Testers and test conditions
I am 1.73 metres tall and weigh around 70 kilos. As a rule, size M is a typical "no-brainer" for me. Compared to European brands, the Canadian cut is usually slightly larger, so the size M fits me well in this jacket and I can still put on enough extra layers underneath as a base and mid-layer. This was usually the case in the form of merino underwear and thin midlayers. On ski tours, I usually only wear the hardshell on the descent or on really cold, uncomfortable days on the ascent. Even in very cold temperatures, the jacket warmed me reliably and the ventilation options made it comfortable to wear even during warmer temperatures. The jacket was tested last season when freeriding and piste skiing in the ski resort, as well as on ski tours in a wide range of conditions in Tyrol.
Test report
The first impression of the jacket is confirmed as soon as you put it on: The roughened, soft flannel lining is comfortable to wear, even next to the skin, and you can literally "feel" the jacket's robustness thanks to the slightly firmer material. Even after numerous days of intensive use in snow, rock and ice, it shows no signs of wear. The robust Gore Tex Pro laminate can withstand contact with rocks with relative ease and looks as good as new after a wash in the washing machine.
The arrangement of the pockets fulfils its purpose and makes it possible to use the side pockets even when wearing a backpack. I rarely used the mesh pocket on the inside, which is perfect for storing a map or similar items and having them quickly to hand. I noticed a small point of criticism regarding the pockets after a few days in various ski resorts: The pocket for the lift ticket is almost at shoulder height on the upper arm, so in many ski resorts it is necessary to bend your knees a little so that the ticket can be scanned by the machine.
The zips all run quite smoothly and are easy to open and close even when wearing ski gloves. I really like the extra large ventilation opening under the armpits, as this ensures sufficient ventilation in warmer temperatures or on ski tours. However, I wouldn't recommend the Sabre AR as a pure ski touring jacket or spring jacket, as it quickly gets a little too warm in plus temperatures due to the warm lining. However, it is ideal for off-piste skiing in the ski resort or ski touring in high winter.
As I hardly ever close the snow skirt on my jacket, I hardly ever use it. I would have preferred a detachable snow skirt, but as it is hardly noticeable if you don't close it, it doesn't really get in the way. On the days I did use it, it hardly slipped and reliably prevented snow from getting in unintentionally. Even after a few (unintentional) turns in deep snow, I had no snow under the jacket.
The elasticated drawstrings for adjusting the hood and the width of the jacket are easy to operate with gloves and work perfectly. The helmet-compatible hood is indeed generously cut and can be worn over a helmet. Without a helmet, on the other hand, it feels a little clunky and bulky despite being adjustable. However, I get this feeling with almost all of my ski jackets with a helmet-compatible hood, so it's not necessarily the fault of the Sabre AR.
The width of the cuffs can be adjusted using the Velcro fastener, allowing them to be fastened flush both under and over the gloves. The Velcro fastener does not start to fray even after intensive use and closes reliably.
