B6 - Who makes the best?

[Close Shave]

Despite an ongoing (and, I suspect, ultimately undeniable!) desire to own an ANJ-4, I have decided that a B-6 would be a more wearable jacket.

I like the vegetable-tanned, hand dyed approach of the so-called "redskin" jackets (if for no other reason than I don't like chrome waste from tanneries in the environment!) but I think Eastman and Aero Leather are the only producers.

Am I correct and can anyone offer advice with regard to the two offerings?

Tally Ho - Last one home gets them in!

 

[DiabolicalAngel]

Aero !

 

[Close Shave]

Hi

Thanks; that would be my initial thought based on A2's I have seen; however, sheepskin being a different kettle of fish I thought it worth checking with the community at large!

Shame Aero don't make an ANJ-4!

 

[jake431]

In sheepskins, I tend to go RMNZZ; however the Redskin issue might make that impossible. You could ask though.
-Jake

 

[greyhound68]

Having seen the RMNZ B-6 in person and owned a RMNZ D-1 I would go with them.

 

[Close Shave]

But...do RMNZ do "redskin" material? RMNZ need a way better website, too!

And, off on a slight tangent (well, this IS a cocktail lounge..!) where oh where will I get the best ANJ-4? Only ELC and Lost Worlds still seem to make them!

 

[DiabolicalAngel]

Shame Aero don't make an ANJ-4!

I think they are in the pipeline as they have a sample for sale but in size 48

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/...e?page=displayproduct&subcatid=32&prodid=2321

Cheers,

Roy

 

[Close Shave]

Well spotted, that man!

Looks like areally smart piece of work; I'll give them a shout when they get back from hols!

Anyone know why RMNZ stopped making their version?

 

[JWG]

"Best" is subjective. I happen to enjoy my Aero B3. Basically it's what fits/suits you best.

 

[greyhound68]

Looks like areally smart piece of work; I'll give them a shout when they get back from hols!

Anyone know why RMNZ stopped making their version?

My understanding is that they stopped to market this jacket under "the Few" production which is geared to the Japanese market. They are great jackets but very expensive.

 

[Kevin Popejoy]

And, off on a slight tangent (well, this IS a cocktail lounge..!) where oh where will I get the best ANJ-4? Only ELC and Lost Worlds still seem to make them!

I just noticed flightjacket.com has an ANJ-4. Anyone have an opinion about their quality? k

 

[grant]

Used to own a RMNZ redskin B-6 that was leftover wardrobe from Band of Brothers. It was a beautiful jacket but I found myself reaching for the D-1 or B-10 instead so I sold it a couple years ago.

 

[ldmax]

I have an A2 from US Authentic (flightjacket.com). It is very good quality. Not up to the same standard as the Big Three (Aero, ELC, RMNZ), but far better than a typical mall jacket. Very good quality leather, moderately high quality workmanship, and reasonably correct (not 100% authentic) details. Good choice if you want a nice looking wearable jacket for everyday use.

Regards,

LD

 

[Close Shave]

Nice Jacket, Grant!

Also nice provenance!

I think maybe now that I live in NZ I should shop local! I have an ELC B2 cap in redskin, which is very nice, I must say - although the pile is definitely shorter than the regulation 0.5" in places.

 

[Better Duck]

RMNZ need a way better website, too!

So true! It is amazing how uniformative and, if I may say so, amateurish their site is. Of course one can say, they put their energy where it should be, i.e. in making perfect replica jackets. But a slightly more professional approach to this modern communication device would certainly benefit both RMNZ and the customers?

Peter

 

[greyhound68]

So true! It is amazing how uniformative and, if I may say so, amateurish their site is. Of course one can say, they put their energy where it should be, i.e. in making perfect replica jackets. But slightly more professional approach to this modern communication device would certainly benefit both RMNZ and the customers?

Peter

I agree. Even their paper catalog is ok but not like Buzz Rickson. But they do make great jackets. I think a good web designer could have a better site up and running in a matter of days.

 

[Close Shave]

I agree

and I know one who does good work at reasonable cost if they are interested - he did mine at www.tlphoto.co.nz.
Based in Wellington, NZ.

 

[BellyTank]

Hmmm....

I'm going home to NZ for a holiday in February- maybe a trip to Disraeli St., Ch.Ch. is called for.

B
T

 

[Better Duck]

Used to own a RMNZ redskin B-6 that was leftover wardrobe from Band of Brothers. It was a beautiful jacket but I found myself reaching for the D-1 or B-10 instead so I sold it a couple years ago.

Hi Grant,
Can you tell me why you would rather take the D1 or the B10 than the B6?
I am curious, as I am considering a B6 as well.
Someone asked me what I preferred: a B3 or a Irvin. I have both (ELC's) and, to my own surprise, I wear the B3 all the time in fall and winter, as it sits better on me than the Irvin, underarm gussets and zippered sleeves notwithstanding. As boxy as the B3 is, it still is more comfortable than my Irvin.
So: why the D1 or B10 over the B6?

peter

 

[DanielJones]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is "RMNZ"? Where is the site? Thanks.

Cheers!

Dan