Has Polartec Alpha Direct been Discontinued?

Any industry insiders know what's going on with Polartec Alpha Direct?  There used to be a whole bunch of pieces on the market utilizing Alpha Direct and a single layer of air permeable outer (OR Ascendant, Marmot Alpha 60, Rab Alpha Flux/Direct, etc.).  However, it seems like these are all gone from their respective lineups.  Does anyone know if there's been some kind of change in the availability of Alpha or something?  Maybe this stuff didn't sell so well and I'm the only one who likes it?

It seems like many of these brands have replaced these pieces with more "typical" breathable midlayer construction with an inner and outer breathable shell sandwiching typical insulation (like the Nano Air, etc.).

You could ask Timmermade, he would probably give a straight answer if he knew. 

My guess is either COVID supply chain issue or simple economics and the big brands are developing a similar in-house product that costs less (eg Proton FL). 

Neoshell was great too but kind of fizzled even though some smaller brands still use it. And then Ascentshell, Futurelight etc.. eventually came out. 

I just grabbed the OR Ascendant actually at a 75% fire sale a few weeks ago. As someone that moves fast and sweats a lot, I was hoping it would work better than a wool midlayer - I've had the displeasure of having one soaked-then-frozen on me, but I haven't really tested it out yet in cold conditions (hopefully this weekend). It certainly feels less warm than maybe other midlayers - what is it that you (or others) like about it? 

Long Ranger wrote:

It certainly feels less warm than maybe other midlayers - what is it that you (or others) like about it? 

I find it to have similar warmth to something like a Nano Air, but it's so hard to say for sure since that stuff is so subjective.  I just like the simplicity, and I think breathability is enhanced significantly by only having one outer "skin" instead of an outer and an inner.  I also suspect that the Alpha may be more durable that typical synthetics (like Primaloft) but have no data to back that up.  I think the Alpha is cozy, although opinions differ on that.

In the end it's not a catastrophe if they disappear, but I found it curious that so many brands were hyping these up and now they have all disappeared.

It can definitely still be bought by the yard, so Polartech likely still makes it. Maybe there’s something better out now.

This guy Senchi Designs out of Portland makes these sick alpha direct R1 type fleeces if you’re looking for something.

https://www.senchidesigns.com/

Those Polartec alpha hoodies from Senchi Designs look awesome. I wonder how it compares functionally to the original R1 hoody versions and cap4 hoody? 

I don't have a Senchi but like naked Alpha. It's more breathable than any fleece and it's lighter for a given warmth. It doesn't stretch if you like wearing tight stuff. It isn't as durable as fleece. It works well as a midlayer.

Anyone have direct experience with how warm the naked alpha is? Looking at those pants as a cold-weather layering piece but wondering how they compare to R1

Alpha comes in different weights. The 120gsm Rab Alpha Flash is pretty comparable to an R2. The 85gsm Alpha is more R1ish. My guess is the 60gsm Alpha falls somewhere between R1 and Thermal Capilene. It will be more breathable and dry faster though. 

I have a naked alpha hoodie from Macpac (a kiwi company). 60g I believe. The nitro hoodie.  It is so toasty. My favourite après-ski or in the g hut top layer. Incredibly warm for how light it is. 

anybody know of more alternatives to senchi or melanzana? i was looking at "fayettechill" but not into the branding. looking specifically for the hoody version w/o zippers otherwise i'd get another R1

It's expensive AF but I just got a pair of the L2 AMK pants from The Northface. The fabric is super light, breathable and warm. Going to sell something so I can buy the hoodie I think. 

Mike K wrote:

anybody know of more alternatives to senchi or melanzana? i was looking at "fayettechill" but not into the branding. looking specifically for the hoody version w/o zippers otherwise i'd get another R1

I just got one these on sale. I think it’s melly fabric. Hood is a bit more loose, but i like it so far.
https://freedomind.com/collections/holiday-sale/products/radiase-thermal-hoody?variant=36470470115400

Strafe still has some stuff in alpha direct. While not the same, the salewa puez wo looks cool and kind of a mix of power grid and alpha.

Mike K wrote:

anybody know of more alternatives to senchi or melanzana? i was looking at "fayettechill" but not into the branding. looking specifically for the hoody version w/o zippers otherwise i'd get another R1

Yep:

https://superiorfleece.com/collections/mens-hoodies/products/mens-brule-hoodie?variant=39500456624310

great guy, with excellent customer service. Ordered on Monday morning, and had it 8 days later.

Rab alpha flash is an option but looking at it, I fear they may have fucked up the patterning. Been looking at it for years waiting for a need to bump up the warmth of my pertex pile system I run. 

that guy named seb wrote:

Rab alpha flash is an option but looking at it, I fear they may have fucked up the patterning. 

I've got a bunch on hand I can look at if you have any questions - I'll be back after New Years.

Long Ranger wrote:

I've got a bunch on hand I can look at if you have any questions - I'll be back after New Years.

Main concern is the shoulder seams and cross body mobility. Why they didn't use a Raglan sleeve I'll never know. 

Long Ranger wrote:

I just grabbed the OR Ascendant actually at a 75% fire sale a few weeks ago. As someone that moves fast and sweats a lot, I was hoping it would work better than a wool midlayer - I've had the displeasure of having one soaked-then-frozen on me, but I haven't really tested it out yet in cold conditions (hopefully this weekend). It certainly feels less warm than maybe other midlayers - what is it that you (or others) like about it? 

Depending on size I’ll buy it off you if you don’t like it!

I've got a Large if you want. Worn a half dozen times. Wearing it here 

https://www.mountainproject.com/photo/120115859/one-of-the-steeper-lines-on-the-left

Mike-Mayhem wrote:

Depending on size I’ll buy it off you if you don’t like it!

I'm going to keep it around for now - although it hasn't been super cold enough here to really test it out. Sizing for this piece is really weird - the shoulders are a little tight!