Spitfire
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 5,078
- Location
- Copenhagen, Denmark.
You can almost say that about the ALC "Irvin" as well, Deacon. Although I have not handled as many Irvins as Andrew, I have seen and worn my share, and I can tell you that the originals were not as thick, clumsy and heavy as the ALC version. By far!
So it seems like the replicates thought: OK they want sheepskin jackets - let's give them some sheepskin!!!!
After having had a heavy ALC Irvin - as my first attempt with Irvins - for some 10 years I sold it and talked ALC into making their Irvin model from the lighter fleece, they used for a "sort of flying jacket, with side pockets etc. They went along with it and I believe they made some for several others after I posted pics of my (light) ALC Irvin. Although ALC is not as accurate as ELC or Aces High - the weight and feel of that jacket was so much better! Later I sold that one of and got myself a WPG - which was a disaster. Flipmpsy and cheap. Sold it off and bought myself a AERO from Scotland. Big heavy stuff as well, and with a fleece that looked like a poodle coming straight from the hairdresser. Gave it the hot water treatment. That did it. The fleece curled, the jacket was not as thick and cumbersome anymore. Had that for some years, but was still looking for that "Holy Grail" replica Irvin. (Yes I know. I am a sucker for accuracy) Ordered one of the first Irvins Jon turned out with Aces High. That jacket - to me - is the "Holy Grail Replica". There - you got the whole story. So sorry for rambling along here...
So it seems like the replicates thought: OK they want sheepskin jackets - let's give them some sheepskin!!!!
After having had a heavy ALC Irvin - as my first attempt with Irvins - for some 10 years I sold it and talked ALC into making their Irvin model from the lighter fleece, they used for a "sort of flying jacket, with side pockets etc. They went along with it and I believe they made some for several others after I posted pics of my (light) ALC Irvin. Although ALC is not as accurate as ELC or Aces High - the weight and feel of that jacket was so much better! Later I sold that one of and got myself a WPG - which was a disaster. Flipmpsy and cheap. Sold it off and bought myself a AERO from Scotland. Big heavy stuff as well, and with a fleece that looked like a poodle coming straight from the hairdresser. Gave it the hot water treatment. That did it. The fleece curled, the jacket was not as thick and cumbersome anymore. Had that for some years, but was still looking for that "Holy Grail" replica Irvin. (Yes I know. I am a sucker for accuracy) Ordered one of the first Irvins Jon turned out with Aces High. That jacket - to me - is the "Holy Grail Replica". There - you got the whole story. So sorry for rambling along here...