In reply to Darren Moss:
I cant offer a vs option. But I have been using a Venta MX for around 5 years.
If you do find one cheap, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. Assuming you will use it purely as an alpine/ice jacket then there is nothing I would recommend more.
Many people denounce windstopper as being too sweaty and use in the UK has given it a real stigma, but the Venta is the most 'breathable' (read comfortable) jacket I have used.
If you have long arms or a looking for articulation then the fit is exceptional and allows for good layering despite being slim fit. I also like the longer length body. Durability is covered, you may be surprised at how not soft the main face fabric is, however it is exceptionally stretchy.
It is a highly underrated jacket and hard to find, plus it doesn't come in many flavours. Only noticeable downsides are that the cuffs are narrow, which means you only get about 1.5" of adjustment so getting over bulky gloves can be tricky (I use a gauntlet so never been an issue). Also the collar is low, it has far less neck/face coverage than other jackets.
This is the cheapest I can come across but only in XL:
http://www.bergzeit.co.uk/arcteryx-venta-mx-hoody-cognac-cognac-xl/?affsrc=...
You can buy direct from Arc'teryx and try to pay in a different currency too, which may shave a few cents.
(by this I mean, if you pay in pounds you pay the eqv of 450eur, pay in nok you pay the eqv of 320eur)
No idea if this actually works.