Putting together an order for Aero A-2

[borisna]

Hello Gents

I'm starting to put together an order for an Aero A-2, once they re-open of course.
I want a trim cut A-2 so will probably will go for the 38-1711-P, but the bigger question is - what leather to use?!
I had a Seal Jerky Aero A-2, but IMO it looks too plastic and without much variation.
I got samples of other leathers and thinking between the following:
1) Dark Seal Vicenza - does not look plastic but still very uniform without much variation. how does this one age?
2) Battered Seal HH - plenty of variation but might be a bit too think for an A-2?
3) Russet Badalassi - looks amazing, rich color, plenty of variation, but would prefer a darker color, anyone has any experience how this leather ages? I already have a Hooch Hauler in Tobacco Badalassi and love it (though the squeaking is annoying!)

Your thoughts? maybe other recommendations?

 

[Seb Lucas]

Leathers will differ according to the batch so it's a bit hard to predict. I have a Vicenza jacket (not an A2) about a year old and not worn a great deal and it is looking grainy and wrinkled and characterful. But I hear others find this hide flat and boring. I would tend to get an A2 in goat (light and strong and period accurate) but you could also ask Ken what hide he has at present that most resembles a more period look.

 

[borisna]

Leathers will differ according to the batch so it's a bit hard to predict. I have a Vicenza jacket (not an A2) about a year old and not worn a great deal and it is looking grainy and wrinkled and characterful. But I hear others find this hide flat and boring. I would tend to get an A2 in goat (light and strong and period accurate) but you could also ask Ken what hide he has at present that most resembles a more period look.

I have a sample of goat as well, this hide looks like the most flat of them all to me, zero variation and from what i read it takes ages to not look new.
Besides grain and wrinkles, i prefer hides that have color variations.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Be cautious with samples - a small flat piece can give you a very wrong impression of a hide.

Sounds like you can happily avoid goat hide but I have to say it is my favorite of all the leathers I have owned across 50 jackets. Good veg tanned goat fades and can develop a burnished quality pretty quickly. The best A2's I have seen are Goodwear's goat hide versions. Amongst the best vintage hides I have seen are 50 year-old goat G1's. But that's personal taste.

Aero's Vicenza hide I fear (like some others here) may not last all that long. In less than a year mine already looks ten years old and I suspect it will wear out faster than some other hides. But who knows? It's still a pretty new hide variety. Hope I am wrong.

 

[nick123]

Be cautious with samples - a small flat piece can give you a very wrong impression of a hide.

Sounds like you can happily avoid goat hide but I have to say it is my favorite of all the leathers I have owned across 50 jackets. Good veg tanned goat fades and can develop a burnished quality pretty quickly. The best A2's I have seen are Goodwear's goat hide versions. Amongst the best vintage hides I have seen are 50 year-old goat G1's. But that's personal taste.

Aero's Vicenza hide I fear (like some others here) may not last all that long. In less than a year mine already looks ten years old and I suspect it will wear out faster than some other hides. But who knows? It's still a pretty new hide variety. Hope I am wrong.

Pics? Surprising. My assumptions are that (batch variety excluded) more recent Vicenza generally holds its color minus scrapes and scratches. Not designed to wear fast, unlike a BK Liberty hide for instance (from the same tannery I think?)

Me? As I've learned the earlier A-2 contracts were said to use choicier leather, go for a nice Badalassi or seal or russet Vic.

however, I do love dark seal.

 

[borisna]

Pics? Surprising. My assumptions are that (batch variety excluded) more recent Vicenza generally holds its color minus scrapes and scratches. Not designed to wear fast, unlike a BK Liberty hide for instance (from the same tannery I think?)

Me? As I've learned the earlier A-2 contracts were said to use choicier leather, go for a nice Badalassi or seal or russet Vic.

however, I do love dark seal.
View attachment 230254

Dark Seal Vicenza was in my top 3!
Can you post some more pics of yours?

 

[nick123]

Dark Seal Vicenza was in my top 3!
Can you post some more pics of yours?

Most of the time it photographs as a really dark brown, but the sun really warms it up.

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View attachment 230261

 

[borisna]

Most of the time it photographs as a really dark brown, but the sun really warms it up.

View attachment 230261
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Looks good!
I know its probably impossible to show in pics, but does the hide develop color variation with wear?

 

[nick123]

Looks good!
I know its probably impossible to show in pics, but does the hide develop color variation with wear?

It may, as Seb states. But I don't see it doing so in a way where an undercoat starts to show through. Of course, scratches and abrasion areas will yield a color change, but I don't think it's the type of color variation you're seeking. The Badalassi looks to be more dynamic in that category but I don't know. I had an older used russety seal Vic that had all kinds of color variation, but I believe it was an earlier batch. With that, you'd probably want a jerky horsehide. May be a question for Carrie.

 

[Boyo]

What size are you after? there's a size 48 Good Wear in the classifieds at the moment.. you wont do better

 

[borisna]

What size are you after? there's a size 48 Good Wear in the classifieds at the moment.. you wont do better

I'm 40-42

 

[Edward]

For me, Aero's goat can't be beaten on an A2, though it's not for anyone who wants their jacket to age rapidly.

 

[borisna]

For me, Aero's goat can't be beaten on an A2, though it's not for anyone who wants their jacket to age rapidly.

Got any pics?

 

[breezer]

don't over think it! There must be a jacket that inspired you to go with an A2......

 

[handymike]

There is something awesome about the Eastman Warhorse:

 

[AeroFan_07]

I personally think that Dark Seal Vicenza hide looks amazing on an A2, and while not a huge fan of any "bomber" pattern jacket myself, it would be a very approprate weight and texture of leather on such a jacket. I've owned a few A2's long ago, just not quite my preferance.

That Eastman warhorse above also looks incredible as shown. I am a fan of some wear & tear showing over time. I have owned two jackets made of Goat, it often has good graining properties, and is a very durable hide. However it will not crease up and show a lot of character such as horsehide. Ths iis great if you want your A2 to keep looking like new, and that's totally fine!

Below -is an example of Vicenza Horsehide, it is not A2 but may help you as you decide:

Vicenza horsehide can indeed have a lot of character. Please take a look at this thread, while not brown or an A2 -- https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/aero-ridley-42-vicenza-black.97989/

 

[bn1966]

There is something awesome about the Eastman Warhorse:
View attachment 230301

Need to get my ELC Monarch back out from the wardrobe & continue the 'break-in'

 

[borisna]

Anyone has an Aero A-2 made in Seal Battered HH?