Best rain jacket for under $150?

Check out this deal, I think I may have to jump all over this:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-GORE-TEX174-PacLite174-Rainy-River8482-Parka-Regular/750833.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Drainy%2Briver%26WTz_l%3DHeader%253BSearch-All%2BProducts%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&Ntt=rainy+river&WTz_l=Header%3BSearch-All+Products

Limited sizes and colours but seems like a steal!

So I get that the Montbell stuff is nice….
I have been trying to figure out what rain jacket I want to replace my UL(must've been around 8 or 9oz) MH Quark Rain Jacket that I just returned after having it finally wet out after around 4 years of use.
I have been freaking out, looking at every jacket I could try on(leaving for a year in asia in a few weeks and need to gear up before i go.) i am tall and thin, and i should wear a large, but the arms and body are often way too short and then i'll be swimming in the XL.
I just went to the store today and tried tNF Venture jacket and loved it(although it is 12.8 ounces, more than i wanted weight wise.) but it fit differently than the normal tNF stuff and gets really good review online from non gear junkies(normal weekend campers and stuff,) and is 80 bucks on sale online.
I was going to spend 300 on some super technical shell, but i'm really not that impressed with any of the fabrics and none are as light as my old MH Quark Jacket. Paclite is kinda bulky.
But here is my question. Why all the love for the Montbell stuff? they don't seem that much lighter than tNF stuff(trekker is exact same weight as the Venture,) they are nearly double the price of the Venture, and I can't find anywhere to try them on….
I'm no North Face lover and have been trying to get away from the mainstream BS brands, but for 80 bucks i'm feeling like I might just wait a few years for something better to come along….
Has anybody actually tried any of these brands and disliked them? it seems like the eVent, Pertex, etc are all in the 10-12oz range

Agree with Rob H. The price is right and I know from personal experience that Driducks work as well as Precips. For on the trail use their durability is sufficient for US East and West three seasons. On the other hand if you are going to A' Ghàidhealtachd, not only are you are way beyond insane but you will need serious rainwear.

You can check out the Stoic Vaporshell jacket:

http://www.backcountry.com/stoic-vaporshell-jacket-mens#review_200107638

The specs are interesting:

Material: VaporShell (100% polyester ripstop)
Waterproof rating: 68K
Breathability: 46K
Pockets: 1 Chest
Fit: 3-D Ergonomic fit
Hood: Yes, fulltime
Seams: Taped
Venting: Underarm vents
Weight: 14oz

And it is only $129. Not to bad.

However, it does not have hand pockets which is a major bummer in my opinion…

Currently though, I am happy with my GoLite Tumalo. Pit zips, hand pockets and only weighs 10.8 oz in a size XL.

I like my OR Helium. Very minimal, just a chest pocket. 7.1 oz for the XL. No pit zips though for those who like them. Essentially it is the same weight as the Driducks but far more durable.

I was considering the Helium. Altrec has some on sale for $105 and up:

http://www.altrec.com/outdoor-research/mens-helium-jacket?&cm_mmc_o=-e1CjCW-CjCn9IDvjzvznpzxpCjCtff5cccBAfpBBybEuByFwygBFbEpw05t5RAfwycwzy&affNT=true

if you go that route (I'm very satisfied w/ mine) might want to size up- I'm normally right in the middle range of large in most jackets/brands, went w/ XL and it's just right

as mike said the sizing is athletic …. i however didnt need to size up

it is a great "just in case" jacket, stuffs in its own pocket at ~6 oz, and is backed by the OR infinite guarantee

not the most breathable, but for that price and weight nothing else is either

I picked up a MH Epic jacket on SAC earlier tonight for $49.

Keep an eye on Steepandcheap. Just picked up a Patagonia Torrentshell for $50.

I just recently made the switch from the “Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket” to the “ZPacks Cuben Fiber Rain Jacket“, which is a little outside your budget of $150. It is saving me 4.2 ounces though. I am not at all concerned about the breathability of the cuben fiber jacket, because the OR Helium has 100% of the time caused my shirt to become wet due to its inability to properly breath, and the lack of arm pits on the Helium does not help.

The ZPacks CF Rain Jacket is suppose to show up later today. I 100% plan to do a full gear review (write up and video) on it once I get some miles on it. Thankfully it started raining here in the Redwoods again, after a couple of weeks of no rain. Looking forward to being on the trail in the rain again… I do love hiking in the rain under the canopy of magnificent Redwood trees!

now that truly is a lighweight rain jacket!

I carry the north face triumph parka. Got it for $70 on ebay. It retails under $150 and weighs 6oz.

I just picked up the Marmot Essence as my "just in case" jacket for trips when rain isn't all that likely. Originally ordered the Helium, but didn't like the fit and I like that the Essence at least has pit vents and is about the same weight as the Helium. Haven't had the pleasure of using it yet though, so we'll see if the vents make any difference. And it's usually above the $150 mark, but right now is 25% off at campsaver.

Take a look at the Eddie Bauer First Ascent laminated rain parka. They actually publish its waterproof/ breathability numbers, which are as good as PacLite.

And EB usually has sales around mid summer so you might get it for 50% off. EB First Ascent clothing is well designed and very high quality. I love my EB Down Sweater.

My new Dry Ducks were my favorite piece of gear on my last trip. Oh wait… that's because I never had to use them… never mind : )

Does anybody else have any idea of something similar to weight below 10 onces that has pit zips like marmot essence?

Thanks.

super mica has pit zips ~ 9 oz