I just came back from their factory outlet store and there are many BETA AR Jacket with different sizes. It's made in "CANADA" not china.

There are some Alpha SL and those are made in China.

China.:/

Yes to both questions. The Beta AR is cut to accomodate layer, so check the sizing chart up top. You may be able to go for a Lge which would fit you better in the sleeves and bottom hem. This will work great with a harness, which you can wear over top of the jacket so you have clear access to knots and belay devices as well as a clear view of your feet.

sleeve length is the same for both the Theta AR and Beta AR, it's the hem length that is different (Theta AR is about 2"longer) Are the sleeves still too long when you put your hands above your head, or cross your arms across the body? These are built to give you full coverage through your full range of motion.

I am 6'5" 200 lbs. I tried L with gamma AR as midlayer. The fit is just right. If you want to add thicker midlayer like atom SV then you need to choose XL.

If you want a longer hem, with a proper athletic fit the Theta AR is about 2" longer in the bottom hem and adds an arm pocket. Same build otherwise. I think the Lge would fit your torso better and will definitely still give you room to layer up for the really chilly days.

HI JBERK! I suggest you stay with the XL. Although it might feel "a little bulky" it will be longer than a size Large, and permit you to layer - which you probably couldn't do with the size Large. I think with your height being 6 ft. 4 inches, the XL would be your best bet. Hope this helps.
Jeff Levin

I am exactly your size and wear a Large in Arcteryx jackets. I typically wear a turtleneck and fleece, and it fits well. If by down jacket, you mean a "puffy" coat - not enough room - but something like the Atom or thinner down shells would work.

Hey Ward, you are correct that they are very similar. The Theta AR has basically the exact same fit as the Beta AR (athletic) with minor differences. Like you said, the Theta is longer and not just an inch or two, but several. I'm only 5'6" and I have the new Beta AR (which they extended the length a bit this year) and it fits my shorter torso perfectly. The Theta has a longer hem length, a slightly taller collar and an extra small pocket on the left arm which the Beta doesn't have. Also, I'm not sure which year jacket James Jenden was trying on, but both the Beta AR and the Theta AR have very large helmet compatible hoods. If you're tall or like longer jackets go with the Theta, if you're short like me go with the Beta. Hope this helps.

just bought one this morning ... im 5'11" too /165 ... and the small fits PERFECTLY. Medium had too much room and really defeated the purpose of the athletic-fit. I'd go with size small!

I'm your size and prefer an alpine fit, so all of my Arc'Teryx stuff is small. If you prefer looser fitting or want to layer some bulky mids, then medium might be better.

The Fall'11 Beta AR is made in Canada and China depending on factory capacity. Quality is equivalent regardless. There isn't an easy way to tell which jacket is made where, unless you see the actually tag inside the jacket.

no...not any more...

Some of the Beta AR are made in Canada, and some in China due to factory capacity being tiny in Canada. The China made Beta have the exact same quality and are made in an Arc'teryx exclusive factory.

Hey,

Unfortunately not. The only Beta I'm sure of for this season is the FL Jacket. Most of the Alpha line is made in Canada though.