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AVI LTHR BRONCO A-2 Jacket Review & Pics

Brettafett

One Too Many
Messages
1,343
Location
UK
Hi all,
Here are some pics of the updated AVI LTHR Bronco jackets. I got both the seal and the russet versions. I was curious to compare them with the first seal Bronco I received a while back (which has become my go-too jacket).
AVI BRONCO SEAL 1.jpg
AVI BRONCO RUSSET 1.jpg
The 'upgraded' jacket, is essentially the same as the first incarnation, however this jacket is a step-up, component-wise.
Its has a lovely repro M-39 Talon zipper, the cross stitch at the base of the zipper and apparently... the label was up-tweaked.
AVI BRONCO RUSSET 6.JPG
AVI BRONCO SEAL 2.jpg
AVI BRONCO RUSSET 2.jpg
These jackets are also made with a slightly thicker goatskin, which is frankly... very nice indeed.
It has loads of grain and character, its flexible, comfortable... and strong. One can feel that it will last and last.
In fact, I have some goatskin samples from a couple of top repro makers, and comparing them side-by-side with these jackets... these jackets compare very well indeed... Its the real deal.
AVI BRONCO SEAL 4.jpg
I really like the colour, the seal especially... its a very authentic mid brown shade. Both the russet and seal, have slight hue variations...
AVI BRONCO RUSSET 3.jpg
Its more obvious with the russet, one can see some lighter undertones, which should become more apparent over time as one wears the jacket in.
In fact, with the russet jacket, there are even slight colour variations between different panels, which looks fantastic.
That said, I am more a seal-man myself, (I'm not the world biggest fan of 'reddy' undertones or hues). The russet jacket is quite a 'light and loud' russet imo, I really like it, but for me, if I can only keep one... its the seal.
AVI BRONCO SEAL 5.jpg
AVI BRONCO SEAL 3.jpg
Fit is much the same as the original jacket, roughly the same measurements, although... and this is perhaps due to the slightly more robust leather, it feels just a smidgen trimmer. I'm glad I went with a 42 again, fits great.
AVI BRONCO RUSSET 4.jpg
Some observations...
The russet jacket has a lighter brown knit and the cuffs have an almost imperceptible seam, this is unlike the seal, which has the seal brown cuffs with no seam and these are great.
The russet jacket has a silver throat hook, with closed eyelets... which is unlike the seal's grey hollow eyelet, which I think (and I am open to correction) is more authentic.
The jackets are well made for sure, although some stitching is a little uneven and inconsistent, which ironically, makes them even more 'WW2 authentic' ;) (this is just me being pedantic and going over the jacket with a fine tooth comb).

As before, I think these are great jackets, especially for the price. Some small refinements perhaps... with the stitching, collar tips and pocket flap curve... (more pedantic details ;)... will elevate these jackets to another level.
I think as the production team settles in and gets their heads around how these jackets are put together and also how discerning the guys and gals who buy them are... The better these jackets will become.
These are excellent, great looking, comfortable, quality options for those who want a decent repro of an original maker contract, without having to take out a small loan for a top tier jacket.
I am looking forward to whats coming next.
 

Technonut

Practically Family
Messages
908
Location
West "By Gawd" Virginia
Thanks for the detailed review, and great pics. :) Again, GREAT value for an A-2 actually patterned from an original wartime contract IMO.. The hides used on the current AVI's look very similar in grain to the French goatskin that Steve Seller's and other makers have used for wartime flight jackets.

The overall detailing looks quite good, especially the proper epaulet positioning. :) The pockets in general need some tweaking IMO, with attention given to the flap scallops, and stitching. I can't place it, but they just don't have the appearance of the originals, which takes away from how accurate the rest of the jacket looks...

However, from what I see, the AVI is still the best value out there for a reasonably-priced, nicely-constructed A-2 jacket which 'looks the business'. The predominantly correct period detailing surpasses anything currently available out there in the same price range, and definitely checks most of the boxes of what I'm looking for as an A-2 aficionado and detail-freak, at a very good price.... ;):)

I REALLY want one in russet. I'm on the fence whether to order now, since I very much like the grain on this run, BUT.... what if they do make some tweaks to the pockets, etc. in the next run?? BUT...what if then, the goat isn't as sweet-looking as now? BUT, what if............ LOL! :p:D
 
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Flightengineer

Practically Family
Messages
581
Location
RF
The most interesting thing is that first edition AVI seal brown Bronco really looks "older" after active wearing. I'll try to post my photo here a little later.
I made a small upgrade (my seamstress added the missing stitches) and I also replaced the zipper with a more accurate one.
 

Cooper A-2

Practically Family
Messages
933
Location
France
Ok, thanks for the fast reply. I've only seen speculation regarding the country of origin, I'd like to know where they are actually made in because I'm tempted to order one.
,
By checking several sites, Pakistan always pops up.
Why the maker is hiding the provenance?
Sure the dealer is reading all this, why not making a firm and traceable statement?
 

Harris HTM

One Too Many
Messages
1,883
Location
In the Depths of R'lyeh
,
By checking several sites, Pakistan always pops up.
Why the maker is hiding the provenance?
Sure the dealer is reading all this, why not making a firm and traceable statement?
yeah, exactly. I don't like to speculate myself that's why I asked whether is a "made in" tag attached to the jacket. Hopefully there will be some official information soon.
 

Flightengineer

Practically Family
Messages
581
Location
RF
Based on my personally experience and correspondence with AVI, I'm sure that designing jacket, quality control, is certainly from Denmark. Where they are made - I do not know, I think AVI should inform, it would be more correct . Of course, given the price ....is hardly in Europe. I'm personally think that in Pakistan or in India.
On the jacket there is only a label which has already been shown here but the country of production is not indicated.
Any way I like they first version of AVI Bronco.
Despite the fact that I have much more expensive A2 jackets from top manufacturer, such as Eastman , Bronco from AVI is a very comfortable jacket for every day for a reasonable price and and definitely worth this money, has a correct silhouette. If they eliminate minor flaws it will be super.
 

EmergencyIan

Practically Family
Messages
918
Location
New York, NY
I'd just like to add that I owned a Good Wear Bronco from the same contract as the AVI version. It fit trim in the chest, but the mid section was "roomy" and the shoulder's were slightly "baggy/saggy." So, what you guys are relaying about the AVI Bronco is true to my fit experience with the premiere repro maker's version.

- Ian
 
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