A couple B3 questions...

[Schwa]

I have a Real McCoy B3 and think it's great. I wonder what's going on these days in the market. Who makes the best B3 these days?

I also wonder what the value of a good B3 is these days. I see a lot of substandard B3's priced well over $1k, what's a good price on a well made one?

 

[aswatland]

The premier maker is Eastman Leather Clothing. Their pre-War Perry and RW B-3s are superb as are their house models. They have just launched a General Patton Werber B-3. http://www.eastmanleather.com/type-general-patton-p-457.html

If you mean the second hand value of repro B-3 then it depends on the maker, the size and the condition. You only have to follow B-3 sales on Ebay to get an idea of prices.

 

[slicker63]

As above .... Eastman B3 all day for me as well..... and the new Patton B3 looks awesome

 

[John Lever]

RMNZ all the way the skins are just light years better. Sadly no longer trading at the moment.

 

[s4rmark]

Yes, I can't fault my Eastman Perry b-3 . Expensive but imo well worth it.

 

[Roma]

I saw no difference in quality when was choosing between Aero and Eastman, but the prices were very different, Eastman was (and is) more expensive. Since I was looking for specific colour set (which Eastman didn't make), I opted for an Aero. Eastman source their sheepskin from North America (it's stated on the website), Aero from England. To be more precise the company they get the sheepskin has a tannary in England. That I was told by Aero since they don't mention on their website where they get the sheepskin from. Another factor is the authenticity. Eastman, it's said, are more correct. When I was looking for my B3 I also heard thar RMNZ was the best. My B3 is attached.

 

[Roma]

 

[Roma]

There's also Lost Worlds which is in the market in the premier league but don't know about their sheepskin jackets. Since their leather jackets are the end of the path as some peole say, I don't know how good their B3s.

 

[ronbo]

I have a Real McCoy B3 and think it's great. I wonder what's going on these days in the market. Who makes the best B3 these days?

I also wonder what the value of a good B3 is these days. I see a lot of substandard B3's priced well over $1k, what's a good price on a well made one?

Hello - I have an Eastman "redskin" two piece back B-3 that I really like and a seal brown Aero B-3 (contract No. 40-1721P) that is REALLY heavy duty and also a two-piece back. The Aero reminds me of a Real McCoy B-3 I owned about 10 years ago that was probably the best constructed of all of them. I'll probably be the only one here but for me the Aero is KING !!

 

[heron163]

I have the Lost Worlds B-3 with a crown zip. The zipper pull alone is art

mine is 15+ years old and looks better than ever.

you should give it a look.

 

[Edward]

I have a Lost Worlds model probably made eight or ten years ago. Cracking jacket, very heavy duty. I don't think I could be bothered with the hassle of dealing with LW if buying new (especially given ELC and Aero are, relatively speaking, on my doorstep), but I certainly can't fault the quality of the product. I can't comment on the real depths of accuracy, but it looks good to me. If I were to buy another B3, all things considered including price, I'd probably opt for the Aero Redskin.

 

[mr_lits]

My Eastman Perry B3 is the premier. I have owned several others and none hold a candle to it. Also to mention, Good Wear Leather is about to launch his line of sheepskins including a ridiculously nice B3 line in seal and redskin.

here is his latest example:
http://www.goodwearleather.com/photos/Type_B3_Aero_44R/

 

[ButteMT61]

Good Wear make a sexy B3 as well. (Yours is lovely BTW)..

http://www.goodwearleather.com/photos/Type_B3_Aero_44R/

 

[Mickey.was.a.rat]

this good wear looks great !

 

[Dumpster Diver]

Sexy huh...Women Cant say no you say? Worth the money?

First you get the money, then you get the Jacket, then you get the power, then you get the women!

 

[zoran]

 

[zoran]

Beautiful.It remains me on Avirex B3 antique brown jacket from the 90's.Do you know the exact weight of the Aero B3 in redskin?
3 kilos or maybe more?Would you measure it?Your photos are great only I can't see the weight on them.
What are the havier jackets ?Aero or Eastman B3 50 call edition?I have read Eastman B3 50 call jacket in regular size 42 is 3,7 kilos.Can you compare that with your Aero redskin jacket?Which is havier?What is your opinion my friend?
Best.
Zoran

 

[alfyman]

I got this one from flightjackets .com, But I had mine custom made with shorter length (3 inches) and one inch larger Collar size 44, good price.. $7something,

 

[jeepjeep13]

I've been looking at the Aero Redskin B3 and was wondering if it really is as "red" as it looks online or is it more of a russet? I already have an Aviation Leathercraft Irvin which I adore and I guess I don't really NEED a B3, but it looks so darn pretty! Anyone know if it's comparable in warmth?

 

[Edward]

I don't own an Aero B3, but I do own an ELC 42 pattern Irvin and a LW B3, so can comment on the difference between them. The Irvin is physically much lighter to wear; the horsehide panels on thed B3 add a surprising amount of extra weight when held in the hand. Both of mine are equally warm and comfortable when worn, though. I think it's an aesthetic chocie as much as anything, though obviously the elbowsof the B3 will be better protected from wearing.