'teryx Jacket for Skiing article for more. - Sabre Insulated (Men's): Similar to the Rush vs Rush Insulated (see above), the Sabre Insulated Jacket should not be mistaken as simply an insulated version of the Sabre hard shell. Although the Sabre Insulated does feature a two-layer waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, it's not the 3L Gore-Tex ePE Gen 2 of the Sabre. For more ski-specific features, the Sabre Insulated has a powder skirt, RFID ski pass sleeve pocket and a helmet-compatible StormHood. It's insulation is a synthetic Coreloft 80. MSRP: $850
Here's how Arc'teryx compares the Rush Insulated and Sabre Insulated jackets: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/compare/X000007394/X000007183
Arc'teryx Rush vs Sabre: Fabrics
The Rush and Sabre SV are the highest-end of their respective lines. Both offer the premium 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro. While there are other Arc'teryx shells that use a three-layer Gore-Tex (the Sabre and Sabre Relaxed Anorak being two), jackets with Gore-Tex Pro are far tougher than those with other Gore-Tex technologies, even if they share similar waterproof and windproof characteristics.
As a result, shells like the Rush and Sabre SV tend to feel stiffer than their non-Pro counterparts. Does it matter when skiing or riding? We don't think so. We've put in plenty of resort and backcountry days with the Rush and Sabre SV in particular, and we'll take the confidence-inspiring protection of Gore-Tex Pro any day.
It's worth nothing that the Rush is noticeably lighter than the Sabre SV, which makes sense given its lack of powder skirt, shorter length, lighter denier (read below) and positioning as Arc'teryx's all-purpose backcountry touring shell.
The Gore-Tex Pro logo on the sleeve of the Sabre SV (the Rush also has it).
A quick sidenote here, if you're part of the Arc'teryx Pro program, you have access to Arc'teryx's Pro Exclusive products too, including an additional ski jacket option, the Ski Guide Jacket (Men's - Women's). But, that's exclusive to Pro members.
Arc'teryx Rush vs Sabre: Durability
Gore-Tex Pro can conceivably make a significant difference in your jacket's useful lifespan, but it's not the only factor that determines durability. The denier of a jacket's face fabric refers to the thickness of the individual fibers that make up the thread used for the garment. The higher the denier, the more durable and abrasion-resistant the fabric will be.
The Sabre SV, with its ultra rugged 100-denier nylon face fabric, bests the 80-denier nylon used in both the Rush and Sabre. But the freeride-oriented Sabre Relaxed Anorak comes in with a stunning 200-denier fabric.
How much do these differences in denier matter in real-world circumstances? Probably not much. All four models should hold up just fine to the typical abuses of skiing and snowboarding, from contact with your ski's edges to slapping tree branches out of the way through your favorite glade.
Close up of the 80-denier nylon face fabric of the Rush Jacket in the Euphoria/Phantasm colorway.
Quick links:
- Rush: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/rush-jacket
- Sabre: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/sabre-jacket
- Sabre SV: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/sabre-sv-jacket
- Sabre Relaxed Anorak: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/sabre-relaxed-anorak
Arc'teryx Rush vs Sabre: Pockets
Whether stashing skins during backcountry laps, stuffing snacks to maximize your resort vertical, or packing a beanie to cover your helmet hair for aprés festivities, pockets serve an incredibly practical purpose in ski jackets.
Ski pass pocket
If you're a resort skier, an RFID ski pass sleeve pocket feels pretty essential these days. All four of the Rush and Sabre hard shells have one of these.
External pockets
The Rush, Sabre and Sabre SV each have two zippered external hand pockets. Conversely, the freeride-focused Sabre Relaxed Anorak has that large, side-accessed kangaroo front pocket.
Only the Rush and Sabre SV have external zippered chest pockets, which we like for stashing our phones.
Internal pockets
The Rush, Sabre and Sabre SV also have two internal dump pockets - great for stashing bulkier items like beanies, extra gloves or perhaps that second goggle lens in case the light changes. For those of you who like to tour, note that the Rush's internal dump pockets are substantially wider than the Sabre and Sabre SV's. That's important for being able to store your skins between laps.
All three jackets also have a small zippered security pocket on the outside of the left internal dump pocket. The Sabre Relaxed Anorak doesn't have internal dump pockets but does have a internal security pocket.
It's a snug fit, but the dump pockets in the Rush (left) can fit a pair of skins. The smaller dump pockets in the Sabre SV (right) can't.
Arc'teryx Rush vs Sabre: Breathability
Most people don't use two-way main zippers for breathability, but for comfort reasons (when sitting down or driving, for example). Two-way main zippers are also great when you're on belay, but we're talking about ski shells here. The Sabre SV is the only Sabre or Rush jacket to provide a two-way main zipper. The inclusion on the Sabre SV actually makes sense given this jacket's extra length when compared to the others.
Practically speaking, the breathability of the jacket's fabric and the presence of zippers in the armpits (aka pit zips) make the biggest difference in a ski shell's ability to keep you comfortable.
The Rush, Sabre, Sabre SV, Sabre Relaxed Anorak and Sabre Insulated all offer pit zips. Good thing, because we'll always opt for a shell with pit zips over one without them. There's just not a better way to quickly dump excess heat when on the slopes - and especially when touring.
Arc'teryx Rush vs Sabre: Fit
Rush comes with the legacy cut, whereas the Sabre and Sabre SV offer the revised cut.
With the revised cut, the medium size remains the same, while smaller sizes now run smaller and bigger sizes run bigger.
Quick links:
- Rush: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/rush-jacket
- Sabre: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/sabre-jacket
- Sabre SV: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/sabre-sv-jacket
- Sabre Relaxed Anorak: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/shop/mens/sabre-relaxed-anorak
Name Activity Temp (F/C) Breathability Weather Res. Durability Bottom line Review Pit zips? Two way zipper? Stuffs into itself? Face Fabric Fit Weight Length Alpha (aka AR) (Men's - Women's) Climbing N/A 8/10 9/10 8/10 4/10 Go-to climbing harshell. Review Yes No No N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 430 g / 15.2 oz 79.5 cm / 31.25 in No Alpha SV (Men's - Women's) Climbing N/A 8/10 10/10 10/10 3/10 Strongest climbing hardshell. Review Yes No No N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 510 g / 1 lb 2 oz 78 cm / 30.75 in No Beta (Men's - Women's) All Round N/A 6/10 7/10 7/10 8/10 Streamlined all-doer shell. Review No No No N30p-X 3L Gore-Tex Trim 300 g / 10.6 oz 76 cm / 30 in No Beta AR (Men's - Women's) All Round N/A 8/10 9/10 9/10 4/10 Go-to all-round harshell. Review Yes No No N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 460 g / 1 lb 76 cm / 30 in No Beta AR StormHood (Men's - Women's) All Round N/A 8/10 9/10 9/10 4/10 Review Yes No No N40d & N80d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 460 g / 1 lb 76 cm / 30 in No Beta Coat (Women's) All Round N/A 6/10 5/10 No data 5/10 No Yes No 3L Gore-Tex Regular 320 g / 11.3 oz 88 cm / 34.5 in No Beta Down Insulated (Men's) All Round 0/-18 9/10 7/10 8/10 No data Yes Yes No 2L 40D Gore-Tex Regular 760 g / 1 lb 10.8 oz 79 cm / 31 in No Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's) All Round 21/-6 9/10 7/10 8/10 No data Go-to hybrid jacket. Review Yes Yes No N40d 2L Gore-Tex Regular 680 g / 1 lb 8 oz 78.5 cm / 31 in No Beta Insulated Coat (Women's) All Round 16/-9 7/10 No data No data No data No Yes No N40d 2L Gore-Tex Regular 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz 86 cm / 34 in No Beta Lightweight (Men's - Women's) All Round N/A 8/10 7/10 7/10 6/10 Review Yes No No N40p 3L Gore-Tex Fitted 380 g / 13.4 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in No Beta LT (Men's - Women's) All Round N/A 7/10 7/10 8/10 6/10 Review Yes No No N40d 3L Gore-Tex Fitted 395 g / 13.9 oz 76 cm / 30 in No Gamma (aka LT) (Men's - Women's) All Round N/A 7/10 3/10 7/10 3/10 Go-to softshell. Review No No No Wee Burly Double Weave Regular 545 g / 1 lb 3.2 oz 76 cm / 30 in No Gamma MX (Men's) All Round N/A 6/10 4/10 8/10 3/10 Strongest softshell. Review No No No Fortius 2.0 Regular 555 g / 1 lb 3.6 oz 74 cm / 29.1 in No Norvan Shell (Men's) Running N/A No data No data No data No data No No No 13D 3L Gore-Tex Trim 190 g / 6.7 oz 73 cm / 28.75 in No Rush (Women's) Skiing N/A 8/10 9/10 9/10 3/10 Go-to ski jacket. Review Yes No No N80p-X & N100p-X 3L Most Rugged Gore-Tex Pro Regular 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz 79.5 cm / 31.25 in No Rush Insulated (Women's) Skiing 16/-9 3/10 5/10 5/10 9/10 Review No No Yes Hadron 2L Gore-Tex Infinium Regular 515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz 79 cm / 31 in Yes Sabre (Men's) Skiing N/A 8/10 8/10 7/10 2/10 Review Yes No No N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex Regular 705 g / 1 lb 8.9 oz 79 cm / 31 in No Sentinel (Women's) Skiing N/A 8/10 7/10 7/10 2/10 Go-to ski jacket. Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 640 g / 1 lb 6.6 oz 73.7 cm / 29 in No Sentinel Insulated (Women's) Skiing 21/-6 8/10 No data No data No data Review Yes No No N80p 2L Gore-Tex Regular 600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz 79.8 cm / 31.5 in No Sentinel Relaxed (Women's) Skiing N/A No data No data No data No data Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 655 g / 1 lb 7.1 oz ? No Sidewinder (Women's) Skiing N/A 8/10 8/10 7/10 2/10 Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 570 g / 1 lb 4.1 oz ? No Solano (Men's - Women's) Around Town N/A No data No data No data No data Review No No No Gore-Tex Infinium Relaxed 355 g / 12.5 oz 72 cm / 28.3 in No Squamish (Men's - Women's) Running N/A 5/10 4/10 7/10 9/10 Go-to running jacket. Review No No Yes 30D Tyono Trim 140 g / 4.9 oz 77.5 cm / 30.5 in No Theriss Down (Women's) Skiing No data 7/10 6/10 7/10 2/10 Review Yes No No N80p 2L Gore-Tex Regular 709 g / 1 lb 9 oz 63 cm / 24.8 in No Alpha FL (Men's - Women's) Climbing N/A 7/10 No data No data 10/10 No No Yes Hadron 3L Gore-Tex Trim 209 g / 7.4 oz 76.5 cm / 30 in Yes Alpha IS (Men's) Climbing 23/-5 7/10 5/10 No data 8/10 No Yes Yes N40p-X 2L Gore-Tex Regular 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz 78 cm / 30.75 in Yes Alpha SL (Men's - Women's) Climbing N/A 5/10 7/10 No data 9/10 No No Yes N40p 3L Gore-Tex Trim 326 g / 11.5 oz 77.5 cm / 30.5 in Yes Beta SV (Men's - Women's) All Round N/A 8/10 10/10 10/10 3/10 Strongest all-round harshell. Review Yes No No N80p-X Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 495 g / 1 lb 1.5 oz 79 cm / 31 in Yes Gamma SL (aka lightweight) (Men's - Women's) All Round N/A 7/10 2/10 6/10 5/10 Review No No No Fortius 1.0 Trim 310 g / 10.9 oz 74 cm / 29.1 in Yes Incendia (Women's) Skiing N/A 8/10 9/10 9/10 3/10 Review Yes No No NP100d 3L Gore-Tex Trim 610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz 79 cm / 31 in Yes Incendo (Men's) Running N/A 7/10 4/10 5/10 10/10 Review No No Yes Lumin Trim 125 g / 4.4 oz ? Yes Incendo Airshell (Men's Running N/A No data No data No data No data No No Yes ? Trim 105 g / 3.7 oz ? Yes Incendo SL (Men's) Running N/A 7/10 4/10 4/10 10/10 Review No No Yes Permair 20 & Canim Trim 80 g / 2.8 oz 73 cm / 28.75 in Yes Macai (Men's) Skiing 5/-15 7/10 7/10 6/10 1/10 Review Yes No No N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex Regular 990 g / 2 lb 2.9 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in Yes Macai Lightweight (aka LT) (Men's) Skiing 8/-13 7/10 7/10 6/10 2/10 Review Yes No No N40p-X 3L Gore-Tex Regular 855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz ? Yes Macai Shell (Men's) Skiing N/A No data No data No data No data Review Yes No No N80p-X 3L Gore-Tex Regular 775 g / 1 lb 11.3 oz ? Yes Micon (Men's) Skiing N/A No data No data No data No data Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz 83 cm / 32.5 in Yes Micon Heather Skiing N/A No data No data No data No data Yes No No NP100-d 3L Gore-Tex Regular 685 g / 1 lb 8.2 oz 83 cm / 32.5 in Yes Nodin (Men's - Women's) Running N/A 8/10 5/10 5/10 10/10 No No Yes 20D Tyono Trim 130 g / 4.6 oz 75 cm / 29.5 in Yes Norvan LT (Men's - Women's) Running N/A 5/10 5/10 8/10 6/10 No No No N13p 3L Gore-Tex Trim 190 g / 6.7 oz ? Yes Norvan SL (Men's - Women's) Running N/A 7/10 6/10 8/10 8/10 Review No No Yes Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 120 g / 4.2 oz 77 cm / 30.4 in Yes Norvan SL Ins. (Women's) Running 39/4 No data No data No data No data No No Yes Gore-Tex ShakeDry Trim 270 g / 9.5 oz 71.5 cm / 28.1 in Yes Norvan Windshell (Men's Running N/A No data No data No data No data No No Yes Permeair 20 Trim 90 g / 3.2 oz 73 cm / 28.75 in Yes Procline (Men's) Skiing N/A No data No data No data No data Yes No No N70p Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz 76 cm / 30 in Yes Ravenna (Women's) Skiing N/A 8/10 7/10 8/10 3/10 Review Yes No No N70s-4 3L Gore-Tex Trim 725 g / 1 lb 9.6 oz 69.5 cm / 27.4 in Yes Ravenna LT (Women's) Skiing N/A 6/10 6/10 6/10 5/10 Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Trim 540 g / 1 lb 3 oz 69 cm / 27.2 in Yes Sabre AR (Men's) Skiing N/A 7/10 8/10 7/10 7/10 Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 700 g / 1 lb 8.7 oz 79 cm / 31 in Yes Sabre Insulated (See related products) Skiing No data 7/10 No data 6/10 No data Review Yes No No N80p 2L Gore-Tex Regular 815 g / 1 lb 12.7 oz 76 cm / 30 in Yes Sabre LT (Men's) Skiing N/A 7/10 8/10 7/10 8/10 Review Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 660 g / 1 lb 7.3 oz 83 cm / 32.5 in Yes Sabre SV (Men's) Skiing N/A 10/10 10/10 10/10 1/10 Strongest ski jacket. Review Yes Yes No N100d Most Rugged 3L Gore-Tex Pro Regular 595 g / 1 lb 5 oz 85 cm / 33.5 in No Sentinel AR (Women's) Skiing N/A 7/10 8/10 7/10 7/10 Review Yes No No N70p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 590 g / 1 lb 4.8 oz 72.5 cm / 28.5 in Yes Sentinel LT (Women's) Skiing N/A 7/10 8/10 7/10 8/10 Review Yes No No N80p 3L Gore-Tex Regular 565 g / 1 lb 3.9 oz 73.5 cm / 29 in Yes Shashka Stretch (Women's) Skiing N/A No data No data No data No data Yes No No N70p Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 670 g / 1 lb 7.6 oz 71 cm / 28 in Yes Trino SL (Men's) Running N/A 8/10 5/10 7/10 6/10 Review No No No Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 340 g / 12 oz 74 cm / 29.1 in Yes Trino SL Anorak (Women's) Running N/A 8/10 7/10 8/10 7/10 Review No No No Gore-Tex Infinium Trim 290 g / 10.2 oz 65 cm / 25.5 in Yes Venda Anorak (Women's) Around Town N/A No data No data No data No data No No No Gore-Tex Relaxed 255 g / 9 oz 75.5 cm / 29.7 in Yes Zeta AR (Men's) Hiking N/A 7/10 8/10 7/10 4/10 Yes No No 3L Gore-Tex Regular 425 g / 15 oz 80 cm / 31.5 in Yes Zeta FL (Men's - Women's) Hiking N/A 4/10 6/10 4/10 6/10 No No No N20r 2L Gore-Tex Trim 221 g / 7.8 oz 76 cm / 30 in Yes Zeta LT (Men's - Women's) Hiking N/A 5/10 7/10 8/10 5/10 No No No N40P-X 3L Gore-Tex Trim 335 g / 11.8 oz 78 cm / 30.75 in Yes Zeta SL (Men's - Women's) Hiking N/A 3/10 5/10 4/10 5/10 Review No No No 2L Gore-Tex Trim 310 g / 10.9 oz 77.8 cm / 30.6 in Yes
Performance data axis of synthetic jackets (table above) and shell jackets (this table) are different. Don't compare them.
Canberk is 5'11" and 165 pounds, with an athletic build. Size Medium fits him perfectly across almost all brands and product lines.
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