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Has Polartec Alpha Direct been Discontinued?

that guy named seb · · Britland · Joined Oct 2015 · Points: 236
Brassmonkey wrote:

Best top I've ever owned was the Rab Alpha Flux hooded jacket.   Most versatile top I've had.  Was also so bummed to see companies moving on from Alpha as well.  Would also love to know why!

I imagine it's probably because brands for the most part have no interest in pushing a pile based system, it's just not as sexy to consumers as something like a nano air. 

Karl Henize · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 648

I think having an inner and outer shell (sandwich construction) can have practical benefits:

- Reduces friction between layers (Nano Air is especially good in this regard)

- Reduces shedding of micro plastics 

- Can improve durability, if the outer layer is made from a tougher material (e.g., Proton series)

- Can improve next to skin feel, when worn directly on skin (e.g., Nano Air)

- Generally more compressible, although sandwich construction usually applied to thicker, higher loft articles of clothing and pile is generally used for thinner, low loft articles of clothing.  

I have both pile and sandwich midlayers and I wouldn’t say that either type is always superior to the other.  

Kyle Tarry · · Portland, OR · Joined Mar 2015 · Points: 448
Karl Henize wrote:

I have both pile and sandwich midlayers and I wouldn’t say that either type is always superior to the other.  

I don’t think anyone is suggesting that one type is superior, just lamenting that the Alpha Direct pieces seem to be unavailable.  There are some obvious advantages to that construction too, such as higher breathability (only 1 shell layer) and better durability (knit insulation probably doesn’t pack out as quickly).  In the end it’s just nice to have options due to variations in personal preference.

Karl Henize · · Boulder, CO · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 648
Kyle Tarry wrote:

I don’t think anyone is suggesting that one type is superior, just lamenting that the Alpha Direct pieces seem to be unavailable.  There are some obvious advantages to that construction too, such as higher breathability (only 1 shell layer) and better durability (knit insulation probably doesn’t pack out as quickly).  In the end it’s just nice to have options due to variations in personal preference.

I agree with you.  I was responding to the below quote:

that guy named seb wrote:

I imagine it's probably because brands for the most part have no interest in pushing a pile based system, it's just not as sexy to consumers as something like a nano air.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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