I compared the crap out of the 2. Seams, seals, fit, workmanship, all of it. I went with the Alpha because i got it for basically the same price, but the Beta was every bit the equal if you don't want to pay quite so much. I read all the stuff comparing the 2. Most users suggest they are the same. If you care where it's made, get the alpha. If you don't, Beta is A+ as well.