Gizemo Legacy B-10 flight jacket comparative review

[Brettafett]

Right off the bat I'll say... Its a great jacket, nicely put together with decent detailing and materials. Excellent value for the money.

Gizemo Legacy B-10 size 40, compared with an Eastman B-10 40L and Buzz Rickson B-10 42
(have owned the Real McCoys, Bronson & Bob Dong versions, am able to comment there also).

Spurred on by my curiosity and love of B-10s (and 15s), I elected to give Gizemo’s updated B-10 (Legacy) a go.
This is an unsolicited comparative review with some of my other B-10 repros (have also owned a Real McCoy white label Stagg, a Bronson & Bob Dong B-10 & B-15)
I have also inspected an original WWII Stagg B-10 in person (more later).

These are my personal observations and opinions on this jacket and in comparison to my other repros.
All the details of Gizemo's Legacy B-10 are available on their website.
And here's the team discussing their new B-10 with English subtitles.

I like that they reproduced an original maker jacket, in this case the Stagg Coat Co. B-10 white label edition.
This was Stagg’s second production contract and dates to 1944 (first being the black label from ’43).
This version does not have the USAAF ‘meatball’ on the left shoulder. Seems some originals had them, some didn’t.

The pattern and drape appears to have the correct profile. Gizemo have an original and have obviously made an effort to copy it as faithfully as possible.
Theres enough variation among originals and even between jackets of the same contract, to allow some relative leeway either way.

I got the size wrong. This is a 40 and I really needed a 42 (or even a 44 for lengths & layering).
I was inspired by the fit of Greg’s B-10 (see his B-10 review here). I know Greg personally and we are close to being the same size. His B-10 is a size 40.
Im not sure if this is the same 10 as his, but its smaller than I expected. Its smaller than my ELC 40 and a lot smaller than my Buzz 42.
To be fair, the actual dims do vary a bit from those stated on the website.

So the advice is, for the average build, size up at least one up from your chest, possibly more if you want to layer.
Ask Gizemo to check measurements and send photos if possible, to confirm the dims are what you’re expecting.

Cont.

 

[Brettafett]

Collar, mouton fur & label comparison
The jacket has a soft and luxurious honey brown mouton collar. Similar to my BR’s, which is a bit more plush. I prefer this to the mouton on my ELC.
I also really like the collar shape. Has that blunt profile common on originals. Mouton fur and collar profile is right up there with the best.
Overall, superior to the Bronson B-10 & B-15 fur (the Bob Dong was not that bad actually).
Gizemo's B-10 is available in two variants, a brown or cream mouton collar.

Shell, collar tabs, epaulets & pocket flaps comparison
The shell (assume its a cotton twill) appears to be of the correct olive green colour (although, so much variation out there).
The material feels ever so slightly denser and more textured than my ELC, closer to the Buzz.
Both the ELC and Buzz have a slight sheen. The Gizemo appears closer to the Buzz overall in terms of thickness, weight and texture.
The Gizemo buttons are so close to those used on the Buzz, but a lighter browny green. Colour matched olive green stitching is neat and tidy.
(I cant tell if the x-box stitching matches the original).

Alpaca fur lining, inside pocket & waistband knit comparison
The ‘premium’ alpaca lining, looks and feels the right stuff. It's soft, a bit scratchy with just a t-shirt (same as the Buzz and Real McCoys), not as soft or plush as my Eastman 10 & 15. Im sure it's as warm as the other examples. Superior to the current Bronson and BD jackets.

Cont.

 

[Brettafett]

Knit cuffs & colours comparison
Good job on the knits. Are they 100% wool? Im not actually sure. They feel they are… They are taught with good tension and feel like they will last a lot of wear.
I also like that they are the same colour/ hue as the shell. Again, like almost all originals Ive seen in person (pics etc).
• Still not sure where Buzz, Toys and McCoys got their contrasting dark olive knit idea from - another hot debate Im sure.
Knit quality compares well with Buzz, McCoys and Eastman (Eastman's feeling like the more authentic in shape, thickness and feel to originals imo).
Personally I prefer Gizemo's to all of these. I prefer the colour to those on the Buzz and McCoys, and I prefer the tension compared to my ELC.

Zipper comparison
The repro brass CONMAR #5 zipper is a nice touch. Looks the part and appears to be a quality repro zipper.
Its a bit tricky to lock-in at the base, but then so is my Eastman. Zips up smoothly and easily once locked-in.
Of all my 10s, the brass Talon zipper & silver stopper on my ELC is top of the class and a favourite (not sure if they still offer this particular zipper).
I also love the sturdy Conmatic on my Buzz.
Still, the shiny new brass Conmar looks & works great, esp. for a repro at this price point. Well done Gizemo.

Cont.

 

[Brettafett]

Compared to an original
I wasn't able to compare Gizemo's B-10 with this original WWII Stagg 'white label' B-10 directly, although I have seen this example in person.
Also a size 40, it was similarly small on me. I'd say Gizemo's sizing must be relatively WWII accurate.
One can compare from the pics, but as I recall, this original's alpaca felt a bit softer and knits were a bit thinner, but otherwise not far off...
Keep in mind this is an 80+ year old jacket that almost certainly saw the war years from a cockpit.
All-in-all, Gizemo's B-10 compared pretty well as far as my recollection goes.

Heres Gizemo's compared to another original white label Stagg Coat B-10.

Authenticity & detailing vs value for money
Overall, this is a really good jacket for the money. Very well made & sturdy. Decent detailing and materials.
Original maker label looks really good and fun repro Conmar zipper.
I’d be happy to wear this daily without fuss or concern (in contrast, I feel like I have to treat the ELC a bit more carefully).
I love the mouton collar & collar shape. I like that the knits are a close match in hue to the olive green shell. Like the pocket flap profile.

I’d place this jacket between Bronson (Bob Dong) and closer to the Buzz, McCoys & Eastman types (Goodwear Im sure being the pinnacle).
However, compare prices. This is an excellent, quality repro for a lot less $£ than the above.

Cont.

 

[Brettafett]

Here are some measurements of my size 40
For ref I am 5'10, 76kgs with a 40" chest

 

[Brettafett]

Finally, for fun... Heres Gizemo's B-10 compared with my Eastman B-15
(again, Gizemo's mouton is so much nicer, but Eastmans is a single piece).