Eastman A2 versus Gibson Barnes A2

[HoosierDaddy]

Keep in mind nick. Where some see a 'little' extra...others observe a 'lotta' extra.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

I don't know how to say this diplomatically, but with expert knowledge of one particular aspect of "jacketology" there is sometimes a tendency toward a kind of pompous, condescending arrogance to develop. [huh] As IXL pointed out, the photography used to illustrate the above jackets is certainly unequal, with one shown on a mannequin and the other spread out to appear as though it is apple shaped, which is certainly not the case. As I said earlier, I have never seen a Goodwear (or an Eastman) up close and personal. No question both are wonderful examples of the A-2, of which many have attested. However, I have seen and worn a G&B Model 31 A-2, and can attest that there was no "blousy" fit, at least on my "stick" frame. I can also say there is only superficial resemblance between a G&B Model 31 A-2 with its very nice veg tanned goatskin, wool knits, and cotton lining and a Cooper A-2 with thinner goatskin and cotton/polyester (50/50) lining, which I also have owned in the past but sold for $200.

Now that is what I would call extremely diplomatic. And you are spot on (as usual) with your observations.

 

[kampkatz]

An AAF veteran (14th AF, CBI theater, B-25 gunner) had a Cooper that his adult children had given him since his original gear had long since disappeared. When he passed away last year his children told their mother to give the jacket to me ( I had been visiting him as his pastor for several years) since none of them had any use for it. That jacket has more meaning to me than any new A-2, regardless of quality.

 

[devilish]

My Grandad would of said 'Buy the best you can afford'. So if that's a G&B then have it. Accurate, no. Quality, it seems so. If it's an Eastman then you'll be stepping up the ladder a few rungs, especially in accuracy. If it's a GW (although how they got dragged in this, I'm not sure) then you've reached the top, at least in mine and many others opinion.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

An AAF veteran (14th AF, CBI theater, B-25 gunner) had a Cooper that his adult children had given him since his original gear had long since disappeared. When he passed away last year his children told their mother to give the jacket to me ( I had been visiting him as his pastor for several years) since none of them had any use for it. That jacket has more meaning to me than any new A-2, regardless of quality.

Of course. Now we are talking museum quality.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

Mr. TacAirLift...what is your decision? Or, are you thoroughly confused? My suggestion, seriously? I would order one of each, try them on for a day or two...keep the one you like best.

 

[CBI]

yep, if you can order both, in the grand view of world event, its not a huge issue but you did ask!!!!!!!!

 

[AustinTX]

If this is your first foray into the rabbit hole, I would suggest going with G & B, with one major caveat. You have got to get with them by email or phone and nail down your size requirements. Their default position is to make everything 30% too big, but their leather and workmanship is quite good. (Never thought about their leather being "bland", but it's kinda true. It's very uniform and doesn't acquire "character" easily.). I have three G & B's, and have had size issues with all; communication with them mitigates this. Paying $1000+ for an Eastman or GW requires real passion; paying $150 invites all manner of issues with inferior leather, fit, and hardware. I have no experience with Cockpit or USWings. Short version: pay up for quality leather and construction. If you catch the bug, double (or triple) down for a really fine and historically accurate jacket.

 

[AustinTX]

To be clear, I'm familiar with GB's chrome-tanned goatskin jackets, not so much their veg-tanned historical items (though I have handled their CBI/AVG jacket in horse--very nice). Others here can speak to their higher end jackets.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

I'll add one more thing, that is worth mentioning here as it is germane to the subject. The "tactile feedback" one gets from putting on a G&B A-2 is hard to describe, but it just "feels right".

Out of my very small collection of about a dozen jackets, the G&B feels best when putting it on. But, never put on a jacket that cost three times as much as my G&B, so maybe I'm missing out on something. But my wallet is happy (so is my wife!).

 

[Gromulus]

I'll add one more thing, that is worth mentioning here as it is germane to the subject. The "tactile feedback" one gets from putting on a G&B A-2 is hard to describe, but it just "feels right".

Out of my very small collection of about a dozen jackets, the G&B feels best when putting it on. But, never put on a jacket that cost three times as much as my G&B, so maybe I'm missing out on something. But my wallet is happy (so is my wife!).

I concur. While I do not have any "high end" A-2 jackets as of yet, I do have a few Aero civilian jackets and I must admit my goatskin G&B is the most comfortable leather jacket I own. I purchased two G&B A-2 jackets, one goat and the other horse, in like new condition via eBay for under $200 each. A Goodwear or Eastman is most likely a nicer jacket but IMO G&B is a great "bang for the buck" jacket.

 

[AdeeC]

Buying the best one can afford is the right sentiment. I did this to get get to my current jacket collection and it took me a couple of decades.

As for the Corvette, I would take the 57 in a blink for the style and cool factor alone. Use it for Sunday drives and drive a medium Mazda for the everyday mundane driving. Modern performance cars are wasted on clogged roads and prey for eagle eyed speed cameras and vandals everywhere else.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

Buying the best one can afford is the right sentiment. I did this to get get to my current jacket collection and it took me a couple of decades.

As for the Corvette, I would take the 57 in a blink for the style and cool factor alone. Use it for Sunday drives and drive a medium Mazda for the everyday mundane driving. Modern performance cars are wasted on clogged roads and prey for eagle eyed speed cameras and vandals everywhere else.

The rule is the same for Corvettes...buy the most expensive one you can afford.

 

[TacAirlift]

If this is your first foray into the rabbit hole, I would suggest going with G & B, with one major caveat. You have got to get with them by email or phone and nail down your size requirements. Their default position is to make everything 30% too big, but their leather and workmanship is quite good. (Never thought about their leather being "bland", but it's kinda true. It's very uniform and doesn't acquire "character" easily.). I have three G & B's, and have had size issues with all; communication with them mitigates this. Paying $1000+ for an Eastman or GW requires real passion; paying $150 invites all manner of issues with inferior leather, fit, and hardware. I have no experience with Cockpit or USWings. Short version: pay up for quality leather and construction. If you catch the bug, double (or triple) down for a really fine and historically accurate jacket.

I want to thank everyone for their in-depth response to my question. It certainly generated a lively debate. I plan on giving the subject the time and effort that is required to make the right decision. The G & B historical A2's offer great bang for the buck along with a quality product. The Eastman and GW A2's are operating in rare air.

Stay safe gents.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

I want to thank everyone for their in-depth response to my question. It certainly generated a lively debate. I plan on giving the subject the time and effort that is required to make the right decision. The G & B historical A2's offer great bang for the buck along with a quality product. The Eastman and GW A2's are operating in rare air.

Stay safe gents.

You will want to contact G&B. A phone call is the best bet. Try to get good sizing info. Buy two different sizes, keep the one that fits best. G&B has a very LIBERAL return policy. I know this from personal experience.

Warning: Their customer communication and follow up is a bit spotty at times. You will need to be patient. Your patience will be rewarded in spades!

Sales & Customer Service

(800)-748-6693 or (619)-440-2700

Good luck.

Fly safe.

 

[CBI]

I have not been too supportive of GB on this thread but they got me at back today! I finally ordered one of their WEP jackets last night. They emailed me today telling me they processed my order but the waiting period for my jacket is about 14 weeks!!!!!!!!! ouch

 

[Monsoon]

I have not been too supportive of GB on this thread but they got me at back today! I finally ordered one of their WEP jackets last night. They emailed me today telling me they processed my order but the waiting period for my jacket is about 14 weeks!!!!!!!!! ouch

Mmmmm......taste the karma.

 

[thor]

G&B jackets are very well constructed and they offer many different styles of flight gear, even Nomex suits and custom flight helmets (they provide flight gear to the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the USAF Thunderbirds). They have a sales page on their website that sometimes have good deals. Their cloth/nylon jackets make excellent spring jackets. I bought a navy blue cloth A-2 with Thinsulate lining at 50% off. Overall superb workmanship and a steal at the discounted price.

 

[Brettafett]

As a practical wearer, esp if you plan to sit in a cockpit... check out their F-86 jacket. From a few pics I have seen it looks pretty good and have read somewhere on the forum that its very comfortable. Its a mash-up of various styles, but is certainly a genuine 'bomber' style jacket.

 

[TXFlyGuy]

I have not been too supportive of GB on this thread but they got me at back today! I finally ordered one of their WEP jackets last night. They emailed me today telling me they processed my order but the waiting period for my jacket is about 14 weeks!!!!!!!!! ouch

They still have not caught up with orders from their 15% off sale recently. Would have been a good time to order!