Aerial Star A2 Leather Jackets

[Sloan1874]

I was v disappointed when they dropped from view. They were filling a niche that I felt wasn't really being covered properly at the time: a well-made A-2-style jacket at a lower price point, and they were doing it without fanfare or boasting. I suppose in the end, they weren't different enough to stay afloat long enough to establish their brand. I hope their jackets become collector's items now.
I'm of the opinion that the jacket sector is pretty much saturated, the existing makers cover the bases in terms of civilian and military and budget.
To me, a new start has to have the financial wherewithal to withstand a long period of establishment, and aim for the top end, where people don't worry about price or wait and don't understand the concept 'too many jackets'.

 

[Justhandguns]

I'm of the opinion that the jacket sector is pretty much saturated, the existing makers cover the bases in terms of civilian and military and budget.
To me, a new start has to have the financial wherewithal to withstand a long period of establishment, and aim for the top end, where people don't worry about price or wait and don't understand the concept 'too many jackets'.

Sometimes it is a matter of 'the right place at the right time'. A think a majority of the repro makers are in link with your above statement, aiming for the top end, but that really limits the choice for us consumers.

A few years back, there used to be plenty of affordable options, Aero used to sell their standard A-2s at roughly £350 a shot. When Bill Kelso first introduced their A-2, it was also at that price bracket. Then came the boom which saw the prices went up to an unreachable level, which everybody thought that they could match the oddly priced Japanese jackets. I absolutely agree with you that the market is pretty saturated at the moment. I noticed that many makers are not seeking more sales in Asia, particularly in China. Until then..... we have to live with the existing offers.

 

[ButteMT61]

It really is too bad. It is more like an evolution to the top-shelf jackets than a "cheap jacket", per se. My son loves his (thanks @nick123) and I agree with @Sloan1874 about them. It's tough. I know nothing about owning a business, so I can't even speculate on what might have gone awry. Shame though. I like to see the little guys make something of it. Lord knows that the big guys don't give a rat's arse about people these days...

 

[Edward]

That's a shame to hear they're gone. If I'd decided to buy another A2 type in future, I had half an eye on the one they made that was a civilianised A2, with slash pockets. Lovely jacket. I'm not wholly surprised, though, as it seems to me that the leather niche we all like is still running at about two companies more than I'd expect it to be able to support in the long run, and not an easy market to break into with something 'new'.

 

[Sloan1874]

Threads that would last all of an hour: 'Makers you'd like to see go to the wall...'

 

[Benny Holiday]

I really like what they did and it is a shame to see them go. I also believe in supporting the small businessman where you can. Butte, you sound very Aussie when you say the big guys don't give a rat's arse!