This jacket is the bomb, like tick, tick! This is my first Gore-Tex shell, and it lived up to all the hype and then some. I was a little worried about staying warm in so thin a jacket, but after a weekend at Crystal those worries were gone. Saturday my layering consisted of Under Armour Cold Gear, a tee, and a fleece, and after a few runs I was too hot. Sunday I just went out with a tee and fleece under, pit zips half-open, and felt great. And no, it was not a bright-ass day. No sun, and it was windy (oh well, I was wearing a waterproof and windproof jacket, and it did stop all the elements). The Burton Pant-to-Jacket zip-in interface is sick too! The only drawbacks I found were the hood barely fit over my helmet (I have an XL jacket and M helmet). It fit, but felt really constricting when over my helmet. Also, the velcro cusps didn't stay tight when riding in the pow (18" new overnight)! I also wish Burton would put RECCO in their gear, it is available in gear priced way less. Overall though, one kick-ass jacket! It will keep you warm and dry regardless of the weather!

The AK 3L Continuum is what it is. It's a Gore-Tex Shell. The jacket's seams are welded for added durability and multiple "proof-ness." Hopefully this new technology will prevent the seams from failing like several of my previous Burton jackets. The waterproof zippers are a nice touch.
If you plan on boarding in a blizzard, this jacket was made for it. The Sig-Fit is a bit looser than I'd like, but it does provide adequate room for base layers. I bought the jacket because it was 50% off the retail price. Honestly, it isn't worth $600 dollars unless you use it 365 days per year. At this price, the AK3L should be lined with a comfortable thin insulation, or should include a zip-in liner.