A few preliminary questions before ordering an Aero A2

[Vespizzare]

I'm thinking very seriously about ordering a USAAF A2 in seal brown horsehide with rust knits, so:
1)What are the lining upgrades to which they refer? I'm not into authenticity as much as just having a nice jacket that works.
2) You can just order through their website, but should I avail myself of the good offices of Amanda et. al. at Aero and send an email expressing what I'm trying to accomplish?
3) I've slimmed down and am pretty much an off the rack size 38. Can I just order my size Aero and expect a military fit that's slim but where I still can move my arms a little, or should I sweat my measurements and details on fit with Aero? I basically want the fit like on my avatar.

I hate paying that VAT, but don't know of a better/less expensive alternative to Aero if I want seal brown/rust. I've been watching their sale/used page. There, you're certainly ordering by size alone.

 

[Dr H]

You might take a look at Bill Kelso, who might offer that combination.

 

[Vespizzare]

You might take a look at Bill Kelso, who might offer that combination.

There's a string on this board that say's that BK isn't a reliable company with which to do business.

 

[aswatland]

There's a string on this board that say's that BK isn't a reliable company with which to do business.

That is not the general experience of those who are receiving their BK jackets. I would most certainly recommend you consider a BK jacket. They will beat Aero on price and authenticity.

 

[Dr H]

There's a string on this board that say's that BK isn't a reliable company with which to do business.

Is that a string initiated by somebody with personal experience, or hearsay?

 

[Vespizzare]

That is not the general experience of those who are receiving their BK jackets. I would most certainly recommend you consider a BK jacket. They will beat Aero on price and authenticity.

If the word is that they're up and running, that changes everything. I was going to order from them but was dissuaded by postings here. They seemed to imply that he was going out of business or similar.

If I did go with them and get a BK house jacket in seal brown with rust knits, what color thread should I go with? There's something to be said for light tan or olive to show off the stitching but I sort of like the dark olive too.

 

[Dr H]

You might find it useful to look a little further afield for information (VLJF) on the most recent developments with BK - there is less current material on FL.

 

[aswatland]

Ian is correct. On VLJ members are starting to post about their BK jackets. Mine will be arriving by the weekend.

For an A2 the tan thread does look great.

 

[Graemsay]

Would it be worth getting a quote off Wade at Insurrection?

At current mid-market exchange rates, an Aero Cafe Racer (not A2 ) is $965, and duty will come in at around $60 on top of that taking it to around $1025. Insurrection charge $1125 including shipping, so depending on how you're stung for forex and customs handling charges, it could come out pretty close.

 

[Dr H]

If you're contemplating spending anything like that amount for an Aero, you'd be better advised to go for a Good Wear and have the best repro A-2 money can buy.

 

[KevG]

If you're contemplating spending anything like that amount for an Aero, you'd be better advised to go for a Good Wear and have the best repro A-2 money can buy.

And if you want a bargain but still a fantastic jacket, get a BK house jacket

 

[Dr H]

Yes, fair comment. I appreciate the strong loyalty for their jackets on FL, but there are better choices than Aero for cost/accuracy in the A-2 market IMHO.

 

[Graemsay]

Accuracy aside, I think that the Aero A2 jackets are nicer than their Eastman equivalents. But I'm not an obsessive who's worried about getting the details exactly right.

A Goodyear A2 is going to be around $200, or 20%, more than an Aero, and the gap closes if you go for goatskin rather than horsehide. I haven't seen one up close, but they look fantastic in the photos. I'd certainly give John a call.

 

[Dr H]

When you're paying the sums involved at the top end, I'll happily put my hand up and join the obsessives...
The Good Wear Leather jackets do not disappoint in the flesh - I've owned several and they are simply the best in the marketplace. I have a Doniger A-2 (a goatskin) on order now and they are superb.
On the other hand, for my money the ELC A-1 is superior to the corresponding Aero equivalent in terms of accuracy/detailing and drape.
As soon as you go into the used market there are some great deals to be had.

 

[aswatland]

Accuracy aside, I think that the Aero A2 jackets are nicer than their Eastman equivalents. But I'm not an obsessive who's worried about getting the details exactly right.

A Goodyear A2 is going to be around $200, or 20%, more than an Aero, and the gap closes if you go for goatskin rather than horsehide. I haven't seen one up close, but they look fantastic in the photos. I'd certainly give John a call.

I have never heard of Goodyear jackets! I guess you mean Good Wear and yes they are the best you can buy being a happy owner of three GW A2s!

Aero use some nice hides on some of their A2s, but they do not get the details quite correct and are inferior to ELC A2s. The recent ELC price rise makes BK jackets an even better deal.

 

[ButteMT61]

I have never heard of Goodyear jackets! I guess you mean Good Wear and yes they are the best you can buy being a happy owner of three GW A2s!Aero use some nice hides on some of their A2s, but they do not get the details quite correct and are inferior to ELC A2s. The recent ELC price rise makes BK jackets an even better deal.

Andrew, I see you forgot the "Goodyear" A-2 that has been on eBay for quite some time lol

 

[Dr H]

Made from prime FQ polyisoprene...

 

[too much coffee]

That's hilarious Ian............

 

[Dr H]

Ah, not just any isoprene 100% poly-cis-1,4-isoprene...
Chemists' jokes, don't they just kill ya?!
;-)

 

[kiltie]

I'd like to add my endorsement to Bill Kelso Mfg. At least as good as a Real McCoys that I had for a little while. I have the Rough Wear 27752. Customer service is really solid, shipping ( with the assumption they have everything you're looking for ready to rock ) was very quick to the US, and the jacket is FAR better than the similarly priced US Authentic in horsehide and, as I said, at least as good as the RM.

HOWEVER -

While contemplating ordering another in a size up ( better to layer underneath ), I was informed that they would be out of the house until September, I believe, for holiday. I may be all wet, and you'll want to try e-mailing them yourself.