Another A-2 (whos said 3 is enough?)

[TXFlyGuy]

Black by popular demand, just got this A-2 from Excelled. Great jacket, perfect fit in a 36R. A real bargain for those of you who are conscious about your bank account, and even for those who are unconscious.

Of all my jackets, this is the best fit.

Measurements:

P-P = 22"
Shoulder = 19.5"
Back = 25.5"
Sleeve = 26"
Waist = 17"
Waistband = 15"

Here are some photos. Pardon my wife as she did not hold the camera very still!

 

[TXFlyGuy]

A few more photos...better lighting, and focus. Note the first photo, almost looks like seal brown, due to the lighting.

 

[ButteMT61]

Cool jacket. Looks like what I've seen some modern pilots wearing at airports.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

Cool jacket. Looks like what I've seen some modern pilots wearing at airports.

A leather jacket is an option from my employer. Made in China, of course. And they fit like a sack of potatoes. A lot of our pilots wear them. But not one of them has a jacket that fits.
G&B also makes leather airline pilot jackets, for American, and previously for Northwest (now Delta). These are OK, but I would not want one. I see them on Ebay all the time, most likely from retired pilots, or guys who decided they just don't like them.

This particular Excelled has a classic 1940's fit, at least for me in a 36R. And it is a far better (and less expensive) jacket than what I can get through my employer...yes, I tried them on. Not impressed!

This jacket emits a very natural, very rich, yet subtle leather aroma. Not unlike walking into a leather saddle shop in Fort Worth, and becoming intoxicated by the scent of leather goods. Very different from my Cockpit, and US Authentic jackets, which emit a more chemical type of odor.

The knits are very rich in texture and body. This tells me they are a blend, not pure wool/cotton. They should wear well, not having the issues that I dislike about the other fabrics.

As many of you know, at this price point, the Excelled makes a great entry level A-2. This would make a great "beater" jacket as well. Wad it up, throw it in your bag, and away you go.

Do I like this jacket? Is the Pope Catholic?

 

[nick123]

Well I looked at the Excelled website so your jacket's charm worked!

The GA pilots I've seen just do not care about fit, and I think that's pretty cool. Let the skies be an escape from the confines of popular norms. Though I've seen Barry Schiff in high pink shorts on a 90s rerun of Wonderful World of Flying and that belongs left in the '90s.

I bought my dad, private pilot a US Authentic G-1, but he wears this stupid mall Obey suede jacket he bought on Amazon for like $200. He actually bought two. Go figure.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

Well I looked at the Excelled website so your jacket's charm worked!

The GA pilots I've seen just do not care about fit, and I think that's pretty cool. Let the skies be an escape from the confines of popular norms. Though I've seen Barry Schiff in high pink shorts on a 90s rerun of Wonderful World of Flying and that belongs left in the '90s.

I bought my dad, private pilot a US Authentic G-1, but he wears this stupid mall Obey suede jacket he bought on Amazon for like $200. He actually bought two. Go figure.

I have not noticed many General Aviation pilots wearing A-2's, or G-1's, so would not know about the fit. During my travels throughout numerous terminals, it has been my observation that airline pilots in general don't give a rats rear end about fit. Maybe they just don't know better. But...how could that be? Airline pilots know everything. Just ask them!

The leather jackets for commercial airline pilots are a hybrid, being a cross between an A-2 and a G-1. The G&B F-82, and their Skyliner come to mind.

I would urge your dad to wear that G-1. It is a superb jacket, better than any mall type (Amazon).

You probably knew this, but Barry Schiff flew for TWA. Another once proud airline that is in the trash heap of airline history. The remnants were absorbed by American. Ozark was absorbed by TWA also.

www.leathercoatsetc.com

 

[TXFlyGuy]

Note that Excelled has changed the lining on the current production jackets. This is the one thing that is not to my taste. I just got off the phone with the customer service, and they confirmed that this is the new style lining material and pattern.

A photo of two Excelled A-2's, one from 2015, the other one 2017.