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A-2 WWII replica
- Thread starter PLATON
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Feraud
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Oh, that is opening a can of worms..PLATON said:
Flieger
Practically Family
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That's a Vanson jacket, huh?
Exact replica or not, It looks good.
Flieger
Exact replica or not, It looks good.
Flieger
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Edward
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Paging Mr Paddy.....
To my uneducated eye, it looks boxier and shinier than the WW2 A2s I've seen, but I sure wouldn't trust to my judgement!
Accuracy aside, FWIW, Vanson's stuff is really high quality, if expensive - typically their jackets are in the same price region as Aero or Eastman, right across the board.
To my uneducated eye, it looks boxier and shinier than the WW2 A2s I've seen, but I sure wouldn't trust to my judgement!
Accuracy aside, FWIW, Vanson's stuff is really high quality, if expensive - typically their jackets are in the same price region as Aero or Eastman, right across the board.
Fletch
I'll Lock Up
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Advertising 201: Deconstructive Shopping
The jacket pictured is the "Mustang" by Vanson, a mid-market leather company known best for cycling gear. They're not military specialists, so don't depend on them to be all that exact.
The Mustang does advertise all wool knit and all cotton lining, which is a good start, and a horsehide option (the basic model is presumably cowhide, which is the usual hide for cycle garments).
And here's a pic showing the cut - actually doesn't look too bad. No side entrys are evident in the pockets, which is good.
But. Only on the detail page do you see the price - $429 - you could do just as well at FlightJacket.com or FlightSuits.com, 2 outfits with a good rep for quality and general authenticity. This is maybe half of what an Eastman or Lost Worlds A-2 would run you, but they are specialist makers, concentrating on period correctness right down to the stitches.
And read this copy:
The copy goes on:
Now here's the thing: The pictures actually look pretty good - no outstandingly obnoxious details like huge close-set pockets or bloused-out waists. It's the ad copy that makes me uneasy about Vanson's interest in "authenticity."
This is likely to be a handsome and well cut garment, a step up from shopping mall / mass market quality, and it has a classic, no nonsense design, which should make it fit into a vintage look. (In fact, the more I look at the black one, the more I like it.)
But it isn't marketed to the specialist A-2 fan at all, and isn't meant to be. In fact, the designation A-2 doesn't appear anywhere but (I think?) on the label.
So it depends what you're going for. If you like the looks of this, check it out, but definitely check out FliightJacket and FlightSuits in that price range as well. You at least will be dealing with a smaller, more customer centered company without a big promotional overhead.
The jacket pictured is the "Mustang" by Vanson, a mid-market leather company known best for cycling gear. They're not military specialists, so don't depend on them to be all that exact.
The Mustang does advertise all wool knit and all cotton lining, which is a good start, and a horsehide option (the basic model is presumably cowhide, which is the usual hide for cycle garments).
And here's a pic showing the cut - actually doesn't look too bad. No side entrys are evident in the pockets, which is good.
But. Only on the detail page do you see the price - $429 - you could do just as well at FlightJacket.com or FlightSuits.com, 2 outfits with a good rep for quality and general authenticity. This is maybe half of what an Eastman or Lost Worlds A-2 would run you, but they are specialist makers, concentrating on period correctness right down to the stitches.
And read this copy:
Now to my reading, the second sentence largely contradicts the first. Not a good sign. Fit and lining really ought to be included in "every detail" - altho FlightSuits does oversize their jackets somewhat, but keeps the cut pretty traditional.
The copy goes on:
Seems as tho Vanson wants to convince us that those 4 things are "every detail." If you're geeked on zippers, snaps, flaps and such, this isn not your party.
Now here's the thing: The pictures actually look pretty good - no outstandingly obnoxious details like huge close-set pockets or bloused-out waists. It's the ad copy that makes me uneasy about Vanson's interest in "authenticity."
This is likely to be a handsome and well cut garment, a step up from shopping mall / mass market quality, and it has a classic, no nonsense design, which should make it fit into a vintage look. (In fact, the more I look at the black one, the more I like it.)
But it isn't marketed to the specialist A-2 fan at all, and isn't meant to be. In fact, the designation A-2 doesn't appear anywhere but (I think?) on the label.
So it depends what you're going for. If you like the looks of this, check it out, but definitely check out FliightJacket and FlightSuits in that price range as well. You at least will be dealing with a smaller, more customer centered company without a big promotional overhead.
MudInYerEye
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I am a bit of an A-2 repro snob but I've seen several Vanson A-2 jackets in person and I must comment on how remarkably well-made and handsome they are. Not bad at ll. It features all the basic details of a WWII A-2, the fit is not relaxed ala Flightsuits, and the quality of constuction is Langlitz-esque (easily trumping Aero). The examples I've seen had modern Talon zippers.
Edward
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You can sure rely on this place for these sorts of informative responses!
I like the look of that black one a lot too.... I also actually rather like the way they have dressed it up in that shoot - noone is ever gonig to mistake it for a period shot, but they seem to have made some effort to put together a reasonable stab at the sort of style that works with it - at least for the guy (she doesn't look so retro). Only me, BTW, or does he look like a young hugh Grant? Anyhow.... I love the car!
I like the look of that black one a lot too.... I also actually rather like the way they have dressed it up in that shoot - noone is ever gonig to mistake it for a period shot, but they seem to have made some effort to put together a reasonable stab at the sort of style that works with it - at least for the guy (she doesn't look so retro). Only me, BTW, or does he look like a young hugh Grant? Anyhow.... I love the car!
Fletch
I'll Lock Up
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There's no confirmation on the Vanson site as to the type of leather in either pic...altho the grain and drape of the brown do remind one of quality horse.
greyhound68
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Nice looking jacket. Also like the ad great looking babe and great looking car.
Fletch
I'll Lock Up
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Keep the car, the ladies, maybe even the jacket - I would be satisfied just to have that guy's hair.
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Can I just quickly add to Steve's FQHH comments...
The Bronco that he speaks of was in 'shaved' FQHH. So it had some shaved off it to make it lighter, but still with all the qualities of FQHH without the bulletproof bulkiness (that you see with the Barstormer and HighwayMan 30's style jackets).
***It's an important point***
As the full grade FQHH is very stiff and bulky and doesn't drape properly for a realistic A-2. But it's perfect for other styes.
Estevan said:
The Bronco that he speaks of was in 'shaved' FQHH. So it had some shaved off it to make it lighter, but still with all the qualities of FQHH without the bulletproof bulkiness (that you see with the Barstormer and HighwayMan 30's style jackets).
***It's an important point***
As the full grade FQHH is very stiff and bulky and doesn't drape properly for a realistic A-2. But it's perfect for other styes.
Vanson quality
Mud in Your eye. Im currently debating on a custom jacket. Ive contacted langlitz but im not sure if they can do what im looking for. I see from Vanson's site they do custom work. Is vanson quality as good as you speak. They certainly have a good rep, and im a bit nervous about sizing and transalantic shipping with aero. Thanks
MudInYerEye said:
Mud in Your eye. Im currently debating on a custom jacket. Ive contacted langlitz but im not sure if they can do what im looking for. I see from Vanson's site they do custom work. Is vanson quality as good as you speak. They certainly have a good rep, and im a bit nervous about sizing and transalantic shipping with aero. Thanks
