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MA-1 Flight jacket

devilish

A-List Customer
Messages
473
Location
Devon
The one on Amazon looks like it could be the no longer available Alpha Industries 'Vintage Series'? If that's what it is and that's what you'd actually get then the price is pretty good. Bn1966 would know for sure.
 

stu48

New in Town
Messages
33
Location
Taunton UK
Hi Devilish
I have tried to google the makes but could find no reference or reviews on either hopefully bn1966 can shed some light on them
 

devilish

A-List Customer
Messages
473
Location
Devon
On the Amazon one, in the picture, you can see the Alpha label on the inside of the jacket at the collar. They were an original US Airforce contractor for the MA-1 when it was issued. They also used to be made in the US. Now they are made in China.
The vintage series is no longer produced and is sought after. I am suspicious that the jacket you'd end up getting would actually be one of those? I think you might just end up with a regular Alpha MA-1.
 

Doctor Damage

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,321
Location
Ontario
Don't get it the one from Lees, BN1966 did last year and it was junk - not even regular Alpha quality. The one on Amazon has the wrong proportions for an Alpha Vintage series jacket; genuine ones are super wide in the chest and have short stubby arms (i.e. the opposite of the one depicted on the Amazon link).
 

stu48

New in Town
Messages
33
Location
Taunton UK
Hi Doc

thanks to you and devilish I will not be wasting my hard earned cash on them rubbish replicas

I have now sold on some air pistols so am going to bite the bullet and invest in the alpha ma1 now just got to decide blue or sage green. But as I already own a genuine unissued new green nomex cwu 45p nomex jacket dated 2000 I'm thinking of a nice Alpha MA-1 Jacket - Rep Blue they look stunning and would contrast nicely in the collection

I hope I do not offend the purists out there but this looks different and a real head turner https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alpha-Industries-Blue-Prop-Jacket/dp/B0074GRRZY
 
Last edited:

Doctor Damage

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,321
Location
Ontario
Hi Doc

thanks to you and devilish I will not be wasting my hard earned cash on them rubbish replicas

I have now sold on some air pistols so am going to bite the bullet and invest in the alpha ma1 now just got to decide blue or sage green. But as I already own a genuine unissued new green nomex cwu 45p nomex jacket dated 2000 I'm thinking of a nice Alpha MA-1 Jacket - Rep Blue they look stunning and would contrast nicely in the collection
Dark blue with the orange liner is a nice colour contrast, but so is the green. The green however can look a bit "army man" or "surplus" so I'd trend towards the blue for everyday wear. Note that Alpha currently offers two types of blue: "Navy" which is in reality a teal blue, or "Replica Blue" which is a nice dark navy blue. I think you will want the latter. The current Alpha jackets are well made and good quality and unquestionably the best of the 'affordable' flight jackets. Note that they have the MA-1 in regular and tall lengths; one of our members determined that the difference in length is negligible and to judge by your avatar (is that you?) you'll be okay with the regular length. Do not size up, since these are generous in the chest and sleeves. Buy the same size as your CWU nomex if it's snug, if the nomex is big and baggy on you then maybe get one size smaller. You should have no probs finding a store in the UK to try them on, though.

update: It appears Alpha now offers the regular MA-1 in "Steel Blue" which might be a nice option. Also, avoid the Slim fit versions which they now offer, which will be too snug and have super-long arms (those are best for tall skinny dudes).
 

stu48

New in Town
Messages
33
Location
Taunton UK
Hi Doc

yeah that ugly chap in the pic is me lol . I have shed some weight since that pic approx. 3 stone gone. I have a 44 chest 36 waist and am 6ft my cwu is xlarge and sits just right on me the chest is nice with room to spare so I can put a sweat shirt underneath the arms are perfect and the back sits just above my rear pockets on my jeans when done up but when unzipped it rides a bit higher. but in a lot of pics I have seen this seems common

I really like the rep blue I did have the alpha cwu in this shade but moved it on as it was a large and was a little snug. i will steer clear of the slim fits mate I like the slightly loose look . I will also check out the steel blue version but think its going to be replica blue one I have always liked this type ever since I saw the Korean war movie the hunters

cheers stu
 

bn1966

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,109
Location
UK
Concord & Alpha are connected, the sizing looks out on those Concord 'Vintage' series though as the Doc States.
I'm a 46 chest and a genuine Alpha 'Vintage' series XL Ma-1 fits comfortably with room to light layer.

Doc is correct in that I got sent some rubbish recently, ordered a new Blue Concord 'Vintage' Ma-1 from a trader & got a nasty 'Hockeye' jacket instead! Looked similar but was made of cheap thin nylon & had a crazy bad fit. There is a Hockeye B-15 on the Bay at present, vendor trying to make loose associations with Buzz & isn't keen to show the Hockeye label that's only just discern-able...avoid Hockeye like the plague!
 

stu48

New in Town
Messages
33
Location
Taunton UK
wow the rep blue alpha in xlarge turned up yesterday 1 day after the order went in and it is a stunning jacket fit is perfect love the colour infact love everything about this jacket . really happy cheers for all your help and advice folks
 

bn1966

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,109
Location
UK
wow the rep blue alpha in xlarge turned up yesterday 1 day after the order went in and it is a stunning jacket fit is perfect love the colour infact love everything about this jacket . really happy cheers for all your help and advice folks

Made up for you :) Pictures????
 

nick123

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,371
Location
California
They're really not bad jackets at all! Even the modern ones. Congrats^. The blue is the best color IMO. Still need to get one of those.
 

Zigliss

New in Town
Messages
16
Location
Singapore
Hi - does anyone have an MA-1 'F' model, (ie Mil J 8279F) they would like to move on? Looking for XL and mint condition. Please message me if you have anything....thanks.
 

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