Arc'teryx  Rho SV Zip-Neck Base Layer Top - Men's

Sometimes I seriously wonder who is responsible for designing — or redesigning — your technical garments. Because Arc’teryx, once a benchmark for true technical performance, now seems to be drifting in a very different direction. For many years my daughter has given me Arc’teryx fleeces, precisely because I trusted the brand for real-world functionality, build quality, and thoughtful design. This year she gave me a Rho SV, size L, purchased in London. Unfortunately, it is one of the most disappointing garments I have ever worn. I have to ask plainly: is this decline in fit and performance intentional? The collar design on this fleece is baffling. It is low and wide on a garment meant for cold conditions. The neck is one of the most critical areas to protect from heat loss — and in this case, the design actively fails at that task. I compared the Rho SV with another Arc’teryx fleece I own and that performs correctly: the Delta Half Zip, same size L. The difference is striking. The Rho SV collar is approximately 3 cm lower and 5 cm wider. I have attached photos with measurements. Looking at them, it is hard to understand how this could be considered an improvement — or even acceptable for a winter technical layer. Over the years I have purchased dozens of Arc’teryx products, including jackets and fleeces. I have already stopped buying your jackets altogether. The decline in quality and functionality is obvious. I own two Cerium jackets of the same model: the older one is excellent, while the newer one has noticeably less insulation that shifts to the sides, creating cold spots. A garment that lets cold in has failed its primary purpose. Arc’teryx once stood for warmth, functionality, and freedom of movement. Sadly, these values now seem secondary. Reading other customer comments, it is clear that I am not alone in these concerns — which suggests this is not an isolated issue. I live in Italy and do not have access to an official Arc’teryx retailer in my area. I would like to replace this Rho SV with a model I already own and that works properly (Delta Half Zip). How can I proceed? Because when design starts serving marketing instead of the mountains, the cold is felt — and not just around the neck. I look forward to your response. Lucian

I sent that this sweater if it's great . I love the way it keeps me warm, I can wear it for 10° runs, i can lounge in it and look well put together in temps 30-50. Great piece, short collar is cool too

Hhhhhmmmmm, so you changed the fabric, shortened and widenend the collar, just doesnt appear to be the best-in-class item it used to be. Too bad. Usually I like to get a new color every couple years, I'll pass and keep wearing the originals.

Advertising that this is their warmest base layer and marketing it as SV is ridiculous considering last year their warmest base layer was the polartec fleece heavyweight which is at least twice as thick and insulating.

The fabric is windproof and warm. But the tailoring and neckline workmanship of this dress are not very good. When I raise my arms, my armpits are very restricted。The neckline is too big to adapt to atom sv

Its so good i had to buy more, runs maybe a tad small, but i recomend staying true to you sul arcteryx size, th terry fleece on the inside is so great and gives a great warm feeling when wearing it.

This IS the warmest RHO top by far, silky comfortable next to skin.. have considered the Aster colored one, but am more interested in the Aster RHO bottoms the model is wearing, where are those?

Usually have the Rho Heavy. SV is much thinner and also a lot larger than my usual L size. They have also replaced the metal zip pulls with material, doesn't seem as good or durable

It’s a nice and quiet warm base layer, the fit is true to size. I like that the zipper goes far down the chest to regulate temperature.

My go to daily wear top Autumn to Spring, have 10, just about to order number 11. Only very minor gripe, more colour choice please.