WM Flash or Cerium LT

I had both jackets and I didn't feel the WM was that much warmer, if at all. Ultimately, it comes down to fit. As much as I wanted to love the WM, I couldn't. It felt boxy, sleeves a tad too short, and that over sized non-adjustable hood drive me nuts. I love WM but I was a little disappointed in the Flash.

The Cerium LT, on the other hand, fit like a glove. I never noticed a benefit to the dual insulation but man it felt like it was tailored. I only sold it to fund a custom down jacket.

But that is just my experience.

I'm super happy with my Cerium. Warm, comfortable, light and looks good. I'm sure the WM is a nice jacket, but damn it's ugly.. if you don't care about looks at all I guess it's fine but I love the fact I can wear my Cerium around town as well as backpacking.

I've owned both, and I like the cerium better for the excellent tailoring and fit. The hood is also excellent. There might be a slight edge in warmth for the flash, but I don't think its much if any.

Yikes you guys – i really, really LOVE my WM flash, but having never tried the cerium you are making me doubt my love affair.

Some unflattering reviews on the dead bird site. Lots of leakage issues (cue Doug)

Not the cue you were expecting…

I asked about the down leakage issue before I bought mine in another thread here (too lazy to search for it), and everyone who responded felt that it wasn't a significant issue their Ceriums. It hasn't been a problem since I bought mine, though, admittedly, mine has seen very little use.

I've never owned the WM jacket but I've put my Cerium through the wringer and I'm happy with mine. I've noticed no down leakage (aside from the very random feather or two over the last year), and the fit is great IMO. I do with it had a drawstring around the waist, but other than that, not much I'd really improve on.

I have the thorium with slightly more durable fabric and have been very happy with it. Like with most arcteryx products, I really like the fit. I've noticed little to no leakage of down in comparison to the feathered friends jacket I own, which seems to leak down more frequently. YMMV.

Thanks for helping with the decision.

I couldn't really tell which one would be warmer in the backcountry, but the WM did feel slightly warmer around the house.

Yes, I agree the WM jacket can't really be worn around town while the LT can, which is a big plus

I guess if the warmth is about the same, which is the most important thing for me, I will go with the LT, if the WM is significantly warmer, like 10% or more, then I will pay the extra $ and go with the WM

Does the WM Flash have a wind-flap behind the zipper? Does it have a drawcord hem, those were the ONLY two gripes I had about the Cerium LT.

In a stiff breeze, wind would cut right through the zipper and sneak in from the bottom. I bet it's a perfect compliment to a wind shirt.

Yes, the WM does have a windflap. It does not have a hem drawcord, but the elastic snugs up around your waist much tighter compared to the LT resulting in a better seal.

Yes the LT is a perfect mid layer, but not so great as an outer layer compared to the Flash

Also the down in the Flash seems to be a bit puffier, or that may just be the baffle design or a placebo effect

the dead bird uses coreloft in certain areas

if you squish the squeeze yr poofay till it begs for mercy like many folks to get it as small as possible when packing … this may be an issue eventually

to put it simply compressing synthetics over and over again and leaving them that way for hours aint good for it

down will take it and keep on laughing right back at you … so will fleece

;)

Hey thats a good point Eric! I forgot to consider that