Sizing Spash Jackets ?

Need to know if Stohlquist jackets are tight fitting or somewhat loose .  Looking at the Torrent and the Splashdown in particular , all my jackets are a 44" chest and this would be a large by their sizing . Know I need a little extra room for layering and don't want to get bound up . Should I go up to a XL or will the large work .

Also any other suggestions in the under $150 range from NRS , Immersion research or others ?

Thanks , Dan

I got the XL and it was for the most part true to size. Check out clavey online, they also offer a 10% discount to NCKA.

I lost my jacket (not a clue as to how or where) which I thought was a good fit.
I went to purchase another and they didn't have my size, xl.
They did have an xxl and I needed it in a pinch so I bought it.
No regrets whatsoever. I can move so much easier in the xxl.
The way I size a paddling jacket now is to put it on and take arm strokes as if I were swimming. Freedom of movement in the shoulders and no binding against the neck. World of difference in comfort.
I am not saying this is the way to do it, but it sure worked wonders for me.

Thanks Tote , think I will tell the Wife to get me an XL , shes shopping online for Christmas . Guess I can always send it back for another size , I'm probably borderline between L-XL especially with some layering .

funny, I'm in the same boat!
Just ordered an XL splashdown, will get it tomorrow. One of the online reviews was a guy who said he was 160lbs, & 5'6" and the L fitted him well with a thermal layer. Since I'm usually closer to 200# and a few inches taller I went for the XL, even though I'm pretty sure my previous jacket (from NRS) was only a large.

I own a Large Stohlquist Splashdown with Hood and love it.  Its has a generous cut and has lots of extra room for layering.
I normally wear Men's Large Shirt at 185 lbs.  If you order your regular shirt size to the Splashdown you should be OK.

Just got my new Splashdown jacket, and my first impressions are that:

1: I made the right call in getting the XL(whew!). FWIW, I planned to use this as my "pack jacket" not only for kayaking but also for general rain wear and charter boat trips (where it will go with a set of helly bibs). The jacket fits nicely over a thin base layer and a midweight fleece layer and leaves plenty of freedom of movement.
2: I really like the design touches of the fleece collar, detachable hood, and hand pockets, and I like the anorak zipper style.
3: the fabric seems a little lighter than I expected so we'll see how it holds up.

I look forward to field testing!