My first real leather jacket was an A-2 reproduction, made by Avierx.It was given to me around 35 years ago, and I still have it. I've since acquired two more A-2's, a Cooper and my most recent, one by What Price Glory. All are sized 42 regular. Even though I'm now a die-hard G-2 fan, with six of those jackets in my collection, you still can't beat the classic styling of the A-2.
First up is my Avirex. It's not an accurate reproduction, but I love it nonetheless. Its still one of my best-fitting and out comfortable of all the jackets I own. It's made of very supple calfskin, and has a two-piece back instead of the correct single piece. It also lacks the throat latch, has hand-warmer pockets and incorrect ribbed knits. Avirex also included a giant label in the back of the lining.
A seam runs across the upper back of the Axirex jacket.
The Avirex patch and hand-warmer pockets
Apparently, Avirex wanted everyone to know who made the jacket!
Next up is my Cooper, which I got right after the Air Force started re-issuing A-2's to flight crews. This is my least-favorite of all my flight jackets. I think it fits poorly, being too wide at the shoulders. I never liked the large collar and the cotton lining, which makes the jacket more difficult to pull on. But the goatskin is great, and is a lighter chocolate color than the rest of my jackets.
Last is my favorite A-2, by What Price Glory. I love the fit and finish of this jacket, and the goatskin is very supple. The lining is cloth, but slides on almost as easily as my non-lined G-1's. It has no label, but I don't care. For $150, I think its the best value in an A-2 you can get.
Top to bottom: Avirex, Cooper, What Price Glory.
From left - What Price Glory, Cooper, and Avirex. The WPG has the earlier scalloped pocket flaps.
The epaulets of all three jackets look very similar. From left - WPG, Cooper, and Avirex.
First up is my Avirex. It's not an accurate reproduction, but I love it nonetheless. Its still one of my best-fitting and out comfortable of all the jackets I own. It's made of very supple calfskin, and has a two-piece back instead of the correct single piece. It also lacks the throat latch, has hand-warmer pockets and incorrect ribbed knits. Avirex also included a giant label in the back of the lining.
A seam runs across the upper back of the Axirex jacket.
The Avirex patch and hand-warmer pockets
Apparently, Avirex wanted everyone to know who made the jacket!
Next up is my Cooper, which I got right after the Air Force started re-issuing A-2's to flight crews. This is my least-favorite of all my flight jackets. I think it fits poorly, being too wide at the shoulders. I never liked the large collar and the cotton lining, which makes the jacket more difficult to pull on. But the goatskin is great, and is a lighter chocolate color than the rest of my jackets.
Last is my favorite A-2, by What Price Glory. I love the fit and finish of this jacket, and the goatskin is very supple. The lining is cloth, but slides on almost as easily as my non-lined G-1's. It has no label, but I don't care. For $150, I think its the best value in an A-2 you can get.
Top to bottom: Avirex, Cooper, What Price Glory.
From left - What Price Glory, Cooper, and Avirex. The WPG has the earlier scalloped pocket flaps.
The epaulets of all three jackets look very similar. From left - WPG, Cooper, and Avirex.