I think the best thing about the Alaska is the big door on the front
I miss that - it helps interact with the hamster and also makes it easier reaching stuff at the back of the cage and taking big things in and out.
Diy sounds good too if you like that. Some people make a hamster cage out of an Ikea detolf, which is a cheap way to make a large glass tank. But half a detolf would be a bit on the small side for a syrian. And a whole one each would take up a lot of room!
Some Ikea hacks and diy cages can work out a bit expensive too - which makes the Alaska look good value then.