A-2 Choices, Flightsuits vs. Flightjacket.com

[Kevin Popejoy]

The title tells you most of what I'm after. I'm looking at the Flightsuits Historic H/H vs. the Flightjacket.com H/H. I'm a size 40 and slim so I'd lean more to a military cut. Can any of you give an opinion on the leather quality, fit, and general construction quality of these jackets. The F/S Historic H/H is more money but still within my budget. Is it the better way to go? I think I read here that the Flightjacket.com H/H is drum dyed which would rule out a vintage look as it breaks in wouldn't it? Is the same true of the F/S jacket? Thanks for your comments.

Kevin

 

[Doctor Strange]

If you're thin, I'd suggest that the US Authentic may be a better choice - it is definitely more trimly cut, though with longish sleeves and body length for its marked size. Flight Suits' jackets are "modern sized", meaning they're a bit oversized, particularly in the arms/chest/shoulders.

In general, the materials and construction from both makers are very good. I can't comment on the FS horsehide - I only have one of their goatskin Civil A-2s - but US A's horsehide is very heavy and tough, and it requires significant break-in. (Mine has a very "dry" feel and squeeks a lot, and it has the least discernable odor of any of my leather jackets.) As you know, neither jacket approaches the level of "accuracy" of the premium makers, but both are very nice for general wearing purposes.

Take this for what it's worth: My US A jacket *feels* more like an old-time garment. It doesn't feel like it came out of a factory, whereas my FS jackets (I have a Historical M-422A also) have an assembly-line perfection to them. The US A jacket has a more rough-hewn, handmade feel, which makes it seem vintage in a way that the FS jackets don't. (I have no idea if anybody else feels this way, but I do.)

 

[dfrancis]

I can't talk to A-2s. I can't wear an A-2. As a retired Navy guy it would be untoward. Trust me, I'd love to. My father was (“was” because he's deceased) a Marine, maybe I got these interdictions from him more than the service…

Anyhow, I do have a Flightsuits M-422A and the cut of this particular jacket is as slim as any G-1 I ever owned or saw on a guy on active duty.

I am sure Dr. Strange is more experienced than me about this company, even though I could maybe throw a rock and hit there roof from here. Well, that's a fib but they're close at hand to say the least.

Too bad you're not that close because they're really super nice folks; very helpful. I wouldn't part with my jacket for any other mfgs product, and seriously, the fit is trim. I have a medium build, I'm 6'2" 200, but this jacket fit me when I was fuller and in spite of that it doesn't seem baggy now. Whereas I also have a USW G-1 and there is a full cut jacket, especially in the arms. I wouldn't recommend anyone get a Long in a USW. I wear a 37" shirt and the arms are too long for me by a good solid inch. Likewise the cut of the arms is full, but because they drape so well I don't really care.

I would go with Dr. Strange's advice in this regard if you're looking for slim military cut. An issue G-1 is likely tantamount to an issue A-2 in cut, and the issue G-1 is how my M-422A fits, however, I think it is likely not the case for the Gibson & Barnes (Flightsuits) G-1/A-2 based on everything I've read. Good luck.

I am never 100% satisfied until I have it all: hence the two very similar (to the untrained observer) jackets. I sympathize with your angst.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Take this for what it's worth: My US A jacket *feels* more like an old-time garment. It doesn't feel like it came out of a factory, whereas my FS jackets (I have a Historical M-422A also) have an assembly-line perfection to them. The US A jacket has a more rough-hewn, handmade feel, which makes it seem vintage in a way that the FS jackets don't. (I have no idea if anybody else feels this way, but I do.)

I would tend to agree with ya Doc. My U.S. Authentic is like that, except for the fact that even after a year it still has a bit of the intoxicating aroma of new leather to it. I love that smell!

 

[Harp]

A2

I have a Flightsuits goat A2; which, while not horsehide--
my first leather choice--is a strong product for a reduced cost.
I would echo a vote for US Authentic, an impressive looking lower
tier A2 jacket more conforming to original WWII design. I will grab
a horsehide US Authentic jacket someday.

 

[greyhound68]

I have owned both FS horsehide and goatskin jackets. Loved both but they are generous in their cut. When I lost weight had to sell them both. The goatskin was just like my original Roughwear 18091 contract which is goatskin. I found their customer service to be superb and you can work with them to find your perfect size.

 

[MudInYerEye]

And don't rule out buying a second hand Aero or Eastman on eBay. 40 is a very common size and these superb jackets can often be had for around $350.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

And don't rule out buying a second hand Aero or Eastman on eBay. 40 is a very common size and these superb jackets can often be had for around $350.

So very true! I'm also a size 40...and have bought several Aeros on eBay over the past few years. A seal with rust knits(with attached hangtags) for $400...a seal with brown knits(almost new with slight arm wrinkles) for $350...and a barely worn russett with brn knit for $375. A highquality HH A2...certainly with "the WW2 look". All it took was patients.
HD

 

[Spitfire]

I own a FS horsehide historical A2. Great jacket!
Has been hangin on me the last 6 years. Gettin better every day!
But - if you are a sucker for authencity, you should try either Aero or Eastman.
They are 100%true A2's, when it comes down to nittygritty stuff as the shape of the pocketflaps, size of zipper etc.:eusa_doh:
Have fun!

 

[JWG]

Their (FS) horsehide is nice but I will echo the sentiments of greyhound, the FS goatskin is quite close to WW2 goatskin.

 

[adam]

There have been some nice horsehides, both Aero and others, on Ebay lately. Of course I keep losing the bids :eusa_doh: , but maybe one of you guys are the lucky winners!

 

[kojax]

a2 leather goatskin jacket from u.s. mfg

does anybody have a a2 leather goatskin jacket from u.s. mfg.....if so do they like the feel and look of the jacket thank you.....

 

[PADDY]

Do a quick search...

Advice: Do a quick search using the Search feature (above ^) on US flight suits; A2; ..etc, as there are a number of really useful threads singing the praises (or not) of their flight jackets.

Hope that helps, as it will give you a more informed perspective prior to making a decision on 'what A2' you might go for.

Happy hunting!

 

[Kevin Popejoy]

Thanks for all the input guys. I took MudInYerEye and Adam's advice and scored an Eastman on evilbay. Needs a little rehab but the leather is awesome and the fit is perfect. I'll need to have the knits and liner replaced as well as a couple minor stitching repairs. You think Gibson & Barnes would be the best in the States to do the work? They have the Historical knits and liners which I understand from comments here are good quality. Any opinions on their abilities and materials before I ship it out?

Kevin

Update:

I'm bumming out now. I just got off the phone with Gibson & Barnes. They'll only work on their own jackets. They have the materials available for sale but no outside work. So guys, help me out here. Any ideas on a reliable tailor that can take care of the repairs? k

 

[kojax]

repairs

hello i just got my a2 goatskin back i had a new wool waisteband and cuffs the jacket looks real nice. u.s. authentic mfg.co. works on other flight jackets mying was flight suite a2 jacket..... keep them a call..

 

[Kevin Popejoy]

Thanks, I'll ask Shaul about it. I also found reference to Taylor Leatherwear and called them. They sound promising but I thought I'd ask if any of you have used them? Any comments on US Authentic's repair work? How are their knits?

Kevin

 

[Swoosed]

FYI, I just had to return a G&B historical horsehide. They refunded it but the experience wasn't woth the effort. The russet pigment flaked off realy easy and under it was the wrong color dye. They said it was normal, which is wrong. I ordered a HH A2 from US authentis today. Hope its better than the G&B.

 

[kojax]

a2 jacket

let us know how the horsehide a2 is from u.s. mfg is. thank you kojax here.......

 

[Kevin Popejoy]

Shipped out my jacket to Shaul at US A. He said his turnaround is 1-2 weeks. I'll let you know how it goes.

Kevin

 

[kojax]

kevin

no need to worry u.s. mfg does a nice job....just got my a2 back from us they put new cuffs on and waisband on made of wool....the jacket is from flight suite the cuffs were fuzzy and pilling.....u.s. mfg is a good company got my jacket back in one week.