soft shell compared to a 'normal' ski jacket

Hi, has anyone experience of soft shell ski jackets? Are they really as durable, abrasion and rip resistant as normal ski jackets. By normal I mean the ski jackets with a harder less supple outer layer and light weight or heavier insulation.

I wouldn't recommend a soft shell as a "do everything" jacket. They are great in resonable conditions (down to -10C) and have a good thermal value in themselves.

Generally, I don't think you would want one large enough to wear a lot of layers underneath (would look too big on a warm day with little underneath) and they might not offer enough protection in cold and windy conditions. They tend not to seal at the cuffs and bottom as well as a conventional ski jacket and have less pockets. On the plus side, they are less bulky and easy to wear.

Much depends on how much you are prepared to pay. My choice was to buy a cheaper one (Columbia) and only use it when conditions are good.

The material is quite water, light wind, and abrassion resistant and wears well.

Trencher

Trencher thanks for the advice. I think I'll get one anyway for sunny ski days and because they look better off-piste than my ski jacket.

I've skied twice in my life and have caught the ski bug, I love it.