What @Sloan1874 just said is very true; it depends on the specific contract, and I was talking in vague generic terms. However, one should never buy based on a labeled size but go by measurements, which Thurston provided that included sleeve and back lengths of ~29" which is a jacket very long in sleeves and body, likely designed for someone over 6'4" with a long torso and long arms. To purchase that particular A-2 in eBay rather than having Thurston send you a test jacket would make no sense. Their protocol of sending a test jacket and then fine tuning a final selection has been a model of incredible accuracy over time.
I was under the impression the 'Real Deal' is now an original maker contract jacket. That's what is says on the Aero website. The Aero 15142 but with unmatched hides. Your seal 15142 looks awesome. Colour is matter of taste. I got my Real Deal in russet. It was tough choice but would be happy with both. Not keen on the smooth hide. Looks too plasticky though I expect it to improve with age and wear.Further to all the info before, for anyone new to the thread. I have attached some pics of my ‘old’ Aero 15142 Seal Jerky. These pics were after some months and you can see how it developed some character (creases, grain popping out - really nice - although I did lightly rub some of the edges to give it a more worn effect). It did have some ‘reddy’ undertones.
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The pic above was of a new Aero Bronco in smooth Russet HH with mid brown knits. It appears pretty smooth compared to the Russet Jerky swatch (these both appeared too red for my liking). The pic also compares it with Aero’s older smooth mid brown horsehide also which is a spectacular chocolatey colour in my eyes - I wish they would make a ‘jerky’ version of this.
I felt the Russet to be too ‘red’ for my liking, but there are a number of alternatives.
If you are going for an Aero, the ‘Original Maker’ jackets are not much more $ than the Real Deal. Go for an Original Maker jacket? 15142, 3785, 1756, Bronco etc…
And if you can, upgrade to the Vicenza HH.
Perhaps get a standard off the rack Real Deal jacket to try on and then decide. That way you can get the fit spot on first time…. AND compare leather swatches before deciding. Don’t trust pics on the website.
Aero is great with providing leather swatches and knit options… (The Oil Pul HH also looks interesting).
Having gone full circle from Coopers to ELC, Aero, Goodwear and a few mid range jackets in between, (see my post on How may jacket to you own…) I have come to feel that its all relative. I had 3 GWs, sold them off. It took me a number of ELCs to find one I really like. You could do a lot worse than an Aero.
I was under the impression the 'Real Deal' is now an original maker contract jacket. That's what is says on the Aero website.
Same here, the smooth hides are great for "non combat" jackets, but I prefer my A-2 or G-1 with more character.
I just requested some leather samples from Aero and I'm still a little confused about the differences between the Jerky and Vicenza horsehide. Guessing the Vicenza is more of what you're describing as being plasticy and the Jerky is going to be more "time work"?
Hi jeepjeep13,
The Vicenza is about as far as one can get from a plastic feel. The Vicenza is Veg. Tanned and 100% Aniline, which means that it has a very natural feel to it. Further, the Vicenza is Full Grain Leather, which adds to its natural look and feel... Hope this helps...
Thanks Carrie, Yes it certainly does help! What would the Jerky be then?