Men's Theta SV Bib
4.6
5
13
13
Not as good as Alpha SV
I bought this one along with Alpha SV to be able to compare the two and pick the one I like better. My intended use for the bib is skiing so Alpha from the specs seemed like too much, but I couldn't resist the reviews it was getting, so I wanted to see them both. While there is nothing wrong with Theta bib, and overall it is a great product, in comparison with Alpha it pales out. First the material feels not as durable on Theta as it is on Alpha, even though it is quality GorTex. Secondly the upper body on Theta is much lower than Alpha's and I didn't like that very much. In addition it is not so snug as Aplha's. Theta's is contoured for typical skiing position and it makes one look a bit odd when just standing up. Since I will use the bib to work around the house in winter too, I love the knee pads that are available with Alpha but not with Theta. A common issue with both bibs is the sizing. I am 5.8, 155 and typically wear medium, with Arcteryx I have to go for small/short to make either of those bibs fit the way they should. And the biggest feature that is missing on Theta in comparison with Alpha is the zipper all around your crotch. There is no words to describe how convenient it is to take care of "business" in the open if you have something like that. So while Theta is a great product overall, only $50 more buys you even better bib IMHO. And if you can't decide on one or the other before you see them, then get both and see what works better for you. You can't go wrong with either of them - it's just a matter of personal preferences in selecting one you'd like.
October 28, 2011
The good choice.
I finally pulled the trigger and bought this bib after looking at it for a couple of years. Although it is quite expensive, it deserves all of my gratitude. The quality of the material used, the craftmanship, and the overall comfort make this bib the best I have ever owned. Super comfortable, ultra light; I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for high quality hardshell for mountaineering or skiing. To bad that it is so pricey.
April 17, 2011
Great product, but cut lower than I thought
Love Arc'teryx gear and this bib is no exception. First class quality and craftsmanship. However, the bib part in front was cut a lot lower than I thought from the picture, only a little higher than regular snowboarding pants. Decided should probably try the Alpha one instead, which is higher cut in the front.
Fit was great and not super baggy, nor did it restrict movement.
January 17, 2011
Top notch Arc'teryx quality/performance but flaws
When you buy an Apple computer, you know what you're getting. TOP notch build quality, beautiful design and impeccable performance. Same can easily be said for Arc'teryx products, these snowboard bibs included. However, a few minor design decisions and one glaring oversight exposed after a few outings prevent me from making these pants the greatest of all-time.
Pros:
Arc’teryx construction
Heavy duty reinforcement around high-stress areas
110% waterproof
200% windproof
Cons:
No side pockets AT ALL
No buckles on bib straps
JUST a shell, no insulation (can be argued that this is by design)
Expensive
The lack of side pockets on these pants are the single (and only) frustrating feature of these pants. I think it goes without saying that ANY pair of pants should have side pockets. After taking these pants out for 3 or 4 outings, I can't remember how many times my hands have instinctively reached to the side trying to pull out a trail map and been met with disappointment that, yeah, there are no pockets!!
There are however two very small zippered pockets towards the top of the bib, pictured in the product photos. They're great for holding a tiny wallet (ya NEVER want anything hard or sturdy in a pocket between the ground and your body god-forbid you fall directly onto your chest and the camera or radio or iPod cracks your sternum). However, they're useless for anything else!
Because this product is a bib, these two pockets are placed very high, which means if you want to access anything in these pockets to have unzip your shell, unzip your inner vest/fleece, pull-up your pullover, then get at the pockets. Extremely inconvenient.
Really wish there were buckles on the bib straps as well, very difficult to have to go number-two in these pants and be forced to strip off everything you're wearing over it just to take off the straps and pull down the pants.
Front zipper runs very high up onto the chest, so again, having to go to the bathroom involves an awkward reach up under your pullover to unbutton, then unzip.
With all this said, there’s no doubt in my mind that these pants can be wrapped around 4 pounds of dynamite, detonated and come out the other end in returnable condition. Construction on these pants is heavy-duty and top-notch. Arc’teryx took care to really fortify the heels of these pants, lots of scuffing and scraping on this often exposed area of the pants can really take a toll.
Great pair of pants, would definitely recommend to a friend accompanied by a stern warning of “be prepared to work around the lack of pockets and high zippers and you’re all set!
January 10, 2011
Tall and light
Lightweight, waterproof, and durable. I think these will be the last pants I buy for long long time.
December 5, 2010
best ski pant I have owned
Bought the pants 2 months ago. Have used them a lot as ski/rando pants. The quality and build is excellent. don't hesitate, buy now if you want the best bib for skiing!
February 11, 2010
Best pants I've ever had
Has all the functionality I need and require (which is a lot) and until now, ski pants were fitted to a lowest common denominator. These fit better than my jeans. These are the best, most versatile pants money can buy. Worth the tariff if you have real needs in terms of functionality.
January 14, 2010
Chad Parker
I live in Vermont and ski the local resorts (Bolton & Stowe) and these bibs are the lightest and most durable ski pants I have owned. I really like that they come in different lenths, as I am not extremely tall. I'm considering buying another pair simply for fear they won't make them in the future.
January 13, 2010
Super Good Pants
Holds up to anything that you can throw at it.
January 7, 2010
worth the money
These pants are phenomenal. Fit is a bit baggy compared to other pants. I'm 5'11" and 175lbs - the medium size, regular length has more leg room than other Arc'teryx mediums I've tried on. Chest pockets are great for smaller items like a wallet, snacks, cellphone. The Gore-tex Pro Shell fabric is amazing - breathable and not clammy against the skin.
January 1, 2010
Instep to Low
I like these pants with one major flaw. The instep patches are not high enough up the leg. They do not even go up above my ski boots. I am less than a month into the use of these bibs with fourteen days of skiing and I already have six patches of repair tape within two inches of where the instep patches stop. I like the pants but am very upset that I already have small slices in my new $400 bibs before I have even had a chance to put a crampon hole in them. Find a pant with a higher instep if you plan on really using these for their designed purpose.
January 9, 2009
Arc'teryx - The Best Money Can Buy!
I live on the East Coast where I ski and snowboard local resorts in the Mid-Atlantic Region. We frequently see ice here. I also take at least one trip out west each year. This year I experienced BIG Powder. These Arc'teryx Theta SV Bib Ski Pants are the best I have ever owned. Nothing I have ever had comes close. They are light weight, comfortable and extremely durable. I am 6' 1" 240lbs and the XL fits perfect. The length is great, the built in suspenders are small and more manageable than any I have ever seen. They have a built in belt around the waist so there is no chance of snow in getting in when you are sitting down strapping your board on. The crew at Altrec is awesome also. Buy Sell or Hold? Believe me, these are an absolute BUY!
April 19, 2008
Theata SV bib
Amother great product from Arc'teryx. Using these pants for winter work, they keep the elements out.(local ski hill) Size is true and the short, reg and tall options are great.
January 29, 2008
