AVI Leather's B-6 sheepskin flight jacket review & pics

[Brettafett]

Recently took possession of this AVI Leather B-6, my first shearling acquisition.

I am pleasantly surprised at how light it is, compared to how I’d ‘expected’ it would feel.
Leather is lovely, soft yet robust, with lots of character already.

I can actually move around in this, its not bulky at all.
The Bi-swing back surely helps, but the leather is forgiving and its easy to lift arms and contort oneself.

The light cream fur is warm, yet not bulky. I wore outside to take the pics at about 3 to 4 degrees and was quite comfortable.

The whole jacket appears very well made. Stitching is neat and tidy and the materials feel to be of quality.
Zippers are the same repro Talons as used on their other jackets, for both the body and at the hips.

Two front slash pockets made of heavy duty canvas, are deep & roomy enough for gloved-hands & phones.

Cont....

 

[Brettafett]

Of course, AVI have copied the pattern & details off an original WWII Aero Leather Clothing 42-5110-P.

Just looks decadent and plush!

Cont....

 

[Brettafett]

This jacket is an off-the-rack 42 and comes up a bit roomy on me, at 181 73kgs, 40” chest
Theres lots of room in the body that the photos don’t quite show, even layered with a micro-fleece.
Its a bit long I think, although the sleeves are great.
I think a 40 would have fit better, but then the sleeves may come up short.
The B-6 was made slightly longer by design, compared to the D-1 for example.

I’ll likely exchange for a size down, but am tempted to try a D-1, to compare.
I was initially keen on the D-1, but my curiosity pulled me to the B-6, mainly because it was official ‘flight’ clothing.
(I know a lot of D-1s made it into cockpits also).
Also, a lot of thought seems to have gone into the design, the bi-swing back, less bulky, more length, zipless slash pockets, adjustable zips at the hips etc.

All that being said, AVI has another solid jacket on their hands, and by all accounts are doing well with their sheepskin range.
A quality original maker jacket, with the WWII pattern and details, all at a very reasonable sum.
Purists may want to spend 2 or 3 times more for a top end maker, but this jacket will do everything those will do, without the hefty price tag.

 

[jgreenwoB17]

This jacket is an off-the-rack 42 and comes up a bit roomy on me, at 181 73kgs, 40” chest
Theres lots of room in the body that the photos don’t quite show, even layered with a micro-fleece.
Its a bit long I think, although the sleeves are great.
I think a 40 would have fit better, but then the sleeves may come up short.
The B-6 was made slightly longer by design, compared to the D-1 for example.

I’ll likely exchange for a size down, but am tempted to try a D-1, to compare.
I was initially keen on the D-1, but my curiosity pulled me to the B-6, mainly because it was official ‘flight’ clothing.
(I know a lot of D-1s made it into cockpits also).
Also, a lot of thought seems to have gone into the design, the bi-swing back, less bulky, more length, zipless slash pockets, adjustable zips at the hips etc.

All that being said, AVI has another solid jacket on their hands, and by all accounts are doing well with their sheepskin range.
A quality original maker jacket, with the WWII pattern and details, all at a very reasonable sum.
Purists may want to spend 2 or 3 times more for a top end maker, but this jacket will do everything those will do, without the hefty price tag.

I bought AVI's D1 and like it OK. Now I wish I had bought the B6. I like the length. The D1 is the stubbiest jacket I own.
Otherwise, it is a good mid-weight coat.