Best of the Non-Authentic A2's?

[OneEyeMan]

I'm getting more interested in purchasing an A2 in the future.
As much as I love Good Wear's jackets, I don't want to spend that much, wait that long, or care about complete authenticity.
So, I'm looking at the lower tiers of A2's.
Aero's and Eastman's are also too expensive for me.
Finally, being in the US, I'd rather deal with a US maker in case I have to return a jacket for one reason or other.
So far, it looks like the US Authentic jackets are the front runners in this category. Most folks say that their quality and leather are good.
And their prices are a real bargain.
Just wondering if there are any other makers that I should be considering.
BTW, inner wallet pockets are definitely OK.
Bonus points for posting pix of whatever you recommend.
Thanks all,
Lenny

 

[Doctor Strange]

Definitely consider Gibson & Barnes too. Their jackets are better than the other US-made modern-spec jackets (i.e., the US Wings/Legendary/Cockpit range).

I have A-2s by both US Authentic and G&B, and both are great - for different reasons.

The US A is heavy horsehide in very dark seal brown and is a not-so-bad repro of a WWII jacket (gotta love the cotton lining and wool knits), and it has a distinctly rough-hewn, handmade feel. It's cut trim but long.

The G&B is a "Civil" model (with handwarmer pockets and wallet pocket) in black goatskin, and is cut loser, so it's more comfortable for a widebody like me. But I don't like its fuzzy "texturized nylon" knits or slick Dacron lining, and there's a bit of a souless, assembly line feel to the jacket. But it's very well made, and has held up to heavy wearing since 2001 with no problem!

Anyway, I'm sure you'll get a wide range of opinions...

 

[Fletch]

The G&B is a "Civil" model [...] and is cut loser

lol Don't feel like a loser, Doc, I need a full cut myself these days.

I can back Doc up on the quality of both US-A and G&B jackets. Shaul at US-A will also make to measure if the stock fitting doesn't suit you.

 

[Doctor Strange]

Thanks, Fletch! I guess my Freudian slip is showing...

 

[Fletch]

Maybe that US-A isn't long enough. hardeeharhar

 

[Daniel Hunter]

Definately G&B!

I have several of their jackets. The quality is top notch and you don't have to wait several months for them.

 

[CBI]

best deal/buy on the cheap is a used Cooper on eBay. There are a number of different versions but they are nice inexpensive jackets with an easy practical fit. You should be able to snap one up in the $150-200 range. That said, a very nice Eastman just sold on the Bay for $350!!!!

 

[53Effie]

More Thoughts

I agree with CBI on the Coopers. I bought 3 on Ebay when I first got into this jacket hobby. One of them is a horsehide which I bought for $90. They are all very comfortable and not bad looking if you can tolerate the collars. I also have a US Wings that I bought new in dark seal goatskin. It is one of the most comfortable jackets I own and is a little heavier and warmer. You don't have to spend a lot to get a decent A-2.

mh

 

[John in Covina]

Wonderful concept! Here so much of the conversation revolves around how authentic it is for the various flight jackets and the jist of this thread has to do with a good representation that is a good value.

I have an A-2 inspired cowhide jacket from India that I got thru Blair's a few years back and it is actually well made if not authentic but too warm for Southern California 90% of the time. Cost me about $100-110 with shipping.

I like it, however Matt Deckard gives me a friendly rash about it every time I wear it since with close inspection you'll see:
the hide isn't from cloned WWII animals,
the stitching is not done on reconditioned original sewing machines,
the zippers aren't from resurected WWII factories
and the artisans assembling it are not the original people raised as zombies to work in the factory.

Sporty's pilot shop has some A-2 that are refered to as current issue:
http://sportys.com/PilotShop/product/7954

Enjoy what ever you get and have fun in the jacket.

 

[captaincaveman1]

^^ Yup alot of folks are under the impression that you need to spend close to a grand to get true authenticity.

Funny thing is... the originals were mass-produced for the war effort with varying levels of quality. In all likelihood 90% of them were no where close in terms of quality of materials/stiching to the perfectly stiched luxury goods that are so sought after today.

While US-A, Cooper, and G&B may not copy a specific contract, they might be closer in spirit to what was really available back then.

 

[442RCT]

This page may be helpful, there's info and links to manufacturers of repro jackets.

http://www.acmedepot.com/a2jacket/a2repro.html

Evaluations of some repro A 2s :

http://www.acmedepot.com/a2jacket/eval_dir.shtml

 

[Harp]

Definitely consider Gibson & Barnes...

The G&B is a "Civil" model (with handwarmer pockets and wallet pocket) in black goatskin... I don't like its fuzzy "texturized nylon" knits or slick Dacron lining, and there's a bit of a souless, assembly line feel to the jacket....

The knits are my sole complaint with my G&B; considered knit replace but never got around to it.
Cannot ascertain the jacket's preternatural quality though.

 

[Fiver64]

My vote is for Us Authentic

I have a Russet HH from US Authentic. Much heavier leather than originals, But it makes me feel like I'm getting more for my money! Great cut and very comfy. G and B are great too. I've see them, but never owned one.

 

[kampkatz]

Take a thorough look at USWings site. You will find the same current gov't issue A2 for $30 less than some others.

 

[Stearmen]

Willis & Geiger

My favorite A2 was a Willis & Geiger that I bought in the late 80s! Not very accurate, the throat closer would not work, and satin lining, but nice pocket scallops. It was Damn comfortable. I sold it and kick my self in the head for not buying one for $100 a few years back, it had the nicest shade of brown I have ever seen!

 

[Ugarte]

I've got to register a vote for the Cooper. I picked up a goatskin Cooper for my first jacket and never looked back. For my money it was the most useful leather jacket purchase I've made. Nowhere near as faithful as the repro jackets available for quite a bit more money, but very satisfying to wear.

Forgive the vanity pics.

Mark
.

 

[Phantomfixer]

Looks like a good fit and the hat is cool too. Coopers are a nice choice. I have seen manyy WWII vets wear them with their patches put on. Nice jacket.

 

[jon z]

I don't agree. That jacket fits awfully. Sorry, no offence meant but just expressing how I'd feel if that were my jacket. I did buy a new Cooper many years ago. I unpacked it, was immediately disappointed with the lightweight feel & was even more disappointed with the fit. Five minutes later it was back in it's packaging to be sent back for a refund.

 

[Ugarte]

I don't agree. That jacket fits awfully. Sorry, no offence meant but just expressing how I'd feel if that were my jacket. I did buy a new Cooper many years ago. I unpacked it, was immediately disappointed with the lightweight feel & was even more disappointed with the fit. Five minutes later it was back in it's packaging to be sent back for a refund.

Of course you are entitled to your opinion, and I respect it. The fact of the matter is I like the fit of this jacket. I think the sleeves are just barely long enough, but generally I like it. It is neither too snug nor too loose assuming you don't want to wear a bulky layer under it. As far as weight goes, the thing strikes me as a leather windbreaker which is fine with me. I wear it as a light jacket and really like it. I have been lead to believe that it is typical of late model, civilian A2's. Probably not everybody's cup of tea but as a jacket, I like it just fine.


Mark
.

 

[jon z]

Mark as long as you're happy with it that's all that matters. What opinions I or anybody else expresses matters not at all. Of course by posting your jacket on a public forum then you are of sending an open invitation for critique whether positive or negative. I was speaking from a point of view of how I like my jackets to fit. it's simply a matter of personal taste. If I took any notice of my Wife's opinions of my vintage leathers I wouldn't wear any of them. May you enjoy your Cooper for many years to come.

John