A-2 for the tall guy's

[Tommydean]

this is my first post..well after reading alot of posts i have narrowed to two companys that like to buy from. First is US authentic vintage horse hide because of thickness and i read here that they run long? is this true because
I am 6'8"! I dont want to pay alot of money for a A-2 that wont fit and then cant return it.second is the Aero real deal? but I dident see anything on sizing. can i get them in a long? and do the A-2's run bigger from that company? I like the price range on both, i just cant justify seven or eight
hundred dollars for the eastmans or goodwears as nice looking as they are.
any opinions are welcome
Thanks
Tom

 

[kojax]

a-2 vintage horse hide looks preety good from u.s.mfg.......i have there a-2 goatskin......preety good company to deal with........i wonder if there horse hide leather is heavy*******

 

[Fanch]

I have no experience with US Authentic other than what others have said on this forum. I have, however, recently purchased an Aero Bronco A-2 in Russet goatskin and am very pleased. Although I am only 6'1" 190 lbs, my son is 6'5" 220 lbs; so, I ordered a size 48 with 1" added to the overall length and 1 1/2" to the sleeves. For my much taller son, the jacket appears to be a proper "military fit" and for me, a looser fit. I ordered my jacket through Mark Moye (Aero Leather USA) and was more than pleased. You can also order through Amanda in Scotland by placing an email enquiry to: enquiries@aeroleatherclothing.com

In any case, their Jackets are made-to-measure, and the workmanship is outstanding. Their knits are particularly rugged and well made. Although there would be some loss of authenticity, you might wish to consider their rugged, long lasting cotton drill lining and their Aero zipper rather than the Talon because of durability issues. You might wish to consider dark brown seal goatskin or the seal brown mid-weight "jerky" horse hide rather than the heavy front quarter HH.

Below are pictures. Good luck with your endeavor.

 

[Tommydean]

Hi Fanch you said mid weight hh???? how many weights of hh will they make a jacket out of. i did noticed that is three maybe four different colors of
wrist/waist material to. and the zippers? how many? as well as the liners?
does Aero have a catalog with all the different choises in materials to go into a jacket?
p.s i am looking to have my jacket in there jerky, horse hide i like the looks of it

Tom

 

[Fanch]

Tommydean, most of my information regarding Aero products has come from Mark Moye, who is the U.S. rep for Aero. A great deal of info from him has been from telephone conversations, and I have found him to be incredibily helpful and accomodating. However, it is my understanding that he is currently taking no more A-2 orders from new customers, although you might wish to ask him. He has a great deal of info on the following website:

http://www.picturetrail.com/aeroleatherusa

If you go with the most authentic lining, it would be the "mustard tan" cotton, which is much thinner than the "cotton drill" lining, which is more durable but not authentic. Generally, the Talon zipper is used, which is authentic but apparently less durable than the Aero zipper. My Aero Bronco A-2 has the "mustard tan" lining and Talon zipper; my Aero Highwayman, which is in mid-weight, dark brown seal goatskin has the "cotton drill" lining and Aero zipper for longivity. In any case, your choice should be dictated by how much hard, continuous use to which your jacker(s) will be subjected and under what weather conditions.

The mid-weight jerky HH is, to me, the optimal leather. It has lots of character, takes less break-in time, and is more comfortable than the heavy FQHH, which is smooth and very stiff. I believe that the "Real Deal" 15142 contract comes in mid-weight jerky HH. The picture on Mark's website of the
"Real Deal" in dark brown seal comes with a highly contrasting knit, which is the color of a brick. I personally do not prefer that much contrast and would prefer the mid-brown or "berry" knit, which is slightly darker in color than the mid-brown.

In conclusion, I am extremely impressed with the overall qualiy and service from Aero. However, you must decide the purpose of what you want from an upcoming purchase - whether you want an exact repro A-2 or an A-2 that projects the spirit of the WWII flight jacket. I am extremely impressed with the overall qualiy and service from Aero.

 

[Tommydean]

Fanch thanks for the info, wow there is alot to choose from. i looked on Aero
USA's web site but there is no phone number. do you know were i can find it
thanks
Tom

 

[Fanch]

Tommydean, do you live in the USA or abroad? The only telephone number that I have is Mark Moye's number, from whom I have ordered my two Aero jackets (Bronco A-2 and Highywayman). He resides in South Carolina, and his telephone number is: (803) 787-3020. However, it is my understanding that he no longer takes new orders on WWII A-2 (and US Naval) repro jackets but lists most of the jackets that he will order on his Ebay website. If you reside in the USA, you might wish to contact him regarding any questions. He has forgotten more about these jackets than I will ever know!

After further consideration, if I were to order another A-2 repro, particularly the "Real Deal," I would go with the standard cotton in mustard color rather than the heavier cotton drill, primarily because of authenticity. Aero previously offered a silk lining, which is very authentic and much longer lasting than the standard cotton lining. If the silk lining were available, I would definitely request that option. Again, the Talon zipper is much more authentic than the Aero. However, Mark tells me that no problems have been reported, to date, with the Aero zippers.

One other consideration for a very functional flight jacket might be the Aero 50's Bomber Jacket shown on Mark's website. Most people that order that particular jacket seem to go with heavy front quarter horsehide. However, from the samples that Mark sent me, the FQHH is very thick and would appear to take a long time to break in. I, personally, would go with the mid-weight jerky HH or mid-weight goatskin rather than the FQHH. Since I live in Texas, I would prefer the cotton drill lining but might consider a wool lining if I resided in Minnesota, but maybe not. I suspect that the 50's Bomber has a fit and comfort level similar to the Highwayman. When I reach for a jacket for routine use, I generally go for comfort. That would be my Highwayman!

 

[Peacoat]

Another way to reach Mark is by e-mail. He is very prompt in responding, often within minutes if he is at home. You may reach him at:

aeroleatherusa@aol.com

 

[Tommydean]

Fanch I live in Denver, i wont be ordering a jacket right now but i would like to get some leather samples and ask mark a few questions if i could.
Peacoat thanks for the E-mail address, i was going to E-mail but i had so many questions i figure callin would be better.