MB Superior Down Jacket vs EX Light Down Anorak

I have the EX Light Anorak and the Superior Down Jacket (@7.3 ozs, not the parka @ 8.7 ozs). I really like the new SD Parka, but I already have the older UL Down Parka and wanted something different. The newer SD Parka has some very nice improvements over the older version UL Parka. They simplified the end of the sleeves which is a huge improvement and the hood looks like a much better design, similar to the hood on the Mirage (in design, not in the amount of loft). The SD Jacket has a nice simple design and I've been using it mainly as a lightweight alternative in the 'front country'. I like the hem adjustment inside the pockets. The 15 denier material has a more natural feel than the 7 denier material used for the EX Light Anorak. The EX Light Amorak is in another world of warmth and it is noticeably lighter. Possibly due to the lack of a full length zipper and of course the 900 fp down. It feels to me like the difference between a 20 degree mummy bag vs a 30 degree quilt. The amount of loft isn't significant (the EX Light has 2,070 cubic inches of loft vs 2,000 for the SD Parka) but that is with a size medium. I wear an XL in both and the difference in loft may be more noticeable in the larger size due to the slightly larger difference in loft (2,229 c/i for the SD Parka vs 2,375 c/i for the EX Anorak in size XL). Also, the weight of the EX Light Anorak is over 36% down while the SD Parka is only 28% down (and with inferior FP down). The EX Light Anorak is available for $175 on the Montbell Outlet right now which brings the price much closer to the $159 for the SD Parka. Either way they are both a bargain compared to most of the alternatives, especially the Mountain Hardware hooded Ghost Whisperer at $300+. I would be interested in hearing the first impressions from anyone who has tried the new SD Parka. . .

I bought a Superior down parka a couple weeks ago. I used a mountain hardware ghost whisperer for over 1000 miles on my PCT thru hike, and when I got back, washed it, and gave it to a friend who liked how warm it was. Still looks really good, and held up well. I needed a new down jacket and was looking at the options. I've had an ex-light jacket, but didn't like the fit. I tried on a western mountaineering flash, and it was quite good, but expensive. I saw the Superior down and couple things stuck with me. Only 1.7 oz (roughly) heavier than a MH ghost whisperer, has roughly the same fill but it seems much loftier also. A "tiny" bit tougher fabric (10d vs 7d) is a plus. The hood actually works, and has a great adjustment system (Ghost whisperer hood kinda sucked). I thought about the ex light Anarok but I didn't think it would be as warm as the SD jacket. It's also only $160 and made by a company who's pretty good at making down jackets. I've only worn it a few times but the fit is great (I'm 5'9 175 lbs) it's a little tight on my build but I would be fine hiking or even skiing in it. So far I'm really impressed especially for the price. Great jacket and I would recommend it.