Bill Kelso Star Sportswear 18245 A-2 jacket - review

[Brettafett]

How long was the wait nowadays for a BK? How’s their sales doing?


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Ordered Sept... Still waiting.

 

[KentH]

Yeah it's exactly what I wanted. Couldn't give a monkeys about historical accuracy. I'm gonna wear it mostly when riding a Lambretta, not prentending I fly a B-17. No artwork going on this.

I was wondering on the sleeves, they look perfect as you stand with your arms straight down, but how is the fit when you raise your arms to, say, drive your car..?? I have an Aero Real Deal A2 that as soon as I raise my arms the sleeves ride halfway up my wrists, but as I stand straight they look great.. Is this phenomenon normal, I realize leather is a bit more stiff than nylon...

Kent..

 

[Innocenti Kid]

I was wondering on the sleeves, they look perfect as you stand with your arms straight down, but how is the fit when you raise your arms to, say, drive your car..?? I have an Aero Real Deal A2 that as soon as I raise my arms the sleeves ride halfway up my wrists, but as I stand straight they look great.. Is this phenomenon normal, I realize leather is a bit more stiff than nylon...

Kent..

Not when driving. When I'm riding then maybe about 1/2" - 3/4" but I'm wearing gloves so it's not enough to worry me.

 

[El Marro]

Is this phenomenon normal, I realize leather is a bit more stiff than nylon...

This phenomenon is very common with A-2 jackets because they have the ergonomics of a sack of potatoes with sleeves sewn on. The G-1 jacket, with its bi-swing back and under arm football gussets allows for a much greater freedom of movement with a trim fit.
I say this all not to knock the A-2, after all it is an iconic jacket style and one that I am a fan of, but rather based on my own experience having owned several of these and several G-1s as well.

 

[KentH]

This phenomenon is very common with A-2 jackets because they have the ergonomics of a sack of potatoes with sleeves sewn on. The G-1 jacket, with its bi-swing back and under arm football gussets allows for a much greater freedom of movement with a trim fit.
I say this all not to knock the A-2, after all it is an iconic jacket style and one that I am a fan of, but rather based on my own experience having owned several of these and several G-1s as well.

Thanks for the reply El Marro.. I also have a G1 from back in the 70’s and it is a more comfortable jacket to wear.. My other Aero A2 has one inch longer sleeves and looks a tad big when standing with arms down, but doesn’t ride up the arms as soon as you lift your arms up.. oh well..